Have you been injured in a car accident? Negligent drivers are responsible for thousands of car accidents that leave individuals like yourself injured.
Fortunately, our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys can help. Mingo & Yankala, S.C.’s car accident team are here to answer any car accident question you have and to provide you with aggressive legal representation. We will help you understand how your medical bills will get paid and what to do about your wage loss. If you retain our law firm to represent you on your injury claim, and you are having problems getting paid for the damage to your car, we will handle your property damage claim free of charge. Once you have reached a healing plateau we will discuss with you what your case is worth and the steps we will take to obtain a top-dollar settlement for you.
Car Accident Case Results
At Mingo & Yankala, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients who have been injured in motor vehicle collisions.
- We recovered $3,225,000 for a client after a semi-truck collided with their parked car.
- We recovered the policy limits of $500,000 for a client injured in a North Central Wisconsin car accident.
- Our team recovered $450,000 on behalf of a client who was rear-ended while turning into a driveway
- $210,000 for the passenger of a car where the driver lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway.
- We secured $205,000 for a client who was rear-ended while lawfully stopped.
Call (414) 273-7400 for a free no-obligation consultation or use our Contact Form and we will get right back to you. We would love to hear from you.
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414-273-7400Car Accident Resources
- Why Choose Our Firm
- How a Lawyer Can Help Your Case
- Common Car Accidents & Causes
- Common Injuries from Car Accidents
- Determining Fault & Compensation
- Wisconsin Statute of Limitations
- First Steps After a Car Accident
The Right Car Accident Attorney Makes a Difference
If you or a loved one have been hurt in a car accident, it does make a difference in what law firm you hire. It makes a difference in how you are treated and it almost always makes a big difference in how much compensation you will recover. We recently settled a case for 8 times what our client’s first attorney told him to take. At Mingo and Yankala, our Milwaukee car accident attorney and accident team provide each injury client with the same great legal representation that earned us the AVVO Clients’ Choice Award two years in a row.
At Mingo & Yankala:
- You will have an award-winning Wisconsin trial attorney personally handle your case. You will never be passed off to a junior attorney or associate.
- Founding attorney Mark Mingo is experienced at trial and has handled more than 1,000 personal injury claims.
- In every case we take, we dedicate the time, effort, and resources necessary to be successful.
- You pay absolutely nothing unless we win. This allows clients to hire a great Milwaukee car accident lawyer without worrying about how they will pay for our services.
- We offer our unique Personal Injury Guarantee. If at any time in the first 30 days, you are unhappy with our services, you are free to take your case to any other lawyer. No fees, no costs charged, no questions asked.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call Mingo & Yankala today. We will protect you and your family and obtain the full compensation you deserve.
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Do I Need a Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer?
If your case is small, meaning you only made one or two visits to the doctor, you may be able to handle that case on your own. Just contact our law firm and we will let you know.
If your case involves more than a couple of visits to the doctor after your car accident, it is almost always in your best interest to hire an experienced car accident lawyer. Insurance companies are sophisticated in handling injury claims. Their business model is to keep expenses as low as possible and one of those expenses in your personal injury claim.
At Mingo & Yankala, our Milwaukee car accident lawyer and car accident team will even be the playing field for you. Insurance companies know and respect us. This allows us to obtain great recoveries for our clients. Attempting to handle your car accident claim on your own can be a mistake. This is what one of our clients had to say after he attempted to settle an injury claim for himself and his wife following an accident:
“Mark Mingo was able to procure a settlement over 18 times what the insurance company offered to settle our injury claim, and we were able to resolve our claim through mediation rather than having to endure a trial. After my experience dealing with the insurance company for almost 3 years, my advice is to at least consult with Mark about your case and as soon as possible after the incident occurs.”
How Our Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be a frustrating experience. Doing so after suffering a serious injury can make it even more difficult. At Mingo & Yankala you will receive our award-winning legal services to take care of every aspect of your legal claim from start to finish. This allows you to focus your time and energy on your recovery.
Our Milwaukee car accident lawyer and car accident team will:
- Promptly answer all of your questions throughout the entire legal process
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine all legal sources of recovery
- Help you get the medical care you need
- Accurately calculate all damages about your case
- Retain investigators and relevant experts to support your claim
- Gather critical evidence and medical records
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Take the case to trial if necessary
Your best opportunity to obtain a top-dollar settlement, without having to go to court, is to hire a law firm with the experience and skill to take your case to trial if necessary. Insurance companies are very experienced in handling injury claims and they know the real trial attorneys from the pretenders. At Mingo & Yankala we have gained the respect of the insurance companies and their attorneys. This helps each client we represent obtain a great personal injury recovery.
While our office is located in the East Town neighborhood of Milwaukee near the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, we are available to help anyone who lives in or is injured throughout the city and state. This includes neighborhoods such as: Avenues West, Bay View, Brewers Hill, Bronzeville, Clarke Square, East Side, East Town, Harbor District, Historic Third Ward, Marquette, Menomonee River Valley, Riverwest, Walker’s Point, West Town, Wauwatosa, and many other areas and smaller neighborhoods within neighborhoods. If you are unable to travel to our office, we can come to you or arrange virtual meetings.
What Causes Milwaukee Car Accidents?
The overwhelming majority of car accidents in Milwaukee are caused by careless or negligent drivers and other preventable hazards. Negligence in car accidents refers to the failure to act with appropriate or reasonable care, such as a motor vehicle driver’s responsibility to operate a vehicle in a way that prevents collisions. According to traffic accident data from the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 115,694 total car accidents were reported in 2020 alone. The following are common issues associated with automobile accidents in Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
- Driver errors. Drivers can make many different mistakes behind the wheel that result in car accidents. These include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drowsy driving, distracted driving, violating traffic laws, making illegal or unsafe turns, failing to yield, running red lights, and reckless driving. All drivers in Wisconsin must carry minimum amounts of car insurance to pay for at-fault accidents.
- Dangerous vehicles. Some car accidents are caused by mistakes that the vehicle owner made before getting on the road – such as carelessly failing to maintain a roadworthy vehicle. Poor vehicle maintenance and defective automobile parts can cause car accidents in Milwaukee due to equipment breakdowns in transit. The responsible party, in this case, could be the owner of the vehicle, a negligent auto mechanic, or an auto part manufacturer.
- Hazardous road conditions. The city and state governments are in charge of road maintenance, inspections, and upkeep in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If the government fails to properly maintain a public road, it can fall into a dangerous state of disrepair, with hazards that can cause accidents such as potholes, uneven shoulders, missing guardrails, and malfunctioning traffic lights. After this type of accident, you may be able to file a claim against the government for compensation.
Determining the cause of your car accident in Milwaukee is one of the first steps toward recovering financial compensation and holding someone accountable for the wreck. If you aren’t sure who is at fault for your auto accident, our attorneys can investigate. We will send investigators to the scene of your crash, interview eyewitnesses, obtain cell phone records, hire qualified experts, and take other steps to get to the bottom of what caused your car accident.
“Receiving multiple awards and being recognized as a top attorney in Wisconsin for two consecutive years is an honor, but my clients’ satisfaction is my most cherished award.”
Mark Mingo
FOUNDER & ATTORNEY
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414-273-7400What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents in Milwaukee?
At Mingo & Yankala, our Milwaukee car accident attorney and vehicle accident team have successfully represented victims of all types of car accidents. Some of the most common car accidents on Wisconsin roads include:
- Distracted driving accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Impaired driving accidents
- Reckless driving and speeding accidents
- Hazardous road accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Truck accidents
- Driver fatigue accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
We have represented Wisconsin accident victims in many other kinds of car accidents as well. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a car accident in Milwaukee, or anywhere in Wisconsin, please give us a call or use the contact form below. A consultation is always free and our car accident lawyers would love to hear from you.
What Are the Frequent Injuries Associated With Milwaukee Car Accidents?
Motor vehicle collisions are among the leading causes of unintentional injury and death in Milwaukee and the entire State of Wisconsin. The truth is that traffic accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries from severe and catastrophic injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
- Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations
- Loss of limb or amputation
- Disfiguring facial injuries and scars
- Crush injuries
- Lacerations
Sometimes injuries from car accidents in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin can be difficult to diagnose and can take days or weeks to manifest themselves. We work closely with each client and with their doctors so that we have a full understanding of all injuries our clients have sustained in their car accidents. Some injuries, such as soft tissue injury or mild brain injury, can be difficult to detect and can be missed by many lawyers and doctors. Remember, there is no substitute for experience when picking your Milwaukee car accident lawyer.
Mark J. Mingo
Meet Mark J. Mingo, a renowned lawyer and founding member of Mingo & Yankala, S.C. Mark is a real legal champion, having over 100 successful jury trials and a track record of successfully settling countless personal injury claims. Mark has been recognized as a Wisconsin Super Lawyer® for over a decade, has been named one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys, and has a perfect 10/10 “Superb” AVVO rating. Mark Mingo will show you how to achieve excellence.
- Years of experience: 44 years
- Associations:
- Wisconsin State Bar # 1004153
- American Bar Association
- Wisconsin Association for Justice
- Ozaukee Country Club
- Milwaukee Athletic Club
- Location: Milwaukee, WI
Is Wisconsin a No-Fault Car Accident State?
No. Wisconsin, like most states, Wisconsin follows a fault-based system for determining financial responsibility for losses in car accidents. This means that the person or persons who caused or was responsible for the crash are liable to pay damages. Because of this, Wisconsin has auto insurance minimums set by law. In Wisconsin, all drivers in Wisconsin must carry a minimum of $10,000 for property damage, $25,000 for injury or death to one person, and $50,000 for injury or death to multiple people. It is up to you or your car accident lawyer to prove that the other driver is at fault for your accident before you can collect benefits from his or her insurance company.
Wisconsin’s Comparative Negligence Law
It is also important to understand how your car accident may be affected if you are found to be partially responsible for the accident. Wisconsin uses a modified comparative negligence system to deal with these types of situations. Under this law, you can still recover compensation for your car accident, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you can recover will be reduced by your degree of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for an accident and suffer $100,000 in damages, your compensation would be reduced by 25%, or $25,000 in this example. You could still seek the remaining $75,000 in damages against the defendant.
However, it is important not to admit fault for an accident or to say anything that could be misconstrued, such as “I’m sorry.” While you might think you may have contributed to the accident, you may not be aware of all of the factors that may have affected the accident, such as defective auto parts or the other driver’s impairment.
Obtaining Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
You only have one chance to get it right. Many accident victims have come to our office after accepting a settlement, either on their own or through an inexperienced lawyer, that did not provide them with the full compensation they are legally entitled to. Once you settle, an insurance company will have you sign a Release which makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to reopen your case if you later learn you did not obtain the full compensation you were entitled to.
At Mingo & Yankala, our Milwaukee car accident lawyer and car accident team will make sure that you obtain the top-dollar settlement you deserve. When you hire experienced and compassionate injury lawyers, you can focus on your recovery while your car accident team does the rest.
Depending on the nature of the accident, we may work to recover the following damages:
Car accidents can cause significant harm or damage. There are various categories of damages for which you may be able to seek compensation, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those losses you suffer that can be quantified. There may be objective evidence that can establish the cost of these losses, such as an estimate, invoice, bill, or receipt. Common types of economic damages car accident victims in Wisconsin sustain include:
- Damage to their vehicle
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Travel to and from medical appointments
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- In-home services
If you lost a loved one in a car accident in Wisconsin, you may be able to seek compensation for their final medical expenses, as well as burial and funeral expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Another category of damages you may have suffered is non-economic damages. These damages cannot easily be quantified. Nevertheless, the law recognizes your right to recover compensation for them. Non-economic damages that car accident victims in Wisconsin may suffer include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional and mental distress and anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inconvenience
Punitive Damages
The last category of damages you may be able to recover is known as punitive damages. While economic and non-economic damages are intended to compensate the victim and make them “whole” again, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant. These damages are rare and only awarded in the most egregious of cases where the court wants to prevent similar behavior in the future. While punitive damages are not typically awarded in car accident cases, they may be awarded in some cases in which the defendant acted recklessly, such as when engaging in street racing or drinking and driving.
Your Wisconsin auto accident attorney will work diligently to identify all of the damages you have suffered and who is responsible for your injuries. If your damages exceed the value of the at-fault driver’s car insurance, your lawyer can investigate other potential paths of compensation.
The value of your car accident case is something that we can discuss with you further during a free case review. Although each case is unique and comes with its own set of challenges and facts, our lawyers understand how to handle car accident cases. We have recovered many six-figure and seven-figure settlements and judgment awards for past clients. This includes $3,225,000 for a Milwaukee truck accident case, $1,710,000 for a motorcycle accident, and $1,412,500 for another motorcycle accident. Our Milwaukee car accident lawyers are prepared to build a strong case and demand maximum compensation on your behalf, no matter what it takes.
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Have you been seriously injured in an accident in Wisconsin? You need a Milwaukee personal injury lawyer with the highest legal ability to leverage the complicated law in your favor.
Contact Us or Call NowWhat Is Wisconsin’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims?
The statute of limitations is a law in Wisconsin that places a maximum time limit on the ability to file a lawsuit. In Wisconsin, generally, you must act within three years of the date of the crash (with certain exceptions), according to Wisconsin Statute 893.54.
If you don’t discover your injuries until later, such as several days after the accident, you will have three years from the date of discovery or reasonable discovery to file a car accident claim. There is also an exception for injured minors; these victims have three years from the date that they turn 18 to file personal injury claims.
Additionally, certain types of claims may have shorter or longer statutory windows. For instance, if you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit for the death of a loved one in a fatal car accident in Wisconsin, you have two years from the date of the decedent’s death. If you wish to file a report against a government agency, you will only have 120 days from the date of your auto accident. Due to this, it is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing your statute of limitations.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Milwaukee
If you are involved in a car accident, there are steps that you should take right away to protect yourself and strengthen a potential insurance claim. It is important to start thinking about your future and financial recovery immediately after a crash.
If possible, take the following steps as a car accident victim:
- If you are able to, pull your vehicle over in a safe place and check yourself and others involved for any injuries.
- If anyone is injured or there appears to be more than $1,000 worth of property damage, call 911.
- While you wait for the police, exchange information with the other driver.
- When the police arrive, give them your side of the story but don’t admit fault.
- Take plenty of photographs and videos while you are still at the scene of the car accident.
- Speak to any eyewitnesses who are at the scene of the crash. Get their names and numbers.
- Get medical attention at a local hospital in Milwaukee immediately.
- Contact your own car insurance company to file an immediate accident claim.
- Do not rush into a fast insurance settlement for your car accident case. It may take days, weeks, or months for the full extent of your injuries to manifest.
- Call a car accident lawyer in Milwaukee for assistance in documenting your injuries, finding medical treatment, and negotiating for fair financial compensation.
Our Milwaukee car accident attorneys are always available to help crash victims put their lives back together. We will do everything we can to help you build a strong claim for financial compensation by avoiding common mistakes and guiding you through the recovery process. When in doubt, call us at (414) 273-7400 after a crash for immediate legal assistance.
Milwaukee Neighborhoods Served
Bay View | Brewer’s Hill | Clarke Square | Concordia | Cooper Park | East Town | Harambee | Halyard Park | Harbor View | Havenwoods | Haymarket | Hillside | Historic Mitchell Street | Historic Third Ward | Jackson Park | Lincoln Village | Lindsay Heights | Lincoln Village | Lower East Side | Martin Drive | Menomonee Valley | Merrill Park | Murray Hill | North Division | Old North Milwaukee | Riverwest | Sherman Park | Silver City | Story Hill | Thurston Woods | Triangle | Upper East Side | Walker’s Point | Washington Heights | Washington Park | Westown | Whitefish Bay | Wilson Park | Yankee Hill
Hire an Experienced Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents are among the most common causes of injuries and fatalities in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin. Our car accident lawyers know exactly how to present your claim to the insurance company to obtain the top-dollar settlement you deserve. We also know where to look for insurance if the other driver is uninsured.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Milwaukee or anywhere in Wisconsin, we would love to hear from you. Please call our law firm at (414) 273-7400 or contact us online today. We will gladly review your case and answer all of your questions. You never pay us anything until we obtain a recovery for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you schedule your free consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer in Wisconsin, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
What you do after a car accident can impact your legal claim. While these are some steps you can take, you might not have the capacity to complete everything yourself, especially since some injuries can prevent you from completing these tasks. Do what you can and inform your Milwaukee car accident attorney of which steps you have and have not taken.
After a Milwaukee car accident, you should:
- Stay on the scene: No matter what happens, no one should leave the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene can lead to severe consequences, as Wisconsin law requires you to remain and take certain steps following a collision. Fleeing can also impact your legal options for financial recovery. Always remain at the scene.
- Check injuries: Safety should always come first, and you should check on yourself and anyone in your vehicle. If you don’t have any injuries, you can check on people in the other vehicle(s) involved. Providing reasonable assistance, such as by calling for help, is a legal requirement whenever possible. However, you should not endanger yourself to check on someone else. If you suffer a severe injury, you should stay put and skip many of these steps.
- Call emergency services: when there are injuries after a car accident, it is essential to call 911 and request medical assistance. You should call 911 even if there are no injuries. There are various reporting requirements for car accidents; if you are unsure what to report, call the police to come to the scene.
- Take pictures: Visual evidence can be vital for your injury claim. At the scene, you should take photos of the vehicle damage, stop lights, signage, weather, and road conditions. As you get treatment, you may also take pictures of your injuries. All of this can be used as evidence that helps your case later.
- Exchange information: This step can depend on the circumstances of the collision. You will want to exchange driver information with the other party involved. If you are incapacitated, this might not be possible. Often, the police will gather this information and put it in their report. Driver information will be crucial to contacting the correct insurance company and at-fault party.
- Talk to witnesses: If you see any potential witnesses, speak to them and get their information. Sometimes, witnesses will leave the scene before police arrive. Others may stay and provide statements and contact information to the police.
- Get medical attention: even if you believe you do not have any injuries or that they are minor, you should get medical treatment. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, a medical assessment is necessary. Medical professionals may find hidden injuries when conducting diagnostic tests.
- Call our Milwaukee car accident lawyer: Some victims are apprehensive about seeking legal representation following a car accident. Regardless of your accident’s severity, you can schedule an initial consultation. We will assess your case viability and then determine how to proceed. You should avoid speaking with insurance companies or providing detailed statements until you have hired a car accident lawyer.
Once you have a car accident attorney representing your best interests, the insurance company will have a more challenging time limiting your settlement. The insurance adjuster will often try to offer much less than you deserve. Our team will review every offer and advise whether a settlement offer is fair, given your circumstances.
Accepting an offer is your decision, but we are here to guide you. Call Mingo & Yankala, S.C. Accident & Injury Lawyers for an initial consultation if you or a loved one are in a car accident.
All personal injury cases in Wisconsin will adhere to a statute of limitations. While the general rule is three years before the accident or injury date, it can vary. Some cases have exceptional circumstances that can alter this deadline. If you surpass the deadline without taking legal action, you could lose your right to pursue compensation for your losses.
The time limit for wrongful death in car accident cases is two years. Deadlines can also be shortened to only a few months when a government entity is involved. It is best to seek legal help as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the better Mingo & Yankala, S.C. Accident & Injury Lawyers can assist you in getting you the compensation you deserve for your losses.
While this is the time you have to file a lawsuit in civil court, that does not mean your case will take this long. Many factors can lengthen or shorten your claim. Minor injuries can lead to a resolution within a few months, while severe or permanent injuries can take much longer. A trial can substantially extend this timeline. The amount of cases the court has on its docket can also impact the length of your claim.
Our Milwaukee car accident attorney can give you a better idea of your timeline depending on individual circumstances.
Car accident victims can recover various damages for their losses, and the specific losses will vary in each case. Often, you will pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future expenses and financial losses
- Noneconomic damages like pain and suffering
Your case’s value will depend on various factors. Often, the amount is dependent on your injuries. This is usually the most significant factor in assessing case value. Some other key factors include length of treatment, impact on your job, future medical bills, and permanent disability.
Damages are split into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are any losses you suffer that have a receipt or some form of documentation. Medical bills and lost wages will fall into this category. Noneconomic damages are intangible losses, and they do not have an inherent financial value. They often address items like loss of quality of life and pain and suffering, and your lawyer will know how to calculate these losses to seek the proper compensation.
The length of your case will depend on several factors. When you begin working with a Milwaukee car accident attorney, we start building your case while you focus on healing and attending doctor appointments. We focus on gathering evidence and determining complex liability issues.
The longer your medical treatment lasts, the longer your case may take. It is ill-advised to accept any settlements before you reach maximum medical improvement and have a clear prognosis. This is when you know the full extent of your injury and how it will impact your future.
MMI does not mean you are completely healed. In some cases, it is when a permanent injury can be assessed, and, at this point, you can receive a disability rating. Once you complete your medical treatment or have a disability rating, we prepare and submit the necessary paperwork for your insurance demand. Once the insurance company receives your demand, it can take time for them to respond.
They will respond with their first settlement offer, which is usually low, so negotiations will commence between the two parties. This can also take time. In some cases, this is where a resolution is reached. Once an amount is agreed upon, the insurance company will issue a settlement check, and your claim is over.
Sometimes, negotiations are unsuccessful, leading to the next phase in the claim process. Litigation proceedings can substantially extend your payment timeline. You may have to file a lawsuit to try to resolve your claim. Trial is also possible, but it is rare in car accident claims. Taking your case to trial can significantly extend the timeline, as you might have to wait sometime to get on the court’s trial docket.
Every case is different and may work on a different timeline. The key is to be patient and trust that our attorneys are doing everything possible to resolve the matter effectively and efficiently.
A Milwaukee car accident lawyer will not charge you upfront fees because most personal injury firms work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay fees when the attorney secures compensation for you.
During an initial consultation, you can ask how payment works. Your attorney will outline their fee structure, including the percentage of your settlement that will constitute their fees. It is common for percentages to change the further your case gets in the legal system. You may have a percentage from pre-litigation, a different one for litigation, and another for trial. You can refer back to the fee structure at any point.
Ensure you are comfortable with the contingency fee and any additional fees that may come up. We will only take out a percentage if we recover payment for your claim. You do not pay us for our services if we do not recover compensation. You do not take any financial risks when you work with a Milwaukee car accident lawyer.