01
Car and truck crashes
Collisions on highways, city streets and intersections.
Appleton / Outagamie County, WI
Appleton
Personal Injury Lawyer Before you talk to the adjuster.
After a Fox Valley crash, the other driver's insurance company may call quickly and ask for a recorded statement. VHD Law can help you understand your claim, and Wisconsin's fault rules, before you do.
Helping clients in Appleton and Outagamie County
ServingAppleton, Wisconsin
CountiesOutagamie County · Winnebago County · Calumet County
VHD OfficeGermantown
Practice FocusPersonal Injury
The support you need to move forward
The first phone call is often from an insurer.
Within days of a crash on I-41, College Avenue or one of the Fox Valley's busy roundabouts, many injured people hear from an adjuster for the other driver's insurance company. The adjuster may be friendly and may ask to record your account of what happened. What you say in that call can be used later to argue about fault and the extent of your injuries.
Wisconsin uses a comparative negligence rule. Your compensation can be reduced by your share of fault, and if your share is greater than the other party's, you may not recover from them at all. That makes the early facts, and how they are described, especially important.
You can be polite to the adjuster and still wait to give a statement until you have advice.
01
Get medical care and follow it
Treatment records connect the crash to your injuries.
02
Be careful with statements
Decline a recorded statement to the other insurer until you have talked with a lawyer.
03
Preserve the evidence
Photos, the crash report number, witness names and damaged property.
Personal Injury matters
Injury claims for
Fox Valley residents.
We help people hurt in and around Appleton understand and pursue their injury claims.
02
Insurance communications
Handling contact with adjusters and documenting your claim.
03
Comparative fault issues
Responding when an insurer argues you share the blame.
04
Medical damages
Documenting treatment, bills and future care needs.
05
Lost income
Showing time missed from work and reduced earning ability.
Legal guidance for your community
After a crash in Appleton
Appleton crosses Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago counties, and crashes on nearby highways may involve different police agencies. The crash report will show which agency responded and how to request a copy.
If you were hurt, keep a simple journal of pain, appointments and missed work. Small details recorded at the time are much more convincing than memories months later.
VHD Law has offices in Germantown, West Bend, Sturgeon Bay and Sister Bay. Contact our team to discuss consultation options for an Appleton injury.
What happens next
Protecting your claim from the start.
01
Tell us what happened
We go over the crash, your injuries and any contact from insurers.
02
Gather the records
We request the crash report, medical records and insurance information.
03
Evaluate the claim
We look at fault, damages and available insurance coverage.
04
Pursue compensation
We negotiate with insurers and discuss filing suit if needed.
A closer look at your options
Personal Injury for Appleton, Outagamie County.
Wisconsin generally allows three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting rarely helps. Evidence fades and witnesses become harder to find.
If a government vehicle or road condition was involved, shorter notice deadlines may apply.
Attorneys for your legal issue
Experienced Wisconsin counsel.
Get to know the VHD Law attorneys who work in this practice area. Contact our team to discuss appointments and your legal needs.
Personal Injury
Linda S. Vanden Heuvel
Linda assists clients with personal injury matters and the legal questions that follow an accident.
View Attorney ProfileFrequently asked questions
Questions about personal injury in Appleton?
Questions Appleton crash victims often ask.
Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer?
You are generally not required to, and it is wise to talk with a lawyer first. Statements can be used to dispute fault or injuries.
What if I was partly at fault?
Under Wisconsin law, your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If your fault is greater than the other party's, you may be barred from recovering from them.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Wisconsin generally allows three years for personal injury lawsuits. Claims involving government entities can have much shorter notice requirements.
What should I bring to a consultation?
The crash report number, insurance information, medical records or bills, photos and any letters from insurers.
Related practice areas in Appleton
Explore Other Legal Services.
See other legal matters our team can discuss with clients in the area.
Let’s talk about your next step
A good next step starts
with a conversation.
Injured in a crash in or near Appleton? Schedule a consultation before you give a statement to the insurer.