Wisconsin law allows individuals who were injured by another party’s negligent or criminal actions to seek compensation for their “damages” or losses. The amount of compensation that a personal injury claim may recover for a car accident victim varies from case to case. Several factors can affect the amount of money that an injured plaintiff receives, including the severity of the injuries, the victim’s prognosis, and more.

Types of Recoverable Damages for Which You May Be Entitled Compensation  

There are several types of damages available to car accident victims under Wisconsin personal injury law. Compensatory damages typically include the financial and non-financial losses experienced by the victim. Economic damages typically include:

Everyone knows that it is dangerous to text and drive. Unfortunately, this does not stop millions of drivers from using their phones while driving. Using a cell phone, tablet, GPS, or other electronic devices behind the wheel is the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it takes your hands, eyes, and attention away from driving. If you or a loved one were injured in a distracted driving accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim.  

Study Shows that Distracted Driving Is On the Rise

A study conducted by Zendrive shows that distracted driving is a much greater problem than previously realized. It is also a problem that is increasing in severity. According to the data compiled, individuals use their cell phones while driving an average of 88 out of 100 trips. Distracted driving often involves cell phones and other portable electronic devices; however, non-device distractions can be just as dangerous. Eating, drinking, grooming, and other activities may lead to severe and even deadly distracted driving accidents.

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:

If you have been injured in a car accident, you are likely feeling stressed and unsure of what to do. After things have calmed down a bit and you have exchanged information with others involved in the accident and made any required police reports, it is important to visit the doctor right away. Doing so will protect your health and increase your chances of obtaining the full and fair compensation you may be entitled to.

When you do visit the doctor after a car accident, there are certain questions you should ask in order to protect your rights and recover in a safe and efficient manner. These questions include:

1. How Severe Are My Injuries?

Teens are more likely to cause car accidents than older, more experienced drivers. While gaining more experience and learning how to drive defensively is important for them, it is just as essential for teens to properly maintain their vehicles. 

A well-maintained vehicle can keep teens away from dangerous situations and reduce the risk of accidents. Here is a brief list of car maintenance tips teen drivers are highly encouraged to follow:

1. Keep Up With Car Maintenance Intervals