Recent Blog Posts
Stop for the School Bus
The familiar sight of the big yellow school bus signals the start of new school year. While school buses are the safest mode of transportation for students, the most dangerous moments are when a student gets on and off the school bus. A driver on the road has a duty to be careful around a school bus and lookout for children.
Wisconsin law requires that a driver stop 20 feet or more from any…
At Herrick & Hart, we often meet with injured persons who have signed documents after being injured. In many cases, we have to inform them that by signing a document they have settled the case and can no longer pursue an injury claim. An injured person must remember that the documents they sign with an insurance company after being injured are legal documents. We stress that before signing any document or…
Crosswalks are critical zones where pedestrians and drivers share the road. A driver needs to understand their responsibilties at a crosswalk. Understanding these responsibilities can prevent injuries and save lives. Wisconsin law clearly defines the rules for a driver at a crosswalk. Under Wisconsin law, a driver must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. If a pedestrian is entering the crosswalk on your side of the road you must stop and wait until they have…
The most apparent cost of a personal injury is the medical bills. Dealing with the medical bills can be complicated. The injured person is soon introduced to terms they have never heard before like "medical payments coverage" and "hospital lien." These are only a few of the terms that the injured person may find new. An injured person soon learns about the strengths and weaknesses of their own medical insurance. An injured person may also find themselves in a…
Both the United States Constitution and the Wisconsin Constitution provide for a jury trial for civil cases. A civil case differs from a criminal case. In a criminal case, the case is either brought by the United States or by the State. The authority to start a criminal case belongs to the executive branch of government. On the other hand, a civil case is brought by an individual or a business entity. To know your right's with respect to starting a civil case, it is…
When hiring a personal injury attorney, the most important and often overlooked quality that an injured person should seek is trial experience. With all of the personal injury advertising and billboards that surround us each day, it is difficult to look past all of the advertising to see which attorneys can actually work on your case and get the maximum value for your injuries. Many firms that have big advertising budgets need to settle cases quickly and for less than full value…
A prompt legal consultation after a personal injury case is crucial and failing to seek legal help promptly can weaken your case. A consultation should be set up with an experienced trial attorney as soon as reasonable after a personal injury. The attorney can take steps to make sure that critical evidence is preserved such as surveillance footage that may degrade or be deleted over time. In addition, every case has a statute of limitations deadline. A person who is…
Visible injuries are not required to file a personal injury claim. In fact, many personal injury claims involve injuries that are not visible to the eye. Some of the common types of injuries that are not visible include whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injury, internal bleeding and post-traumatic stress disorder. In cases where injuries are not visible, insurance companies will often take a stronger defense. In these cases, it is very important to have an…
A concussion can can be caused by a blow or bump to the head. A concussion can also be caused by a hit to the body that causes the brain to move back and forth quickly. The fast movement of the brain causes the brain to bounce around inside the skull. The movement of the brain can cause chemical changes in the brain and stretching that can damage brain cells. In some cases, a collection of blood may pool in the brain. This is a dangerous condition called a…
A common type of personal injury claim is a slip and fall. A slip and fall claim occurs when a person is on the property of another. In addition to the common law negligence claims, a person who falls in a store may also bring a claim under the Wisconsin Safe Place statute. The statute requires a heightened duty on the part of a store owner to keep their…
Careful What You Sign After an Accident
A Driver's Duty at Crosswalks
Dealing with the Medical Bills from a Personal Injury
A Personal Injury Case - Your Right
The Importance of Trial Experience
Waiting too Long to Consult an Attorney can Weaken Your Personal Injury Case
Visible Injuries are Not Required for a Personal Injury Claim
Kids and Concussions
A Slip and Fall in a Store