February 25, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Attention Milwaukee Insurance Claim Seekers

Have you had your claim denied by your insurance company?

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Insurance Claims on Monday, February 25, 2013.

Even minor motor vehicle accidents in Milwaukee or elsewhere in Wisconsin can be a headache for victims. Accordingly, most drivers across the state avoid distracted driving when behind the wheel in order to mitigate the risk of a crash. However, there are several variables for which most drivers cannot do anything to combat no matter how safe of a driver they are.

For example, drivers in Wisconsin can do little to protect themselves from inclement weather, road debris, deer, and other distracted or negligent drivers. Wearing a seatbelt can increase a driver’s safety if they are confronted with one of these variables, but beyond that, most drivers are trusting that their insurance policy will assist in covering the damages to a vehicle and the individual in the event that a car accident does occur.

However, some individuals may not necessarily understand what their policy covers. There are all kinds of insurance policies available: comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, property damage liability coverage, it is enough to make anyone’s head spin.

At times, an insurance company will act in bad faith following a motor vehicle accident in Wisconsin. When an individual pays for insurance coverage, the insurance company has entered into a legally binding contract in which they must pay the due benefits an individual is owed following an accident. Unfortunately, insurance carriers have been known to deny claims without a reasonable basis, which is illegal.

Many individuals in Milwaukee do not realize that they are able to dispute a denial in order to seek recovery. An experienced insurance dispute attorney can assist an individual that has been victimized by an insurance company under similar circumstances. In the case of many accidents in Wisconsin, when an insurance policy has been purchased and the premiums have been paid, an individual is entitled to their due benefits under that policy.

Source: The Boston Globe, “Does your auto insurance cover that damage?” Michelle Singletary, Feb. 17, 2013

If you think you have a Milwaukee insurance claim that has been unfairly denied, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

February 13, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee Auto Defect Attorneys Share Car Seat Tips from NHTS

Should your car seat be replaced after an accident?

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, February 13, 2013.

If you have been in an accident, you can understand the worry and anger after the initial shock. After knowing that you and your child are okay, you can start focusing on the rebuilding process; gathering insurance information, assessing the damage and comforting your little ones.

While you may know that your car will need repairs (and perhaps some parts replaced), how do you decide whether your child safety seat needs to be replaced as well? Just as auto accidents can create hidden structural damages in cars, the same could happen with your child’s car seat.

This is an important aspect of auto safety that is not regularly discussed, and it may play a factor in future crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sets out some guidelines about when to replace a safety seat. We encourage our readers to visit their site for complete definitions and explanations, but the general considerations center around the following:

• With severe car accidents, replacing a car seat is an obvious decision. There may not be visible cracks or tears, but there may be issues with the seat’s ability to withstand future crashes.

• Look to see if any areas near the seat (such as the nearest door or any latches) were damaged. If they were, chances are that the seat should be replaced.

• Discuss the matter with your repair person. They can give you more insight into what was actually damaged and the extent of potential damage to the car seat.

• If the airbags deployed, chances are that the collision was severe enough to damage the seat. This is another situation where it would prudent to replace it even though no visible damage is seen.

Source: Channel3000.com, Replacing your child safety seat after a crash, February 3, 2013

To contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney regarding your car accident case, call 414-289-0909 today.

January 30, 2013 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Warning from Wisconsin Bus Accident Attorneys

Don’t take chances driving this winter – bus crash kills 9

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, January 30, 2013.

A recent fatal bus crash in the Pacific Northwest highlights the dangers we all face when driving in severe weather systems. Ice and snow are the staples of a Wisconsin winter and one small mistake can often prove to be many a driver’s last.

Such was the case on Blue Mountain Pass when a charter bus lost control on the highway and crashed through the guardrail, falling 200 feet before it came to a rest. The roads had just been sanded by road crews, but that did not prevent the death of nine passengers and injuries to all 38 of the rest travelling by bus.

Whether a mountain pass or the streets of Milwaukee, wind, ice, and snow tend to make t roads treacherous, even to the most experienced drivers. Failure to take the proper precautions can often lead to an unfortunate accident that could have possibly been avoided. While it is uncertain as of yet what exactly caused the accident in the Northwest, in general, negligent behavior in failing to follow the advice of road service warnings or chain-up protocols are unacceptable excuses.

If another’s negligent act leads to loss of life, it is possible that that individual’s family and loved ones may have recourse to remedies through a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim allows family and/or estate executors/administrators to claim financial, emotional, and medical remedies as a result of the loss of that individual. There is serious emotional and financial trauma caused by the loss of a spouse, child, or family member and by contacting an attorney practiced in personal injury, they will help you navigate ways in which you may be eligible for remedial actions.

Source: oregonlive.com, “Oregon bus crash: The tragedy focuses attention on the treacherous I-84 pass,” Richard Cockle, Jan. 4, 2013

To contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney regarding your personal injury car accident case, call 414-289-0909 today.

December 21, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Tip from Milwaukee Auto Defect Attorneys

Auto defects can make a minor accident catastrophic

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Friday, December 21, 2012.

A serious cause of accidents that individuals often fail to consider is auto defects. In cases in which there is a defect in the impacted car, either because of a design flaw or a faulty mechanism like an airbag failing to deploy, motor vehicle manufacturers can be held liable for the injuries that ensure. This is because when there is a defect, what could have been a minor accident can become absolutely catastrophic and devastate a victim.

A claim against an auto manufacturer is different than a claim would be against a negligent driver that causes an accident. A claim against a manufacturer would fall under product liability; whereas a claim against a negligent driver would fall under a claim of personal injury. In some crashes, both factors could be at work because a negligent driver could cause an accident while a defective car can make the injury outcome far worse.

To compound this issue, a recent report indicates that the safety testing of new model vehicles may not be as safe as we would all hope in Wisconsin. This is because the manner in which these vehicles are tested is antiquated and ultimately not reflective of the manner in which a real driver would react or be injured in an actual collision. The dummies meant to simulate drivers were developed 45 years ago and have not been changed a great deal to account for more accurate technology that could be used.

Researchers are hoping that a computer simulated model of drivers will soon be tested instead to give a more appropriate measure of impacts on vehicles.

Source: Claims Journal, “Outdated Crash Test Dummies Blamed for Continued Auto Fatalities,” Denise Johnson, Dec. 18, 2012

Our firm has experience assisting Wisconsin residents recoup after an accident of this nature. For more information, please refer to our Milwaukee auto defect page.

To contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney regarding your case, call 414-289-0909 today.

December 12, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyer Shares Inspiring Story

Success story of Wisconsin car accident survivor

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, December 12, 2012.

Often, talk of health care reform and improved education from politicians begins to sound trite and like more promises from figures that are mostly looking to secure votes rather than effect reform. These topics can begin to feel like buzz words that are used to sway a voter, but ultimately won’t mean much.

Not to a 32-year-old woman from Antigo, Wisconsin, that has been unofficially voted into the Arizona legislator. The woman has lived through the struggles she aims to reform for others. After graduating from Elcho High School in 1997, the woman was with a male friend when the pair was in a car accident after their vehicle traveled off of a dark road after a graduation party. Unknown to the two travelers, the vehicle struck a utility pole, knocking a live power line to the ground.

Investigators think the pair, uninjured on impact and able to leave the vehicle, were holding hands when the male friend stepped on the live wire. He died instantly from the electrical shock, and the young woman suffered extremely serious injuries. She had to quickly be airlifted to University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison. When she was well enough to go home, the young woman had significant scaring, lost an arm and was legally blind due to cataracts developed from the shock.

This young woman had just graduated high school. That is an age at which a young adult reaches a crossroads, they leave behind childhood and venture off into a new chapter. This woman had her plans radically altered from her intended course, but she did not let this stop her. She went to college, graduated not only on time and with a double major, but was the first in her family to graduate with a bachelor degree. Then she went on to get an advanced degree and now she has seen success in her campaign.

Typically, we detail terrible accidents in which individuals and families have their lives profoundly disrupted by car accidents. Today, while the events detailed above outline a horrific accident, there is a message of hope and inspiration in what one car accident victim form Wisconsin has continued to be able to accomplish in her life despite the misfortune that found her.

Source: AZCaptiolTimes.com, “Wisconsin native overcomes injury, now Arizona lawmaker,” Associated Press, Dec. 3, 2012

To schedule your free initial consultation with a Milwaukee personal injury attorney, please call 414-289-0909 today. Hiring a Wisconsin personal injury lawyer after an accident is one of the first things you should do to protect your rights.

October 26, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Recall News for Milwaukee Altima Drivers

Altima Recall Based on Faulty Steering Bolts

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. on Friday, October 26, 2012.

Nissan’s newly redesigned Altima is grabbing headlines for its sleek new look. However, some new models are being recalled just months after being sold in the U.S. market. According to a USA Today story, more than 13,000 Altimas are being recalled because some bolt may not tightened according to established specifications.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the authority to initiate auto recalls to correct defects. It explained that some of the bolts used to lock down the traverse link and the power steering rack inside the vehicle may not have been tightened to a specific torque specification. Regulators were concerned about the possibility of them loosening and falling off. If this happened, a driver could lose control of the car and crash.

Nissan reportedly will send notice to all recent Altima owners advising them to take their cars to dealers for safety checks.

Vehicle recalls (while potentially dangerous for unwitting drivers) are actually very common. Recently Honda recalled more than 800,000 Civics and Pilots over concerns that wires can overheat and melt, thus affecting the car’s headlights. Toyota recalled 2.5 million cars to correct a faulty door switch that could cause car fires.

Based on a recent agreement between rental car companies and the NHTSA, rental car companies will also comply with the safety recall, and will not rent any vehicles affected by the recall until they are corrected.

These actions are consistent with current law regarding defective products. Essentially, auto manufacturers have a duty to correct defects that (if uncorrected) could injure drivers. If an automaker fails to make such corrections after being put on notice, it can be held liable for injuries and damages caused by the defect.

If you have questions about your rights and options in auto defect cases, an experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney can help.

October 10, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyer Applauds Milwaukee County

Milwaukee County combats wrong-way driving

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Wednesday, October 10, 2012.

Wrong-way drivers are wreaking havoc in Milwaukee County. Unfortunately, there are several entrance and exit ramps that are close together in the vicinity of our local highway system. Consequently, there are many instances of drivers driving the wrong way on the highway, particularly at night.

This issue has been a significant source car accidents resulting in injury, death and property damage in Milwaukee County this year. To date, 2012 has seen 29 incidents of wrong-way drivers that sheriff deputies responded to, including one wrong-way driver that killed herself and two others upon impact. In 2010, 31 people were killed in Wisconsin by a driver on the wrong side of the road.

To directly address this problem, Milwaukee County sheriff’s deputies announced plans yesterday to install pole-mounted radar detectors that will go off to alert authorities to the presence of a wrong-way driver. In conjunction with the state Department of Transportation, Milwaukee County will install these radar detectors at nine high-incident ramps. Additionally, solar powered “wrong way” signs will also be installed. This is set to be in effect by Thanksgiving of this year.

According to one Milwaukee County Sheriff deputy, “There is no greater danger to motorist than an oncoming car traveling at high speeds.” These detectors will alert authorities via text message to the presence of a wrong-way driver while continued tracking of the driver through the DOT camera system will also be triggered. If installation at these nine ramps proves beneficial, there could be wider spread use of these radar devices.

Source: Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, “Milwaukee County launches effort to halt wrong-way drivers on freeways,” Meg Jones, Oct. 9, 2012

Suffering from injuries sustained in an automobile accident? Contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for your free consultation.

July 17, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

2 Die in Wisconsin Motorcycle-Vehicle Accident

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Tuesday, July 17, 2012.

A crash between a motorcycle and another vehicle in Wisconsin this week proved to be deadly. The motorcyclist and a passenger in the other vehicle were killed. The motorcycle accident, which is being investigated by the Wisconsin State Patrol, occurred in Shawano.

According to media reports, an 80-year-old man driving a vehicle apparently turned into the path of the motorcycle. The 56-year-old motorcyclist, who was from out of state, was killed, as was a 79-year-old woman who was riding in the car. The driver of that car was already treated and released at a local hospital.

Another accident occurred this week in Dane County. In that crash, the driver of a pickup truck struck a motorcyclist who was stopped at a stop sign. The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries, but they were apparently not life-threatening. The driver of the truck stated that he did not see the motorcyclist. He was cited for driving without insurance and inattentive driving.

It has been a deadly summer on Wisconsin roads for motorcyclists. So far in all of 2012, 51 motorcyclists have been killed in the state, as well as 8 passengers riding on motorcycles.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the most common reason drivers give for accidents is that they didn’t see the motorcycles. That’s what the “start seeing motorcyclists” campaign is all about. Motorcycles may be harder to spot than other vehicles, but it’s important for other drivers to lookout for them in order to avoid serious accidents.

Source: NBC 15, “51 motorcycle drivers, 8 passengers killed in Wisconsin so far this year,” July 17, 2012

If you need legal representation after a motorcycle accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

June 14, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Second Motorcyclist Dies in Wisconsin Crash

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Thursday, June 14, 2012.

Veering over the center line into oncoming traffic can have dire consequences, as a horrific accident involving at least 10 motorcycles shows.

Recently, a 25-year-old man from Hilbert caused a catastrophic motorcycle accident that resulted in the death of two men and critically injured two others. They were all members of the “Muskegon Motorcycle Gang.”

Late last month, the man was traveling on Highway 151 around 3 p.m. and crossed the center line, crashing into a group of 12 motorcyclists who were taking part in the annual Bridge Run. Motorcyclists ride this same route every year, with the route running over the Mackinac Bridge. At the time of the accident, the bikers were traveling through Taycheedah, Wisconsin, between Gladstone Beach Roach and Willing Beach Road.

When the man crashed into the biker group, only two of the 12 motorcyclists managed to escape from being tangled in the accident. A 59-year-old man from out of state died at the scene. Another who was critically injured died several days later. Two other men, who were also from another state, were listed in critical condition and were being treated at the Neenah medical facility after the tragic accident.

The man who hit the group was charged with second-degree reckless homicide and felony bail jumping. He was also charged with three counts of second-degree reckless injury and second-degree reckless endangerment. Media sources report that because a second man died, another count of reckless homicide will be added to the charges.

Source: The Northwestern, “Second Michigan motorcyclist dies of injures from Fond du Lac County crash,” June 7, 2012

If you need legal representation for a wrongful death lawsuit, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

May 7, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Milwaukee Bus Accident Attorneys Promote Safety Month

May is Safe Routes to Schools Month in Wisconsin

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Car Accidents on Monday, May 7, 2012.

Getting hit by a car is the third leading cause of death in children between the ages of 5 and 9, and kids up to the age of 15 make up a disproportionate number of pedestrian accident casualties nationwide. Sadly, many of these unnecessary and tragic deaths take place while children are crossing the street at school crosswalks.

Drivers need to slow down and be on the lookout for children in school crossings. This month, those who break the rules face an increased chance of getting a ticket.

May is Safe Routes to School month, and law enforcement officers throughout the state of Wisconsin will be cracking down on dangerous driving behaviors. Drivers can expect to see increased patrols in school zones during busy traffic times.

Many school crossing guards say that they are excited about the influx of enforcement efforts. They say they notice violations all the time, but because they need to focus on keeping students safe, they don’t have time to report dangerous drivers to the police.

Drivers Must Stay Alert

All motorists need to do their part to avoid car accidents and help keep kids safe. Children often forget to look both ways before stepping into the street, and crossing guards who juggle many activities at the same time may not always notice when a child steps into the crosswalk.

When it comes to the area surrounding a school, it’s not about convenience for the parents or other drivers to get to and from that area. It’s the safety of our children that’s important.

Source: The Northwestern, “Police, Crossing Guards to Step Up Efforts to Keep kids Safe,” Jessica Opoien, May 2, 2012.

Injured in a car accident? Contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

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