1. Cannon & Dunphy S.C.
Practice Focus: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents (car, truck, bus, streetcar, motorcycle), medical malpractice, wrongful death, complex civil litigation
Case Types Handled: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle collisions, bus and streetcar accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expert consultation, accident investigation, property damage claims
Background: The firm has represented wrongly injured people since 1985, with over 35 years of experience. Recovered over $1 billion in compensation for clients throughout Wisconsin. All attorneys are trial lawyers with extensive courtroom experience. The firm personally works with each client and does not rush to settle cases or accept first offers from insurance companies.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (serving all of Wisconsin)
Contact: (262) 782-2700 | https://www.cannon-dunphy.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available. All injury cases handled on contingency fee basis (no fee unless they win).
2. Warshafsky Law Firm
Practice Focus: Personal injury, car accidents, motorcycle crashes, medical malpractice, wrongful death, slip and fall accidents, mesothelioma claims, construction accidents, boating accidents
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, drunk driving accidents, construction injuries, workplace accidents, catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, no-win-no-fee guarantee
Background: The firm has operated for over 60 years with extensive knowledge and understanding of the legal system. Based in Milwaukee, they represent clients throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and across the country. Known for winning cases and obtaining millions of dollars for clients. Frank T. Crivello II and Jennifer Gorn are among the attorneys fighting for client compensation.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Contact: https://www.warshafsky.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. No-win, no-fee guarantee (contingency basis).
3. Gruber Law Offices LLC
Practice Focus: Serious personal injury, truck crashes, vehicular accidents, motorcycle accidents
Case Types Handled: Car accidents, semi-truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, home and hospital visits available
Background: Attorney David Gruber founded the firm approximately 40 years ago. The firm has over 130 team members and has recovered well over a billion dollars for clients. Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum (less than 1% of attorneys qualify). Additional recognitions include Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys in America, Wisconsin Super Lawyers, Avvo Clients Choice, Voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Milwaukee. Attorney Jason Abruzzo is Board Certified in Trucking Law by National Board of Trial Advocacy. Recent results include $10.24 million truck crash settlement and $4.865 million jury verdict.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (multiple offices throughout state)
Contact: https://www.gruber-law.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee basis (no win, no pay).
4. Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck
Practice Focus: Car accidents, personal injury, truck and semi accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Car accidents, car wrecks, truck accidents, semi-truck collisions, rear-end accidents, intersection crashes, slip and fall injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, settlement negotiations, in-person case review, hospital visits when needed
Background: Experienced Milwaukee car accident lawyers dedicated to defending clients’ rights and helping them heal. The firm handles complex cases from car accidents to wrongful death. Known for personal approach including sending birthday cards to former clients. Attorneys help clients navigate the complicated legal system during emotional times.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Contact: (414) 223-4444 | https://jsh-law.com
Consultation: Free consultation available. No fee until they win.
5. Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Personal injury, car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, ATV and snowmobile accidents
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian injuries, recreational vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, evidence gathering and preservation, accident investigation
Background: Over 15 years of experience serving Wisconsin. Proud partner of the Milwaukee Admirals and Milwaukee Brewers. The firm emphasizes a specialized approach to each unique case. Attorneys include Russell Nicolet (President), Ben Nicolet, and partners throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. The firm understands that compensation varies based on injury severity, evidence strength, and other factors.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (multiple offices throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota)
Contact: https://nicoletlaw.com/milwaukee-personal-injury-lawyers/
Consultation: Free consultation available. Contingency fee basis.
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Wisconsin
Statute of Limitations: Wisconsin provides three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Wis. Stat. 893.54). Property damage claims also have a three-year deadline (Wis. Stat. 893.52). Wrongful death claims involving motor vehicles must be filed within two years from the date of death (Wis. Stat. 893.54(2)). For minors, the statute of limitations is tolled until two years after turning 18 (Wis. Stat. 893.16). Claims against government entities require written notice by certified mail to the attorney general within 120 days of the accident.
Fault System: Wisconsin is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver found responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for damages. Injured victims can pursue claims through the at-fault driver’s insurance or through civil litigation.
Comparative Negligence: Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Wis. Stat. 895.045), also called the “51% Bar Rule.” An injured party can recover damages if their fault does not exceed 50%. Damages are reduced proportionally by the claimant’s percentage of fault. If found 51% or more at fault, the claimant is completely barred from any recovery.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Wisconsin law requires bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, property damage liability coverage of $10,000 per accident, and uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Required in Wisconsin. Minimum coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 for two or more. Protects drivers when hit by uninsured motorists.
No Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Wisconsin does not require PIP coverage. Medical expenses must be recovered through liability claims or health insurance.
Accident Reporting Requirements: Drivers must report accidents to law enforcement if they result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Police investigation and accident reports are essential for claims.
Damage Caps: No cap on economic damages. Punitive damages are limited to twice the compensatory damages or $200,000, whichever is greater (Wis. Stat. 895.043(6)). No punitive damage cap for drunk driving cases. Claims against state government are capped at $250,000 (Wis. Stat. 893.82(6)). Claims against municipal governments are capped at $50,000 (Wis. Stat. 893.80(3)).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents, measured from the date of the accident. This applies to claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other injury-related damages. Wrongful death claims involving motor vehicles have a shorter two-year deadline from the date of death. Claims against government entities require special procedures including written notice within 120 days by certified mail to the attorney general. Missing these deadlines typically bars any legal action regardless of claim merit.
How does Wisconsin’s comparative negligence rule affect my car accident claim?
Wisconsin uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. You can recover damages even when sharing some fault for the accident, as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. Your compensation is reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. For example, if found 25% at fault with damages of $100,000, you would recover $75,000. However, if found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies often try to attribute fault to claimants to reduce payouts. Having legal representation helps contest unfair fault allegations.
Is Wisconsin a no-fault state for car accidents?
No, Wisconsin is an at-fault (tort) state, not a no-fault state. In at-fault states, the driver determined to be responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for damages. Unlike no-fault states where each driver’s insurance covers their own losses regardless of fault, Wisconsin allows injured parties to pursue full compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or through litigation. There are no restrictions on the right to sue based on injury severity. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering damages.
What compensation can I recover after a car accident in Milwaukee?
Wisconsin car accident victims may recover compensatory damages including medical expenses (hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, medications), lost wages and future earning capacity, property damage to vehicles, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium for family members. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving egregious conduct, though they are capped at twice compensatory damages or $200,000 (except for drunk driving cases where no cap applies). Economic damages like medical bills and lost wages have no cap.
What should I do if hit by an uninsured driver in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. If hit by an uninsured driver, you can file a claim with your own UM coverage for injuries and damages up to your policy limits. Consider purchasing UM coverage above the minimum because an estimated 10-12% of drivers are uninsured. You may also file a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver, though collecting from someone without insurance or assets is often difficult. Contact your insurance company promptly after the accident to report a potential UM claim.