If you’ve been injured in an accident in Wisconsin, you’re likely dealing with pain, stress, and uncertainty—not to mention a mountain of paperwork and phone calls. At times, the legal process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We believe in empowering our clients by breaking down complex legal procedures into simple, manageable steps. Here’s what you can expect from Doar Drill and Skow during your personal injury case:
Step 1: Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Once we take on your case, we’ll start gathering crucial evidence right away. This includes:
- Accident reports
- Vehicle “black box” data
- Medical records and bills
- Witness statements
- Photos and videos
- Insurance policies
This information helps us build a strong case and determine liability. In most cases, it is very important to get an attorney involved right away so this evidence is preserved.
Step 2: Medical Billing Issues
During the early part of your case, right after the accident while you are still treating for your injuries, you will likely be receiving medical bills. At Doar Drill and Skow, we monitor your bills to make sure the proper entity is paying them while your case is pending. We also make an effort to ensure the bills are being paid so they do not accumulate.
Step 3: Filing the Claim
We notify the responsible insurance company of the claim immediately upon being retained by you. That means you no longer have to deal with phone calls and forms from adjusters. We will handle the communications and the paperwork for you.
Step 4: Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. We’ll negotiate directly with the insurance company to get you a fair settlement. Our goal is to maximize your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If the insurance company won’t deal fairly with us, we pursue legal action (see below).
Step 5: Filing a Lawsuit (if Necessary)
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit. This doesn’t necessarily mean going to trial—cases often settle during the pre-trial phase—but it puts pressure on the insurer to treat your claim seriously.
In Wisconsin, you typically have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (though there are many exceptions and calculating the statute of limitations is complicated). We’ll monitor all applicable deadlines, file the appropriate documents with the court, and notify all involved parties.
Step 7: Discovery and Pre-Trial Process
After a lawsuit is filed, the discovery process commences. During discovery, both sides exchange information and take depositions (formal interviews under oath). We may also work with expert witnesses to strengthen your case.
Step 8: Mediation or Trial
Many cases are resolved in mediation—a process where both sides sit down with a neutral third party to reach a settlement. In Wisconsin, mediation is required in all personal injury cases. If mediation fails, we’ll take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
Navigating the personal injury process doesn’t have to be intimidating. At every stage, our team is here to guide you, answer your questions, and advocate for your best interests. If you or a loved one has been injured in Wisconsin, reach out today for a free consultation.