After a Franklin, Wisconsin car accident, you may be able to collect compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. The exact amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the long-term impact on your life.
All Medical Bills Related to Your Car Accident Injuries
Every medical expense tied to the collision can be included in your claim. This covers emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments with specialists. If your injuries require long-term care, such as ongoing rehabilitation, in-home assistance, or future surgeries, those projected costs should also factor into your settlement.
Lost Income and the Loss of Future Earnings
If your car accident injuries kept you out of work, you can pursue compensation for the wages you missed during your recovery. This includes salary, hourly pay, bonuses, commissions, and any benefits you would have earned. When an injury permanently affects your ability to perform your job or forces you into a lower-paying role, you may also seek damages for diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering Associated with the Crash in Wisconsin
Beyond the financial losses, a serious accident takes a physical and emotional toll on your life. Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the discomfort, anxiety, depression, sleep loss, and reduced quality of life that often follow a traumatic crash.
Property Damage Sustained in the Wisconsin Car Accident
Your claim should cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle, along with any personal belongings damaged in the crash. This might include electronics, child safety seats, eyeglasses, or other items inside the car at the time of impact. Rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired can also be part of your settlement.
Punitive Damages in Certain Wisconsin Car Accident Cases
Punitive damages aren’t awarded in every case. Wisconsin courts reserve them for situations where the at-fault driver acted with intentional disregard for the safety of others, such as drunk driving, street racing, or extreme reckless conduct. Rather than reimbursing your losses, these damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior. The state caps punitive damages at twice the amount of your compensatory damages or $200,000, whichever is greater.
A Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer Can Calculate Your Claim’s Value
Putting an accurate number on your claim is rarely as simple as adding up a few bills. The full value of your case includes losses that can be challenging to calculate on your own, such as future medical needs, reduced earning capacity, and the lasting effects on your daily life. Insurance adjusters know this, and they often push for a quick settlement before you understand what your recovery is truly worth.
At Cannon & Dunphy S.C., our Wisconsin car accident lawyers know how to identify every source of compensation and accurately calculate the full value of your settlement. We will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and consult with medical and financial experts to ensure nothing is overlooked. Take the first step toward fair compensation contact us today or complete our online form to learn how we can help you move forward.