Car accident law firm in Appleton, Wisconsin

Car accident lawyer in Appleton, WI

Over 100,000 car crashes occur in Wisconsin every year, and nearly 25% of all Wisconsin car accidents since 2015 resulted in an injury or fatality. If you or a loved one has been in a wreck due to someone else's negligence, contact Ronald W. Tusler, Appleton's award-winning car accident lawyer.

Car Accident ConsultationsCompensatory DamagesUninsured Motorists

Sara S.

Ron Tusler is very knowledgeable, caring, professional and client focused. He is very upfront and honest. He truly cares about his clients and will do whatever ...

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Tanner C

Attorney Ron Tusler truly cares for his clients needs. He will stop at nothing to provide you the best possible legal representation and win your case.

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Anthony S.

The ONLY choice for a personal injury attorney if you want honest and diligent representation in the fox valley. Ron Tusler helped me out after getting injured ...

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Jake A.

These guys are amazing, highly recommend them after an accident. They walked me through everything step by step.

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Melanie M.

Awesome attorney!! He definitely cares about doing what's right for the client and not just the money! Would definitely recommend him to friends and family!! Th...

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Theresa R.

I was fortunate to find this attorney office in Appleton. Attorney is very professional and helpful as well as his staff! Highly recommended.

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Car accident case types

Car accident lawyer consultations in Appleton

You deserve every penny of financial recovery you can get, and Tusler Law will help you get there. Contact our office today to get started on your free car accident case evaluation. 

FREE CONSULTATION

How we help with your car accident claim

Tusler Law fights for the compensation you deserve by

  • Communicating with the insurance companies of both parties
  • Organizing and obtaining all necessary medical records and bills 
  • Obtaining all relevant evidence from the auto wreck
  • Presenting evidence to prove liability and damages in court
  • Negotiating for the maximum settlement with the defense attorney or insurance adjuster

We confront insurance companies head-on. We bolster the strength of your case by utilizing witness statements, police records, and medical evidence.

Compensatory damages for a car accident in Appleton, WI

After a car or truck accident, you are entitled to receive compensation for more than just damage to your vehicle. Tusler Law will help you get compensated for all damages caused by your accident, including: 

  • Medical bills: Any past, present or future medical expenses you incur as a result of the accident
  • Property damage: Any damage to your vehicle or its contents as a result of the accident
  • Loss of wages: Any loss of income or lessened future earning capacity you suffer as a result of the accident
  • Emotional distress: You can be compensated for the fear, anxiety or potential PTSD you suffer after the accident
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: You can be compensated if the accident directly causes you to be unable to enjoy hobbies and activities you previously enjoyed

You deserve compensation for the full scope of damages you suffer because of a car accident. The Appleton car accident attorney at Tusler Law will fight for the maximum compensation in your unique case. 

The level of compensation you are entitled to will depend on the severity and type of your injuries. Common car crash injuries include: 

  • Whiplash
  • Fractures and Broken Bones
  • Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Facial Injuries
  • Internal Bleeding
  • Psychological Injuries

Our legal service also goes beyond simple injuries. If your loved one is the victim of a wrongful death due to the negligence of another driver, contact Tusler Law today

Car accident injury lawyer in Appleton

Uninsured & Underinsured Car Accidents

It is not uncommon for drivers in Appleton, WI to be uninsured or underinsured, which can affect how you are compensated. If you were in a car accident with an uninsured driver, Tusler Law will help you file a claim with your own insurance provider.

You may think your car insurance company is on your side, but they may give you a lowball offer or try to avoid covering damages when they're the ones paying. The process of receiving compensation after a car accident can be complicated. Contact Tusler Law to put expert legal counsel in your corner and receive the compensation you deserve. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents

  1. Distracted driving
  2. Reckless driving
  3. Speeding
  4. Drunk driving
  5. Weather conditions
  6. Failure to obey traffic laws
  7. Tailgating
  8. Fatigue
  9. Poor vehicle maintenance
  10. Inexperienced drivers

Appleton car accident statistics

Outagamie County had 3585 reported car crashes in 2023, resulting in 1066 injuries and 10 deaths. (Wisconsin County TSC Crash Mapping)

On average, there have been 14 fatal car accidents in Outagamie County per year since 2017. (Wisconsin DoT)

Fatal Car Accidents in Outagamie County

Year Fatal Car Accidents
2017 20
2018 12
2019 16
2020 9
2021 16
2022 10
2023 10

What do I do after a car accident? 

If medical assistance is necessary, call 911 immediately. If not, start gathering information as soon as possible. It is important to remain calm and avoid negative interactions with the other drivers and first responders. 

Information you should gather:

  1. Contact Information: Collect the information of the other driver or drivers – names, phone numbers and addresses. If there were witnesses to the crash, try to obtain their information as well.
  2. Insurance Information: Write down the other driver’s insurance company and policy number.
  3. Vehicle Information: Note the make and model of the other car and record its license plate numbers.
  4. Police Report: After the crash, contact the police and obtain a copy of the police report. The police report should contain crucial information such as the crash’s date, time, location and weather conditions.
  5. Medical Bills: Be sure to hold on to all medical bills you incur and keep records of medications you are prescribed due to injury from the crash.
  6. Write Your Own Record of Events: Compose a written account of how the crash occurred based on your recollection. Note all details you remember leading up to the crash, all relevant events after the crash and all damages or injuries resulting from the crash.

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run in Appleton, it is still critical to document as much information as possible about the accident and any relevant information you can remember about the other vehicle. You should still file a police report, contact your insurance company and contact an attorney. Tusler Law will work alongside you and law enforcement to locate the driver by gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.

Demerit Points for Appleton Car Accidents

The number of demerit points you accrue after a Wisconsin car accident will depend on the circumstances of the accident such as if you were speeding or intoxicated, or if any injuries were suffered as a result of the crash. When your driving record is clean, you have zero demerit points. If you obtain 12 demerit points within one year, your license will be suspended.

It is possible for zero demerit points to be assessed after a car crash in Wisconsin. It is also possible for a driver to receive an automatic 12-point suspension if necessary. 

Here are examples of potential demerit point allocations from the Wisconsin DoT

Offense Demerit Points
Speeding (1-10 mph over speed limit) 3 Points
Driving against traffic on a one-way street 3 Points
Failure to dim lights 3 Points
Failure to stop after an accident 0 Points up to mandatory suspension
Driving while intoxicated 6 Points up to mandatory suspension
Intoxicated while driving causing injury 0 Points up to mandatory suspension
Traveling too fast for conditions 4 Points
Texting while driving 4 Points

Is Wisconsin an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Wisconsin follows a "tort" system when determining fault in car accidents, meaning in each case there must be the identification of an "at-fault" driver. Anyone who has suffered injuries due to the negligence of the at-fault driver then has the right to pursue legal action against the responsible individual for compensatory damages. 

Prove the other Driver is At Fault

As the plaintiff (the individual initiating a lawsuit) in a vehicle crash or personal injury dispute, you hold the burden of proof. You must be able to prove the negligence of the other driver was the cause of your injuries and any other damages for which you are seeking compensation. 

Steps you should take to prove the other driver is responsible:

  • Gather Evidence at the Scene: It is important to gather as much information as possible in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Documenting information at the scene will prevent the at-fault party from rewriting the story of the crash and you will keep the facts in your favor. 
  • Research Traffic Laws: It can be helpful to know the traffic laws and any relevant traffic signals in the area of the crash. If the other driver disobeyed a traffic law, like running a red light or stop sign, for example, you can use the information to prove the other driver was at fault. 
  • Look for Video Footage: Footage from traffic cameras, surveillance cameras in the area and dashboard cameras may provide evidence of exactly how the accident happened. 
  • Find an Expert to Testify: It may be helpful to have a professional expert testify in court, such as an accident deconstructionist or medical professional to speak to your injuries. 
  • Consult with Tusler Law: Work with an expert car accident attorney to assist in evidence collection, liability determinations and the overall navigation of the legal process. 

If you've been in a car accident, contact the expert Appleton car accident attorney at Tusler Law as soon as possible to discuss your best options for receiving the maximum possible compensation. We will meticulously examine your case and determine your best possible course of action.

 

Learn about personal injury law with Appleton Attorney Ron Rusler

Video Resources

Unsure where to start?

Attorney Tusler specializes in helping Wisconsin accident victims win the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Browse our collection of video resources to learn more about our process, legal information about your case, and how much compensation you could earn.

Video Gallery

Contact our Appleton car accident lawyer to recover your maximum compensation.

FAQs about car accidents

What should I do after a car accident?

The top priority after a car accident is to make sure that everyone involved is safe. If anyone is hurt, call for medical help right away. If possible, move your vehicle off the road to a safer location and exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s). Taking pictures of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles can also be helpful, as can notifying your insurance company as soon as possible.

Will insurance pay for a rental car during repairs?

It depends on your insurance provider & policy. Hiring a seasoned attorney will make sure you receive the most compensation for your injuries and time.

What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance?

If you're involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have any car insurance at all, you'll likely have to turn to your own insurance company to cover your losses.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim?

In Wisconsin, the time limit for filing a claim related to a car accident is three years starting from the date of the accident. It is important to file a claim as soon as possible after the accident.

Do I have to bring my car to an auto body shop approved by my insurance company?

No. Regardless of what the insurance company says you are able to bring your vehicle to be repaired at the shop of your choice.