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Why Contact a Lawyer Immediately After an Accident

By Paul Benson • February 1, 2026
Why Is It Crucial To Reach Out To A Lawyer Soon After An Accident? Contacting a lawyer promptly after an accident is vital to preserve crucial evidence from the accident scene. Evidence like skid marks, surveillance videos, and witness statements can disappear quickly. By involving a lawyer early on, you ensure that all necessary evidence is collected and preserved, which can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Why Do Some People Delay Contacting A Lawyer After An Accident? Many individuals delay contacting a lawyer due to the misconception that they are not "lawsuit people." However, when faced with insurance companies refusing to compensate them fairly, they realize the need to protect their rights. By waiting to involve a lawyer, important evidence may be lost, such as video footage or witness accounts, which can weaken their case significantly. What Are The Potential Problems Individuals Face When Insurance Adjusters Reach Out Early? Insurance adjusters often aim to elicit statements that downplay the severity of injuries or shift blame away from their policyholders. By recording conversations and obtaining seemingly innocuous statements, they can later use discrepancies to undermine a claim. Consulting with a lawyer before engaging with insurance adjusters is crucial to avoid inadvertently harming your case. What Key Evidence Can Be Lost If Individuals Wait Too Long After An Accident To Seek Legal Counsel? Delaying legal representation can result in the loss of crucial evidence such as video footage, debris placement at the scene, and witness recollections. Additionally, timely medical documentation is essential for accurately assessing and documenting injuries. Without early involvement, individuals risk missing out on vital evidence that could strengthen their case. How Does The Timing Of Medical Bills And Documentation Impact An Insurance Company's Evaluation Of A Claim? In Wisconsin, the timing of medical bills and documentation is critical due to the collateral source rule. Health insurance coverage may pay medical bills upfront, but individuals can still recover the full amount from the at-fault party's insurance. However, delays or discrepancies in submitting bills can lead to reduced compensation and financial risks for the injured party. What Tactics Do Insurance Companies Employ To Settle Claims Quickly Without Individuals Fully Understanding The Implications? Insurance companies may use tactics like sending blank medical releases or offering immediate settlement checks to expedite claim resolutions. Individuals may unknowingly sign away their rights or settle their claims prematurely, leading to potential long-term repercussions. It is essential to seek legal guidance to navigate these tactics and ensure fair compensation for injuries. What Steps Should Individuals Take After A Minor Accident To Protect Their Legal Rights? After a minor accident, individuals should document the scene thoroughly, report the incident to their insurance company, and consider seeking a legal consultation. It is crucial to accurately relay their version of events to the police, report any injuries promptly, and consult with a lawyer to understand their rights and potential legal options. Is It Advisable For Individuals To Seek Medical Evaluation After A Minor Accident Even If They Feel Only Minor Discomfort? Yes, it is recommended for individuals to undergo a medical evaluation after a minor accident, even if they experience minor discomfort. Prompt medical assessment can uncover hidden injuries that may worsen over time if left untreated. By seeking timely medical attention, individuals protect their health and establish a documented record of injuries for potential legal claims. What Are Some Early Moves Insurance Companies Make That Individuals Should Be Cautious About Following An Accident? Insurance companies may attempt to obtain blanket medical releases or offer immediate settlement checks to expedite claims processing. These tactics can lead to individuals inadvertently signing away their rights or settling for inadequate compensation. It is crucial to seek legal guidance to navigate such tactics and protect one's legal rights effectively.

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A police officer is talking to a man in front of a car.

Information You Should Ask Witnesses

Under Wisconsin law, personal injury and accident victims are often entitled to pursue damages for their negligent injuries through an insurance claim or lawsuit. Essentially, seeking damages after a negligent accident requires proving fault and establishing liability. However, to prove negligence, you must provide witness statements and testimonies and other kinds of evidence and documentation that support your claims. 


At The Paul Benson Law Firm, I have the diligence and expertise to assist and represent clients in their personal injury and accident cases. As a practiced Wisconsin personal injury attorney, I can examine every surrounding detail of your unique situation, gather witnesses' statements and factual evidence to support your case, and help pursue your deserved financial justice. My firm proudly serves clients across Janesville, Beloit, and Rock County, Wisconsin. 

Car Accident Claims in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is an at-fault state for traffic accidents. According to the state's fault system, the driver who caused the traffic crash (the at-fault party) will be held civilly and financially responsible for injuries, property damages, and other accident-related losses sustained by the victims. To seek financial compensation, the plaintiff can proceed by:   


  • Filing a first-party claim with their own insurance carrier. 
  • Filing a third-party claim against the at-fault driver's insurer. 
  • Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver. 


Additionally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Wisconsin, including car accidents, is three (3) years from the date the traffic collision occurred. This means that the claimant must bring a civil action seeking damages within three years of the accident or injury.

Gathering Information After an Accident

After an accident, you need to collect and document vital evidence, facts, and documentation about the incident. Essentially, you need as much evidence as possible to prove negligence, establish liability, and back your claims. Here are some of the things you should do to gather information after an accident: 


  • Exchange relevant information with the other drivers involved, including their names, home addresses, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration. 
  • Take pictures of your vehicle and the accident scene from different angles before the cars are removed. 
  • Collect statements and testimonies from eyewitnesses. 
  • Collect the contact information of eyewitnesses to reach out to them later. 
  • Collect and double-check the police report to ensure that the report is accurate. 
  • File injury claims with your insurer or the at-fault driver's insurance carrier to recover damages. 


In addition, you may need to make inquiries from the accident witnesses to gather as much direct information as possible about the incident. 

Questions to Ask Accident Witnesses

Here are some vital questions to ask the eyewitnesses when talking to them: 


  • When did you get to the scene of the auto crash? 
  • Can you describe how the auto collision happened in your own words? 
  • Who was the first person to get out of their vehicle? 
  • Can you record your observations and sign a statement? 
  • What were the situation or the road and weather like before the crash? 
  • What are the things you heard or saw? 
  • Do you know other eyewitnesses with first-hand or additional information about the incident? 
  • Were you close by or far away from the accident scene? Were you able to get a clearer view? 
  • Did you notice whether any of the drivers were distracted, texting, speeding, eating, or reckless? 
  • Were you alone or with another person when the incident happened? 
  • Do you know any of the drivers or injured persons? 
  • Do you have other information about the incident that you want to share? 
  • Can you describe what the accident victims or people around did following the crash? 
  • Can you make a statement to the police? 


Furthermore, ensure that you properly and accurately document all testimonies, statements, and findings gathered from the eyewitnesses. If the stories change down the line, you can easily refer to your initial findings. 

Additional Information to Gather From Witnesses

Also, accident witnesses usually have direct information regarding how the incident occurred, what they heard or saw, or the motorist who was probably responsible for the crash. Here is some additional information to gather from the eyewitness: 


  • Ask whether they have accident-related knowledge or expertise that can help. Some accident witnesses can assist with the medical, legal, and mechanical aspects of your case. 
  • Collect the names, home addresses, and contact details of all eyewitnesses in case you or your lawyer want to get in touch with them for further information about the incident. 
  • Lastly, ask whether the eyewitness knows or is related to any of the accident victims. This will help avoid testimonies and statements from eyewitnesses who may be biased or have a conflict of interest. 


A seasoned lawyer can investigate your case thoroughly, help gather all the witness statements and testimonies you need, and work diligently with eyewitnesses to, striving to get a successful outcome in your claims. 

Reach Out for Skilled Representation

Witness testimonies and statements are very crucial to prove fault and establish liability in your accident claims. Contact me at The Paul Benson Law Firm today to schedule a simple case evaluation with a dedicated car accident attorney. I will fight vigorously for your best interests, seek to prove negligence, and help you recover the maximum possible damages for your injuries. My firm proudly serves clients across Janesville, Beloit, and Rock County, Wisconsin.