A distracted driver can shatter your sense of safety in one violent instant. If you were hurt in Green Bay, you may feel stunned, angry, and unsure what to do next. You do not have to guess. There are clear steps you can take right away to protect your health, your rights, and your future. This guide walks you through what to do from the moment after the crash through the weeks that follow. You will learn how to document what happened, deal with insurance, and avoid mistakes that can cost you money and peace of mind. You will also see how Groth Law Accident Injury Attorneys can help you hold the distracted driver accountable under Wisconsin law. Your pain matters. Your story matters. You deserve a clear plan and strong support after a crash that never should have happened.
Step 1. Get to a safe place and call 911
First move to safety if you can. Turn on hazard lights. Check on children, older adults, and anyone who needs help. Do not move someone who cannot feel arms or legs unless there is fire or other danger.
Next call 911. Tell the dispatcher there was a crash with injuries. Ask for police and an ambulance. Stay calm and answer each question. This call creates an official record. That record can support your claim later.
Step 2. Get medical care right away
Even if you think you feel fine, you still need a doctor. Many crash injuries show up hours or days later. A quick exam can catch hidden harm and start treatment early. It also links your pain to the crash in your medical record.
You can learn more about common crash injuries and symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use this information to watch for signs like headache, nausea, confusion, or new pain in the neck or back.
Step 3. Report the crash to police
When officers arrive, tell the truth. Keep your answers short and clear. If you saw the other driver texting, eating, reaching for something, or looking away from the road, say so. Do not guess about your injuries. You can say you want a doctor to check you.
Ask how to get a copy of the police report. In Wisconsin, you can request crash reports through the state system listed by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The report can help prove fault and document distracted driving.
Step 4. Gather your own evidence
While you wait for police, and only if it is safe, start collecting your own proof. Use your phone or a family member’s phone.
Take photos of:
- All vehicles and license plates
- Skid marks, broken glass, and road signs
- Traffic lights and intersections
- Visible injuries on you and your family
Also ask witnesses for names and contact details. Ask them what they saw. People often notice a driver on a phone or looking away right before a crash.
Step 5. Protect your claim with strong records
Good records help you tell your story with strength and clarity. Start a folder at home. Keep copies of:
- Medical records and test results
- Hospital and clinic bills
- Receipts for medicine, crutches, or braces
- Pay stubs that show lost income
- Repair estimates or total loss letters for your car
Also keep a simple pain journal. Each day write down your pain level, where it hurts, and how it affects your sleep, work, and family time. These simple notes can show how the crash changed your life.
Step 6. Be careful with insurance companies
Insurance adjusters may seem polite. They still work for the company, not for you. They may call fast and ask for a recorded statement. They may offer money before you know the full cost of your care.
You can protect yourself if you:
- Do not admit fault
- Do not guess about what happened
- Do not agree to a recorded statement on the spot
- Do not accept the first offer without legal advice
You can say you are still getting medical care and will talk after you speak with a lawyer.
Step 7. Understand distracted driving in Green Bay
Distracted driving is any action that takes hands, eyes, or mind off the road. Common examples include texting, talking on the phone, eating, using GPS, or reaching for children in the back seat.
The table below shows common distractions and how they affect driving.
| Type of distraction | Example | Effect on safety |
|---|---|---|
| Visual | Looking at a text message | Eyes leave the road and hazards go unseen |
| Manual | Typing on a phone or reaching for food | Hands leave the wheel and control drops |
| Cognitive | Arguing with a passenger | Mind drifts and reaction time slows |
| Combined | Texting and driving | High crash risk and severe injuries |
Step 8. Support your family after the crash
A crash harms more than one person. Children may feel fearful about riding in a car. Older adults may feel shaken and fragile. You can help by keeping routines, speaking honestly in simple words, and asking for help from family or counselors when needed.
Also give yourself space to feel upset or worried. These feelings are common after sudden trauma. If sleep, panic, or sadness start to control your days, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional.
Step 9. Talk with a lawyer about your rights
Wisconsin law sets time limits on injury claims. Evidence can fade fast. Phone records can be lost. Witnesses can move. A lawyer who handles distracted driving crashes can act quickly to protect proof, speak with insurance companies, and explain your options in plain language.
You do not have to face this system alone. With the right support, you can focus on healing while someone else handles the legal pressure.
Taking your next step in Green Bay
You did not choose this crash. You can choose how you respond. Start with safety and medical care. Then build strong records, guard your words with insurers, and seek legal help early. Each clear action brings you closer to justice, fair payment, and a safer road ahead for you and your family.
