Truck accidents are not uncommon throughout the state of Wisconsin, and oftentimes they are more common during the winter when roads are more hazardous. You may be wondering what to do after a truck accident on rural highways in western Wisconsin. You can speak to an attorney about what steps to take after a truck accident to seek financial compensation for your injuries and damages.
Attorney Craig Steger can help you assess the facts of your case and examine all documented evidence associated with your potential legal claim. Our team is prepared to help you learn more about your legal rights and how to enforce them. We can contextualize your accident and provide you with reliable legal advice.
Exchange Insurance Information Immediately After a Truck Accident
The first thing you should do after a truck accident on a rural highway like Highway 35 or State Highway 93 is ensure you are physically safe and that you do not need immediate medical care. The next action you should take is to exchange insurance information with the truck driver involved in the collision. It is also recommended to exchange contact information with the driver and confirm the name of their employer.
The insurance policy related to the truck involved in the accident will be relevant to your potential claim. An attorney can scrutinize the policy limits connected to all insurance policies for the trucking company and the truck driver who caused your injuries.
Documenting the Accident Scene After a Collision Involving a Trucking Company
Once you obtain the insurance information from the truck driver, you should document the accident scene. Many accident victims take photographs of their automobile, any other vehicles involved in the accident, and the environmental conditions of the accident scene. These conditions may include potholes or debris in the roadway where the accident occurred.
It is also beneficial to take any video recordings of the immediate aftermath of the trucking accident. You can document tire marks on the road and other forms of evidence that an attorney may use to substantiate your legal claim.
Also, if any eyewitnesses observed the accident, you should get written statements from them as well as their contact information if you need them to recount the details later.
Reasons to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
Dealing with insurance companies and their adjusters can be overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar with truck accident cases and civil litigation. By retaining legal counsel, you can assess the value of your potential claims, organize an effective case strategy, and speak with your attorney candidly about your injuries and how the accident has changed your life.
A total of 6,825 large truck accidents occurred in Wisconsin in 2024. Across the United States in 2023, 5,472 fatalities were the result of truck accidents, an 8 percent decrease from 2022. Even when these accidents aren’t fatal, the resulting damages can be substantial.
You do not have to face the difficulties caused by a truck accident case by yourself. A lawyer is an advocate who stands up for your legal rights, scrutinizes evidence, and protects your interests. Without legal counsel, you may not be able to explore every aspect of your claim and how it can be organized into a civil complaint that can be filed in state or federal court.
FAQs
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, multiple parties may be liable for a truck accident and any resulting damages. The driver, the trucking company, and additional trucking companies may be named as defendants in a truck accident case. Trucking companies often lease equipment to other companies. A skilled lawyer from our firm can investigate all entities that may be connected to the truck accident.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Wisconsin?
Individuals are required to report an accident to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation within ten days of the date of the incident unless the police department files a traffic collision report. If you are involved in a truck accident in Wisconsin, you should call law enforcement immediately and ensure the police department files a report promptly.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements in Wisconsin?
Truck accident settlements in Wisconsin vary. All truck accidents are associated with case-specific facts and circumstances. Therefore, no truck accident case settlement is predictable. The trucking companies involved, their insurance policies, and the role your attorney plays during settlement negotiation all influence the potential settlement amount. A truck accident lawyer can help you estimate the potential value of your claim.
How Long After an Accident Can You Still Make a Claim in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you have up to three years after the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim. However, involved parties must report the accident to their insurance company within a few days of the accident. If you are filing a claim against a government entity, then the notice period may be extended.
Will More Than One Person or Trucking Company Be Liable for My Injuries?
It is possible that more than one person or trucking company will be liable for your injuries. Companies involved in trucking and shipping consumer goods and other items of inventory often lease equipment to one another. Also, some trucking companies are organized into a single corporation and multiple limited liability companies.
Due to the complex business arrangements some trucking companies engage in, it will be necessary for your attorney to scrutinize business records, contracts, and lease agreements carefully to determine liability.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today – Attorney Craig Steger
Truck accidents are complicated, and you need to ensure that an experienced attorney reviews the facts of your case and assesses your potential legal claims. You can heal from your injuries and focus on spending time with your family while your attorney deals with settlement negotiations and litigation matters. Our team is prepared to help you with every aspect of your civil case.
Attorney Craig Steger has more than 20 years of experience handling truck accident cases in western Wisconsin. Contact our office today to learn more about how working with our lawyer can benefit you and your truck accident case. We are here to help you as you heal from the trauma of a truck accident.
