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Losing a loved one in a trucking accident is devastating. Not only does the loss come with emotional strain for the family, but there’s also the potential for great financial hardship. These cases are rarely simple. Multiple parties can be at fault for the crash, from your loved one’s employer and other drivers to maintenance providers and municipalities. If you’ve suffered a loss in one of these crashes, a La Crosse wrongful death truck accident lawyer, like Craig Steger, can pursue compensation for it.
Liability in a wrongful death truck accident is often more complex than in a typical crash. Multiple parties can share responsibility, and identifying all of them is critical to recovering the compensation you deserve.
Drivers can be liable if they acted negligently, such as driving under the influence or speeding. Similarly, trucking companies are also primary targets of wrongful death claims. Companies can be liable if they were negligent in the hiring process, forced unrealistic schedules, or failed to maintain their vehicles.
Maintenance companies can also be liable if faulty repairs contributed to the crash, and manufacturers can be responsible if a defective part caused the accident. In some cases, local or state governments can share fault if poor road maintenance or a lack of traffic control devices contributed to the crash.
With 5,472 people killed in large truck crashes throughout 2023, it’s important for the families of accident victims to know what compensation is available to them. This compensation is meant to help families move on after their loss. No amount of money can replace a loved one, but it can ease the financial burdens you’re facing. After a crash, your La Crosse wrongful death truck accident attorney can pursue compensation for these damages:
Whether in settlement negotiations with insurance companies or the La Crosse County Circuit Court, a wrongful death lawyer can pursue the compensation you deserve.
In 2023, an estimated 528,177 large trucks were involved in accidents. When these incidents lead to deaths, it’s important for families to know how to prove the fault of the liable parties. To do this, you have to show that the other party acted negligently. However, this can be challenging in these cases because so many parties can be liable.
You’ll need compelling evidence to establish liability. Key evidence can include the police report, witness statements, and crash reconstruction analysis. Your attorney can also investigate to see if federal trucking regulations were violated, including hours-of-service regulations. In some cases, they may also look for evidence of negligent hiring practices or poor vehicle maintenance.
When you work with Craig Steger, you aren’t just getting another personal injury attorney. You’re getting a lawyer with a Class A CDL who knows the challenges truckers face every day firsthand. With more than 20 years of experience in representing truck drivers and their families in personal injury and wrongful death cases, he knows what it takes to pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.
There’s no set maximum payout for a wrongful death claim, as compensation depends on the facts of the case. Damages can include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. In some cases, punitive damages may also apply if the conduct was particularly reckless. The total value of the case is ultimately determined by insurance coverage, liability, and the long-term impact on surviving family members.
In Wisconsin, a wrongful death claim must generally be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The claim is brought on behalf of the eligible beneficiaries, which typically include a surviving spouse, children, or parents. If none exist, other heirs may qualify under state intestacy laws. The court-appointed or designated representative handles the case, but compensation is distributed to qualifying family members.
The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Wisconsin is generally two years from the date of death. Failing to initiate legal action before this deadline could mean that you’ll be barred from recovering compensation for your losses. While there are limited exceptions that can extend the statute of limitations, it’s important to file your claim as soon as possible. This gives you time to preserve key evidence, which can be crucial when seeking compensation.
Yes, it’s often worth pursuing pain and suffering damages in your wrongful death claim, as it can significantly increase your total compensation. Families can recover damages for their loss of companionship, grief, and suffering tied to the death. While economic damages, like lost income and funeral costs, are straightforward, pain and suffering reflects the human impact of the loss. Its value depends on the relationship, the circumstances of the death, and the strength of evidence presented.
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you deserve compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Hire a wrongful death truck accident lawyer to investigate the crash, identify all liable parties, and pursue compensation through negotiations or court proceedings. Craig Steger can be your trusted advocate throughout the legal process, providing the legal support you need.
Contact Craig Steger today to schedule a consultation. We can discuss your case, explain your rights, and create a strategy to pursue compensation. If your loved one passed away due to their truck accident injuries, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal process on your own to get justice.