Large trucks provide essential goods to Wisconsin residents each day, but they also pose a serious threat on state roads. Nearly 7,000 commercial truck accidents occurred statewide in a recent year, killing over 70 people and injuring thousands more.

Semi-trucks can reach up to 80,000 pounds and exert violent force upon impact with passenger vehicles. Recognizing the danger, the federal government strictly regulates the trucking industry with rules governing all aspects of operations. Truck drivers, trucking companies, maintenance providers, and other parties face harsh penalties for violations, including the chance of personal injury lawsuits if their oversights cause a truck accident.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck crash in South Central Wisconsin, you deserve to know your legal options. Keep reading to learn more about truck accidents and how to demand accountability from the party that injured you. For personalized information about your case, call or contact LawtonCates today for a free consultation with a Wisconsin truck accident attorney.

Types of Truck Accidents

There are many types of truck crashes, each presenting unique dangers:

  • Rear-end collisions – Trucks need more time to stop. If a trucker is distracted or speeding in a congested area, they increase the risk of causing a rear-end crash.
  • Jackknife accidents – These accidents happen when a truck’s trailer loses sync with its tractor and swings out at a 90-degree angle. The trailer can swing across multiple lanes of traffic, potentially causing a multi-vehicle crash.
  • Rollovers – High winds, sharp turns, or unbalanced cargo can cause a tractor-trailer to roll over.
  • Underride accidents – These life-threatening collisions happen when smaller vehicles slide under commercial trucks.
  • Blind spot accidents – Trucks have significant blind spots on all sides. If commercial truck drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging, the consequences can be disastrous for nearby motorists.  
  • T-bone collisions – T-bone truck accidents are side-impact crashes that can leave victims with serious injuries. They often occur at intersections where a truck driver fails to yield to oncoming traffic or is speeding.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

What you do in the immediate aftermath of a truck crash can affect your health and right to file a personal injury claim. If you are involved in a truck accident:

  • Call 911 immediately to bring law enforcement and emergency responders to the accident scene.
  • Seek medical attention, even if you do not have visible injuries or experience pain right away.
  • Document the scene with photos and videos.
  • Gather contact and insurance information from all parties involved.
  • Obtain witness statements and contact information.
  • Notify your insurance company of the crash, but avoid discussing fault, making statements, or signing any release forms until you speak with a lawyer.
  • Contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

Filing a Wisconsin Truck Accident Claim

Filing a truck accident claim to seek compensation for your injuries is a multi-step process. It can also be more complex than filing the average car accident claim. You can improve your chances of obtaining maximum compensation by working with an experienced truck accident lawyer.

At LawtonCates, we provide comprehensive legal assistance to truck accident victims. We will handle your case from start to finish by:

  • Determining liability – We will conduct a detailed investigation to identify all responsible parties. In truck accident cases, you may have a claim against multiple defendants, such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or other motorists.
  • Interpreting and applying relevant regulations – We are well-versed in state and federal trucking laws and how the statutes affect liability.
  • Negotiating with insurance companies – Insurance companies in truck accident cases will likely dispute your claim. Our lawyers will manage all communications, protecting you from lowball settlement offers.
  • Meeting deadlines – We will file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations to ensure you don’t miss your chance of recovering compensation due to a technicality.
  • Preparing for trial – Most personal injury cases settle. But if stubborn insurers refuse to make a fair offer, our trial attorneys will take your case to court to pursue the results you deserve.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Because semi-truck accidents often result in considerable harm, victims are often eligible for significant compensation. However, the size of your recovery will depend on many factors, such as the severity of your injuries and whether you share any fault for the crash.

Potential compensation in a successful Wisconsin truck accident case can include money for:

  • Past, current, and future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage

If you lost a loved one in a truck accident in Wisconsin, our legal team can file a wrongful death claim to recover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income for dependents, and other related losses.

Common Challenges in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident cases often present unique challenges, including:

  • Multiple insurance claims – In cases with more than one responsible party, you may need to file multiple truck accident claims to hold every defendant accountable. Your attorney may negotiate with numerous insurers and defense attorneys to maximize your compensation.  
  • Complex evidence – Semi-trucks are complex machines. Your case may need expert testimony to interpret the facts, determine what went wrong, and identify who is responsible.
  • Powerful opposition – Trucking companies have substantial resources to fight claims and will often attempt to shift the blame onto the victim.
  • Evidence preservation – Critical evidence can disappear quickly after an accident.
  • Severe injuries – Truck accidents often result in catastrophic harm, increasing the stakes for the victim.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer From LawtonCates Can Help

A Wisconsin truck accident lawyer from LawtonCates can take all the pressure of managing a truck accident case off your shoulders. That can be the greatest gift you receive during such a difficult time.

The process begins by scheduling a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys. This meeting is our opportunity to review the facts of your case, ask questions, and advise you of a potential course of action. Consider the first consultation as a way to interview us, too. You need to hire the best law firm to meet your needs and goals.  

If you choose to retain LawtonCates, we will begin investigating the case, identifying the liable parties and available insurance coverage, and placing an appropriate value on your truck accident case. We will draft a demand letter to the insurance company(s) requesting compensation and manage any challenges they make to your claim. Your truck accident lawyer will provide regular updates on your claim and advise you of new developments as the case proceeds.

Our deep understanding of the complexities involved in truck accident cases and our commitment to our clients make LawtonCates a strong advocate for truck accident victims in Wisconsin.

Get Legal Help From Our Wisconsin Truck Accident Lawyers

Life after a truck accident can be fraught with difficulties. However, it is crucial to remember that help is available. With assistance from a truck accident attorney at LawtonCates, you can rest assured that you have a proven legal professional in your corner. Call us today or contact us online for a free initial case review.