Car accidents happen in Wisconsin daily. The severity can range from a minor fender bender to a major accident with serious injuries or worse. In a situation where a person is injured in a car accident that was caused through no fault of their own, it may be helpful to pursue a personal injury claim. In order to win such a claim, it will be necessary to prove that the other driver was at fault.
In some types of car accidents, it may be relatively simple to prove that another driver was negligent. For example, in accidents involving a rear-end collision, the person who was struck in the rear is rarely at fault. While the blame could be distributed to more than one person, it is generally at least partially the fault of the person who struck you in the rear. The same can be said for collisions involving a vehicle making a left turn — unless the car coming straight has ran a red light or stop sign, it is generally the fault of the person turning left. Of course, in both cases there may be exceptions, depending on the specific underlying facts and circumstances.
An excellent piece of evidence in proving that another person was at fault in a car accident is a police report. Police are almost always on the scene of an accident where a person is injured but usually investigate other accidents as well. These reports may include documentation of information regarding the length and placement of skid marks, for example, which could prove that one driver was speeding. It will also contain information about any citations that were given.
Some people who have been injured in a car accident in Wisconsin may find it necessary to pursue a personal injury claim as a result of injuries suffered, lost wages and pain and suffering. The first step in this process is to consult with an attorney who is experienced with state laws and personal injury claims. This person can help you determine whether you have a case, navigate the court system and pursue a fair monetary judgment.
Source: FindLaw, “Car Accident Liability: Proving Fault in a Car Crash“, , Sept. 12, 2014
