Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Milwaukee

FAQs

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

  414-933-4444 is the non-emergency contact number in Milwaukee.

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

  Accident reports can be obtained at the Milwaukee Open Records office counter located at 2333 N. 49th Street (2nd Floor) Milwaukee, WI 53210. The facility is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 AM to 3 PM.

• What is the statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Milwaukee?

  Milwaukee truck crash victims are given three years starting from the date of the accident to file a claim. Under the Wisconsin law section 893.54, injured victims have three years to recover damages for injuries caused by negligent parties in motor vehicle accidents. Within this time period, they should file a lawsuit against the other party.

• Why should truck accident victims in Milwaukee hire a board-certified truck accident attorney?

  Truck accident attorneys in Milwaukee who are certified by either the National Board of Trial Advocacy or the American Bar Association have objectively verifiable credentials to represent truck crash victims in litigation and negotiation. Plaintiffs who hire these professionals may feel secure knowing that they have an in-depth understanding of the intricate trucking regulations and hands-on experience dealing with practical, procedural, and substantive concerns of traffic incidents involving trucks, including big rigs and tractor-trailers.

• What information must Milwaukee truck accident victims gather from the at-fault driver?

  The negligent driver's details, like name, address, phone number, and license number, must be obtained by victims of Milwaukee truck collisions. Plaintiffs should gather the vehicle information, including the license plate, manufacturer, and truck model. In addition, they are advised to collect the names and contact information of witnesses of the truck accident.

• What is the average settlement amount for truck wrecks in Milwaukee?

  It is quite difficult to determine the common settlement amount for Milwaukee truck accidents as there are several factors to consider that may affect the settlement. For instance, a victim who sustained severe injuries could earn a larger settlement than those who only obtained minor damages. There are various considerations surrounding a truck accident claim, which include the severity of injuries sustained, length of hospital stay, lost wages, and amount of the damaged vehicle.

• What are the most common types of truck accidents in Milwaukee?

  One of the most prevalent types of Milwaukee truck accidents is a failure-to-yield collision, which commonly occurs at intersections as a consequence of broken traffic signals, driving while distracted, and aggressive behavior. Another sort of disaster is a "jackknife," which happens when a truck slides in one direction and makes a 90-degree angle. These crashes result from speeding combined with abrupt stops, bad brakes, and poor road conditions. Other frequent forms of trucking accidents are rear impacts and sideswipe collisions.

• 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.