Truck accidents in Wisconsin present unique challenges and dangers. Learn what sets them apart from regular car crashes and how Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin can help you get justice.
Every day, thousands of commercial trucks travel Wisconsin’s highways and city streets. While they’re essential for our economy, their size and weight make them a serious danger when accidents occur. If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident, you may be facing a long road to recovery—and a much more complex legal case than you’d expect with a regular car crash.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
- Size and Weight: A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to 3,000–4,000 pounds for an average passenger vehicle. In a collision, the smaller vehicle almost always suffers the worst damage.
- Severe Injuries: Victims of truck accidents are much more likely to sustain catastrophic injuries—brain and spinal cord trauma, amputations, and permanent disability.
- Cargo Risks: Trucks often carry hazardous materials, heavy machinery, or oversized loads that increase the risk and severity of accidents.
What Makes Truck Accident Cases More Complicated?
1. Multiple Liable Parties
- In a truck accident, there may be several parties at fault: the truck driver, the trucking company, a freight loader, maintenance contractors, or even the manufacturer of a defective part.
- Determining who is liable—and how much responsibility each party holds—requires careful investigation.
2. Federal and State Regulations
- Trucking companies and drivers must comply with a complex set of federal and Wisconsin state safety regulations, covering everything from hours of service to vehicle maintenance.
- Violations of these regulations can be powerful evidence of negligence.
3. Extensive Evidence
- Truck accidents generate a wealth of potential evidence, including driver logs, black box data, GPS records, maintenance histories, and more.
- Much of this evidence is controlled by the trucking company and can be lost or destroyed if not requested quickly.
4. Aggressive Defense Tactics
- Trucking companies and their insurers often have legal teams on call to minimize their liability. They may try to shift blame, downplay injuries, or push victims into low settlements.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Report the crash to law enforcement.
- Document the scene: Take photos, gather contact info, and note any potential witnesses.
- Do not give recorded statements to trucking or insurance representatives before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and secure crucial evidence.
Damages Available to Victims
Due to the severity of truck accidents, victims may be eligible for substantial compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
- Wrongful death benefits (for surviving family members)
How Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin Can Help
Truck accident cases demand thorough investigation, resources, and specialized legal experience. At Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin, our attorneys will:
- Secure and analyze all available evidence
- Identify all liable parties
- Work with experts in accident reconstruction, medicine, and economics
- Negotiate with powerful trucking and insurance companies
- Take your case to trial if needed to get the justice you deserve
Don’t Go It Alone
Truck accident claims are high-stakes and high-pressure. Let Trial Lawyers of Wisconsin stand up for you while you focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
