Rear-end crashes in Wauwatosa happen fast and hit hard. One moment you sit at a light. The next you feel your car jolt and your heart race. You may feel fine at first. Then pain, stiffness, and worry start to grow. You wonder who will pay your medical bills. You worry about missing work. You fear the insurance company will brush you off or blame you. This guide explains what you need to do after a rear-end collision in Wauwatosa. You learn how fault works, what evidence you need, and how insurance companies try to limit your claim. You also see when it is time to talk with a Wauwatosa car accident lawyer so you do not face this alone. Your choices in the first hours and days after the crash can protect your health, your income, and your peace of mind.
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Step One: Focus on Safety and Medical Care
First you need to stay safe. Then you need to get checked by a doctor.
- Move your car out of traffic if you can.
- Turn on hazard lights.
- Call 911 to report the crash.
- Ask for an ambulance if anyone has pain, dizziness, or confusion.
Rear-end crashes often cause neck and back injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that some injuries show up hours or days later. You can read more about delayed symptoms after a crash at the CDC page on transportation safety. You might feel pressure to skip care to save time or money. That choice can hurt your health and your claim.
Always do three things.
- Visit an emergency room, urgent care, or your doctor as soon as you can.
- Follow the treatment plan.
- Keep copies of all medical records and bills.
Step Two: Call the Police and Get a Crash Report
Wisconsin law expects you to report crashes that cause injury, death, or at least modest damage. A police report gives a neutral record of what happened. The officer may note skid marks, damage, and any traffic tickets. These details carry weight with insurance companies.
You can later request the crash report from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The state explains how to order a report on its official crash report page. Save the report with your other records. It can support your version of events if the other driver changes their story.
Step Three: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you can move and it is safe, start collecting proof at the scene. Memory fades fast. Photos and notes stay sharp.
Use your phone to record:
- License plates of all cars.
- Damage to each car.
- Road conditions and traffic signals.
- Any skid marks or debris.
Then take these steps.
- Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information.
- Ask witnesses for contact information.
- Write down what you remember within a few hours of the crash.
These simple steps can protect you if the other driver later denies fault or if the impact looks small but caused real injury.
Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision in Wauwatosa
In most rear-end crashes, the driver who hits the car in front is at fault. Drivers must leave enough space to stop in time. Yet fault is not always that simple. The front driver can share blame if they:
- Cut in and brake hard for no reason.
- Have brake lights that do not work.
- Stop in a traffic lane without warning.
Wisconsin uses a shared fault rule. Your payment can drop if you share some blame. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you may not recover money for your losses. That rule makes the facts of your crash very important. Clear proof can protect your share of fault and the value of your claim.
Common Injuries and Why They Matter for Your Claim
Rear-end crashes often cause:
- Neck strain and whiplash.
- Back pain and disc problems.
- Headaches and concussions.
You might walk away from the crash and feel fine. Later that day you may feel tightness, pain, or numbness. This delay is common. It does not mean your injury is small. Insurance adjusters often point to gaps in treatment to say you were not hurt. That is why early medical care and steady follow up matter for both your health and your claim.
What You Can Claim After a Rear-End Crash
A claim is not just about fixing your car. It is about making you whole under the law. You may ask for money for three groups of losses.
- Medical costs such as emergency care, follow up visits, medicine, and therapy.
- Lost income if you miss work or cannot do the same job.
- Pain, stress, and how the crash affects your daily life.
Keep every bill, receipt, and pay stub. Also keep a simple journal. Write down your pain level, sleep problems, and limits on daily tasks. These records can show how the crash changed your life.
Rear-End Crashes: By the Numbers
Rear-end crashes are common across the country. The table below gives a simple comparison based on national safety data. It shows why even low speed impacts deserve respect.
| Crash Type | Share of All Crashes (Approx.) | Common Cause | Typical Injury Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-end | About 30 percent | Following too close or distraction | Neck and back injuries, concussions |
| Angle or side impact | About 25 percent | Failure to yield or red light running | Head, chest, and leg injuries |
| Single vehicle | About 35 percent | Loss of control or speeding | Wide range of serious injuries |
These numbers come from national crash reviews by agencies such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They show that rear-end crashes are common and can cause real harm.
How Insurance Companies Respond
Insurance adjusters work to keep payouts low. They may:
- Say the crash was minor and your pain comes from age or past issues.
- Blame you for stopping too fast.
- Offer a quick low lump sum before you know the full cost of care.
You have the right to say no. You can ask for all offers in writing. You can take time to review them. Never sign a release or cash a settlement check until you understand what you give up. Once you sign, you usually cannot ask for more money even if your pain gets worse.
When to Get Legal Help
You may handle some small property damage claims on your own. Yet you should consider legal help when:
- You have any injury or lasting pain.
- The crash report is wrong or incomplete.
- The insurance company says you share fault.
Rear-end collision claims in Wauwatosa follow state rules on fault, insurance, and time limits. You face a clock. In many cases you have only a few years to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can erase your rights. Early advice from someone who understands these rules can help you avoid mistakes and protect your claim.
