A personal injury claim allows an injured person to seek compensation for damages caused by the injury such as medical bills and lost income from missed work. When most people think of personal injury claims, they think of slip and fall claims, car accidents, and other claims that are founded upon an allegation of the defendant’s negligence. However, individuals who are intentionally injured may also have grounds for a personal injury claim. If you were the victim of assault or battery in Wisconsin, you may be able to hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions as well as recover financial compensation for damages through a personal injury claim.

Civil Cases Involving Assault And Battery

Being the victim of a violent crime is a life-changing experience. Most victims of sexual assault, battery, robbery, and other violent crimes are left with physical and mental scars that last for years. In addition to painful mental and physical injuries, being the victim of a physical attack can lead to considerable financial harm. If you were hurt in an act of violence, you may be facing financial hardship caused by medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, and other costs. A personal injury claim may enable you to recover compensation for your financial losses as well as your non-financial damages. A civil claim is a separate legal action from any criminal charges that the perpetrator or “tortfeasor” may face.

You may not always think of distracted driving as being dangerous in the same way as drunk driving, but it can often be just as deadly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 400,000 people are injured and almost 3,000 are killed each year in accidents involving distracted drivers. If you are a Wisconsin motorist who has been involved in a distracted driving accident, you need to know your options for pursuing compensation from the liable party through a personal injury claim.

Causes of Distracted Driving in Wisconsin

Cell phone use, especially texting, is perhaps the most prominent example of a distraction that leads to unsafe driving, but many other behaviors can also cause drivers to remove their eyes and attention from the road for several seconds or more, during which time an accident may occur. Some examples of these negligent actions include:

There are very few crimes in the United States that could be accurately described as victimless. Most of the time, crimes that are committed will affect someone in some way, shape, or form. When it comes to a crime such as driving while under the influence of alcohol, also known in Wisconsin as OWI, there often are personal injury victims. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 10,500 alcohol-related traffic deaths across the country in 2018 and many more alcohol-related injury- or damage-only crashes. Accidents involving drunk drivers are often traumatic for the victim, which is why the victim has the right to pursue compensation from the offender.

Pursuing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

When you get into a car accident with another person, you have a right to pursue compensation for damages that you may have sustained. This is true in Wisconsin, especially if you were in a collision with an intoxicated driver. Wisconsin operates on a system of comparative negligence when it comes to motor vehicle crashes. This means all parties involved have the potential to be partially at fault for the accident. As long as you were not found to be more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you can pursue damages.

Properly maintaining your car is just as important as driving defensively. Regular car maintenance reduces your risk of a severe car accident, keeping yourself and others safe. Since it can be difficult to determine which car maintenance tips to follow and which ones to ignore, we have debunked the most common car maintenance myths.

Myth 1: Look at Your Vehicle’s Sidewalls to Determine the Correct Tire Inflation Pressure

Many drivers make the mistake of looking at their vehicle’s sidewalls to determine the ideal tire inflation pressure. The truth is that their vehicle’s manufacturer may have another suggestion that is better suited for their car and that improves both fuel consumption and safety. Be sure to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis or whenever extreme temperature fluctuations occur.

Myth 2: Using Premium Fuel is Worth It

The majority of vehicles on the market are engineered to run optimally on regular 87 octane fuel.  It is a good idea to check your vehicle’s owner manual to figure out what type of fuel you should use. The Federal Trade Commission says that, unless the manufacturer indicates that higher octane is necessary for your car, there is no benefit to paying the higher prices. While you can use premium fuel without harm, know that your vehicle will not operate more efficiently. However, if your car engine is "knocking," the higher octane grade may help those problems.

As fall makes its debut, motorcycle riders excitedly anticipate the cooler weather along with the beauty of the season. For many enthusiasts, nothing compares to a long, relaxing ride through the countryside with the crisp, autumn air blowing past.  Although the conditions seem prime, the season poses potential risks for motorcyclists. These safety guidelines offer a friendly reminder for motorcyclists to help keep them and other motorists safe. These best practices are proven to can significantly reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents and injuries.

1. Be Mindful of Leaves

Falling leaves, as well as leaves on the ground, are beautiful. However, they can be dangerous or even deadly, especially when they are wet. Leaves easily cover up potholes and other potential driving hazards. Wet leaves potentially lead to traction issues, which can make it difficult for motorcyclists to maintain complete control of their bikes.

2. Dress in Layers

The practice of wearing multiple layers of clothing articles is vital for fall motorcycle riders. In the heat of summer, lighter clothing allows for a pleasant, cool breeze, yet as the temperatures drop into winter weather, the cold becomes unwelcomed. Motorcyclists should begin with a base layer of thermals, then mid-layers of daily clothing, and top it off with a warm jacket. By layering multiple thin layers rather than one thick one, riders and passengers alike can easily adjust their clothing to their comfort zone while they are out on their bikes.