At the law firm of Cross Jenks Mercer & Maffei, we are on your side when the unthinkable happens. From helping the injured get medical treatment to obtaining lasting settlements for their damages, our practice is about helping people in Sauk County, Madison, and surrounding Wisconsin communities get the fair compensation they deserve.
What Our Personal Injury Lawyers Do
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motorcycle, truck, boat, ATV, bus, snowmobile and car accidents
- Premises Liability: Slips and falls, dog bites, animal attacks, and negligent security
- Wrongful Death: Fatal motor vehicle accidents and dangerous products.
- Workplace Accidents: Farm accidents, construction accidents, and bacterial outbreaks.
Personal Injury Attorneys Who Fight the Good Fight for You
Our experienced personal injury attorneys will provide you with the attentive service and strong advocacy you need in the aftermath of an injury or the death of a loved one. We will handle the insurance issues, medical records, and legal process while you focus on healing and recovery.
Accidents and injuries come with uncertainty and more questions than answers. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to the negligence of another, it is important to understand your rights and feel comfortable with how to proceed.
At Cross Jenks Mercer and Maffei LLP, our experience on all sides of injury and insurance cases uniquely qualifies us to answer your questions and provide you with peace of mind as you navigate the civil justice system. Continue reading for answers to the personal injury questions we receive the most from our clients.
Why do I need a personal injury attorney after a car accident?
Car accidents are scary. You are living your life, and the next moment it is flashing before your eyes. It is tempting to move on and count your blessings once the dust settles, but there are crucial reasons to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney to make sure your rights are fully protected.
It is better to speak to an attorney about your accident or injury and find out you don’t need further legal action than not talk to one and miss your chance to recover the compensation you need for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Reasons to seek the advice of a personal injury attorney include:
- The insurance company may attempt to settle your case too early before the full extent of your accident-related injuries is known.
- An experienced personal injury has seen these cases up close hundreds or even thousands of times; they can quickly assess the value of your claim and make sure you do not sign your rights away.
- Letting an attorney handle your legal and insurance issues can free you to focus exclusively on your recovery. You should be able to focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones, not gathering medical information and dealing with insurance adjusters.
- An attorney can ensure you will not face future claims from health insurers seeking reimbursement for amounts they paid due to your injuries; those amounts must be paid by the party at-fault for your injuries.
Hopefully, you will never need to see a personal injury lawyer, but we hope you will remember how crucial it is if you or a loved one is hurt in a car accident through no fault of your own.
Personal Injury FAQ
“What should I do after a car accident?”
Contact the police so a police report can be created and all necessary information obtained. Take pictures of the scene and, if you feel comfortable doing so, gather the names and phone numbers of people who witnessed the accident. Be sure to exchange insurance information with the other party and seek medical treatment as soon as possible, if necessary.
“I feel fine. Do I really need to see a doctor after a car accident?”
Even if you have no immediate symptoms or pain, it is best to be evaluated by a medical professional. The adrenaline generated by your experience may be masking the symptoms of underlying injuries. It is common for people to feel fine in the immediate aftermath of a crash only to start feeling stiffness, soreness and pain from injuries in the hours and days after the crash. Get checked out as soon as you experience any symptoms from the accident.
“The insurance company called me already. Do I really need a lawyer?”
Yes. It is important to have an advocate looking out for your interests as you navigate the claims process and ensuring that you are fully compensated for each type of damage to which you are entitled. You should consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney before signing any settlement offers or agreeing to close your insurance claim.
“What compensation may I be entitled to in a personal injury case?”
Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, lost earnings, property damage and more. If your injuries do not heal quickly, you may be entitled to payment for future medical costs, pain and suffering and lost earnings. Our personal injury attorneys can help you identify your damages and uncover all available insurance coverage.
“How long do I have to make a personal injury claim?”
Generally speaking, Wisconsin Legislature Code Section 893.54 states that claims for injury “…shall be commenced within 3 years or be barred…”
This statute of limitations covers the following cases:
“(a) An action to recover damages for injuries to the person, including an action to recover damages for injuries to the person caused or sustained by or arising from an accident involving a motor vehicle.
(b) An action brought to recover damages for death caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of another.”
As you can see, the statute of limitations applies to both personal injury and wrongful death claims in Wisconsin. The best course of action is to speak to an attorney as soon as possible so that evidence can be gathered and preserved. Your attorney can determine whether you have a viable claim and lay out your legal options for you.
Still have questions? Call Our Injury Lawyers
We look forward to helping you identify the best path forward for protecting your rights and your loved ones. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of someone’s carelessness or negligence, call our law office 608-897-8351 or submit our contact form to schedule a complimentary personal injury or wrongful death consultation about legal representation.
We do our utmost to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. There is no cost associated with a consultation and no pressure to choose us as your personal injury attorneys.
