Every day, thousands of drivers navigate Madison’s busy streets—from the congested University Avenue corridor to the interstate exchanges that connect our city to the rest of Wisconsin.
But in a split second, what starts as a routine commute can transform into a nightmare. If you were injured in a motor vehicle collision, you deserve justice.
At Cannon & Dunphy S.C., we’ve witnessed firsthand how a single collision can derail everything you’ve worked to build. Our Madison personal injury attorneys combine decades of legal experience with compassion for our clients, fighting tirelessly to secure the compensation you need while you focus on healing.
Contact us today and let us shoulder the legal burden so you can concentrate on getting your life back.
Steps to Take After a Car AccidentÂ
The moments following a car accident can be chaotic and disorienting, but the actions you take after a collision can impact your ability to recover compensation later. While your safety and health should always be your top priority, the following steps can help protect both your well-being and your legal rights:
- Call 911 immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, contact emergency services to report the collision and request medical assistance if anyone appears injured.
- Move to safety if possible. If your vehicle is blocking traffic and you can safely move it, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
- Exchange information with other drivers. Collect names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers, but be careful with what you say. Do not admit fault or make statements about your injuries.
- Document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. If there are bystanders who saw the accident, get their contact information.
- Seek medical attention promptly. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible and save all of your medical records.
- Keep detailed records. Maintain files of all medical treatments, repair estimates, correspondence with insurance companies, and any expenses related to the accident.
- Contact a Madison car accident lawyer for assistance. Your attorney will evaluate your case and explain your legal options. Then, they will begin investigating and building your car accident claim.
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering conditions that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Some of the most common injuries in these collisions include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal organ injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Psychological trauma
- Chest and rib injuries
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Burn injuries and disfigurement
Pursuing a Car Accident Claim in Madison, WI
Wisconsin operates under a fault-based insurance system, which means the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages to injured parties. This system allows you to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or through your own insurance policy if you have the appropriate coverage.
After a car accident in Madison, you have several avenues for seeking compensation. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, which should cover your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering up to the policy limits.
If the other driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, you may be able to recover additional compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
In cases where insurance settlements are inadequate or disputed, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to secure full compensation for your damages. These lawsuits are handled by the court system and allow you to pursue damages beyond the policy limits.
Proving Liability in Your Car Accident Case
To recover compensation after a Madison car accident, you need to prove that another party was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries and damages.
You will need to demonstrate four key elements, each supported by evidence that your attorney will work to gather and present effectively:
- Duty of Care: Every driver has a legal obligation to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws, which can be established through driving regulations, traffic statutes, and expert testimony.
- Breach of Duty: You must show that the other driver violated their duty of care through actions like speeding, texting while driving, or running a red light. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and cell phone records can help establish the breach.
- Causation: There must be a direct link between the other driver’s breach of duty and the accident that caused your injuries, which can be demonstrated through accident reconstruction reports, expert analysis, and medical records connecting your injuries to the collision.
- Damages: You must have suffered actual losses as a result of the accident, documented through medical bills, employment records showing lost wages, repair estimates for vehicle damage, and testimony about pain and suffering.
How Can a Lawyer Help Recover Damages After an Accident?
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident while dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and financial hardship can be overwhelming for anyone. At Cannon & Dunphy S.C., our Madison car accident attorneys will handle the complex legal and administrative aspects while you focus on your recovery.
Your Madison car accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence that might otherwise be lost or overlooked.
They will negotiate aggressively with insurance companies who often try to minimize payouts to protect their profits. They understand the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue claims and will fight to protect your right to fair compensation.
Beyond investigation and negotiation, your attorney will calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses and long-term hardships you might not have considered.
If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial, presenting compelling evidence and expert testimony to secure the justice you deserve.
Get Help with Your Case from a Car Accident Attorney in Madison
If you were hurt in a collision, trust Cannon & Dunphy S.C. to fight for you. Our Madison car accident lawyers will investigate every detail, from skid marks to surveillance footage, ensuring nothing gets overlooked and that we build the strongest possible case.
Contact us at (262) 668-8884 to schedule your free initial consultation and take the first step toward justice.