Getting into a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and dealing with the resulting medical treatments, vehicle repairs, police reports, and insurance claims can be overwhelming in even the best cases. This process becomes even more difficult in the case of hit and run accidents, since victims will have difficulty determining the identity of the driver who was involved in an accident and holding him or her responsible for the damages caused.

Hit and Run Accidents Under Wisconsin Law

In Wisconsin, a driver who strikes a person or vehicle is required to stop his or her vehicle, investigate the scene of the accident, share his or her contact information and vehicle registration number with the other party, and provide any necessary medical assistance to anyone who was injured in the accident. Failure to do so is a felony.

A car accident is a distressing experience for drivers and their passengers as well as any pedestrians who are involved and even for witnesses and bystanders. Whether a collision is a minor bump or a major fender bender, injuries often occur. Additionally, people are often unsure about whether they should offer medical assistance or wait for an ambulance or other medical professional. In these situations, drivers, passengers, and anyone else at the scene of the accident should understand their rights and their responsibilities toward people who are injured. 

The Duty to Provide Assistance 

Under Wisconsin law, the operator of a vehicle that is involved in a car accident is required to provide “reasonable assistance” to anyone who was injured in the accident. This assistance can include calling emergency services or, if requested, providing transportation to a doctor or hospital for medical treatment.

Winter weather presents a renewed set of slip-and-fall hazards for the public. Snow, ice, and melted water have all been known to cause serious slip-and-fall accidents leading to significant injuries.

Not every slip-and-fall accident will result in liability on the part of a property owner or in a lawsuit, and your case should be brought expeditiously to a personal injury attorney for evaluation.

Hazards that Appear in Winter

While it may be difficult to imagine hitting a pedestrian with a car and then driving away, this type of accident occurs with some frequency. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that nearly 20 percent of all pedestrian fatalities are hit and run accidents.

It may seem shocking that a driver would not want to help a pedestrian accident victim or render aid. However, many pedestrian-involved car accidents take place late at night, and alcohol is a common factor.

If you have been injured as a pedestrian or if you have lost a loved one to a pedestrian hit and run accident, a lawyer can help you get compensation for your injuries and losses.

A routine trip to a shopping mall or supermarket can turn into a life-changing medical emergency due to fall hazards such as uneven flooring or wet walking surfaces.

These types of accidents are called slip and falls. Slip and falls can be caused by a lack of hand rails, missing warning signs, poor lighting, or unmarked steps.

Slip and fall accidents can cause grave injuries that can take months or years to heal. Some accident victims may never be the same. Unfortunately, the elderly are at an increased risk for falling accidents.