Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Madison, WI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Madison, Wisconsin?

  For non-emergency situations, you may contact the Madison police department at 608-255-2345.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Madison, Wisconsin?

  Contact the Records Unit at (608) 266-4075 or email at pdrecords@cityofmadison.com to get a copy of the police report.

• What causes truck accidents in Madison?

  Trucking accidents in Madison frequently result from the carelessness of the driver of a large commercial truck due to factors like fatigue, speeding, the use of over-the-counter medications, improper braking, vehicle defects, reckless driving, load shifting, cargo damage, driver distractions, alcohol and drug use, inexperience or breaking hours-of-service rules, being unaware of the surroundings, and failing to look both ways before turning or changing lanes. When a driver is negligent and cannot notice a car in front of them or their blind zones, this might result in a disastrous crash.

• What kinds of injuries can be sustained in a truck collision in Madison?

  The typical outcomes and injuries of a Madison truck accident include brain trauma, spinal cord damage, fractured bones, burns, amputations, respiratory infections, respiratory illnesses, and death. The size and weight of a truck can cause catastrophic injuries to motorcyclists, pedestrians, bikers, and car occupants. It's crucial to be aware of possible truck accident injuries and to talk to your doctor about them.

• Who is eligible to file for emotional distress after a truck accident in Madison?

  A close family of the accident victim, such as a spouse, children, or parents, may submit an emotional distress claim in Madison. To make this kind of claim, the victim must have had a serious injury or passed away in the collision. A close relative may claim compensation if the primary accident victim sustains a serious injury, such as paralysis, brain damage, severe burns, amputation of a limb, or disfigurement. The truck accident or its immediate aftermath must have been witnessed by the plaintiff.

• What to do following a truck collision in Madison?

  Stay at the scene of the collision until the police arrive, get medical attention for anyone hurt, exchange information with other drivers, preserve the scene and any evidence, take photos, provide a thorough report, get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and then get in touch with a Madison truck accident lawyer to pursue any possible legal action.

• What damages are possible in a truck accident claim in Madison?

  Because Wisconsin is an at-fault state, injured people and their distressed loved ones may make an insurance claim against the at-fault party. They have the right to demand compensatory damages, such as financial losses, medical costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages, also referred to as pain and suffering damages, are intended to make up for the suffering the victim has had. There is no cap on non-economic damages arising from auto accidents, but the maximum award for emotional distress is $250,000, or $50,000 if you sue Madison's municipal government. A medical expert's testimony will be relied upon by an accident attorney to describe the type of pain that these injuries generally produce and the degree to which they affect your day-to-day activities.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.