Appleton Car Accident Lawyer

In an instant, a serious car accident can completely change your life. You may be left with significant injuries and the prospect of temporary or permanent disability. You may find yourself unable to work and make a living, and dealing with expensive bills and frustrations. If you have been hurt in a car accident, you should not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes.

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, an experienced Appleton car accident attorney can help. Call Mingo & Yankala, S.C. at 414-273-7400 to learn about how our team can help after a serious accident.

Why Choose Mingo & Yankala, S.C.?

If you were injured in an Appleton car accident, you need an experienced car accident attorney in your corner. You can count on Mingo & Yankala, S.C. because:

We handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. We do not charge a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
We intentionally maintain a small practice and do not take on too many cases so that we can provide each and every client with the personalized attention they deserve.
Once you hire us, you become part of your family. We want to make sure you are okay, even after your case has been resolved. We truly care about you.
Our Wisconsin trial lawyers previously worked for insurance companies, so we know how the other side operates and can use this knowledge to your advantage.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. When two vehicles collide, accident victims can suffer serious injuries. The severity of injury depends on various factors, including the speed the vehicles were traveling at when they collided, the direction of impact, the occupants’ pre-existing health conditions, and the safety equipment installed in the vehicles.

Some injuries that are commonly associated with car accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
Paralysis
Amputation
Back and neck injuries
Arm and shoulder injuries
Leg injuries
Broken bones and soft tissue injuries
Post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological injuries

Common Causes of Car Accidents

According to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 115,694 car crashes occurred in 2020. 593 people were killed, and another 32,373 people were injured in accidents that year. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:

Speeding

Speeding was the leading cause of motor vehicles in Wisconsin in 2020. Speeding was the cause of 15,995 crashes in the state that year, which resulted in 6,826 injuries and 194 deaths.

Speeding is more likely to result in an accident and serious injuries because:

Drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicle when they are speeding.
Drivers will not have as much time to stop or slow down once they recognize a hazard in front of them.
Collisions occur at higher speeds, so injuries are more likely to be severe.
Safety equipment is less effective at higher speeds.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has become a huge problem across the country. While texting and driving is one of the most common and noticeable types of distracted driving, there are many other types of distracted driving activities, such as:

Talking on a phone
Tending to children or pets in the vehicle
Talking to passengers
Looking out the window
Eating and drinking
Daydreaming
Adjusting dials in the vehicle
Inputting information in the GPS or infotainment system

Drug or Alcohol Impairment

Another leading cause of accidents in Wisconsin is impaired driving. In 2020, there were 6,050 alcohol-related crashes in Wisconsin. These accidents resulted in 3,120 injuries and 167 fatalities. Additionally, there were 2,250 drug-related crashes, which resulted in 1,412 injuries and 80 fatalities.

Drivers who are impaired are more likely to:

Fall asleep at the wheel
Drift into other lanes
Accidentally accelerate or brake
Misjudge the distance of other vehicles
Perceive risks in a timely manner
Take unnecessary risks

Hit and Run

Hit and run accidents are a significant concern. Accident victims are left in a vulnerable position when the other driver flees the scene, which can result in delayed medical treatment and secondary accidents if other motorists do not see them. In 2020, there were 18,480 hit and run crashes, which resulted in 2,588 injuries and 27 fatalities.

Ignoring Traffic Laws

Most motor vehicle accidents occur because of driver error. Drivers may make mistakes or disregard traffic signs. Common causes of accidents include:

Failing to check blind spots
Following too closely
Making unsafe lane changes
Failing to yield the right-of-way
Running red lights or stop signs
Failing to signal
Making improper turns
Failing to pass safely

Defective Vehicles and Components

Some accidents are caused by defective vehicles or auto parts. When these products fail to work properly, fail upon usage, or do not deploy when they are needed, accidents can occur, and injuries may be more severe than they should have been. Accident victims may be able to pursue a claim against the manufacturer if defective auto parts contributed to the accident, such as:

Tires
Brakes
Steering mechanisms
Wipers
Lights

Who Is Responsible for My Injuries?

In most situations, you will pursue a claim against the other driver involved in the accident. If multiple vehicles were involved, there may be claims against multiple drivers. If you were a passenger in the accident, you might file a claim against the driver who was driving the vehicle you were in at the time of the accident if they are at fault for the accident. Generally, these types of claims are made through the liability insurance policy that covers the at-fault driver. If you are unable to resolve the case through an insurance claim or the available insurance is less than the damages you suffered, you might choose to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.

There may be times when another party other than the at-fault driver may be responsible for injuries an accident victim suffers. Some other parties who may be to blame for a motor vehicle accident include:

Owner of the vehicle – If the at-fault driver was driving a vehicle owned by someone else, you may make a claim against the owner of the vehicle.
Employers – If the at-fault party was working or driving a company vehicle at the time of the accident, their employer may be responsible for the accident through the legal principle of vicarious liability.
Manufacturers – If a defective vehicle or auto part contributed to the accident, you may be able to make a claim against the negligent product manufacturer.
Government – The government is generally responsible for maintaining the roadways and traffic devices. If dangerous roads or defective traffic devices caused your accident, you may be able to make a claim against the government agency that was responsible for maintaining the roadway.

Potential Damages You Could Recover in Your Appleton Car Accident Case

Car accidents can have a significant impact on your life. Wisconsin personal injury law gives you the right to pursue compensation after an accident from the party who is responsible for your injuries. You have the right to be made whole again after your life is derailed by another person’s negligence.

You may have the right to recover compensation for your accident-related losses, which might include:

Past, present, and future medical expenses
Lost wages
Loss of future earnings
Property damage
Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability
Pain and suffering and emotional distress
Loss of quality of life
Loss of consortium

When Do I Need an Appleton Car Accident Lawyer?

There are instances when you may be involved in a car accident and you can handle your claim on your own. However, there are other situations when you may need an Appleton car accident lawyer, such as:

You Suffered an Injury

If you were diagnosed with any injury, you probably need a lawyer. You may incur thousands of dollars in medical bills. You will want to ensure that you receive enough compensation that you can cover your accident-related losses. Once you accept a personal injury settlement, you will forfeit your right to seek additional compensation, so it is important that your claim is properly valued and you receive fair compensation.

Missed Time from Work

It can be difficult for accident victims to recover the full extent of wage loss they suffered because of an accident. A lawyer can help gather evidence and prepare wage loss statements based on your time away from work. They can also hire an economic expert if the accident left you permanently disabled or prevented you from returning to the same job.

Liability Is in Dispute

If the other driver is not accepting responsibility for the accident or there was more than one other driver involved in the accident, you will likely need a lawyer. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and make legal arguments regarding liability.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Appleton

If you were injured in a car accident in Appleton, reach out to a dedicated personal injury attorney at Mingo & Yankala, S.C. for help. We can help build a strong case on your behalf and demand full compensation for the injuries you have suffered. We offer a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to car accident victims in Appleton and throughout Milwaukee. You can complete our online contact form or call our office at 414-273-7400 to get started.