What Do I Do When a Car Accident Isn’t My Fault?

If you were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you can—and should—seek to hold the at-fault party accountable. Whether a negligent driver was to blame or the accident resulted from certain other causes, you have clear legal rights under Wisconsin law. 

Here is what you should do in this scenario:

Step #1: Get the Medical Treatment You Need

After a car accident, it is important to make sure you get the medical treatment you need. Along with any visible injuries, you should be sure to tell your doctor about any symptoms of internal injuries you may be experiencing as well. Headaches, back pain, limited mobility, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, and bowel and bladder issues can all be signs of accident-related trauma requiring prompt medical intervention.

You should also be sure to tell your doctor that you were injured in a car accident. This will help ensure that your medical records reflect the cause of your injuries—which will be important for seeking the financial compensation you deserve. 

Step #2: Report the Accident (If It Hasn’t Already Been Reported)

If someone called 911 and the police responded to the scene of the accident, you do not need to file an additional accident report. But, if the police did not respond to the scene, you should report the accident promptly. Not only is it a legal requirement to report any car accident resulting in injuries or more than $1,000 in property damage in Wisconsin, but this will be important for protecting your legal rights as well. 

If you aren’t sure whether you need to report your car accident or aren’t comfortable filing a report yourself, your lawyer can help. You can discuss this with your lawyer during your free initial consultation. 

Step #3: Keep as Much Documentation as Possible 

As you work to move on from your car accident, you should keep as much documentation as possible. For example, if you have them, you should keep documents such as:

• Your copy of the police report
• Your medical records (including x-rays and other scans)
• Your medical bills and payment receipts 
• Your employment records (if you miss time from work due to the accident)
• Any letters or forms you receive from the insurance companies

If you were able to take any photos or videos at the scene of the accident, you should keep these as well. It is also a good idea to take notes about the accident while the details are still fresh in your mind. 

Step #4: Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Advice

If you are serious about seeking the financial compensation you deserve, you will want to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Protecting your legal rights isn’t easy, and if you aren’t careful, you could end up bearing the costs of someone else’s mistake. 

An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to determine if you have grounds to seek compensation—and, if you do, your lawyer will be able to determine what claim (or claims) you need to file in order to assert your legal rights. Your lawyer will also be able to accurately calculate your present and future losses resulting from the accident so that you know how much you are entitled to recover. 

Step #5: Follow Your Lawyer’s Advice Going Forward 

Going forward, you should follow your lawyer’s advice to ensure that you are making informed decisions. Unlike the insurance companies, your lawyer will have your best interests in mind, and your lawyer will be focused on helping you recover maximum compensation as quickly as possible.

While these are not the only steps you need to take after a car accident that wasn’t your fault, they are among the most important. Once you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will be able to provide assistance with seeking the financial compensation you deserve. Among other things, this will involve conducting a thorough investigation, documenting your financial and non-financial losses, and dealing with the insurance companies on your behalf. 

Discuss Your Case with a Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer for FREE

Were you injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault? If so, we can help, but it is important that you reach out to our Wisconsin car accident lawyers right away. 

Contact Studinski Law, LLC today online or at (715) 343-2850 for a FREE case evaluation. We proudly serve all of Wisconsin, including Plover, Marshfield, Stevens Point, and other areas.