Motor Vehicle Crashes
Motor Vehicle Crash Lawyer
What to Do After a Car Accident - And How to Protect Yourself
Motor vehicle crashes happen more often than most people realize. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone is involved in a crash every ten seconds in the United States.
At Brodd Law Firm, LLC., we’ve spent over four decades helping people navigate what comes next - from serious injuries to complicated insurance claims.
If you’ve been in a crash, what you do in the hours and days immediately after the crash can directly impact your health, your case, and your financial recovery.
Understanding Motor Vehicle Crash Claims
Most motor vehicle crash cases fall under negligence law, which means:
Drivers are required to act with reasonable care
If a driver fails to do so, they can be held responsible for injuries and damages
The injured person must prove the other driver’s negligence caused their losses
Some states also have no-fault laws, which allow certain benefits regardless of who caused the crash.
The legal details can get complex quickly - especially when insurance companies get involved.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Crash
1. Stay at the Scene
Leaving the scene of a crash can lead to criminal penalties and may jeopardize your ability to pursue a claim.
Check for injuries
Call 911 if needed
Wait for police to arrive
2. Get Medical Help
Even if injuries seem minor, get checked as soon as possible.
Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or confusion may indicate serious issues like a brain injury
Delaying care can make injuries worse, as Insurance companies may argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash
3. Exchange and Gather Information
Make sure you collect:
Driver’s name, contact info, and license number
Insurance details
Vehicle and license plate information
Witness names and contact information
Police officer’s name and incident number
If possible, take photos of:
Vehicle damage
The accident scene
Road and weather conditions
4. Be Careful What You Say
It’s natural to want to apologize or explain - but don’t admit fault.
Even a simple statement can later be used against you.
Stick to the facts when speaking with police.
What to Do After You Leave the Scene
1. See a Doctor as soon as you can
This is one of the most important steps.
Some injuries take hours or days to appear
Medical records help connect your injuries to the crash
Waiting to be treated can weaken your claim
2. Document Everything
Keep track of:
Medical bills and treatment
Lost wages
Transportation costs
Pain, limitations, and how your life has changed
These details are critical in determining the value of your case.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the crash - but be cautious.
Before you:
Give a recorded statement
Sign any documents
Accept any settlement
Speak with a lawyer first.
Insurance companies are trained to minimize payouts - even when you’re seriously injured.
Why You Should Talk to an Experienced Trial Lawyer Early
After a crash, it’s easy to assume things will “work themselves out.”
But we often see clients come to us after:
Accepting a low settlement
Saying something to insurance that hurt their case
Waiting too long to seek medical care
At Brodd Law Firm, LLC., we help you:
Understand your rights from the start
Handle communication with insurance companies
Identify all sources of compensation
Build a strong case backed by evidence
Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle
Car crashes
Trucking crashes
Drunk driving crashes
Pedestrian injuries
Catastrophic injury cases
Brain injuries
Wrongful death claims
Premises liability claims
Talk to an Experienced Motor Vehicle Crash Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you don’t have to figure this out alone.
With over 40+ years of experience, Joel W. Brodd has helped clients across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the upper Midwest recover from serious crashes and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Call (715) 861-2222 or contact us today to discuss your case.