The aftermath of a serious car accident can feel extremely overwhelming. From seeking the medical treatment you need to tracking down witnesses and attempting to get back on your feet financially, you have so much to do - and filing an insurance claim may be the last thing on your mind.
Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. An experienced Milwaukee auto accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need from the insurance companies to move forward. Your attorney can also explain the different types of claims available that you are able to file and can build a strong case to maximize your potential settlement.
Here, we will share a brief overview of the types of auto insurance claims you can file and how a skilled personal injury attorney can help you prepare one.
When you are involved in a car accident with a driver who carries liability insurance, you can file a claim against that driver’s policy. This is often called a “third-party” insurance claim, since you do not have a contract with the other driver’s insurer.
When you file a third-party claim, your auto accident lawyer will contact the other driver’s insurance company to initiate the claims process. This can be done through a written letter or a more formal package that presents the damages you sustained. This may include the following types of information and evidence:
Once you’ve filed your car accident claim, the insurer will investigate the claim and determine whether you are entitled to the compensation amount you have requested. Often, this involves a series of negotiations with your attorney. A skilled personal injury attorney will work hard to ensure you are not pressured into settling for less than you deserve.
Wisconsin law requires all motorists to purchase liability insurance. Nonetheless, there are many drivers out there who can’t afford - or don’t bother to apply for - auto insurance. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you will likely have to turn to your own insurance to pay for your damages.
The State requires all drivers to carry a minimum uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for personal injuries. This coverage will pay for damages that you sustained when hit by an uninsured motorist.
However, this type of coverage does not pay for property damage to your vehicle. This will be handled through the collision coverage portion of your policy.
Although Wisconsin law imposes minimum requirements for uninsured motorist coverage, it is not mandatory to purchase underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in our State.
UIM coverage provides an increased amount of coverage if you are injured in an accident caused by a motorist who was underinsured. If you elect to purchase this type of coverage, your limits must be $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
When you are injured in a car accident, you need diligent, high-quality representation - regardless if you file a third party insurance claim or a claim against your own insurance company.
Milwaukee car accident law firm Natasha Misra Law can help. With a history of helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve, we stand ready to discuss your case with you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Halloween is a holiday that both children and adults look forward to each year. Unfortunately, Halloween can also be dangerous for pedestrian trick-or-treaters. Below are some Halloween safety tips for a safe and sweet trick-or-treat experience for both pedestrians and drivers.
Stay On Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths - Pedestrian trick-or-treaters should try to stay on sidewalks and pedestrian paths. If there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic. Pedestrians should also try to walk as far to the side of the road as possible. Pedestrians should walk under the assumption that the drivers coming toward them are not able to see them.
Follow the Rules of the Road – Pedestrians should try to cross the road at crosswalks. They should not run or dart across the road. Trick-or-treaters may need to remove their masks so visibility is not obstructed.
Wear Reflective Tape – Children and adults should use or wear reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags. Parents may even consider wearing a reflective jacket.
Carry Cell Phone – Pedestrians should carry a cell phone for quick communication in the event of an emergency.
Avoid Loose Dogs – Be cautious of dogs on the loose as they may become frightened or scared causing an unexpected dog bite or injury to a trick-or-treater.
Stay on Well Lit Streets – Pedestrians should assume that drivers are unable to see them.
Use Flashlights – Obtain flashlights for both kids and their escorts to improve the visibility of trick-or-treaters.
Slow Down - Drivers should slow down on Halloween and during designated trick-or-treat hours. Because of the excitement of trick-or-treating, kids run from house to house and often dart out into the road. By reducing speed, a driver will be able to stop before hitting a child that runs out in front of the vehicle.
Watch Driveways – Drivers should carefully enter and exit driveways to avoid kids who may be running or darting out into the driveway.
Do Not Use Cell Phone - Because a child may run out into the road, even a quick glance at the cell phone could cause a devastating accident. Avoid all distractions so you are able to focus on the road and surroundings.
Turn On Headlights – Turn on headlights earlier in the day so you are able to spot the pedestrian trick-or-treaters from farther distances.
Report Drunk Driving – During Halloween, drunk drivers are common and dangerous on the road. If you suspect a driver of drunk driving, you should contact local law enforcement.
Designate a Sober Driver – Halloween is also a night of adult parties involving drinking. Designate a sober driver or use other means of transportation such as Uber and Lyft.
With the above safety tips, Natasha Misra Law would like to wish you a sweet, spooky and safe Halloween! If you have any questions about an accident involving a pedestrian trick-or-treater, please contact our office at 414-210-3834 for a free consultation with a Milwaukee personal injury attorney.
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.
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