Car accident lawyer in Appleton, WI

How we help with your auto accident claim

Tusler Law wants to make sure you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Our car accident lawyer will:

• Communicate with the insurance companies of both parties
• Organize and obtain all necessary medical records and bills 
• Obtain all relevant evidence from the auto wreck
• Present evidence to prove liability and damages in a court of law
• Negotiate and win a satisfactory settlement with the defense attorney or insurance adjuster

We are not afraid to confront insurance companies head-on, utilizing witness statements, police records, and medical evidence to bolster your case's strength.

Damages available after a car accident in Appleton, WI

The compensation awarded to you as a result of a car accident claim may account for more than just car damages. Tusler can help you get compensated for all the damage caused by your accident, including: 

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Loss of wages
• Emotional distress

Car accidents often result in physical and mental injury. On top of receiving expensive medical care, your injuries may prevent you from going to work - resulting in a loss of income. Your car accident may also cause loss of sleep, anxiety, and PTSD. Regardless of the damages caused by your car accident, our Appleton area attorney will fight to make sure you get compensated for everything you deserve. 

It's important to note that the severity and type of injuries can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the accident. Many of car crashes involve injuries such as:

• Whiplash
• Internal Injuries
• Fractures and Broken Bones
• Head Injuries
• Psychological Injuries
• Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Chest Injuries
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Facial Injuries
• Limb Injuries

Underinsured & Uninsured Car Accidents

Many motorists in Appleton, WI are either uninsured or underinsured. If you were in an accident with an uninsured driver, Tusler Law will help you file a claim with your own insurance provider.

You might think your insurance company is on your side, but that’s usually not the case. Your own insurance company might try to lowball or completely avoid paying what you deserve. To win the compensation required to cover all the damages caused by your car accident, you’ll want to work with an experienced car accident lawyer. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Many car accidents are caused due to the same reasons. Other factors can cause car accidents, but the most common causes are:

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

Appleton car accident statistics

According to Wisconsin County TSC Crash Mapping, there were 730 car crashes reported in Outagamie county in 2022. The 730 reported crashes resulted in 973 injuries and 7 fatalities.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there was an average of 14 fatal car accidents per year since 2017 in Outagamie county.

Fatal Car Accidents in Outagamie County

Information to gather following a crash

Unless medical assistance is required, immediately begin to gather information after a vehicle accident. Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid negative confrontations with the other motorist(s) and first responders. Here is the information you need to 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, ask for their information as well.
2. Insurance Information: Find out 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: Call the police and obtain a copy of the police report. The police report should contain crucial information like the crash’s date, time, location and weather conditions.
5. Medical Bills: If you incur medical bills due to injury from the crash, keep the bills and make copies in case the original bills become misplaced. Make sure to also retain copies of bills for any medications related to the crash.
6. Write Down Your Recollection: Compose a written account of how the crash occurred. Take note of details you recall leading up to the car crash and the crash’s resulting damages/injuries.

How many demerit points are assessed for an automobile crash

The number of demerit points you accrue after a crash depends on the accident’s contributing factors – things like speeding, intoxication and whether any injury was suffered. A driver with a clean record has zero demerit points. If the motorist obtains 12 demerit points within a 12-month period, the driver’s license becomes suspended.

It’s possible zero demerit points will be assessed after a crash. On the other hand, a license may receive an automatic 12-point suspension if prohibited activity was involved. Please note: Demerit points may be assigned for motor vehicle violations even if there was no crash.

Here are a few notable examples from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation:

Is Wisconsin an At-Fault State?

In Wisconsin, the legal system follows a tort system. This means that in car accidents, there must be an identified "at fault" driver and those who have suffered injuries have the right to pursue legal action against the responsible individual to seek compensation for damages. This includes compensations for medical bills, property damages, physical pain and suffering related to the injuries sustained, emotional pain and suffering related to the events of the accident, and losses due to lost income or lost future wages.

Prove the other Driver is at fault

If you’re the plaintiff (the person who initiates a lawsuit) in a vehicle crash or personal injury dispute, the burden of proof falls on your shoulders. It’s important to hire an experienced Wisconsin car accident lawyer, but there are several steps you can personally take to prove the other driver is responsible:

• Gather evidence: This ensures you have the necessary facts.
• Research traffic laws: For example, if the other driver ran a red light, you can use the information to prove the other driver was at fault.
• Look for Video Footage: Footage from traffic cameras, surveillance cameras and dashboard cameras may provide evidence of how the vehicle accident happened.
• Find an expert to testify: It may be necessary to find a professional expert to testify in court – someone like an accident reconstructionist or medical professional.
• Consult with an attorney: Work with a car accident attorney to assist in evidence collection, liability determinations and overall navigation of the legal process. Doing so will result in better outcomes and greater compensation, saving you money in the end.