You were driving to Appleton and they came out of nowhere. Now your car is ruined, the bills are piling up because you can’t get back to work, and you can barely get out of your chair. 

Someone else’s reckless behavior has deeply affected your life. But how can this person be held responsible for what they’ve caused? 

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Wisconsin, Natasha Misra Law is here to let you know more about how the driver could be held responsible in different court systems. 

The Civil System for Wisconsin Drunk Driving Injuries

The civil system focuses on holding the drunk driver accountable by seeking financial compensation for the damages and injuries you've suffered, while the criminal system deals with punishing the drunk driver for breaking the law.

In the civil system, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver to seek compensation for: 

Medical Expenses: You can recover costs related to medical care, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments needed due to the injuries caused by the accident.

Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery. This may also include compensation for any reduction in your earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected.

Pain and Suffering: This compensation covers the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured because of the accident and its aftermath, including ongoing discomfort, anxiety, and other forms of mental anguish.

Other Damages: Depending on the details of your case, you may also be able to claim additional damages, such as property damage, loss of enjoyment of life, or punitive damages aimed at punishing the drunk driver for their reckless actions.

A skilled Milwaukee car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Criminal System

On the other hand, the criminal system is responsible for holding the drunk driver accountable for their actions. If the driver is charged with operating under the influence (OWI) which is commonly referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), they may face criminal penalties such as fines, license suspension, or even jail time. While the criminal system aims to punish the wrongdoer, the civil system focuses on providing you with the financial relief you need to move forward.

Get Skilled Legal Representation in Milwaukee Today

Being hit by a drunk driver can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. By getting legal guidance from Natasha Misra Law, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Let us help you through the legal process and secure the compensation you need to recover and continue. Reach out now and get a lawyer who’s not just another suit on your side.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are choosing to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus. Although there are fewer drivers, cyclists and pedestrians taking to the streets, unexpectedly the rate of serious and deadly accidents has increased as drivers become more reckless.

Additionally, many individuals are suffering from accident injuries that occurred before COVID-19. For personal injury victims, COVID-19 presents a handful of challenges for dealing with their claims and getting the compensation they deserve. Medical treatment for injuries may be difficult to access. There may be more uninsured drivers on the road.

If you were injured in an accident before or during coronavirus, you should speak with a Wisconsin personal injury attorney about your accident injuries. Natasha Misra Law is open and available to discuss your case with a free consultation.

Settling a Personal Injury Case During COVID-19

COVID-19 is causing serious financial pressure for individuals, families and businesses. The current stay at home order has forced businesses to close, leading to unemployment and reduced pay.

This financial hardship may create pressure for unrepresented accident victims to accept quick settlement offers for their injuries. Settlement money could bring much needed financial relief. For accident victims who do not have an attorney, insurance companies may try to leverage the current economic climate for their benefit and diminish the value of their claims, delay payments or deny their claims altogether.

While it may be tempting to accept an initial settlement offer from an insurance company during COVID-19, I always recommend speaking with an attorney prior to signing any documents. This will ensure that your rights to a full financial recovery after an accident are protected.

Receiving Medical Treatment for Injuries During COVID-19

During COVID-19, you may find it difficult to seek medical treatment for your injuries or visit your doctor’s office for ongoing treatment. Stay at home orders may prevent you from leaving home. Your doctor’s office may be open to only emergency cases. You may even be feeling COVID-19 related symptoms yourself. However, telemedicine may be available to you in order to continue your treatment and keep medical appointments while maintaining safe social distancing.

Telemedicine is being frequently used to help individuals gain access to medical treatment during COVID-19. For example, telehealth allows accident victims to speak with medical professionals through teleconferencing and by phone. In addition, physical therapy sessions can also be conducted through teleconferencing. Many providers also have portals that allow patients to communicate with their health care provider through an online patient portal.

If you are unsure of how you can continue to receive medical treatment during COVID-19, you should reach out to your doctor or medical provider to learn what options are available to you. By discussing those options with your doctor or medical provider, you will be able to continue to receive the necessary treatment that you deserve in order to recover from your injuries.

Lapses in Auto Insurance Coverage During the Coronavirus

Some Wisconsin-based auto insurers are providing financial relief to their customers through refunds and discounts during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not all drivers will receive these benefits. As more drivers lose their jobs, receive pay cuts and fall behind on monthly bill payments, there may be more uninsured drivers on the road.

If you are injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, then you will need to seek compensation from your own insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. You may also have a claim against the personal assets of the at-fault driver; however, recovering compensation from uninsured individuals may be difficult, especially when they are already experiencing financial hardship.

Even when you are dealing with your own insurance company, it is important to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to ensure you receive the full benefit of your insurance claim.

Contact a Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyer

During COVID-19, it is important to continue to seek medical treatment, follow treatment plans, and work with your personal injury attorney to build the best case possible. If you have been recently injured in an accident, you should seek medical attention for your injuries and speak with a personal injury attorney about your case.

If you have questions about how COVID-19 may impact your personal injury case, call Natasha Misra Law today at (414) 210-3834.

Natasha Misra

My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.