La Crosse Semi Truck Accident Lawyer

Trusted Semi Truck Accident Attorney in La Crosse, WI

Getting into an accident is always a stressful and damaging experience. However, a collision with a semi truck can be even more severe. A crash with a semi truck can result in catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, totaled vehicles, and lasting emotional distress. A La Crosse semi truck accident lawyer can help you recover by filing a claim against the party responsible, whether that be the driver of the truck, the trucking company, or another party. 

Why Work With Craig Steger?

With 20 years of legal experience and an upbringing involving Midwest trucking, attorney Craig Steger is a skilled La Crosse semi truck accident attorney. Throughout his career, he has frequently negotiated with and litigated against large trucking companies, not allowing aggressive defense strategies or large companies to get in the way of securing compensation for his clients. 

An Overview of Truck Accidents in La Crosse

La Crosse is part of many truck routes, making commercial truck traffic a common sight on local roads. Truck accidents in La Crosse are common along La Crosse Street and West Avenue. These roads are frequently used by truckers and also involve high speeds and traffic, which can increase the risk of an accident. 

Though trucking is a normal part of driving in La Crosse, it does not come without risks. In 2024, there were 6,825 large truck crashes in Wisconsin. In 2025, 58 people died due to large truck accidents. 

Semi truck accidents often result in severe injuries because the vehicle can weigh about 40 tons compared to a passenger vehicle that is about 2 tons. Victims often suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, or internal organ damage. 

If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is possible to recover compensation. A La Crosse semi truck accident attorney can explain the process of filing a claim, which involves holding the party responsible for the crash liable for your damages. 

Determining Liability Under Wisconsin’s Semi Truck Accident Laws

One of the most complex aspects of a truck accident case is determining who is legally responsible for the crash. If you hire a semi truck accident lawyer, they can identify what parties are liable for your damages by investigating the crash and reviewing evidence such as:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Dashcam and surveillance camera footage
• Witness statements
• Driver logs and schedules
• Black box data
• Trucking company employment records

In some cases, parties may share responsibility. If you are partially at fault, Wisconsin’s semi truck accident laws allow you to file a claim as long as you have less than half of the responsibility for the accident. 

Potential At-Fault Parties in a Wisconsin Semi Truck Accident Claim

Determining who is at fault for the accident is essential, as it determines which party you can file a claim against. Some common at-fault parties in Wisconsin truck accident cases include:

• The driver of the truck. The driver is a common liable party in a semi truck accident claim, as their actions directly impact whether or not a crash is going to occur. The trucker may be at fault if speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or fatigue were the reasons for the crash. 
• The trucking firm. The company may be liable in cases involving certain driving errors, or if the company itself was negligent. Examples of negligence from a trucking company include failing to maintain its vehicles, hiring unqualified drivers, overworking drivers, or otherwise violating federal trucking regulations. 
• A third-party driver. Not all cases involving a collision with a semi truck are the fault of the truck’s driver or company. Third-party drivers may make it impossible for a truck driver to avoid a collision, or a third-party driver may cause a multi-vehicle accident. 
• A vehicle manufacturer. While the company that owns the truck is responsible for maintaining its vehicles, the vehicle manufacturer is responsible for providing safe and accurate vehicles and vehicle parts. Producing or installing defective vehicles may leave the manufacturer liable for a resulting accident.

FAQs

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

The amount of a truck settlement varies greatly depending on the case, but often ranges from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. A fair settlement for your case should cover all expenses, also taking into account pain and suffering, anticipated medical costs, loss of earning potential, and other complex damages.

 If you hire a truck accident lawyer, they can help you calculate a fair settlement amount and can negotiate with insurance companies to accept that amount. 

Is It Worth It to Hire a Semi Truck Accident Lawyer?

Yes, it is generally worth it to work with a La Crosse semi truck accident lawyer. Having a lawyer improves your likelihood of recovering a fair award by minimizing the chance of accepting a settlement that is too low or losing your ability to recover compensation due to procedural errors. A lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies for you, pursuing a full recovery for your case. 

What Damages Can You Claim in a Truck Accident Case?

In a truck accident case, the three main types of damages you can claim are economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Economic damages are the financial expenses, such as medical costs, lost wages, or property damage. Non-economic damages are the intangible losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the at-fault party for extremely negligent or reckless behavior, and are only available in certain cases. 

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?

Immediately after an accident, take steps to protect your immediate safety. This includes moving away from the road, checking for injuries, and calling 911. Then, exchange insurance, trucking company, and contact information with the driver of the truck. Next, gather evidence such as photos and videos of the accident scene or the contact information for any witnesses. Finally, contact a La Crosse semi truck accident lawyer who can explain your next steps. 

Learn How a Highly Experienced La Crosse Semi Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you have been involved in a truck accident, early legal representation is important. Fast action can help you preserve critical evidence, meet deadlines, and focus on your recovery rather than building a claim. Contact Craig Steger now to begin working toward compensation after a truck accident.