In 2024, Wisconsin had over 25,000 lawyers admitted to the State Bar. These attorneys practice in about 3,900 law firms. Warshafksy is the only Wisconsin law firm with a board-certified car accident investigator and a lawyer who doubles as a medical doctor.
We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and trial verdicts on behalf of our clients.
We prepare every case to win at trial and maximize your payout from liable parties and their insurance companies.
Insurance companies know which firms have a reputation for bringing cases to trial. They negotiate accordingly.
We hire our law firm staff - personal injury lawyers and investigators - from insurance companies. We use their tactics against them.
As members of the National Association of Claimant Compensation, Ted Warshafsky and Ralph Nader have fought and won cases against goliath adversaries like General Motors.
You pay no fee until you receive compensation. Many clients choose Warshafsky personal injury lawyers for our ability to fund a case through trial and appeal.
You can visit our car accident attorneys in downtown Milwaukee (near the corner of N. Jefferson St and E. Kilbourne Avenue). We will send a Milwaukee car accident investigator to collect evidence at the scene of your crash, and our on-staff medical doctor will come to your home or hospital room to document your injuries. Insurance companies offer maximum compensation to car accident victims and their loved ones only when they fear losing to trial-proven personal injury attorneys. Warshafsky personal injury lawyers build your Milwaukee car accident case to go to trial from the moment you become our client.
What should I do after a car accident in Milwaukee?
Your health and the strength of your injury claim depend heavily on the actions you take immediately after a collision. You are required to report the car accident to the police within 24 hours, but you usually should call the police immediately after an accident has occurred. After a police report has been filed, order a copy for your attorney to hold as evidence. Consult your attorney before contacting your insurance company to avoid volunteering any information that could negatively impact your settlement. Retain an experienced lawyer quickly for advisement on properly reporting the accident, documenting critical information, getting necessary treatment and building a strong case to see maximum compensation.
Crucial next steps after a car crash in Milwaukee, Wisconsin:
Stay at the scene: By law, you are required to stay at the scene of your car accident if it caused damage to property, injury or death. If you leave the scene, you may face hit-and-run charges, complicating your ability to receive compensation. Move over to prevent further injury or car accidents.
Call the police: A short investigation is conducted and an incident report is filled out when the officer arrives. Your attorney can use any details as evidence in your car accident case. If you fail to report the accident, you may lose the ability to recover compensation.
Seek medical attention: After the car accident, visit a doctor or the hospital ASAP. Don’t wait for the police to arrive if you have critical injuries. Medical care is crucial for your health and should be a priority.
Hire a skilled Milwaukee car accident lawyer: Warshafsky will handle all phone calls, emails and conversations once you hire us. We’ll fight for maximum compensation. You don’t pay us until you get what you’re owed.
Don’t admit fault or blame: Insurance adjusters will contact you after your car accident to obtain incriminating statements. Let your lawyer communicate with the insurance company. Your insurance company will use any apology or admission of fault to minimize your claim.
Don’t accept lowball settlement offers: Insurance companies tend to lowball settlement offers. If you accept their first offer, you’ll walk away with a fraction of what you deserve. Insurance companies will make you larger settlement offers when you have a team of trial-ready lawyers on your side.
Don't wait to call a Milwaukee car accident attorney
Wisconsin car accident laws impact your compensation. In fatal car accident cases, our personal injury lawyers will fight for the highest possible settlement. The quality of your legal representation does impact verdicts and settlement offers. Don’t sign any insurance paperwork without our free case evaluation.
A certified legal investigator examines the details of every Milwaukee car wreck case
It is always best to document the scene of a crash immediately. After a car wreck, you may be disorientated or injured while thinking about the legal fallout. Some personal injury firms would look at a week-old crash scene and tell you to settle. At Warshafsky Law, certified legal investigator John Schatzman will investigate the crash site to find who is truly at fault. It’s NOT too late to collect valuable evidence to use against the insurance companies who may try to lowball you.
Frank Fought for Chris Against the Insurance Companies
When I was hit by an underinsured driver, Warshafsky was the company I talked to first. Frank Crivello immediately addressed my medical concerns and then we discussed my car. The other drivers insurance company wanted me to settle right away. What the insurance company wanted to offer me barely cove...
When I was hit by an underinsured driver, Warshafsky was the company I talked to first. Frank Crivello immediately addressed my medical concerns and then we discussed my car. The other drivers insurance company wanted me to settle right away. What the insurance company wanted to offer me barely covered my car issues, I did not even know what my medical bills would be yet. Frank put me at ease that this was not acceptable and he would make sure I would be treated fairly. In the end, Frank made sure my medical bills were covered and my car is good as new. Thanks Frank!
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Chris O
Krista Fought for a Better Payday for Jimi
I had the pleasure to work with Krista G. LaFave at Warshafsky law firm. Not only was Krista available for my questions, but she worked hard to get more money than I expected. Because of her insight, and professional advice, I listened to her. I was very anxious and wanted to just get this over with...
I had the pleasure to work with Krista G. LaFave at Warshafsky law firm. Not only was Krista available for my questions, but she worked hard to get more money than I expected. Because of her insight, and professional advice, I listened to her. I was very anxious and wanted to just get this over with. Krista explained that she wanted to fight harder for me to end up with a better payday. I totally trusted her, I could tell she was fighting for me like I was a family member of hers. So happy to have had Krista fighting for me. I ended up with literally double the amount I had anticipated. Thank you again Krista.
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Jimi M
"This is the place, and these are the people."
I want to thank Warshafsky Law Firm for everything that they have done for me and my daughter. Specifically, Victor C. Harding and Sue M. Soczka. I can't express enough how grateful I am for all of their hard work and dedication. From the beginning to the end, they took control of everything needed ...
I want to thank Warshafsky Law Firm for everything that they have done for me and my daughter. Specifically, Victor C. Harding and Sue M. Soczka. I can't express enough how grateful I am for all of their hard work and dedication. From the beginning to the end, they took control of everything needed to handle my situation. I was regularly contacted and informed about each and every step of the process while working for a positive outcome in my favor. Working with Victor and Sue was not only extremely professional, it was also very personal. I truly felt that I had the support of the entire firm behind me. This is the place, and these are the people, that I would highly recommend having work for you!
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Tyler P
"Trusting in the Warshafsky team was one of the best decisions my family has made."
The Warshafsky Law Firm were diligent and very professional. I rarely write a review unless I feel strongly about something, but I truly feel that everyone at Warshafsky worked hard on our case and deserves all the good praises. We never felt like we couldn't trust them to work for us to get everyth...
The Warshafsky Law Firm were diligent and very professional. I rarely write a review unless I feel strongly about something, but I truly feel that everyone at Warshafsky worked hard on our case and deserves all the good praises. We never felt like we couldn't trust them to work for us to get everything that we deserved. Trusting in the Warshafsky team, especially Frank T. Crivello, was one of the best decisions my family had made. Not only did we have a really good attorney on our side, but we ended up with someone we can consider a friend as well. I don't know where else we could have found an attorney like that. Thank you, Frank and the Warshafsky team.
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Mae C
Krista & Victor Challenged a 60-Year-Old Settlement Cap and WON!
Krista LaFave and Victor Harding made a recovery for almost nine times more than is allowed by law! My husband was killed in an auto accident because a municipality failed to erect warning signs alerting drivers of a road closure ahead. Early on, I was told that a municipality is protected by a $5...
Krista LaFave and Victor Harding made a recovery for almost nine times more than is allowed by law! My husband was killed in an auto accident because a municipality failed to erect warning signs alerting drivers of a road closure ahead. Early on, I was told that a municipality is protected by a $50,000 cap and that was the most that could be recovered for his wrongful death. A statutory $50,000 cap enacted 35 years ago is meaningless in today’s dollars. It provides no accountability or consequences for a municipality’s gross negligence. Krista and Victor discovered a statute that rendered the $50,000 cap inapplicable in certain situations. The statute written 60 years ago had never before been tested. Through their perseverance in applying this law, I was able to recover far more than the cap. I can only pray that this result causes the municipality to change its ways.You can’t find better representation out there than can be provided by Warshafsky.
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Deidra U
Warshafsky Gives Out Free Legal Advice
Call Warshafsky! is what my friends told me. Thankfully in my accident, no one was injured, but I did not want to be taken advantage of by the insurance company. I wasn't sure if I needed a lawyer, but this IS about the money, right? You carefully listened to me about my situation and let me know th...
Call Warshafsky! is what my friends told me. Thankfully in my accident, no one was injured, but I did not want to be taken advantage of by the insurance company. I wasn't sure if I needed a lawyer, but this IS about the money, right? You carefully listened to me about my situation and let me know that you did not feel I needed Warshafsky. Wow!, what honesty. Then you helped me so much by graciously giving me the correct information to help me help myself. I never thought I would say this to an attorney, "You helped, even when there was nothing in it for you." I hope I never need you, but if I do, Warshafsky are my lawyers.
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C Boneck
Milwaukee car accident settlement & judgment amounts
Types of damages available if you’re injured in Milwaukee
If you have been injured in a Milwaukee car accident, you may be entitled to damages, or money, based on a variety of factors. Straightforward economic damages are easier to measure financially. Your compensation may include:
Property damage (typically including the damage to your vehicle and its contents)
Lost wages (loss of income and loss of future earning capacity from being too injured to work)
Medical expenses (including hospital bills past, present, and future)
Emotional distress (sleep loss, fear, anxiety, and PTSD experienced after the injury)
Loss of enjoyment/loss of consortium (inability to enjoy hobbies and activities, or companionship with your spouse)
The role of pain and suffering and non-economic damages
If you have suffered an injury in a Milwaukee car accident, you are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. The physical, emotional and psychological impacts of a crash can be severe and long-lasting – you may experience PTSD, anxiety, lost wages and more. Though no amount of money can undo your hardship, financial damages may help you pay medical bills and make up for lost income. An at-fault party will be especially liable for punitive damages if their actions cause a fatality.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can analyze your Milwaukee car accident, determine fault and fight for maximum compensation in settlement negotiations or court. Don’t go at it alone after a Milwaukee car accident. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can advocate on your behalf so you can focus on healing. Trust the personal injury lawyers at Warshafsky Law and receive the fair compensation you deserve after a car accident injury.
Personal injuries from a car accident can range from minor discomfort to serious, lifelong disabilities. Pain delayed by adrenaline, inflammation or shock can initially obscure the true severity of your injuries. Even if you believe your injuries to be minor, you should still seek medical attention immediately, as it can help your attorney substantiate damages in your injury claim. Documenting the progression of your symptoms, treatment and recovery over time builds critical evidence an experienced lawyer can use to demand fair compensation. Consult a doctor and an attorney as soon as possible after you’ve been in a car accident.
In fatal cases, car accidents are often considered causes of wrongful death. When you or a loved one is wrongfully injured or when your loved one is killed in a car accident in Milwaukee, contact an attorney at Warshafsky Law.
Why police reports are critical to your car accident claim
After a car accident in Milwaukee, order a copy of the police report ASAP. Your attorney will want to review the official report as critical evidence. The police report provides a third-party account of the accident events from the reporting officer who responded to the scene. Having a record of the official police report is vital for your lawyer to establish liability and seek maximum compensation.
You can obtain a copy of the police report easily and for a small fee. The reporting officer should provide you with a receipt with an identification number. Call your local police department, then provide the identification number to your attorney so they can secure a copy of the report. If you don’t have the receipt, give your lawyer the date, time and location of the accident and they will request the official documentation for review.
The report provides a summary of the accident and includes relevant info such as:
Date, time, and location of the accident
Name, address, and insurance information of involved parties
Traffic citations issued to either party
Identifying information from witnesses
Who was at fault according to the officer
Your lawyer will use the police report to determine the best course of action to pursue the case. It’s critical to obtain a copy of the police report and provide it to an experienced car accident attorney. The insurance company will use the report to conduct its own investigation. Without the report, your Milwaukee car accident claim may be weak, allowing the insurance company to lower your settlement offer or even deny your claim.
Is Wisconsin a no-fault state?
Wisconsin follows a tort-based system, not a no-fault system (Wisconsin Statute § 346.70). This means fault must be legally determined and attributed to establish liability after a car accident. Your lawyer will need to demonstrate the at-fault party’s negligence or responsibility for causing the collision and your subsequent damages. The at-fault driver is then legally required to compensate you for all accident-related costs through their liability insurance or personal assets. You may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering damages and more. Retaining an experienced Milwaukee car accident attorney is key to determining fault and securing the maximum compensation you deserve in your car accident claim.
Uninsured & Underinsured Car Accident Victims
If you are involved in a Milwaukee car accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist (Wisconsin Statute § 344.65), you will need to file a claim with your insurance provider. The at-fault driver’s inadequate insurance will not be able to cover the damages, but your provider should. Your insurance company may attempt to avoid paying a claim, so you’ll want a team of experienced personal injury lawyers on your side to fight off any lowball offers.
How to deal with your insurance company after a Milwaukee car accident
After your Milwaukee car accident, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company (Wisconsin Statute § 628.48). When you speak to your provider, they’ll ask for information about the accident. What you decide to share can affect your claim.
Here is what you should and shouldn’t do when speaking to an insurance adjuster:
DON’T share more than necessary: Anything you say may be used against you to weaken your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. You can also opt to have your attorney handle communication with the insurance company.
DO share the date, time, names, and location of the accident: Only provide the facts.
DON’T go into detail about your injury: Insurance companies will try to dig into your medical history to blame your injuries on previous conditions.
DON’T admit fault: The insurance company is not on your side. If you take responsibility in any way, they will try to use it against you in your injury claim.
DO hire a personal injury lawyer: Rather than handling the stress of a car accident claim alone, hire a lawyer. Warshafsky handles all conversations with your insurance provider to ensure you get fair compensation, and we won’t settle for less.
DON’T sign insurance documents without speaking to a personal injury attorney: If you’re unfamiliar with any insurance documents, speak to your lawyer immediately. Your insurance company will do its best to get you to sign your legal rights away. Don’t fall for it.
DO be polite: Be courteous when speaking to an insurance adjuster but also cautious. Allow your attorney to handle communication with the insurance company to avoid disclosing any incriminating details.
DON’T accept the first settlement offer: Insurance companies set out to do one thing–save themselves money. They will offer you the lowest settlement amount possible after your car accident. Don’t accept it. Warshafsky’s expert lawyers will get you more.
About 96% of all personal injury cases are settled before they go to trial. Even if you aren't going to trial, it is still vitally important to have an experienced attorney on your side. Warshafsky's lawyers will fight for you at every step to get the full compensation you deserve.
What are the chances of getting into a car accident in your lifetime?
77% of U.S. drivers have been in at least one car accident in their lifetime, and there is a 1 in 366 chance of getting into a car accident for every 1,000 miles you drive.
On an individual level, getting into a car accident may feel like a rare occurrence. However, on average, there are over 16,000 car accidents in the U.S. every day.
Insurance companies estimate the average driver will file an insurance claim for a car accident at least once every 17.9 years, equating to the average person getting into three to four car collisions in their lifetime.
In Wisconsin, there were 572 fatal car accidents in 2023 and 25,071 injury-causing car accidents in 2022 (Wisconsin DoT). There were an average of 19,891 hit-and-run related car accidents in Wisconsin between 2018 and 2022.
Age can also play a role in your odds of getting into a car accident. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the Wisconsin DoT, younger drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in car accidents when compared to other age ranges.
Car Accident Statistics by Age (data courtesy of AAA)
Age
Crashes per 100 million miles driven
16-17
1,432
18-19
730
20-24
572
25-29
536
30-39
328
40-49
314
50-59
315
60-69
241
70+
733
Wisconsin is the 4th Worst Driving State in the US - Alcohol and Speeding to Blame
A new study, published by the insurance review site QuoteWizard, found Wisconsin to be one of the worst driving states in the US. Even if you have a perfect driving record, this ranking affects all Wisconsin vehicles. Nick VinZant, a senior research analyst, sat down with Milwaukee’s TMJ4. VinZant explains, “What we did is we looked at dangerous driving behavior nationwide, specifically speeding tickets, accidents, DUIs and citations… We found that Milwaukee is the worst driving city in Wisconsin.” Wisconsin ranks 4th in the nation for DUIs and 5th for speeding tickets.
How will this affect your insurance premiums? VinZant estimates your insurance to increase:
26% after a speeding ticket
25% - 75% after an accident
$10,000 + extra premiums after a DUI
Consult with a Milwaukee car accident lawyer to understand how driving records and citations can impact claim settlements.
Milwaukee's Most Dangerous Intersections
Data and car accident statistics indicate the intersection at Fond Du Lac Avenue, Burleigh Street and 35th Street is the most dangerous intersection in Milwaukee. From 2021 to 2022, 110 crashes and 42 hit-and-runs were recorded at the location.
Intersection
Crashes Recorded
Hit and Runs
Notable Landmarks Nearby
Fond du Lac Avenue, Burleigh Street and 35th Street
110
42
Sherman Phoenix, Police District 7
West Burleigh Street and West Fond du Lac Avenue
37
16
BMO Harris Bank, Taqueria los Tuxtla
North 35th Street and West Burleigh Street
36
14
Reynold's Pasty Shop, Conflict Sports
North 35th Street and West Fond du Lac Avenue
34
12
Milwaukee County Transit System, O'Reilly Auto Parts
Fond du Lac Avenue, Capitol Drive and 51st Boulevard
81
12
Carson Academy of Science, Zaza's Steak & Lemonade
North 51st Boulevard and West Fond du Lac Avenue
38
10
Milwaukee Fire Department, Uppa Yard
Fond du Lac Avenue, Center Street and 27th Street
81
18
Wisconsin Black Historical Society, Fryerz
North 27th Street and West Center Street
43
18
Milwaukee Public Library, Center Street Branch
North 27th Street crosses with West Fond du Lac Avenue
40
16
Clarke Street Boys & Girls Club, Matco Distributors
West Center Street and West Fond du Lac Avenue
38
10
Clarke Street School, MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary
North 35th Street and West Capitol Drive
41
18
Trend Benderz, USPS
27th Street, Teutonia Avenue and Hampton Avenue
34
15
Advance Auto Parts, Lloyd's Dry Cleaners and Laundromat
60th Street and Silver Spring Drive
32
14
Westlawn Gardens, El Navegante
60th Street and Capitol Drive
32
12
Midtown Shopping Center, Laughing Crab
Sherman Boulevard and Capitol Drive
32
12
One Stop Tire & Battery, CITGO
Cesar Chavez Drive, Muskego Avenue and Greenfield Avenue
32
14
Pete's Fruit Market; Chase Bank
Car Accident Lawyers in Milwaukee & SE Wisconsin
Attorneys at Warshafsky Law represent clients throughout the state to achieve the maximum possible compensation. We represent clients in:
Warshafsky prepares every case for full-scale litigation, through the trial and even the appeal. Insurance companies fear our reputation. They WILL settle for a dramatically higher sum than their initial, small offering. We operate under a strict no-win-no-fee policy, meaning we do not collect payment until we win.
Other Law Firms
Most attorneys want to be hired and settle your case fast. Speed of dispensation and volume means more income for these law firms and less for you. These spineless attorneys are simple settlement mills, looking for the quickest pay cut.
89 Car accident fatalities in 2024
Per the Wisconsin DOT statistics from 2023, car accidents went down dramatically in Milwaukee County (from 27,430 in 2021 to 25,604 in 2022) but car accident deaths went up (from 87 in 2021 to 111 in 2022). Preliminary death count stats suggest 2 in 2024. 2023 total crash data is not yet available.
Milwaukee County car accidents
Milwaukee County car accident deaths
We handle all types of car accidents in Milwaukee
Warshfasky Law Firm has represented injured clients in all types of auto accidents in Milwaukee. Each case is unique, the particular facts of your case will be investigated during your free case evaluation.
Head-on and rear-end collisions
T-Bone intersection accidents
Highway rollovers
Drunk driver accidents
Single vehicle and multi vehicle
Distract driver (texting and driving) accidents
Uninsured, underinsured, and hit-and-run accidents
Can road conditions impact liability in car accidents?
Common types of car crashes are impacted by icy, wet, debris-filled and improperly designed roads and could impact liability in a car accident. For example, if an entity had a duty to keep an area of pavement well maintained and failed in that duty, it might be argued that their insurance company is liable for your injuries. Call a personal injury attorney after a car accident to examine factors that could affect your case.
Types of vehicles impacting your legal claim
Uber and Lyft cars - Ride sharing services try to insulate themselves from legal liability with end-user license agreements (EULAs) for the passenger (you), and other paperwork for the driver. It may be called into question whose insurance is liable for which monetary damages.
Police cars and ambulances - There are additional car accident laws that apply to government vehicles. For example, under Wisconsin state law you must report an accident if $1,000 or more damage is done to any person’s property vehicle, but that threshold drops to $200 for government property or vehicles.
School buses and garbage trucks - Sometimes a Milwaukee car accident lawyer might seek to enjoin many parties to your lawsuit. The company employing the driver directly could be liable. The entity employing that company could be liable. The insurance company of any involved parties could be liable. A lawyer can help you work this out.
Semi tractors and large trucks - Over the road trucking companies are often protected by huge blanket insurance policies that could be the source of liability needed to help you recover financially. Even if the truck driver was only partly responsible for the damages, the company insurance policy could be responsible for all of your expenses – medical and otherwise.
Motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians - Motorcycle accidents are disproportionately likely to involve serious injury or death. Insurance policies do their best to price this into their policy, collecting maximized premiums each month while providing the minimum possible payout to make your accident claim go away.
Most common causes of serious car accident injuries in Milwaukee
Vehicle wrecks can be caused by texting and driving, following too close, or any other 1000 factors. In 2022, there were 440 Milwaukee County crashes reported with suspected serious injuries. According to the University of Wisconsin, some of the biggest contributory factors in “serious injury” accidents were:
Speed – 126 serious injury accidents28.6% of crashes had at least one driver who exceeded the speed limit, was driving too fast for conditions, or a citation was issued.
Seatbelt – 76 serious injury accidents17.3% of crashes had one or more persons who did not use any safety equipment. For motorcyclists this includes helmets.
Alcohol or Drugs – 58 serious injury accidents13.2% of crashes had one or more persons who were suspected by law enforcement to have used alcohol or drugs, or a citation was issued.
Frequent Milwaukee car accident attorney questions
What is a no win, no fee car accident law firm?
Warshafsky Law is a contingency legal firm, which means no win, no fee. You won’t pay any money up-front. You only pay only when you receive compensation. No need to worry about hourly fees or retainers for frequent communication with your attorney.
What are the most common car accident injuries?
The most common car accident injuries include scrapes and cuts, soft tissue damage and head, chest, arm, and leg injuries.
How is fault determined in a car accident in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin operates under a Shared Fault Law, meaning each person involved can be held partially responsible for the crash. Compensation for damages varies based on the percentage of fault attributed to you. Fault is usually determined by the police officers who respond to the scene. Your car accident attorney will examine all the evidence to uncover the true liable parties.
Should I hire a lawyer for an auto accident in Milwaukee?
Yes, contact an experienced car accident lawyer to receive the maximum insurance settlement you deserve. Milwaukee auto insurance companies often lowball claims, and shared liability laws are complicated to navigate. Wisconsin's Statute of Limitations requires you to file your personal injury case within 3 years of discovering the injury. Damages over $5,000 are not handled in small claims court. Hire the best Milwaukee car crash lawyers to build your case with on-site evidence (police reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony) and uncover hidden sources of liability.
When should I call an attorney after a car accident?
Evidence begins deteriorating minutes after the accident. The sooner you contact an attorney the sooner we can begin building your case to win at trial. Retaining a skilled car accident attorney is the only way insurance companies will offer you the full value of your case. Online research can be counterproductive. Our lawyers handle case assessments for free. Act FAST.
Milwaukee’s Car Accident Lawyers & Personal Injury Attorneys
Hit and Run
Motorcycle Accidents
Truck Accidents
Bicycle Accidents
Back and Neck Whiplash
Brain Injuries
Personal Injury Lawyers
Car Accident Laws
Personal Injury Settlements
