Madison Truck Accident Attorney

Our Madison Truck Accident Attorneys Can Protect Your Rights and Fight for You

Thousands of large commercial trucks traverse the highways and roads of Madison and the surrounding areas of Wisconsin each day. Although an important part of our economy, tractor-trailers and other big rigs can cause devastating truck accidents that severely injure or kill occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. A fully loaded semi can weigh 80,000 pounds or more and can crush or completely demolish any typical car, SUV, or pickup truck if it collides with them.

The injuries that result from a truck accident can leave you needing extensive medical treatment, or they may result in a permanent disability that will severely limit your ability to work and support yourself and your family.

You shouldn’t have to bear the costs of your truck accident injuries and the adverse effects they have caused you. If the truck driver caused the truck accident through their negligence or wrongful actions, you could hold them accountable along with their employer, the party that owns the truck, and others to get the compensation you need. 

To determine your options and learn if you have a valid truck accident claim, consult an attorney with experience handling complex truck accident cases.

The Madison truck accident attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers have decades of experience helping injured clients obtain compensation following preventable truck accidents. We will review your claim at no cost, advise you of your options, and represent you throughout the process to help you get the favorable results you expect and deserve. 

Contact us today for your free consultation.

Why Choose Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers as Your Madison Truck Accident Attorneys

We founded our law firm in 2007 to deliver top-tier representation to our clients who suffer needlessly through no fault of their own. Our attorneys possess years of experience and the skills to handle your matter efficiently, as well as the drive and determination to fight hard for you each step of the way and increase your chances of getting the favorable results you seek.

Over the years, we have secured more than $65 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients. While we cannot guarantee how much you will get for your truck accident injuries, we can promise to assert your rights and negotiate vigorously to recover the maximum amount possible. If the insurer refuses to settle or offer a fair amount, we are prepared to take them to court to get everything you deserve.

Our compassionate attorneys understand what you are going through, and we are here to support you as much as possible during this difficult time. Contact us today for a free review of your claim.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Madison

Because of their design and the fact they usually pull trailers loaded with heavy cargo, trucks can cause accidents that wouldn’t occur with most passenger vehicles, such as jackknife accidents.

Any truck accident can cause severe, life-threatening injuries, including:

• Rear-end collisions. These accidents happen when a truck crashes into the rear of another vehicle. Large trucks require far more distance to stop, especially when traveling at highway speeds. If the truck driver fails to maintain a safe distance, misjudges the stopping distance required, or doesn’t react in time, they can cause a catastrophic accident.
• Jackknife accidents. Jackknifing occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an angle with the cab. This usually happens when the trailer’s wheels lose traction, causing it to slide. Jackknife accidents can lead to serious multi-vehicle collisions.
• Rollover accidents. Rollovers involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. They often occur when a truck takes a turn too fast or with an improperly secured load, causing the center of gravity to shift. Rollovers can cause devastating multiple collisions.
• Underride accidents. Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and ends up underneath the truck's trailer. Smaller vehicles can wedge beneath the trailer, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Wide-turn accidents. Trucks with large trailers require more space to turn. When truck drivers fail to account for this and swing wide without signaling correctly, they may collide with other vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Blind spot accidents. Trucks have larger blind spots compared to smaller vehicles. If a truck driver fails to check their blind spots or signal lane changes, they may collide with a vehicle in the blind spot area.
• Hazardous material spills. Trucks carrying hazardous materials pose an additional risk. Accidents involving these trucks can lead to chemical spills, fires, or explosions, resulting in severe damage, injuries, and environmental hazards.
• Cargo-related accidents. A truck’s cargo can sometimes come loose and fall off the trailer. Heavy material or shipping containers could fall onto a smaller vehicle and crush them or block the road, leading to accidents as drivers take evasive action. 
• T-bone collisions. Also known as side-impact truck collisions, these accidents most commonly occur at intersections or when vehicles turn left in front of a truck. If a truck driver disregards traffic signals or breaks the speed limit, they could collide with a vehicle’s side, causing severe or fatal injuries to other drivers and passengers.

Trucks can also get into accidents that involve only the truck initially, such as running off the road or striking a barrier. However, since trucks are large and may pull a trailer, they can block the road and cause subsequent accidents involving other vehicles.

What Causes Truck Accidents in Madison?

Many factors can cause truck accidents:

• Driver error. Driver error is the leading cause of truck accidents. This can include distracted driving (such as texting or talking on the phone), fatigue, speeding, aggressive driving, impaired driving (due to alcohol, drugs, or medications), or failure to adhere to traffic rules and regulations.
• Equipment failure. Mechanical failures in trucks can lead to accidents. This can include brake failures, tire blowouts, steering system malfunctions, defective lights or signals, or problems with the trailer hitch or coupling. 
• Retreaded tires. Many trucking companies use retreaded tires to save on cost, but these tires can unravel. This causes the tire to fail completely and creates chunks of tire debris that themselves can cause accidents or strike other vehicles, resulting in considerable damage. If a retreaded tire unraveled and injured you or caused your accident, you could hold the tire manufacturer, the trucker, and the truck’s owner liable.
• Improper loading or cargo shift. An improperly loaded truck or incorrectly secured cargo can lead to accidents. Improperly distributed weight or unsecured cargo can make the truck unstable and prone to rollovers, jackknifing, or loss of control. In cargo-related accidents, you may hold the parties responsible for loading and securing the cargo accountable as well as the truck driver, the trucking company, and others.
• Adverse weather conditions. Heavy rain, snow, ice, fog, or high winds can significantly degrade a truck's handling and braking capabilities. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, or hydroplaning can increase the risk of accidents. Truckers need to adjust their speed and remain extra vigilant during inclement weather to reduce the risks of accidents.
• Lack of training or experience. Inexperienced or poorly trained truck drivers may need more skills to handle a large commercial vehicle. They may struggle with maneuvering, braking, or responding to unexpected situations, leading to accidents.
• The actions of other drivers. Many drivers hate getting stuck behind large trucks, and some will drive aggressively to get around a truck or cut them off on the highway. As truckers try to avoid a collision through heavy braking or taking evasive action, they can cause accidents involving other vehicles.
• Fatigue and hours of service violations. Long hours of driving without sufficient rest can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment, reaction time, and attentiveness. Violations of federal hours of service regulations, which limit the number of consecutive driving hours and require rest periods, can contribute to fatigue-related accidents.
• Road conditions and infrastructure. Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, uneven surfaces, potholes, inadequate signs, or lack of proper lighting can all contribute to truck accidents. Insufficient infrastructure can make it difficult for truck drivers to navigate safely.
• Negligent hiring or supervision. Trucking companies have a responsibility to hire qualified and competent drivers. If they fail to conduct thorough background checks, verify driving records, or adequately train and supervise their drivers, you can hold them accountable for the accidents they cause.

Other external factors can also contribute to truck accidents, such as wildlife on the road, debris or objects falling from other vehicles, or sudden medical emergencies. Each case is unique, and some truck accidents may result from multiple factors. Identifying the specific causes requires a thorough investigation of each accident by an experienced truck accident attorney.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Madison?

Protect your well-being and legal rights after a truck accident.

Here's a general guideline on what you should do after a truck accident:

• Ensure safety. First and foremost, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Move to a safe location, away from traffic and out of harm's way. Turn on hazard lights or set up flares, if available, to alert other drivers.
• Call for emergency assistance. If the crash injures anyone or causes significant damage, immediately call emergency services such as ambulance and police. Report the accident and provide necessary details, including the location and the number of vehicles involved.
• Gather information. Exchange information with the truck driver and other parties involved in the accident. Obtain their names, contact details, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Get the names and contact information for any witnesses as well.
• Document the scene. If it is safe to do so and you physically can, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including the positions of vehicles, damage sustained, skid marks, and any relevant road conditions for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you don't have visible injuries, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not immediately appear, and a healthcare professional can assess your condition and provide necessary treatment. Document all medical examinations, diagnoses, and treatments related to the accident.
• Preserve evidence. Preserve any evidence related to the accident. This can include vehicle damage, personal belongings damaged in the accident, and other physical evidence. Additionally, keep records of any expenses incurred because of the accident, such as medical bills or vehicle repair receipts.
• Report the accident to your insurer. Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate details and cooperate fully during the claims process. However, consult our attorneys before providing a recorded statement to the insurance company.
• Consult an attorney. After you receive treatment for your injuries and before talking to any insurance company, consult our experienced truck accident attorneys. We can provide guidance on your legal rights, navigate the complex legal process, and pursue any necessary legal action to seek compensation for your damages.
• Stay calm and avoid making admissions. After an accident, emotions can run high, but remain calm and avoid admitting fault or liability. When discussing the accident with the involved parties, witnesses, or insurance representatives, stick to the facts.

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and the specific actions to take after a truck accident can vary depending on the circumstances. Contact our attorneys as soon as possible so we can provide personalized advice based on your situation on what you need to do following a truck accident.

Madison Truck Accident FAQs

You likely have questions following a truck accident in Madison. The attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers are here to answer your questions for free and offer guidance and support throughout the process. To explain your options for establishing liability and pursuing compensation, we offer the following frequently asked questions we receive from clients regarding truck accident claims:

How Can Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers Help Me With My Madison Truck Accident Injury Claim?

At Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping you obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve to help you recover from the injuries and losses you suffered in a truck accident. During our free initial consultation, we will review your case with you in detail and evaluate your claim, offering advice and suggestions on the legal options you have to pursue compensation.

We will thoroughly investigate the accident to establish liability on all parties responsible for the crash and your injuries, and we have vast resources of industry experts and other professional witnesses who can provide vital information and evidence to support your claim.

You can rely on us to negotiate with the insurance companies and at-fault parties assertively to get the maximum settlement possible, and we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for you to ensure you get every last penny you need.

Do not delay getting the compensation you need for your truck accident injuries. Contact the experienced Madison personal injury attorneys at Nicolet Law Accident & Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation at (608) 467-0429. Our lawyers work on contingency, so you won’t pay us anything upfront to represent you, and we only accept a fee if we obtain compensation for you through a settlement or at trial.