Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.2026-10-16T13:10:46Zhttps://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1504695/2022/03/cropped-favicon-new-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Texting is actually 3 types of distracted driving]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2560372026-10-16T13:06:22Z2026-10-16T13:10:46ZTexting and driving is well known as one of the most common and dangerous distractions. Drivers who are texting will often veer out of their lane, run stop signs or make other errors that lead to accidents. Even if you never text behind the wheel, you face injuries risks because you have to share the road with these other drivers.
Part of the issue is that texting is not just one driving distraction. It is actually three different types of distracted driving, which may be happening simultaneously.
The 3 categories
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the main three categories for distracted driving are manual distractions, visual distractions and cognitive distractions. Cellphones can fit into each of these areas.For example, drivers hold their phone in one hand while texting. Even with the other hand on the wheel, this means that they are not fully in control of the car, and so it is a manual or physical distraction.At the same time, the driver will glance down at their screen and then back at the road. This divides their attention and qualifies as a visual distraction.Finally, the driver is thinking about the text message they are reading, what they want to write or the conversation that they are having. This takes mental energy away from driving their vehicle. Since they are not focused on the road, it is a cognitive distraction.
Have you been injured in an accident?
Have you suffered serious injuries in an accident caused by a distracted driver? You may deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages and related costs, so be sure you know what legal steps to take.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[3 car crash injuries with delayed symptoms]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2560232026-09-25T12:31:02Z2026-09-30T13:00:26ZSome car crash injuries are debilitating or painful immediately. When injuries are visible or have immediate symptoms, people can recognize that they require medical care and take appropriate steps to protect themselves after a crash, such as seeking medical attention promptly.
When people have delayed symptom onset, they are at risk of complications, such as insurance disputes due to the time that passes between their injury and their diagnosis. What types of injuries are likely to cause delayed symptoms after a car crash?
1. Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are known as an invisible injury. People can sustain life-altering trauma without any visible evidence of their injuries.
2. Stable physical injuries
People sustain serious traumatic injuries, such as fractures; the force of impact often pushes the bone out of alignment. However, some internal traumatic injuries do not result in the bone coming out of alignment or the displacement of tissue. A stable fracture that remains aligned may be tender, but people may not realize they broke a bone until they experience secondary trauma or physically exert themselves.
3. Internal bleeding
The physical pressure of safety restraints keeping someone in a vehicle during a crash or the force of impact with the steering column can cause bleeding inside the body. Especially when bleeding continues and puts pressure on nearby organs, internal bleeding can have catastrophic medical consequences. People may not realize they have sustained internal injuries immediately after a crash.When a crash is serious enough to total a vehicle or leave other people injured, seeking medical attention can protect people from the worst-case scenario. Prompt medical care can help people prove that a car crash caused their injuries, while legal support can help them address their costs. ]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Attorney Carman Nominated and Selected as a Fellow of the Wisconsin Law Foundation]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2560252026-09-22T19:32:34Z2026-09-22T19:29:08ZWe are proud to announce that Attorney Carman has been nominated and selected to join the prestigious Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation.
Attorney Carman was nominated by Atty. David B. Feingold and Atty. Renee A. Read and selected by the Fellows Membership Committee for the Class of 2026.
What it means to be a Fellow
Membership in the Fellows is considered a benchmark of professional excellence and service within the legal community. Creation of the Fellows organization in 1999 provided a way to honor State Bar of Wisconsin members who have demonstrated outstanding career achievements alongside dedicated leadership and community service.Key highlights of the fellowship include:
Membership is strictly limited to 2.5% of the total members of the State Bar of Wisconsin.
Fellows work to advance the legal profession, improve legal education, and promote access to justice across the state.
Members support the Wisconsin Law Foundation’s public service and educational projects.
Members also hold the privilege of nominating their peers for election as Fellows.
By combining professional recognition with active service, the organization continues to strengthen the administration of justice throughout Wisconsin. Attorney Carman’s election to the Fellows stands as a significant milestone in an already distinguished legal career.
Induction details
Attorney Carman will be formally recognized and inducted into the Class of 2026 at the upcoming celebration:
Event: Annual Fellows Recognition Dinner
Date: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
Location: The Wisconsin Club, Milwaukee
Details: Black-tie optional; RSVP required by Oct. 7, 2026
Please join us in celebrating Attorney Carman on this well-deserved recognition and milestone achievement.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Who is covered by worker’s compensation insurance in Wisconsin?]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2560062026-09-10T11:29:57Z2026-09-15T13:00:26ZWhen you are injured at work, it’s natural to wonder if you are covered. Will you receive benefits from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, or will you need to handle the bills out of pocket?
If this is your concern, here is what to know:
Is your employer required to carry worker’s compensation insurance?
In Wisconsin, an employer meets the requirements for carrying worker’s compensation insurance if they:
Employ three or more full-time or part-time employees. This employer must get insurance on the day they employ the third employee.
Employ one or more full-time or part-time employees to whom they pay combined gross wages of $500 or more in any calendar quarter. This employer must get insurance by the 10th day of the first month of the next calendar quarter.
Are a farmer who employs six or more workers on the same day for any 20 days during the calendar year (January through December). This employer must obtain coverage by the10th day after the 20th day of employment.
Are an out-of-state employer with employees working in Wisconsin. This employer must purchase a policy with an insurance company licensed in Wisconsin.
If you are injured as an employee in any of these employment circumstances, you are likely covered by your employer’s worker’s compensation insurance.
Is the injury work-related?
You will only be covered by worker’s ’ comp if you sustain a work-related injury or contract an occupational illness in the course of your employment. Thus, it’s crucial to gather enough evidence and report immediately after an accident or when you realize the injury is work-related. This helps you link the injury or illness to your work.Nearly all public and private employees in Wisconsin are covered by worker’s compensation insurance. Learn more about your case to make informed decisions from the get-go. ]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Can your employer refuse to file a worker’s comp claim?]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2560052026-08-28T15:26:45Z2026-08-28T16:00:18ZWhen an injury happens at work, you want to do everything right – so you make sure you report the incident to your employer right away.
What happens, however, if your employer doesn’t want to report your claim? Maybe they try to talk you into using your medical insurance to handle your care, or maybe they say the injury isn’t “serious enough” to warrant a claim. Can they really stop your claim from moving forward?
Your employer doesn’t call the shots
In Wisconsin, an employer generally does not have the authority to prevent an eligible employee from pursuing worker’s compensation benefits. The employer is responsible for reporting the injury to its worker’s compensation insurance carrier or claims administrator. They can disagree with the validity of your claim all they want – but they do not have the authority to decide your claim. The insurance carrier – not your employer – determines whether benefits should be paid.An employer who purposefully fails to report an injury can face penalties of up to 200% of the compensation due, up to a max of $30,000. An employer may also face a 10% penalty, which must be paid to the injured worker, if a reporting delay caused the worker to receive their benefits late.
Don’t wait for your employer to act
Typically, Wisconsin workers have 30 days to report an injury, but acting sooner is wise. That makes it harder for an insurer to question the connection between the incident and your injuries. If your employer is dragging their feet and you want the claim to move forward:
Notify your employer in writing, even if you already reported the injury verbally.
Include when, where and how the injury happened.
Identify any witnesses who saw the accident or knew about the injury.
Seek necessary medical attention and tell the provider that the injury is work-related.
Keep copies of medical records, work restrictions and communications with your employer.
Ask for the name and contact information of the workers’ compensation insurer.
Contact the insurer directly to report the injury.
If you’re still encountering resistance with your worker's comp claim, it may be time to seek additional legal guidance. A worker’s compensation attorney can help you document what happened, identify the appropriate insurer and take the necessary steps to pursue the benefits you may be entitled to receive.
]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Attorney Peter J. Carman Recognized In The Best Lawyers In America® 2027]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559922026-08-20T17:30:28Z2026-08-20T14:40:05Z[nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] is proud to share that Attorney Peter J. Carman has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 for his work in Litigation - Insurance. This marks another year of recognition for Peter, who has been included in Best Lawyers since 2024.
This continued recognition reflects the depth of Peter’s legal experience, his professional reputation, and his ongoing commitment to representing injured people throughout Wisconsin with focus, preparation, and personal attention. For clients facing the aftermath of a serious accident, workplace injury, or insurance-related dispute, having an attorney who understands how claims are evaluated and defended can make a meaningful difference.
Recognized For Experience In Litigation - Insurance
Best Lawyers recognition is based on peer review, making it a notable professional acknowledgment within the legal community. Peter’s recognition in Litigation - Insurance is especially fitting given the depth and range of his litigation background.
Before dedicating his practice to helping injured individuals, Peter gained extensive experience in insurance defense, including matters involving general liability and workers’ compensation. That background gives him a practical understanding of how insurance companies evaluate claims, defend cases, and approach settlement negotiations. Today, he uses that perspective to help injured clients pursue the compensation they deserve after car accidents, workplace injuries, and other serious incidents.
Peter is also an experienced civil litigator with first-chair trial and hearing experience. His approach is built on careful preparation, strong communication, and close attention to the details that can shape the outcome of a case. From the first consultation, he takes time to understand each client’s unique circumstances so that important facts are not overlooked.
His professional recognition reflects that commitment. In addition to being recognized in Best Lawyers since 2024, Peter has received honors including Wisconsin Super Lawyers recognition, an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, Lead Counsel ratings in all practice areas by Thomson Reuters, and designations from The National Trial Lawyers.
Personal Attention In Every Case
At [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] ., clients work directly with Attorney Carman from the beginning of their case through resolution. Peter intentionally keeps his caseload limited so he can remain accessible, responsive, and fully familiar with the details of each client’s matter.
This approach allows clients to receive guidance from the attorney handling their case, not just updates passed along through layers of staff. Peter understands that every injury claim represents a real person dealing with pain, uncertainty, and disruption. His goal is to provide clear communication, practical advice and steady advocacy through each stage of the legal process.
Schedule A Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident, workplace accident, or another negligence-related incident, [nap_names id="FIRM-NAME-1"] is here to help.
Call [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. From your first conversation through the resolution of your case, you can expect direct communication, personalized guidance, and an attorney committed to helping you move forward.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[How often do truck drivers fall asleep at the wheel?]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559792026-08-17T12:28:24Z2026-08-20T13:00:02ZLong shifts cause drowsiness
Many truck drivers are on the road for 10 hours or more per day. Companies may schedule them for the maximum amount of drive time possible for optimal operational efficiency. Unfortunately, this approach to scheduling means that commercial drivers must constantly battle their own internal clocks, which may tell them it is time to rest.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that roughly 12% of all semi-truck collisions where the commercial vehicle is at fault occur due to non-performance. Some of those collisions occur due to medical emergencies, but many of them involve fatigue-related involuntary sleep.
Many drivers may also experience microsleeps, where they doze off for a few seconds but do not cause a crash. Fatigued driving is a more serious safety issue than many people realize, and it is especially dangerous for those operating large commercial trucks.
Holding a truck driver or their employer responsible for long shifts that create unsafe circumstances may require a lawsuit after a commercial truck crash. People who understand the underlying cause of a collision that caused them harm are generally in the best possible position to take legal action after a wreck.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Quickly preserving black box data after a truck accident is wise]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559782026-07-30T12:34:49Z2026-08-07T13:00:44Zblack box preservation may help protect evidence that could be important when investigating truck accidents.
1. Black box data may be lost otherwise
A truck's black box continuously records operational information, but it does not store data forever. Depending on the system, older information may be overwritten as new data is recorded. If the vehicle returns to service before the information is preserved, important evidence from the crash may no longer be available. Prompt action may help preserve details that could later assist investigators in understanding how the collision occurred.
2. The data can help explain what happened
The black box may record information that is difficult to determine from the crash scene alone. Depending on the truck and recording system, this may include:
Vehicle speed
Braking activity
Engine performance
Driving time
Sudden changes in operation
This information can be compared with driver logs, maintenance records and other evidence to develop a clearer picture of the events leading to the collision. It may also help identify whether driver fatigue, speeding or mechanical issues contributed to the crash.
3. Other electronic records may also need to be preserved
In addition to the black box, trucking companies may maintain electronic dispatch records, vehicle tracking information and maintenance data. Preserving these records early may provide additional context about the truck's operation, inspection history and the driver's activities before the collision.
Because electronic evidence can be altered, deleted or overwritten, black box preservation is often only one part of protecting important information after truck accidents.
Taking prompt steps to preserve electronic records can make a meaningful difference during an investigation. If you have been injured in a truck accident, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights and preserve important evidence.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Teen summer camp counselors and Worker’s comp: What to know ]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559252026-08-10T15:24:23Z2026-07-30T13:00:54ZFor a teen, there are few summer jobs better than being a camp counselor or counselor-in-training (CIT) at one of Wisconsin’s many summer camps. Some work at “sleep-away” camps, while others stick closer to home at day camps.
These jobs do more than give young people a chance to be outside and stay active. They give them supervisory and teaching experience they can use later – especially if they plan to become a teacher, child psychologist or some other child-related job. Many camps now are designed for specific purposes – for example, for teaching music or STEM or for kids with disabilities or other special needs.
Common causes of counselor injuries
Reputable camps take numerous safety measures designed to protect their attendees, counselors and other employees. They take their safety training seriously. Nonetheless, camp counselors and CITs can still be injured. Among the most common causes of counselor injuries are:
Tripping/slipping hazards
Inappropriate footwear
Lack of protective gear
Poorly maintained equipment
Horseplay
No one wants their teen’s summer (and their chance to build up their savings) ruined by a serious injury. However, it’s important to know that if they are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment, they may qualify for Worker’s compensation benefits.
Understanding the law and minors’ rights
Under Wisconsin law, being a minor doesn’t disqualify someone from getting Worker’s comp benefits. In fact, if an employer has violated the laws regarding what kinds of jobs minors can do or what kind of permit is required, an injured minor may be entitled to two or even three times the compensation they would otherwise get. Summer camp generally comes with scrapes, bruises, bites and sunburns for most kids and their slightly older teen counselors. However, if a teen suffers a more serious injury, it’s crucial that they and their parents know their rights under the law. Employers all too often provide inaccurate information to young (and adult) Worker’s – whether intentionally or not. For example, while a worker injured during “horseplay” is generally not entitled to Worker’s comp, that typically doesn’t apply when someone’s job requires it – as long as they weren’t engaged in something dangerous. If your teen faces a challenge getting the Worker’s comp benefits to which they’re entitled for this or any reason, reaching out for experienced legal guidance can help.]]>On Behalf of Law Office of Peter J. Carman, S.C.<![CDATA[Serious injuries can diminish future earning potential]]>https://www.peterjcarman.lawyer/?p=2559482026-07-28T13:11:00Z2026-07-28T13:15:16ZLasting functional limitations
Frequently, lost earning potential stems from the impact of the injuries on a worker's job performance. If they lose strength or range of motion due to serious fractures, they may not be able to continue in a blue-collar profession. Injuries that affect cognitive and physical capabilities can also affect service professionals and even white-collar workers.
Missed time at work
Missing weeks of work to undergo rehabilitative care and needing leave to attend regular medical appointments to treat ongoing symptoms can affect future earning capacity. Employers may consider lengthy absences and frequent medical appointments when deciding who to promote or how much of a raise to offer a professional. The company shouldn’t consider the medical condition itself when making decisions, but the business can review the impact the condition has on job performance.
Determining how injuries may affect future earning potential can help professionals request adequate compensation to offset that loss of income. The assistance of a personal injury attorney can help people with severe injuries calculate their current and likely future losses when requesting damages from the party at fault.]]>
