Recent Blog Posts
The Ripple Effect of a Personal Injury
When personal injuries are discussed, the focus is primarily on the person who was injured. But anyone who has been injured, knows the the impact of the personal injury touches more than them. An injury touches everyone close to person and greatly impacts family members.
Think of a stone dropped in the water. The ripple effect of the stone is at the center but the ripples expand in a circle outward. A personal injury works in the same way. The ripples…
The Police Report is Not the Final Word on Fault in Wisconsin
If an injured person is in an accident in Wisconsin, they will most likely receive a copy of the police report after a car collision. It is natural to treat the report as an official document and the final word on fault. However, the police report is not the final word on fault in Wisconsin and is most likely not even admissible in a court proceeding. This rule is rooted in the rules against hearsay and the understanding that the officers did not witness the collision…
Who can be Held Liable in a Scooter Accident?
Electric scooters are transforming the way that Wisconsinites navigate through cities and college campuses. With their increased use, the questions arise as to who is responsible for a collision on a scooter. Wisconsin treats scooters as "vehicles" and thus they must obey the rules of the road. When someone is injured on the scooter, the first avenue of recovery is often the negligent driver. In Wisconsin, liablilty insurance is require for all drivers. …
Handling of Insurance Communications
The terms used by the insurance industry are not familiar terms to the average person. Insurance adjusters talk about coverage and liabilty. They also have their own way of calculating damages that may be different than what you may expect.
Despite what any insurance representative may tell you, the ultimate decision as to whether there is coverage under an insurance policy is the court. The court applies rules of contract construction to an insurance policy and then…
Knowledge of Local Courts and Procedures
Courts operate through procedural rules, filing systems, scheduling practices and standing orders. An attorney who regularly appears in court has an understanding of how the court process works. This understanding includes how documents are submitted, how conferences are conducted and how the court manages its schedule. A familiarity with the court system can help streamline your legal case and avoid procedural error that can harm a personal injury claim. A familiarity…
Dealing with Concussion Symptoms
Concussions are caused by moderate to severe head trauma. Motor vehicle collisions can result in concussions due to the forces placed on a person's head. A car wreck can place forces on the brain moving it from side to side and backwards and forwards. If concussion symptoms last beyond three weeks, a doctor may make a diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome. Post-concussion syndrome can be a permanent diagnosis leading to a lifetime of pain and suffering.
At the…
Victim of a Drunk Driver
At Herrick & Hart, we are called upon often to assist the victims of drunk drivers. Drunk drivers still remain a great danger on the roads and cause many injuries and deaths each year. As the victim of a drunk driver, you will be pulled into two different legal processes. The first is the criminal process where you will be the victim. Under Wisconsin law, certain rights apply to you under the victim rights statue. The other process is the civil process.…
When Your Child is Injured in a Car Collision
All parents wish to protect their children. Sadly, many children are hurt in car collisions. The best way for a parent to protect their child in a car is to put them in a child safety seat. The parent should follow all of the instructions for the safety seat. The parent should also follow safe driving practices while on the road.
A child is more vulnerable to injuries from a car collision since they have a larger head to body ratio. In addition, they have a…
Collaborating with Herrick & Hart
A practicing attorney sometimes finds themselves outside the scope of their practice. This happens often if you have a client who you have helped for an extended period of time. In other situations, an attorney finds themselves without the time they need to dedicate to a certain matter. If you find yourself outside the scope of your practice or lacking the time that you need, think of contacting Herrick & Hart.
At Herrick & Hart, we are happy to assist…
What If I Have Already Started Work on My Personal Injury Case Myself?
If you have started to work on your personal injury case yourself, you can still contact a lawyer. At Herrick & Hart, we see injured persons who often think that they can go it alone. However, after they begin the complex process of putting together a personal injury case they realize the need for experienced legal advice. A person who goes it alone is going against an insurance company which has tremendous resources…