Truck accident cases in Wisconsin can be complex, and when you’re dealing with serious injuries after a crash, it can be even more difficult to navigate complicated legal proceedings. Knowing when to consult a lawyer for a truck accident in Wisconsin can make the difference between securing the compensation you need to recover from an accident and missing out on damages you’re entitled to.
When Should You Consult a Lawyer After a Truck Accident in Wisconsin?
When you’re involved in a truck accident in Wisconsin, it’s important that you hire a lawyer as soon as you’re able. The sooner you hire a truck accident lawyer, the sooner they can help you better understand your rights, determine liability, and build a claim.
The following are three important issues that you should consult a truck accident lawyer about:
- Liability Isn’t Clear
Liability is anything but straightforward in truck accident cases. Many parties can be at fault for a truck crash, from truckers and other motorists to manufacturers and trucking companies. Even if it seems that only two drivers are party to the accident, underlying issues may have contributed. If poor maintenance or mechanical failures contributed to the accident, the trucking company or mechanic might be liable.
Determining liability may require a thorough investigation. If multiple parties are liable, you need to know what share of fault should be assigned to them. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means your compensation award is reduced by the share of fault assigned to you. This also means you cannot recover damages if you’re 51% or more at fault. A skilled attorney can help you determine liability and the compensation you can pursue.
- You’ve Suffered Serious Injuries
In 2024, Wisconsin saw 1,480 injuries in large truck crashes with 66 fatalities. If you’ve suffered serious injuries from a Wisconsin truck accident, you should focus on recovery while a qualified attorney advocates for the compensation you need. Common injuries sustained in truck crashes include:
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- Spinal cord injuries
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- Traumatic brain injuries
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- Internal organ injuries
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- Whiplash
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- Soft tissue damage
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- Lacerations
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- Broken bones
You should consult an attorney to help you understand which parties are liable for your serious injuries and what compensation you may be entitled to. Your lawyer can investigate the cause of your crash, collect evidence to prove liability and your damages, and represent you in settlement negotiations and court.
- You’re Being Pressured or Lowballed by Insurance Companies.
When you file a claim, insurance companies are generally interested in two things. They want to pay you as little as possible and close your case as fast as possible. Oftentimes, this means they send you a lowball offer and pressure you to accept it quickly. In fact, there were 2,474 consumer complaints regarding insurance companies’ practices in 2022 in Wisconsin. The insurance company may use tactics like tight deadlines to push you to accept an offer or risk losing it.
If you’re being pressured by an insurer, you should consult an attorney immediately. They can protect you from insurance companies’ deceitful tactics and make sure your settlement reflects the true value of your damages.
Trust Craig Steger With Your Truck Accident Case in Wisconsin
When you decide it’s time to consult an attorney for your truck accident case, turn to Craig Steger. Craig has over two decades of experience managing truck claims, and he knows how to craft a strong case and protect your rights throughout the legal process. Craig holds a Class A CDL himself, so he knows firsthand how trucks work and how these accidents are handled.
Craig Steger can investigate the cause of your accident, collect evidence and documents to prove liability, negotiate with insurers on your behalf, and represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached. Our team is dedicated to providing accident victims with the compassionate support they need.
FAQs
Why Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Wisconsin?
While you technically don’t need a truck accident lawyer to file a claim, it’s unwise to take on the legal system without an attorney by your side. Truck accident laws in Wisconsin can be complex, and navigating the claims process can be challenging on your own, especially if you’re injured and have little experience with the legal system. Insurance companies may take advantage of you if you’re unaware of your rights or the damages you’re entitled to.
What Is Wisconsin’s Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims?
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims gives injury victims three years to file a valid claim. There are exceptions to this, including cases that involve minors, defendants who flee the state or conceal their identity, and government agencies. In cases of wrongful death, the statute gives you a two-year deadline.
What Is a Reasonable Settlement Offer for a Truck Accident in Wisconsin?
A reasonable settlement offer depends on the specific damages you’ve suffered and the impact they’ve had on your life. You shouldn’t accept a settlement offer that doesn’t account for the full scope of your economic and non-economic damages. It’s important to consult a Wisconsin truck accident attorney to make sure an insurance company isn’t taking advantage of you.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Truck Accident Case in Wisconsin?
The amount of time it takes to settle your Wisconsin truck accident claim will depend on a variety of details that are specific to your case. These elements include the complexity of your claim, how many parties are liable, whether you’re able to settle with insurers outside of court, and more. You should consult a lawyer to get a better understanding of the general timeline for your unique claim.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a semi collision, don’t wait to hire a truck accident lawyer. An attorney can help you understand Wisconsin’s truck accident laws and how they apply to your case. They can work closely with you to identify at-fault parties, collect evidence of your damages, properly value your losses, and negotiate for a fair settlement that reflects your damages. If settlement negotiations stall or fail, your lawyer can take your case to court. Contact Craig Steger today to set up an initial consultation. Craig is primarily dedicated to serious injury and wrongful death cases stemming from truck, heavy machinery, and farm equipment accidents.
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