Truck Accident Lawyer Madison, WI

When involved in a truck accident, the emotional and physical trauma of the trucking accident is overwhelming. Insurance companies reach out to accident victims when they are most vulnerable, knowing how to minimize liability.

Often low settlement offers are made, pressuring personal injury victims into accepting unfair compensation amounts.

The truck insurance company will contact you when you have suffered injuries in a truck accident. Be prepared by hiring an experienced truck accident attorney to handle all negotiations to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Each experienced personal injury attorney at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC has handled numerous cases involving large commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles.

Contact a Madison, WI, truck accident lawyer at our law firm at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today to schedule a free consultation for immediate legal advice. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Common Causes of Madison, WI Truck Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 4,311 fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2016. That’s an average of 11.8 fatalities per day.

• There were 37,757 people killed in car accidents in 2016. Large trucks accounted for 3.5% of all traffic fatalities.
• While fatalities have been trending downward since 2009, serious injuries are increasing.
• Of all crashes, 9% of trucking fatalities were caused by large trucks colliding with passenger vehicles.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), trucking accidents often occur due to the negligence of the driver of a large commercial truck for the following reasons:

• Fatigued driving: Operating a commercial vehicle requires constant concentration, focus, and alertness.
• Speeding: Trucks are often required to meet tight deadlines and delivery windows. As a result, the semi-truck driver may race against time instead of driving at a safe speed.
• Over-the-counter medications: Semi-truckers have been known to take over-the-counter medications such as cold medicine to stay awake at the wheel while driving long distances.
• Improper braking: Drivers may also fail to apply the brakes when driving downhill, leading to a serious accident.
• Vehicle defects: Truckers may be involved in a collision due to faulty truck components such as worn brakes or bald tires.
• Reckless driving: Trucks may often be operated recklessly because of harsh driving conditions, such as snow and ice, causing a collision.
• Load shifting: When cargo is improperly secured, it may shift while the vehicle is in motion, interfere with a driver’s visibility, or make it difficult to control.
• Cargo damage: When cargo is not secured correctly, it can fly out of the back of a truck and cause an accident.
• Driver distractions: Using a cell phone and texting while driving is two of the most common distractions for truck drivers that result in a collision.
• Alcohol and drug use: Driver impairment due to alcohol or drugs is another leading factor in truck accidents.
• Truck driver inexperience or violation of hours-of-service regulations: Trucking companies often hire inexperienced drivers or those with previously violated hours-of-service regulations. Both of these can be leading factors in a disastrous collision.
• Inattention to surroundings: Truck drivers may not be aware of their surroundings because they are focused on the roadway ahead. It can lead to a tragic collision when a driver fails to recognize blind spots or see a car in front of them.
• Failure to check for oncoming traffic before turning or changing: Many trucking accidents occur when a trucker fails to check for oncoming traffic before turning or changing lanes.

Injury victims in a WI Madison trucking accident should use an experienced truck accident attorney when dealing with insurance providers. Victims can seek compensation through legal action for costs related to property damage and medical expenses.

Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers

We are professional truck accident attorneys with over 30 years of experience representing clients who have sustained injuries in crashes caused by negligent drivers, including those involved in car accidents with commercial vehicles like big rigs, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and more.

We handle all types of motor vehicle accident cases in Madison, WI, including:

• Truck accidents of commercial motor vehicles: Tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs
• Car accidents: Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans
• Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycles vs. car or truck
• Pedestrian accidents: Car vs. pedestrian
• Bicycle accidents: Bicycle vs. vehicle

Our truck accident attorneys in Madison, WI, can provide experienced legal representation for your personal injury claim. Our team has helped thousands of individuals and their families obtain full compensation.

Other areas of legal expertise in our practice include:

• Personal injury cases: Slip and falls, dog bites, truck accidents
• Product defects: Defective drugs or medical devices, recalls
• Medical malpractice: Birth injuries, misdiagnosis, surgical errors
• Nursing home abuse and neglect: Bedsores, falls, elopements
• Workplace accidents: Construction site injuries, factory accidents
• Wrongful death: Fatal car crashes or semi-truck accidents
• Disability insurance lawsuits: Denied insurance claims

You can contact us at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or submit an online form. We provide a no-obligation consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney at our WI Madison law firm for legal advice and representation.

Federal Government Regulated Working Hours for Truck Drivers

According to the FMCSA, truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of daily driving time within a 14-hour workday. In addition, after taking ten consecutive hours off duty, they may drive for no more than 10 hours.

These regulations also apply to anyone driving with a CDL to transport hazardous materials, drive a bus, drive a truck for hire, and drive a school bus. If drivers violate these rules and an accident occurs due to this violation, they may face fines or jail time.

In addition, under the FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program (CSA), trucking companies are also subject to stringent enforcement if their drivers are caught violating hours-of-service regulations.

How A Truck Accident Lawyer Madison, WI, Can Help Your Claim

Legal help is available to injury victims in a truck accident due to the negligence of a truck driver. The legal help of our WI Madison experienced lawyers can assist with all negotiations with the insurance company and compensation liability.

A Madison, WI, truck accident qualified attorney from our law firm can help you file a claim against the truck driver or truck company and pursue compensation for costs related to medical treatment and property damage.

Every truck accident attorney at our Madison, Wisconsin, law firm understands the complexities of truck accident claims and is here to help you get the full compensation for the pain, suffering, and loss experienced.

Multiple parties, including the truck driver, can be held liable for your truck accident if you were injured in the truck accident. Contact a truck accident lawyer from our WI Madison law firm for a free consultation.

What To Do After a Madison, WI Truck Accident

If you are involved in a Madison, WI truck accident, it is essential to take the following steps:

• Remain on the scene of the accident until the police arrive.
• Seek medical attention for anyone who is injured.
• Exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident including names, contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
• Preserve evidence and take photos of the truck accident and damage to all vehicles involved.
• When the police arrive, give an accurate report of the accident, mentioning any important evidence.
• Get the contact information for any witnesses to the truck accident.
• Do not admit fault or sign any documents.
• Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to take legal action and help you file truck accident or wrongful death claims.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer Madison, WI for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options.

Madison, WI Truck Accident Injuries

Catastrophic injuries sustained in a truck crash can be severe and often require long-term medical treatment. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Head injuries: A blow to the head could cause a concussion or other serious head injury.
• Neck injuries: A sudden impact can cause the neck to snap forward or backward, resulting in various injuries such as whiplash.
• Back injuries: The force of a truck crash can cause the back to twist or jerk, leading to spinal cord damage, herniated discs, or paralysis.
• Broken bones: Bones can easily break when hit by a large truck.
• Internal injuries: The force of a truck accident can cause the organs to rupture or bleed.
• Traumatic brain injuries: A head injury can cause traumatic brain injuries such as concussions or contusions.
• Road rash: When a body is dragged across the pavement during an accident, it can cause road rash, a form of abrasion that removes layers of skin and tissue from the body.
• Severe burns: Often from the vehicle suddenly catching on fire.
• Amputations: A dismemberment can happen during an accident when a truck drags a person beneath the wheels.
• Lacerations: Cuts to the head, neck or other body parts are common in truck accidents.
• Other injuries needing ongoing medical care: Injuries may not immediately be apparent following a truck accident but could require extensive treatment, such as surgery and physical therapy.
• Death: Truck accidents are among the most dangerous because of their size and weight. Unfortunately, many truck accident victims do not survive due to their injuries or being struck by a truck.

In some cases, a driver involved in a truck accident may receive citations for infractions. If a driver is cited, they could face fines and other penalties, increasing the damages an injured victim might receive from their claim.

Contacting a truck accident lawyer Madison, WI with extensive experience as soon as possible after a trucking accident is vital to ensure all important evidence is collected, all the costs related are tallied, and the truck accident claim is filed on time.

A Trucking Company’s Legal Responsibility to Public Safety

Trucking companies have strict rules to ensure their drivers comply with hours-of-service regulations. These rules limit the hours drivers can work and the time they can spend driving.

Other rules involve:

• The driver must take a break after driving for 8 hours
• The driver must take a break after working for 60 hours in 7 days
• The driver cannot work more than 14 hours a day
• The truck company must keep records of the driver’s hours

If a trucking company fails to comply with these rules, it can be liable for an accident due to negligence. For example, if a driver didn’t get enough sleep before driving, the company could be held liable for injuries he caused in an accident.

The hope is that these restrictions will help prevent truck accidents by ensuring that drivers are well-rested and alert. If a trucking company fails to follow these safety rules, it can be liable for truck accidents.

Legal Standards That Trucking Companies Must Meet

In addition to rules about hours-of-service regulations, every trucking company must meet federal standards for safety.

The standards that the company must adhere to include:

• Have a safety management system in place
• Screen drivers for drug and alcohol use
• Train drivers on how to handle emergencies
• Inspect semi trucks for safe operation

A trucking company can be liable for accidents if it violates these safety regulations. Ensure you remain on the scene until the police arrive and give an accurate report of the events.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, speaking with an experienced attorney is vital. Our firm’s Madison truck accident attorneys can help you file a claim and seek compensation for your damages. Call an accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.

Third-party Liability in A Truck Accident

Sometimes, third-party liability is involved when someone other than the truck driver or their employer (trucking company) is responsible for causing the crash.

Third-party liability could involve:

• A defective road condition that caused the accident (road maintenance crews)
• Another driver who contributed to the accident
• An equipment problem with the truck or trailer (manufacturing defect – product liability)

In some cases, a victim could pursue damages from one or more third parties involved in the truck accident. In other instances, an injured party may have no third-party liability and instead file a claim against the trucking company involved in crashes and head-on collisions.

Filing A Compensation Claim

The aftermath of a truck accident is often very complicated, especially when multiple parties are involved. Therefore, speaking with an attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and file a compensation claim is essential.

Your Madison, Wisconsin truck accident attorney will build a case for resolution by:

• Investigating the accident scene
• Collecting important evidence and creating an accurate report of events
• Speaking with witnesses
• Consulting experts
• Filing a lawsuit (if necessary)

The sooner you speak with a Madison, WI, truck accident lawyer after a truck accident, the better. An experienced personal injury attorney will work to protect your rights and get you the fair compensation you deserve.

Filing A Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Surviving families can file a lawsuit citing a preventable death when a trucker or other driver’s negligence takes their loved one’s life.

In these cases, families can seek damages for:

• The loved one’s medical bills and burial expenses
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages (if appropriate)

If you have been injured in a truck accident, please contact a Madison, WI, accident lawyer for a free consultation. We will review your personal injury case and help you take the necessary steps to obtain the damages you deserve.

Hiring Madison Truck Accident Lawyers to Handle Your Case

Truck accidents usually result in devastating injuries due to their size and weight. Even low-speed car crashes with trucks can cause significant injuries, especially if the truck is loaded or pulling heavy cargo.

Many potential causes of big rig collisions include driver fatigue, reckless driving, speeding, improper lane changes, failure to yield, and more.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you must speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

You may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Call our Madison, WI law office today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form for immediate legal assistance and schedule a free case evaluation.

Our Madison truck accident attorneys accept all truck accident claims and wrongful death lawsuits through contingency fee agreements. This promise ensures you pay nothing until your experienced truck accident lawyer resolves your case through a negotiated settlement or jury award.

Resources:

• FMCSA – Crash Statistics
• NHTSA – Forecast Point to an Increase in Tragic Crashes