Experiencing a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming event, especially if you've been rear-ended. Understanding the proper steps to take after a rear-end collision is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essential actions you should consider, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional legal assistance from a Milwaukee car accident attorney to navigate the aftermath.

Ensure Safety First

Immediately after a rear-end collision, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, turn on hazard lights, and check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately.  

File an Accident Report

Contact the local police to report the accident and make sure an official report is filed. The accident report can serve as a crucial piece of evidence when dealing with insurance claims or legal matters.  Depending on the severity of the accident, law enforcement may or may not come to the scene.  If possible, it is preferred for law enforcement to respond to the scene to conduct an investigation of the accident.  If law enforcement does not come to the scene, then you should self-report the accident at the police station or online.  

Exchange Information

Exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. Get their name, contact details, and insurance information, and note the make, model and license plate of their vehicle. During this process, be sure to not admit to anything to the other party as that could be used against you later. Gathering contact information will be crucial when filing a claim with insurance or if legal action becomes necessary.

Document the Scene

Take pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damage, and the surrounding area. Note the weather conditions, traffic signals, and any relevant road signs. These details can serve as valuable evidence later on.  Also, obtain the name and contact information for any witnesses to the accident.  

Seek Medical Attention

It’s important to seek medical attention at the onset of injury. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not manifest symptoms until hours or days after the accident. Documenting your injuries will be important for both your health and any potential legal proceedings. Take photos of any bruising or visible injuries.  

Contact Natasha Misra Law Today

Navigating the legal complexities of a car accident case, especially if you've been rear-ended, can be challenging. A Milwaukee car accident attorney can help you by negotiating with insurance companies and getting you the compensation you deserve. 

Being rear-ended in Milwaukee can lead to a range of challenges, but taking the right steps immediately following the accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Natasha Misra Law is your ally in securing compensation for any damages and navigating the complexities of the legal process.

If accident injuries prevent you from working, you may be experiencing financial strain. You may be unable to pay your bills, afford your established lifestyle, or seek the care necessary to move forward after an accident. Beyond the basic paycheck, time off work may also mean missed overtime opportunities, used vacation or sick days, and lost bonuses.

Can you receive compensation if you are unable to work after an accident? 

The answer is generally yes. You can receive compensation if your inability to work is due to your accident-related injuries. 

In order to build a viable claim for damages, you will need the help of a medical professional.  Your doctor will need to make an official determination that your injuries restrict your ability to work or require you to be taken off work.  To support your claim, you will need to provide a doctor’s note or other written documentation to your employer. 

Can I receive disability insurance payments after a car accident?

While federal Social Security Disability benefits are reserved for individuals with long-term disabilities that exceed or are expected to exceed twelve months in duration, you may be able to receive compensation from any short-term disability insurance coverage you carry through your employer or independently. Short-term disability insurance policies typically replace between fifty and seventy-five percent of an individual’s salary due to an illness or injury that leaves the individual temporarily unable to work. In addition to short-term disability insurance, some individuals also maintain long term disability insurance.  

Contact your HR representative or insurance provider for a copy of your insurance policy. If you do not have short-term disability insurance or if you need additional compensation to meet your financial obligations, a personal injury attorney can help you identify other avenues for recovering your lost wages.

Can I recover compensation for lost wages from the person responsible for my accident?

Yes, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver and seek compensation for lost wages as part of your damages. It is important to keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatment, and a record of all accident-related work absences and lost wages for each absence. Having documentation of a medical opinion as to how your injury impedes your ability to work with an estimate of the duration of recovery needed may also be helpful to establish your claim for lost wages. To recover lost wages in a personal injury lawsuit, you must be able to prove that any lost wages were a direct result of the injuries caused by the accident.

Do I need to hire a car accident attorney?

If you were injured in an accident and those injuries caused you to miss work, you need an experienced accident attorney to help you determine the best way to recover those lost wages, as well as compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses. Contact Natasha Misra Law today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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.