You were driving to Appleton and they came out of nowhere. Now your car is ruined, the bills are piling up because you can’t get back to work, and you can barely get out of your chair. 

Someone else’s reckless behavior has deeply affected your life. But how can this person be held responsible for what they’ve caused? 

If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Wisconsin, Natasha Misra Law is here to let you know more about how the driver could be held responsible in different court systems. 

The Civil System for Wisconsin Drunk Driving Injuries

The civil system focuses on holding the drunk driver accountable by seeking financial compensation for the damages and injuries you've suffered, while the criminal system deals with punishing the drunk driver for breaking the law.

In the civil system, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the drunk driver to seek compensation for: 

Medical Expenses: You can recover costs related to medical care, including emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments needed due to the injuries caused by the accident.

Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery. This may also include compensation for any reduction in your earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected.

Pain and Suffering: This compensation covers the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured because of the accident and its aftermath, including ongoing discomfort, anxiety, and other forms of mental anguish.

Other Damages: Depending on the details of your case, you may also be able to claim additional damages, such as property damage, loss of enjoyment of life, or punitive damages aimed at punishing the drunk driver for their reckless actions.

A skilled Milwaukee car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Criminal System

On the other hand, the criminal system is responsible for holding the drunk driver accountable for their actions. If the driver is charged with operating under the influence (OWI) which is commonly referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), they may face criminal penalties such as fines, license suspension, or even jail time. While the criminal system aims to punish the wrongdoer, the civil system focuses on providing you with the financial relief you need to move forward.

Get Skilled Legal Representation in Milwaukee Today

Being hit by a drunk driver can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. By getting legal guidance from Natasha Misra Law, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Let us help you through the legal process and secure the compensation you need to recover and continue. Reach out now and get a lawyer who’s not just another suit on your side.

If you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault in Green Bay, Milwaukee, Appleton or Fond du Lac you probably have some questions about your legal options. What happens if the other driver didn’t get a ticket? How does that affect my motor vehicle accident case? 

You’ll be glad to know that a ticket at the scene doesn't necessarily determine liability, and you can still make a case. If you’re thinking about a car accident injury claim in Wisconsin, Natasha Misra Law is here to help you make informed decisions - because helping people with their accident cases is our calling. Let’s look at some of the ins and outs of accident cases, and how a ticket can affect them. 

What Are the Elements of Car Accident Cases in Northern WI?

In Wisconsin, liability in car accident cases is determined by negligence, which includes proving the other party’s failure to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to others which is also referred to as a breach of duty. The presence or absence of a traffic ticket does not necessarily directly correlate with this breach of duty. In other words, even if the at-fault party didn't receive a citation at the accident scene, it doesn't absolve them of responsibility. Let’s break down the basics of a car accident case:

Duty of Care: This refers to the legal obligation each person has to exercise ordinary care under similar circumstances to avoid creating unreasonable risk of injury to others. In the context of driving, it means following traffic laws, maintaining control of the vehicle, and driving safely.

Breach of Duty: If a driver fails to uphold their duty of care, they may be considered negligent. This could include actions such as speeding, running a red light, driving under the influence, or any other behavior that deviates from what a reasonable person would do in similar circumstances - importantly this does not have to include a ticket-able offense. 

Causation: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant's breach of duty caused the injuries in question. This can sometimes be straightforward, such as in cases where one car rear-ends another, but in other instances, it may be more complex to establish a clear causal link.

Damages: Finally, the plaintiff must show that they suffered actual harm or damages as a result of the accident. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses incurred due to the injury.

Evidence That Can Help Establish a Breach of Duty 

Car accident cases involve a thorough analysis of many kinds of evidence including, but not limited to:

Traffic Laws: Violating traffic laws can be evidence of negligence, but not receiving a ticket doesn't mean the at-fault party behaved lawfully.

Police Reports: Police reports are valuable in documenting the details of the accident, but they are not the sole determinant of liability.

Eyewitness Testimony: Witness statements can provide crucial insight into the circumstances of the accident and help establish fault.

Why Should I Work With Natasha Misra Law?

Whether you’re in the Appleton area, down by Sheboygan, or up in Green Bay, a skilled car accident attorney can help you start your case with confidence. At Natasha Misra Law, we have a proven track record of helping accident victims seek justice and fair compensation 

As Milwaukee personal injury attorneys, it is my mission to ensure that you are treated fairly and receive the financial compensation you deserve. My team works with clients from all over Wisconsin, and we are determined to obtain the best financial awards and settlements for you. - Natasha Misra

Don't Let the Lack of a Ticket Stop You - Reach Out About Your Case Today

If they didn’t get a citation at the scene, it doesn't mean you can't pursue a personal injury case. Our experienced legal team will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong argument to support your claim. Your rights matter, and we are here to fight for you. Contact Natasha Misra Law today and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Natasha Misra

My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.