Because of their enormous size, semi-trucks and commercial vehicles can pose the greatest risks on the highway of any motor vehicles.
Given that these large trucks typically weigh about 30 times more than cars, a collision between the two is more likely to lead to harm or a fatality for those in a smaller vehicle.
Victims of a terrible truck accident are often blameless in the crash. Innocent people involved in tractor-trailer accidents are the unfortunate targets of reckless drivers or trucks with mechanical problems. These injured victims, as well as families who have lost loved ones, deserve financial relief.
The best chance of getting compensated comes from hiring a Wisconsin truck accident attorney.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help victims and families of semi-truck accidents get the justice and financial help they need and deserve.
Common Causes of Semi and Commercial Truck Accidents
A semi or commercial truck can cause an accident for many reasons. Sometimes the truck driver is at fault, other times mechanical failures like faulty brakes or tires are to blame.
A trucking accident case or lawsuit must determine liability for a truck accident.
- Driver Error. This category includes a wide range of mistakes or lapses in judgment on the part of the truck driver. Examples might be speeding, tailgating, or ignoring road signs. Fatigue and distracted driving, such as using a phone or eating while driving, also fall under this umbrella. 78 percent of truck rollovers involve truck driver error.
- Mechanical Failures. This refers to issues like brake failure, design or manufacturing defects of a truck part, and engine breakdowns. These mechanical problems can lead to accidents if not properly maintained, checked, or discovered before a trip.
- Failed or Defective Tires. Strips of tire tread on the roadside often signal a semi or commercial truck tire failure. While many trucks manage to pull over safely, sometimes control is lost. Shed tire pieces can also pose a risk, either by directly hitting other vehicles or creating road hazards.
- Poor Road Conditions. Poorly maintained roads can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Potholes, lack of proper signage, and inadequate lighting are often the responsibility of governmental agencies tasked with road maintenance. Their failure to keep roads safe can contribute to accidents involving large vehicles like semis or commercial trucks.
- Weather Conditions. Extreme weather conditions like snow, rain, or fog can make driving treacherous. While drivers are expected to adjust their driving to suit conditions, sometimes governmental agencies may bear some responsibility. Failing to clear snow or ice from the roads, or not providing adequate warning about hazardous weather conditions, can exacerbate the risks and contribute to accidents.
- Improper Loading. Overloading the truck or not securing the load properly can destabilize the truck, increasing the risk of an accident including catastrophic tanker truck rollovers.
- Inadequate Driver Training. Improperly trained drivers are more prone to making errors that can lead to accidents.
- Other Drivers. Sometimes, the negligent actions of other motorists on the road can lead to accidents involving big rigs or commercial trucks such as cutting off a truck, road rage, reckless driving, distracted driving, unexpected merges, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Company Policies. Pressure from employers to meet deadlines can encourage risky behaviors like speeding or driving for extended periods without adequate rest, falsifying log books, or failing to maintain trucks and trailers out of negligence or to save money.
- Regulatory Violations. Failure to adhere to state or federal transportation laws, like hours-of-service regulations and driver health checkups, can contribute to an 18-wheeler accident.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Truck Accident
- Not Seeking Medical Care Early On. Delaying medical attention can not only worsen your condition but also weaken your legal case. Prompt medical care establishes a record that links your injuries directly to the accident.
- Ignoring Doctor's Recommendations. Failing to adhere to medical advice or skipping appointments can jeopardize both your recovery and your legal case. Consistently following your doctor's guidelines is key to proving the severity of your injuries.
- Not Consulting an Attorney Early. Waiting too long to involve an attorney can be a mistake. Key evidence may be lost, and you might unknowingly make statements that could hurt your case. The sooner an attorney is involved, the better they can guide you through the legal maze to obtain compensation.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for My Truck Accident?
Handling a truck accident claim without legal guidance can adversely affect your claim. These cases often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, insurance firms, and sometimes even government agencies.
The following are some reasons why having a personal injury attorney is beneficial in a truck accident.
Complex State and Federal Trucking Laws
Trucking cases are often governed by a complex set of state and federal regulations. These laws can involve truck drivers, trucking companies, and even third parties leasing space from truckers.
To get the most compensation possible, it's vital to understand what regulations were violated, who violated them, and what the legal consequences will be.
An attorney with a deep understanding of these laws can effectively go after the responsible parties and help preserve your rights.
Multiple Parties to the Accident
Unlike car accidents, where usually one party is at fault, truck accidents can involve multiple parties.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help identify all parties responsible and strategize your case or lawsuit to maximize your compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are skilled at minimizing payouts. Adjusters are trained on how to ask questions that can give the insurance company the upper hand and ultimately undervalue your truck accident claim.
An attorney will talk to adjusters on your behalf and negotiate your case to ensure you get a fair settlement.
Evidence Collection
Gathering evidence, such as black box data and logbooks, is vital for proving your case. Additionally, a personal injury attorney can facilitate this process by talking to witnesses, scrutinizing police accident reports, and reconstructing the accident.
Legal Strategy
Each case is unique. An attorney can tailor a legal strategy to your specific circumstances that tells your story of how this accident has affected your daily life and your family which will maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney from Nicolet Law
After a truck accident, you need skilled legal representation to build a strong case and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Nicolet Law is committed to guiding you through the critical steps following an accident, aiming to minimize its long-term impact on your life.
Our aggressive approach and years of experience in securing favorable outcomes make us a reliable choice for your trucking accident case.
For help and support following a truck accident, contact Nicolet Law Accident and Injury Lawyers today at 1-855-NICOLET or speak with a personal injury attorney online to find out how we can help you.