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.

You weren’t even driving, and now you have whiplash. Or you were t-boned while your friend was taking a left in downtown Milwaukee. It hurts, and the whole situation makes you feel powerless because you had no control over what happened. 

If you’ve been a passenger in an accident in Appleton, Green Bay, or anywhere else in Northern WI, you’ll want to know more about your legal options. Natasha Misra Law, your trusted personal injury law firm in Milwaukee, WI is here to empower you by helping you understand your rights and how you can get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. 

Understanding Passenger Rights in a Car Accident

Passengers have the right to pursue compensation if they were injured due to the negligence of another party. Whether the driver of the vehicle you were in or another driver on the road caused the accident, you may be entitled to seek damages for:

Your Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments necessary due to the accident.

Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to recover the income you lost during your recovery period, as well as any future earnings if your ability to work is permanently impacted.

Pain and Suffering: This refers to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured as a result of the accident and your injuries.

And More: Depending on the specifics of your case, you may also be eligible for additional damages, such as loss of consortium, property damage, or punitive damages intended to punish particularly reckless behavior.

Our Wisconsin car wreck lawyers at Natasha Misra Law are here to help you understand your rights as an injured passenger, reach out today to learn more. 

Determining Liability in a Car Accident Claim

To have a successful case as an injured passenger in a car wreck, it is crucial to determine liability for the accident. Liability could fall on the driver of the vehicle you were in, the driver of another vehicle involved in the accident, or even another party, such as a manufacturer or a municipality responsible for road maintenance. Our Milwaukee car wreck lawyer team will investigate the circumstances of the accident to identify the party or parties at fault and build a strong case on your behalf.

What if I Know the Driver of the Car Who Was at Fault?

The fact that your close friend or loved one caused an accident should not deter you from pursuing a case.  In most circumstances, your case will only involve pursuing their insurance company for compensation.  

Furthermore, the state of Wisconsin has a direct action statute that keeps you from having to file a case directly against a friend or loved one who was driving you at the time of the accident. Wisconsin Statute 632.24 basically says, if you want to get compensation for your injury, you may file suit directly against the insurance company of the at-fault party. 

At Natasha Misra Law, we understand the challenges that injured passengers face after a car wreck. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized legal representation and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Reach Out to Our Milwaukee Accident Attorneys Today

Don't wait to get the help you need - let us advocate for you and protect your rights. Our experienced Wisconsin car wreck lawyers team will review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you are entitled to. Get a lawyer who’s not just another suit today.

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.