La Crosse Trucking Company Negligence Lawyer

Trucking Company Negligence Attorney in La Crosse, WI

Most drivers expect trucking companies to follow state and federal regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on the road. Unfortunately, some trucking companies cut corners, putting everyone at risk. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of a trucking company, you need a La Crosse trucking company negligence lawyer to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Hire a Trucking Company Negligence Lawyer

When a trucking company fails to properly train its employees, disregards the need for regular maintenance, or violates safety regulations, it puts its employees at risk of accidents. If you’ve experienced a truck accident, you need to hire a trucking company negligence lawyer who can protect your interests and pursue a fair settlement. Craig Steger can hold large trucking companies accountable while representing your interests.

Wisconsin Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can result in devastating crashes involving multiple vehicles. After an accident, an investigation is conducted to determine the cause of the incident. When vehicles are not maintained properly, safety standards are ignored, or truck drivers are unqualified or have not received proper training, the trucking company can be liable for the accident due to their negligence.

Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation tracks vehicle crashes throughout the state. In 2024, a total of 6,825 crashes involving large trucks occurred. Of these crashes:

• 66 fatalities occurred.
• 1,480 injuries took place.
• 180 injuries were serious.

In areas with high speeds and heavy traffic volume, traffic accidents are more common. Reckless behaviors by motorists can also contribute to high crash reports. In the winter, high speeds mixed with wet, icy, and snowy conditions can increase the likelihood of an accident. Some of the most dangerous roads in and around La Crosse include:

• Highway 53
• Interstate 90
• Highway14/61
• Mormon Coulee Road      

Common Ways Trucking Companies Act Negligently

There are many ways negligent trucking company practices can contribute to a truck accident, even when the driver has acted cautiously and driven responsibly. Common types of trucking company negligence include:

• Unsafe hiring practices. The standards to get and maintain a commercial driver’s license are more rigid than those for a regular driver’s license. Some companies may overlook problematic driving records, such as prior DUI convictions, or fail to run a thorough background check.
• Inadequate training. Both new and seasoned drivers can benefit from regular training. When drivers receive inadequate training, they are more likely to make mistakes on the road or disregard safe driving practices.
• Lack of supervision. When truck drivers are not supervised adequately, they may fail to abide by hours-of-service regulations. Drivers are also more likely to engage in unsafe driving practices or drive while also using drugs or alcohol. They are also less likely to accurately update their logbook.
• Profits over people. Some trucking companies encourage or enforce unsafe driving practices to maximize their own profits. They may require drivers to violate hours-of-service rules, drive in unsafe weather conditions, or ignore mechanical issues with their vehicles.
• Maintenance issues. Trucking companies are required to keep their fleets well-maintained and up to industry standards. Companies may ignore mechanical issues to prevent vehicles from being unavailable, or they may falsify maintenance records.
• Issues with cargo. A truck’s cargo must be loaded and balanced properly, or it could shift during transit, increasing the odds that a truck could roll over or jackknife. Improperly maintained straps and tie-downs could also cause cargo to shift unexpectedly in La Crosse.

FAQs

How Do I File a Claim Against a Trucking Company in Wisconsin?

The easiest way to file a claim against a trucking company in Wisconsin is to contact an experienced trucking company negligence attorney. Your attorney understands the correct procedure for filing a claim and can submit the documents to the court. An attorney can also negotiate directly with the trucking company on your behalf in an attempt to settle the claim without the need to file in civil court.

What Is the Negligence Rule in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule for truck accident cases. If you are found to be 51% or more liable for the accident, you are barred from recovering damages from the other party. If you are found to be 50% or less liable, you can seek damages, but those damages are reduced by your percentage of liability. For instance, if you are 20% liable for the accident, any awarded compensation is reduced by 20%.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for a Claim Against a Trucking Company?

When you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you in a trucking company negligence claim, the actual cost varies with the unique facts of your case. More complex cases often cost more. Most personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, meaning you only pay if they recover a settlement in your case. If they do not recover a settlement, you do not owe anything to your lawyer.

How Long Does It Take to File a Claim Against a Trucking Company?

After a truck accident, you have three years to file a claim and seek compensation. Your first step in seeking compensation should be through the appropriate insurance agency.

It can be challenging to determine who is liable in a trucking company negligence case, as there are often several people or companies that could be responsible. An experienced La Crosse trucking company negligence attorney can determine who is liable. Once the claim is filed, it could take several months or years to settle.

Who Can File a Claim Against a Trucking Company After a Truck Accident?

Anyone involved in the truck accident who suffered damages can file a claim against the trucking company if it is found to be liable for the accident. Trucking companies can be deemed negligent under trucking company negligence laws if:

• Drivers are hired without the appropriate licensing.
• Drivers are not appropriately trained.
• Scheduling does not follow federal regulations.

Contact Craig Steger, The Trucking Lawyer

With over 20 years of experience, Craig Steger has represented clients in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, holding negligent companies accountable. As a Class A Commercial Driver’s License holder, he understands the importance of proper maintenance and adhering to state and federal safety regulations. Contact Craig Steger, The Trucking Lawyer, today to schedule your initial consultation.