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5 Questions You Should Ask Your Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney

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Man being hit by car driven by young womanCar accidents are a scary, traumatic experience. Not only that, they can become a financial and emotional headache, an inconvenience that can last weeks, months, even years.

A great car accident attorney can help guide you through that battlefield. You’ll want to find someone you trust as soon as possible. Experts say it’s important to lawyer up before you even talk to any insurance companies.

If you’ve never worked with an attorney before, it’s natural to have some questions. You want to feel confident that you’ve picked the right person you can trust. But how can you know?

Read on to learn which questions you need to ask a Milwaukee car accident attorney.

1. How Do You Charge?

The norm for personal injury attorneys is to not charge up front. Instead, they charge on a “contingency basis.” This means that they will take a percentage from the settlement you receive.

What’s the difference between contingency vs. hourly fees? Paying on an hourly basis means you rack up a big bill a lot faster.

You’ll also want to know what court fees and miscellaneous costs you’ll be expected to pay. Ask now so you don’t end up surprised later.

2. Do You Specialize in Car Accident Cases?

Ask this even if the law firm says that they specialize in car accidents. Within a firm, some attorneys will have experience with car accidents, and others might be more versed in other personal injury suits.

You could also ask if they have experience with your type of car accident. For example, if you were struck by a commercial vehicle, company negligence could be at play.

For particularly difficult cases you want someone with that specific type of relevant experience.

3. How Long Do You Think This Case Will Take?

An attorney can’t know exactly how long your trial will take. You’ll at least want to hear a ballpark figure for your own peace of mind. You’ll also want to know how long it could take to get your settlement after it’s awarded. This is so you can plan how you’ll be paying mounting medical bills.

4. How Often Do You Go to Trial?

Insurance companies often want to settle out of court. That’s because if they go to trial, they often end up paying out a lot more. If your potential attorney rarely goes to court, it could be a sign that they want a quick, easy payday.

Of course, it might be in your best interest to settle, but that’s for you and your attorney to decide. It’s just good to know that your attorney will advise you without any ulterior motives.

5. Have You Been Disciplined by Any Ethics Committees?

The answer will probably be “never.” But you should still ask, just in case. It’s a legitimate concern, and a good attorney won’t be offended.

If they say they have, move on to another attorney or do some research on what happened. You want to be sure they can represent you effectively. And just as importantly, you want to know that your settlement money will be safe.

A Car Accident Attorney Should Be Open with You

If they seem annoyed or try to avoid your questions, think twice about hiring them. You have every right to make an informed decision before you hire an attorney.

Have you recently been in a car accident and need a lawyer? We specialize in these personal injury cases. Contact us today and we’d be happy to answer all of your questions.

Why You Should Call a Dog Bite Lawyer Soon After an Attack

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In the twelve year period between 2005 and 2016, dog attacks led to 392 fatalities across the United States.

Dog attacks should be taken seriously. Today, there are laws in place to protect and compensate these victims for the physical and emotional damages endured as a result of being attacked. But, before you can benefit from these laws, it is your responsibility to report the attack and consult a dog bite lawyer.

This is important for the victim, but it is also paramount to the future safety of other potential victims. Victims play a key role in ensuring that pet laws are enforced and remain appropriately intact.

If you have been bitten or otherwise injured from a dog attack, it’s important that you act immediately. Here’s everything you need to know about hiring a dog bite lawyer.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer Working for You

There are certain steps that you should take if you are attacked by a dog.

First, you need to identify the owner, file a report, seek medical care, and take photographs of any wounds, bruises, or damages that were sustained during the attack.

Once you have taken care of the above steps, your next priority should be to contact a lawyer. It’s critical to speak with a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.

These are just a few of the reasons that consulting an experienced attorney is in your best interest if you have suffered a dog attack.

1. Safety of Yourself and Others

In many cases, the dog who attacked lives nearby. But, even if the dog does not live in your neighborhood, there is the possibility it might attack someone again.

There are appropriate, legal actions that must be taken to ensure necessary precautions are taken to prevent a subsequent attack from occurring.

2. Accountability and the Law

There are laws in place to protect the public from pets who may be dangerous and to hold their owners accountable. An attorney will know which laws apply and how to see to it that they are enforced.

This is not only important for your specific circumstances. It also ensures that these laws remain in place and are taken seriously by police and the courts. Your case helps to protect others from suffering in the future and ensures that those who disregard the law are held accountable.

3. Compensation for Suffering

You deserve compensation for any physical and emotional damages that were caused by the attack.

Only a professional attorney has the experience and knowledge needed to be able to navigate the legal system and negotiate the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Because a lawyer knows the protocol for determining and collecting restitution, their representation is valuable. The value of legal representation simply cannot be substituted by your own efforts.

Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?

Hiring a professional legal representative is a must for anyone who has endured a dog attack. Make sure that you have someone who is willing to fight for you, to uphold the law, and get you the compensation that you deserve.

If you have been the victim of a dog attack, consider contacting a qualified Milwaukee dog bite lawyer. And, if you need legal representation for your case, contact us today!

Why Victims of Bus Accidents in Wisconsin Might Need a Lawyer

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As a patron of public transport, you rely on buses to get you where you need to go in a quick, safe manner. But what happens when that trust is taken for granted? Innocent people get hurt.

Each year, thousands of people like you get unnecessarily injured in bus accidents. But you don’t have to sit idly by and be a victim.

Contacting an experienced lawyer is a great way to make sure that you get what you’re owed. Still not convinced? Here’s why victims of bus accidents should contact a lawyer immediately.

Bus Accidents Can Result in Injury

The primary reason to contact a lawyer is due to injury in the accident. An injury is a sticky situation for a number of reasons.

First and foremost are the medical bills. A stay in the hospital can be remarkably expensive. The average stay in the hospital can cost well over $1,000, even with insurance. And all because of an accident that was outside of your control.

Lost income is another huge factor. Injuries require extensive medical attention, which takes away from valuable work time. Not only will you lose money from hospital bills, but the result of the accident is actively taking away money that you could be making at work.

Accidents Cause More Than Physical Pain

Bus accidents can be traumatic. You may feel scared or nervous to leave your home or to use public transportation again. You may feel like you never want to get on the road, much less actually drive a vehicle yourself.

This absolutely constitutes unnecessary trauma. That trauma can affect aspects of your life, from productivity to personal relationships. It may sound strange if you’ve never experienced it, but the fear you’re feeling is very real. In fact, you may even experience symptoms of PTSD.

You deserve better than that. A lawyer can represent you and articulate the very real pain that you’re feeling.

Your Insurance Company May Not Pay

Even if you have a great policy, most insurance companies will be reluctant to pay up. And when they do, they’ll turn around and charge you more. We believe this is unfair.

While you have every right to get paid, sometimes insurance companies can be tough. Whether you filled out a form wrong or they’re flat-out refusing to cover the incident, you deserve better.

Having someone in your corner is an indescribable feeling. Your lawyer will fight for you to get what you’ve paid for.

You have rights that they don’t want you to know about. Get in touch with your lawyer today to determine how much you’re owed.

Let Gebhard Law Help

At Gebhard Law, we understand how debilitating bus accidents can be. But you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Get in touch with us today and let our Milwaukee bus accident lawyer work to represent you! We’ll work with you to get the financial compensation you deserve, so you can get your life back on track. With years of experience fighting for people like you, we can help!

5 Things You Should Do Soon After a Bad Car Accident

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Young woman making phone call after accidentIn 2016 alone, there were more than 129,000 car accidents in the state of Wisconsin.

Even when there are no fatalities, a car accident is still a terrifying experience and it can be difficult to know what to do after one occurs.

The first minutes and days after a bad car accident are actually the most crucial, especially if you plan on pursuing legal action. You want to do your best to keep a clear head. That way you can gather all the information you might need later on.

Having a simple checklist of what to do following a car accident can make it easier for you to stay calm if you do experience one. Read on to learn about the five actions you should take as soon as possible.

1. Seek Medical Attention for Anyone Injured in a Bad Car Accident

If you or any other passengers were injured as the result of a bad car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do feel fine at the scene, you should still plan to see a doctor as soon as possible.

It is very common for someone in a car accident to feel fine at the scene, only to have injuries and pain present themselves a few days later. In order to pursue legal action at any point, you will need documentation of your injuries and of the medical attention you received.

2. Contact Police to File an Accident Report

Even if a car accident doesn’t appear to have caused major damage, you should always contact the police to file an accident report. It’s important to have an official record of the accident, and the police may be able to determine who was at fault.

The police may also have information about the other driver that could be useful to you in building a legal case. For example, if that person was driving on an expired license or registration.

3. Take Pictures of the Scene

Taking photos at the scene of the accident can strengthen a legal case and help support your version of what happened. A smartphone or a digital camera kept in the glove box will work well for this.

Try to get pictures of:

  • Any damage to the exterior of your car and any other car(s) involved in the accident
  • The position of the vehicles. Include landmarks, street signs, etc., in the photos for points of reference
  • License plates
  • Interior damage
  • Any skid marks or debris left on the road

4. Write Down What Happened

As soon as you are able, you should create a record of exactly what you believe happened before, during, and immediately after the accident. Write down everything you remember about what the cars were doing and how people reacted.

If there are witnesses available and willing to talk, try to get statements from them and/or take down their contact information to follow up at a later date.

5. Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

Contacting a qualified car accident lawyer in Milwaukee is your best chance of getting the compensation you deserve. If you are injured and need medical attention, the liable party should be responsible for compensating you for bills, rehab, lost wages, etc.

A car accident lawyer will fight to make sure you get what you deserve and the at-fault party faces the appropriate consequences.

Don’t Let a Bad Car Accident Cause Even More Harm

Being in a bad car accident is hard enough, especially when you know you aren’t at fault. Don’t let things spiral out of control. Stay calm and take the immediate actions necessary to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Have you been in a bad car accident in Milwaukee? If so, and you’re ready to talk to a car accident lawyer, contact us today.

Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents In Milwaukee

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The attorneys at Gebhard Law are proud supporters of Milwaukee’s motorcycle tradition. With that tradition comes the risk of accidents. Distracted and inattentive drivers are a hazard to other motor vehicle operators, in particular motorcyclists. For this reason, Gebhard Law is dedicated to defending the rights of motorcycle enthusiasts, and getting their due compensation in the event of an accident. In Milwaukee, Gebhard Law is your best option for a motorcycle accident attorney.

You should always value safety above all else when operating a motorcycle, and a little preparation can go a long way towards protecting your well being. As you enjoy your ride, keep the following tips in mind:

A cursory inspection of your motorcycle should be conducted before each and every ride. Take a look at your signal lights, horn, and make sure they are working properly. Check the drivetrain and exhaust for visible problems, and ensure that your wheels are clean and clear of debris. Tires should be in good condition and should be replaced as soon as they become worn. Your pre-ride inspection is your first line of defense against injury while riding, so take it seriously and be diligent.

Wisconsin law does not require you to wear a helmet, but you should be aware that you’re taking your life into your own hands when you ride without one. At the very least, one should consider a quality motorcycle helmet for long rides. Modern helmets can go a long way towards improving your comfort and convenience when riding. You owe it to yourself to investigate your options for a helmet if you don’t already have one.

Milwaukee’s roads aren’t always in the best condition due to our harsh winters and the damage they cause to asphalt and concrete alike. A road that is littered with potholes is especially hazardous to motorcyclists. Not only are bad roads dangerous to ride on, they can cause serious damage to your motorcycle. Plan out your route and avoid construction zones and roads that are in need of repair – your well-being and your ride will thank you for it.

Contact us today!

At Gebhard Law Office, our Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to immediately respond to injured victims and families who contact our firm during their times of need. Contact us today on our website or at 414-873-6550 and we’ll get started fighting for your rights.

Gebhard Law Office