Each year, more than 500 car accidents in Wisconsin claim, on average, 559 lives, according to the state’s Department of Transportation. If your loved one has died in a car accident, Wisconsin law provides that you may be able to receive compensation for your loss through a type of claim called a wrongful death lawsuit.

Fatality Rates by Car Accident Type and Cause

The 559 lives lost on average each year occur in different types of accidents that are caused by a variety of circumstances. For example, each year on average:

Many car accident victims, of even minor collisions, are often surprised when they experience neck pain; however, it is one of the most common injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents. A neck injury can affect healthy individuals and those who have had previous neck and back discomfort. 

How Neck Injuries are Sustained

There are two ways neck injuries are regularly sustained in auto collisions. First, the neck may become injured when the head strikes an object in the car such as a headrest or an airbag. The second way the neck may be injured is by an impact that causes the head to move forward and backward suddenly beyond the neck’s normal range of motion. This type of neck injury is known as whiplash. Whiplash is a type of soft tissue damage as it affects the muscles and ligaments of the neck.

While many associate speed and driver inattention when they think about the causes of accidents, failure to properly maintain a vehicle accounts for many accidents each year. Car crashes caused by poor maintenance are preventable. Checking for wear on tires, taking warning lights on the vehicle dashboard seriously, and bringing vehicles to a mechanic regularly reduce the chances of causing a car accident.

Common Car Problems that Can Result in Accidents 

The following car issues can lead to a vehicle collision or catastrophic accident:

Traveling by foot is a great way to get exercise, reduce traffic, and help the environment. There are also risks and safety considerations all pedestrians should learn about as this group is the most vulnerable travelers on roads and sidewalks.

Pedestrian Traffic Accident Rates

Pedestrian accidents involving cars are common. In the next 24 hours, it is estimated that 430 pedestrians will require emergency medical care. This means that approximately 156,000 pedestrians are treated by an emergency department for injuries annually.

If you have been injured in a car accident, there are steps you can follow to help your case, should you choose to file a personal injury claim. One easy thing is to take photos and record videos in the moments after your accident with your smartphone. 

Many people forget to document the accident scene. Photos and video are usually great tools in a civil case because they can convey to the jury many important details of the accident. If there are no photos, the jury must rely on testimony instead. Testimony is not as compelling as visual images and can also be more easily disbelieved.

It is important to remember, though, that your health and safety is the first priority. Do not attempt to take photographs if you are seriously injured. Also, only if you are able, be sure that you call the police and trade insurance and contact information with the other driver involved in the accident.