Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
We at Sparr, Belville & Brown, LLC, receive many questions about car accident cases. We wanted to address some of the most common and give you an idea of what we can do to help you throughout the process. Should you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact us for more information.
I’m not sure who caused the accident. Could I still have a case?
Auto accidents happen in a split second. It is OK if you are not sure what happened. You should never discuss fault with the other driver after an accident — and certainly never accept some of the blame for what happened. An attorney can help collect and examine evidence to determine whether someone else is liable (responsible) for the accident.
Why do I need an attorney after a car accident?
Most car accident victims have never been in an accident before. It can be valuable to have an experienced guide through the process to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. An attorney can level the playing field by negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf and can represent you in court if necessary.
Do I really have to sue to receive compensation for my accident?
We understand that you might be reluctant to bring a lawsuit to recover fair compensation from your insurance company. Most accident cases are resolved long before a trial is ever necessary, saving you the ordeal of having to take your case to court.
In Wisconsin, mediation is mandatory for these types of claims if other attempts to settle the case prove unsuccessful. This means you and the insurance companies will discuss your claim in an effort to work out your differences in the early stages of the case.
These negotiations with the insurer often highlight the strengths of your claim and this encourages the insurance companies to make an offer of reasonable compensation for the expenses and damages connected to your case.
While we do everything we can to avoid going to trial, our attorneys are experienced litigators who are ready to go to court if that is the only way to recover compensation for you. We can discuss this in depth when we meet to learn more about your accident claim.
What do I really need to know about insurance companies?
Insurance companies will appear as though they are interested in your recovery. They may even make settlement offers to you soon after your accident to help you deal with the impact that the crash has had upon your life.
If there is one thing you need to know about insurance companies, it’s this: These companies are trying to settle your case in a way that allows them to protect their bottom line. When they analyze your case, they assign a specific value to it. They make an offer substantially less than your case is worth, hoping you will settle.
Should you decide to handle your case without an attorney, the insurers will be calling you and sending you letters addressing your claim. They will be recording and documenting everything you say in the hopes that they can use the information to reduce the compensation you would otherwise receive.
An experienced personal injury lawyer from our team can handle all these conversations on your behalf. You will get an accurate idea of the value of your case and have someone on your side who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect your claim.
What happens if I get in an accident with an uninsured driver?
If you are hit by an uninsured motorist or injured in a hit-and-run accident, you can still seek compensation. Under Wisconsin law, all insurance policies must include uninsured motorist coverage for just this type of situation. Even if the other driver is uninsured, you should still follow the same steps we recommend you to take after a car accident.
How long will my case take?
Unfortunately, there is no real way to provide an answer to this without knowing the details of your accident. We need to know the injuries suffered in the crash, the insurance policy coverage amounts of the other motorists and the insurance companies involved. Once we have a better idea of these facts, we can give you a better estimate about the proposed timeline of your claim.
Do You Have Other Questions About Your Accident?
We would be happy to help you understand more about the options available to you. Please call our Oshkosh office at 920-335-1413 or send us an email to arrange your free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.
