Personal Injury Law Insights

How auto insurance, fault & personal injury law affect your claim after an accident When you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to understand how exactly state law applies in your situation. Both the at-fault driver and victim have legal obligations to fulfill, and Wisconsin has several state laws affecting car accident claims and compensation. 1 Reporting a car accident ▼ How long you have to report a crash & notify your insurer 2 Comparative fault law ▼ How fault is determined & how it affects your settlement 3 Car insurance laws ▼ Minimum require…

Time to make them pay. get a free consultation Pain and suffering encompasses both physical and mental anguish caused by an accident. How to claim your compensation for pain & suffering after an accident If you have a personal injury claim in Wisconsin, you may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering damages are also called “non-economic damages” since it’s not as easy to assign a dollar amount (unlike to medical expenses & property damage which usually have a clear value). For minor injuries, it may not be worth pursuing pain and suffering …

Critical information about abdominal trauma & what to do next 1 Stomach pain & other symptoms of shock ▼ Shock is a serious condition that requires medical attention. 2 Recognizing abdominal trauma ▼ Don't dismiss stomach pain after a collision - these signs point to serious injury. 3 Seat belt syndrome ▼ Seat belts are one of the leading causes of abdominal injuries from a crash. 4 Signs of internal bleeding ▼ Internal bleeding symptoms can be delayed - know what to look for. 5 Take delayed stomach pain VERY seriously ▼ Why symptoms might not appear until days after the cras…

1 Who can sue for a whiplash injury? And who pays? ▼ Find out if you're entitled to compensation, and who should be named in the lawsuit. 2 Don't be fooled by the words "mild" or "minor." ▼ You can still sue, even if your whiplash injury or accident is deemed minor or low-impact. 3 Proving whiplash injury ▼ Unlike a bone fracture, an X-Ray can't prove you have whiplash. Here's what you can do protect the value of your claim. 4 Filing a whiplash claim without a lawyer ▼ Going it alone is an option, but is it the right choice in your case? 5 Whiplash settlement amounts ▼ Every case is …

Even after a minor motor vehicle accident, the likelihood of suffering a major injury is scarily high. The problem? Misperceptions of what constitutes a “major injury.” Don't let constant headaches from a car crash ruin your life. Take action. get a free case consultation The stress of dealing with the aftermath of an auto accident is enough to bring on a headache, but headaches that persist, or get worse, could be a sign of serious brain injury and shouldn’t be dismissed. Headaches that start after an accident are known as post-traumatic headaches because they oc…

What to do if a phantom driver causes your crash If the driver who caused your crash disappeared, you need an experienced attorney to defend your claim. Choose wisely. Get compensated. get a free case consultation Will your insurance company pay your claim if someone cuts you off, swerves into your lane, or otherwise causes you to crash without ever touching your vehicle? There’s no clear-cut answer to this question. It all depends on the circumstances of the accident. Cases involving damage to only one vehicle/driver are particularly difficult when the at-fault driver is never identif…

1 Can I sue? And who do I sue? ▼ An overview of Wisconsin's law on dog bite injuries. 2 Statue of limitations on dog bite injury lawsuits ▼ Wisconsin imposes a time limit on filing an injury claim. 3 How long does a dog bite injury lawsuit take? ▼ Understand the factors that influence a lawsuit's timeline. 4 Do I need a lawyer to file a lawsuit? ▼ Why representing yourself is not a good idea. 5 What kind of settlement can I expect? ▼ A look at the variables that influence settlements. For most dog owners, their pets are more than just companions. They’re p…

1 Can I sue? And who do I sue after a car accident? ▼ Get an overview of what's involved in filing a car accident lawsuit in Wisconsin. 2 How do I file a car accident lawsuit? ▼ Understand what you can do to lay the groundwork for a lawsuit. 3 What's the statute of limitations on auto accident lawsuits in Wisconsin? ▼ You have a limited amount of time to file a claim - don't wait too long. 4 How long does an auto accident lawsuit take? ▼ Get the facts on why injury lawsuits take so long to get resolved. 5 Do I need a lawyer to file a lawsuit? Can I do it myself? ▼ Why the do-it-yours…

1 Can I sue? ▼ Start with this 3-minute primer on the Wisconsin laws affecting motorcycle accident lawsuits to find out if you’ve got a case. 2 How to file a claim for motorcycle accident injuries ▼ 5 basic steps you can’t afford to skip – including the things you should do immediately to build a strong case. 3 Statute of limitations on motorcycle accident lawsuits. ▼ Time is money – don’t miss out on your chance to claim compensation. 4 How long does an accident claim take? ▼ Which factors affect the duration of your case, and why you shoul…

1 Do I have a slip & fall case? ▼ Gather the details of the case, get the basics on Wisconsin law and figure out if a lawsuit is a possibility. 2 How much is a slip and fall injury worth? ▼ There is no fixed amount to expect, but a few factors contribute most to your potential settlement amount. 3 What are the most common injuries after slips, trips and falls? ▼ Typical injuries from a slip and fall include knee, back, head & tailbone injuries. 4 How to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Wisconsin. ▼ Here's how to file a lawsuit - from reporting the accident all the way to co…

1 Who can sue for a wrongful death? ▼ Some family members and representatives are eligible to sue for a wrongful death in Wisconsin. 2 What is the statute of limitations? ▼ The time you have to file a wrongful death claim in the state of Wisconsin. 3 Is there a damages cap on claims? ▼ How much you can sue for in a wrongful death lawsuit in Wisconsin. 4 What's the average settlement? ▼ Typical wrongful death settlements range from 6 to 7 figures. 5 How to file a wrongful death lawsuit ▼ The steps you need to take to sue for a wrongful death lawsuit in Wisconsin. 6 How long a lawsui…

Escaping a car accident unscathed is much rarer than the alternative. Even in small and minor motor vehicle accidents the likelihood of suffering a major injury is awfully high. The problem? The perception of “major injury.” Don't let neck and back pain from an accident ruin your life. Take action. get a free case consultation Sure, the car accident didn’t seem all that bad – you survived. No broken bones, nothing torn, no gruesome wounds or visible catastrophic trauma. At the time? No major injuries. But how would you classify delayed pain in the upper back or neck …

I was thinking this weekend how much I miss riding my motorcycle. I have not ridden in months and with the winter we are having, it may be some time before I can get back on my bike. As a motorcycle accident victim and motorcycle accident injury lawyer I'm keenly aware of the need to stay sharp and stay safe on every ride. Even though I haven't ridden in months, I've been working on maintaining my riding skills over the winter WITHOUT EVEN RIDING MY BIKE!  How am I doing this? When I first obtained my motorcycle endorsement, I had just completed the Rider’s Edge Safety course t…

If you’re in pain after a motorcycle accident & escape a major injury your first impulse might be to shake it off and move on. But too often "minor" injuries from motorcycle accidents linger for years compounding into long-term pain and suffering. Motorcycle accident lawyer Steve Caya has experience on both sides: as an injured rider, and as a personal injury attorney fighting to win just compensation for injured motorcyclists in Wisconsin. What you should do after a motorcycle accident – don’t panic, get help, and get the facts. Get help, get the facts, lawyer up a…

Advice from a biker’s arm injury lawyer in Janesville, Wisconsin If you or someone you know suffers biker’s arm in a motorcycle accident as the result of negligence or recklessness, you deserve compensation for your injury. Biker’s arm, also called rider’s arm, is a common injury from a motorcycle accident. Biker’s arm is caused by nerve damage to the main nerves of the upper arm: the median nerve, radial nerve and ulnar nerve. In severe cases, biker’s arm can result in long-term or permanent paralysis of the arm, and/or loss of sensation in the injured area…

4 Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall on Ice Wisconsin is known for becoming a frozen wonderland every winter. While the snow covered landscape can be beautiful, it also means conditions are prime for dangerously icy roads, sidewalks and parking lots. Head injuries, hip fractures, back injuries, dislocated shoulders and sprains are all common injuries caused by slipping and falling. If you were injured after a slip and fall on ice in Wisconsin, here’s what to do next: Get treatment. Make sure your injuries are carefully documented and cared for. Take note of any changes in your injuries…

Statute of Limitations for a Slip and Fall in Wisconsin You slipped and fell unexpectedly on someone else’s property, suffering injuries in the process. Maybe it was a tailbone fracture, a head injury or a broken arm. Medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering are adding up. Can you still file a lawsuit for a slip and fall? The statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a lawsuit for personal injury cases. The time limit to sue for a slip and fall in Wisconsin is 3 years (Wisconsin Statute 893.54). This means you have 3 years from the date of the incident to file t…

Will insurance pay for injuries & vehicle damage after a deer crash on your bike? Not if they don’t have to. How to improve your odds of getting fair compensation after a motorcycle deer accident. You may be powerless to avoid a deer crash, but you can act now to learn your rights for compensation.   Motorcycle accidents with deer, moose, dogs or other animals are all too common in Wisconsin, and can easily cause serious injury or death. You can follow the rules of the road, obey the speed limit, wear a helmet and still wind up hitting a deer. Wisconsin tort law says the at-fa…

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association more than 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites every year. Of these individuals, children are by far the most common victim and often are the most likely to be severely injured. Most dog bites occur when interacting with familiar dogs, either a family pet, or a pet at a friend, neighbor or relatives home. These incidents occur most frequently during the summer season when families tend to spend more time outside with pets. So how can you protect yourself and your children from dog bites this summer? Here are som…

In 2012, Michigan replaced a universal motorcycle helmet law by passing a partial mandatory motorcycle helmet law. The new law only required helmets for drivers under 21 that still had a learner’s permit and had been driving for less than two years. Unlike the partial helmet law, universal helmet laws require mandatory helmets for all motorcycle riders. Michigan was the latest of several states to lower the standard for helmet laws across the country. Failing to wear a helmet on a motorcycle puts you at unnecessary risk. When injured in an accident, get a lawyer, fast However, as …

According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 38,300 people were killed in car accidents in 2015, with another 4.4 million left injured. In 2016, 18 individuals died in Janesville traffic accidents alone. Of the people who were killed last year, distracted driving behaviors were reported as the number one cause for car accidents. Transportation and research innovation expert, Peter Sweatman, explains how the increase in distracted driving incidents may be due to the fact that humans are not wired to effectively monitor tasks such as driving a car. To help address this problem, ma…

On December 2nd of 2015, two Tennessee buses engaged in a major collision that killed 2 young girls and an aspiring teacher. It was later discovered that James Davenport, one of the bus drivers, had sent and received several texts leading up to the collision. While this story is certainly tragic, it is not a stand-alone incident. A recent study showed that nine Americans are killed every day from distracted driving car accidents, that include behaviors such as using a smartphones, texting while driving, and eating. Car accident lawyer Steve Caya helps you get the compensation you deserve …

According to a study by carinsurance.com, Wisconsin ranks as the fourth most dangerous state for drunk driving. The study looks at multiple factors causing drunk driving including: level of alcohol consumption, severity of DUI laws, cost per drunk driving fatality and number of DUI arrests. The overall findings of the study show that North Dakota had the worst combination for drunk driving and, despite efforts to curb drunk driving, Wisconsin ranked as the fourth worst state for drunk driving, putting residents at a very high risk of a drunk driving accident. Some of the factors that lead…

Taking care of our loved ones as they age represents an important yet daunting task that requires careful planning, consideration and information. We want to help provide a safe and secure space for the people we love most as they require more specialized care in their lives. Unfortunately, selecting a care provider for the elderly is often dependent on many limiting factors including: finances, health and geographical location. Many people believe the best way to prevent elder abuse is keep loved ones close to home; however, as people age and require more attentive care, staying at home is no…

According to statistics provided by the Kids and Cars foundation, the most prominent cause of death for children involved with non-traffic related car accidents is being backed over by a vehicle. A new campaign created in collaboration with the California Kids’ Plates program aims to decrease these deaths and the total number of non-traffic related car accidents by promoting vehicle safety on and off the road. By educating parents about ways to talk to kids about car safety, the initiative helps spread awareness about the possible risks of non-traffic related accident…

The winter season is ending and warmer weather lays ahead which means bikers across Wisconsin are preparing to get their bikes back on the road. As you dust off your seats and tune up your bikes, now is also a good time to sharpen up on some key bike safety tips to protect yourself on the road.  Although wearing a helmet remains a necessity, there are several other equally important safety tips to keep in mind as you get back on the road. To keep the roads as safe as possible remember these important bike safety tips. Keep yourself visible. To avoid collisions with cars turning or p…

In recent years, speed limits across the country have been on the rise. The fastest speed limits in the country can be found in Texas where many major roads now have an 85-mph speed limit. As traffic-related deaths continue to rise, some officials argue increased speed limits only add to the growing danger on the roads. Since major budget cuts have limited the number of patrol cars available to enforce already high speed limits, drivers are less likely to consistently adhere to safe speeds on the road. Traffic safety advisors continue to cite excessive speed on the roads as a key fac…

Despite increased initiatives and efforts to curb traffic-related deaths, recent statistics released by the National Security Council estimate 40,200 people died in traffic related deaths in 2016. The newly released statistics show a 7 percent increase from 2015 and mark the second consecutive year in which traffic-related deaths have increased. New technologies have enhanced vehicle safety dramatically over the years and stricter traffic laws have been passed nation-wide. However, traffic-related deaths continue to climb. As officials look towards finding a solution, some safety adv…

Trucking accidents, often resulting from fatigued drivers, make up a significant portion of all traffic related accidents each year. On average, there are 4,000 large truck related fatalities each year and the regulations put into place to combat those accidents have been largely debated. Last month, congress rolled back a 2013 requirement that mandated truck drivers take two consecutive rest periods between the hours of 1am and 5am before they can start a new workweek. The 2013 “1-5” requirement was an addition to the Hours of Service rule that states a truck driver must…

As the year comes to a close, an increase in the total number of all traffic related deaths in 2016 reveals a grim trend in driving safety across the nation. Last week, the Associated Press reported the number of pedestrian deaths in Minnesota for 2016 reached a 25-year high. Experts in Minnesota claim distractions fueled by new technologies such as mobile apps and games provide heightened dangers for both pedestrians and drivers. As the number of distractions increase, both drivers and pedestrians lose awareness of their surroundings and have decreased attention capacities, creating…

Distracted driving continues to be a serious public safety risk. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), approximately 26 percent of auto accidents that occur in the United States involve cellphone use as one possible factor leading up to the crash. The rates of cellphone-related accidents are very high because at any given moment, nine percent of drivers on the road are using their mobile devices. It is important to note that these motorists can be held accountable for the collisions they cause and Steve Caya, a skilled Janesville car accident lawyer, should be consulted by …

Passengers riding in the back seat of a vehicle are dependent upon drivers to be safe and follow the rules of driving to try to avoid collisions. If a car is involved in a crash, those backseat passengers can be hurt or even killed. In such situations, a knowledgeable car accident attorney can help passengers and their families. Since these passengers did not have control over their own safety, they can pursue a claim against the driver of the car they were riding in if that motorist caused the collision to happen. If another driver caused the crash, backseat passengers could take le…

Individuals who are hurt in accidents or the family members of those killed in collisions can pursue damage claims to recover for their losses. Steve Caya, a Janesville car accident injury lawyer, can help victims make their claims for compensation when crash losses happen.  Unfortunately, many more people are facing tragic consequences as a result of traffic accidents. After decades of decline, auto accident fatality rates are rising sharply. RISING TRAFFIC DEATHS IS CAUSE FOR CONCERN Car and Driver reported on the troubling increase in motor vehicle collisions that has been oc…

Throughout the United States, speed limits are going up. Within the past three years, five states have raised the speed limits on interstates to 80 miles per hour or more. In one state, the maximum speed limit is actually 85 MPH now. In states that have not yet jumped on the bandwagon of increasing speed limits, there is a lot of pressure on politicians to join the trend and let motorists go faster. Unfortunately, as Wired points out, raising speed limits can be extremely dangerous. Why? More crashes can occur and those crashes are more likely to be serious when cars are going at hig…

Driving safety laws are often broken, especially if people think that they can get away with things like speeding or impaired driving. Unfortunately, police cannot stop everyone, so motorists often think they can engage in unsafe behavior without consequences. The more people are subjected to dangerous risks on the road, and the less often they are pulled over by police, the greater the threat to road safety. When people break safety rules and cause crashes, victims should consult with Janesville auto accident lawyer Steve Caya to pursue claims for damages against these unsafe drivers. Th…

Fall is a time to enjoy the changing seasons and celebrate holidays like Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, fall is also a dangerous time of year. The Thanksgiving holiday is typically a time when there is a significant increase in the risk of injuries happening.  A high number of collisions (especially impaired-driving crashes) over Thanksgiving mean that many motorists are at serious risk on the roads. If you are hurt in a crash during the holiday season, you need to consult with Steve Caya, a Janesville car accident injury attorney, to find out what options you have for pursuing a claim…

For the third year in a row, attorney Steve Caya has been named by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as one of the Top Ten Personal Injury Attorneys in Wisconsin for Client Satisfaction. The award recognizes excellence in client service and satisfaction through superior professionalism and ethical representation. Contact one of the best personal injury lawyers in Wisconsin, Steve Caya, for a free case consultation.

Attorney Steve Caya has been elected President of Noah. Friends of Noah is a Non Profit Organization whose main mission is the fostering and permanent placement of animals. Friends of Noah also provides community outreach and education concerning animal ownership and care. Friends of Noah further provides assistance to low income families with respect to food and veterinary care. “I am honored to have been chosen President of Friends of Noah” said Caya. “I have been legal counsel to this great organization for a number of years and look forward to continue serving along with …

Many people choose SUVs because they are supposed to be safe cars. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the case — at least for passengers in the front seat of these vehicles. CNBC reported recently that crash tests involving many small SUVs had revealed problems with safety features affecting the front passenger seat. The crash tests were conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on seven small SUVs that had generally received good crash test ratings. The results were troubling. When accidents happen, safety features can and should help to prevent fatalities an…

In 2014, 846 people were killed in car accidents attributed to drowsy driving. Fatal accidents represent only a small portion of the total number of collisions involving fatigued drivers. In fact, Journalist’s Resource from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center reports that thousands, or even millions, of drowsy driving accidents happen annually. Estimates on the scope of the problem vary greatly, with data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration collected between 2005 and 2009 revealing an average of 83,000 drowsy driving-related accidents annua…