If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Wisconsin, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. Not only are you dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma, but you’re also facing the uncertainty of tracking down the driver who fled the accident scene. During such a stressful time, it can help to learn about your legal rights. A hit-and-run accident lawyer from LawtonCates can help.
Our law firm has successfully represented injured people in Madison, Milwaukee, Jefferson, and the South-Central Wisconsin region since 1958. Our attorneys focus on integrity, excellence, and a comprehensive approach to personal injury claims. We don’t settle for quick fixes or accept lowball offers from insurers. We build every case as though it’s going to trial, showing deep-pocketed insurance companies we are committed to securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Ready to learn more from our hit-and-run accident attorneys? Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Wisconsin Hit-and-Run Laws
Wisconsin hit-and-run laws outline the responsibilities of drivers involved in car accidents. Under Wisconsin Statute §346.67, drivers must stop at the scene of a crash, render aid to anyone injured, and provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number to every involved driver. Fleeing the scene can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines and jail time, especially if the accident involves injury or death.
Injured victims can also pursue compensation for their losses under Wisconsin’s personal injury laws. However, it can be challenging to seek justice when the at-fault driver is unidentified. A seasoned hit-and-run lawyer can work with law enforcement to locate the negligent driver and explore your options for pursuing compensation when the responsible party remains at large.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Taking immediate action can significantly impact the success of your claim after a hit-and-run accident. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay at the accident scene – Move to a safe location if your injuries do not prevent you from doing so.
- Call 911 – Report the accident to law enforcement, providing as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle or the driver’s physical description.
- Document the scene – Gather evidence by taking photos of the vehicle damage, the crash location, and any injuries sustained. Collect contact information for any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention – Some serious injuries do not appear immediately. See a doctor to rule out any hidden trauma. Seeing a physician also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the car crash, which can be helpful later.
- Notify your insurance company – Report the basics of the collision to your auto insurance company. Avoid making recorded statements or giving the insurer access to your medical records without seeking legal advice.
- Contact a local hit–and-run lawyer – An experienced attorney can review your case and discuss your options for compensation.
Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases
Identifying the at-fault driver is often the most difficult hurdle in hit-and-run cases. When the driver flees the scene, crucial information needed to take legal action — such as insurance details and personal identification — is lost. Being unable to identify the at-fault party makes it even more important to work with a hit-and-run accident attorney who can guide you through the process of pursuing compensation while working to find the hit-and-run driver.
Insurance coverage can be another problem in hit-and-run accident claims. Wisconsin requires drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage (UM), which can protect them in a hit-and-run accident. With UM coverage, accident victims can file injury claims through their own auto insurer and receive compensation up to their policy limits. The real challenge is getting the insurance company to offer a fair settlement. The initial one is usually much less than claimants deserve.
What if The Driver is Found?
If law enforcement finds the hit-and-run driver, then you would file a car accident claim seeking compensation with that driver’s insurance company. The insurer will investigate the circumstances of the crash, assess liability, and may make a settlement offer. It could also delay or deny the claim.
Just like an uninsured motorist claim, you can expect the at-fault driver’s insurance company to employ various tactics to minimize your compensation. An experienced Wisconsin hit-and-run attorney can prevent the insurer from taking advantage of you.
Compensation for Hit-and-Run Victims in Wisconsin
Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Wisconsin may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
A hit-and-run lawyer can handle all settlement negotiations with the insurance company so you are not under-compensated.
Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Claims
The Wisconsin statute of limitations for personal injury claims gives victims three years from the date of an accident to settle their claims or file a lawsuit. However, filing suit on time is impossible if the responsible driver is unidentified, and delays can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Consulting a hit-and-run accident attorney as soon as possible will help ensure all legal deadlines are met, preserving your right to pursue a claim.
How LawtonCates Can Help
With nearly six decades of experience representing Wisconsin clients, LawtonCates is the personal injury law firm you can trust. We pride ourselves on our thorough approach, never treating cases as a quick settlement opportunity. Our lawyers are dedicated to building strong car accident cases backed by solid evidence, expert opinions, and strategic litigation planning. We never accept the first offer and are always prepared to take your case to trial if it could mean a better result for you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Contact LawtonCates today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you fight for justice and hold negligent drivers accountable.