Wisconsin Injured Truck Driver Lawyer

Hire a Wisconsin Injured Truck Driver Lawyer to Protect Your Rights After a Trucking Injury

Injured Truck Driver Attorney in Wisconsin

Truck driving is a demanding job, and accidents can happen in an instant. When a crash occurs, the consequences often go far beyond damage to vehicles. Drivers can face serious injuries, lost income, and uncertainty about their job and future. Unlike typical accidents involving passenger cars, truck cases can involve employers, insurers, and many other parties, making them complex to navigate. Turn to a Wisconsin injured truck driver lawyer, like Craig Steger, for the legal support you need throughout your case. 

Proving Liability in a Truck Accident

Proving liability in a truck accident is often more complex than in a standard car crash. Injury claims require you to show that another party acted negligently and caused the accident. These parties may include:

  • Other drivers
  • The trucking company
  • Maintenance providers
  • Manufacturers
  • Government entities

Evidence like surveillance footage, maintenance logs, black box data, witness testimony, and police reports can have a key role in establishing fault and proving negligence.

Truck cases also involve strict federal and state regulations, which can determine liability when violations occur. Hours-of-service rule violations, improper maintenance, or overloaded cargo may all point to negligence. Building a strong case usually requires a detailed investigation and a clear connection between the negligence and injuries suffered.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result from a mix of human error, equipment failure, and hazardous driving conditions. Federal crash numbers regularly cite driver behavior as the leading contributing factor in most large truck crashes, with 33% of accidents in 2022 involving driver-related factors. Common causes of crashes include:

  • Distracted driving. When a driver takes their attention off the road, they reduce their reaction time and increase the chances of a crash.
  • Speeding. Exceeding the speed limits makes it harder for a driver to come to a complete stop and can increase the force of an impact.
  • Fatigue. Long hours on the road can reduce alertness and reaction time. This is especially a problem when employers pressure drivers to meet tight deadlines.
  • Mechanical failures. Brake issues, tire blowouts, and poor maintenance can lead to serious truck accidents.
  • Weather and road conditions. Ice, snow, rain, potholes, and other road conditions can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to crashes.

Workers’ Compensation for Injured Truck Drivers

While truck drivers can file personal injury claims against other parties that caused their crash, they may also file for workers’ compensation benefits. This is often the first source of financial recovery for injured truckers. Regardless of who caused the crash, truckers can still receive benefits from workers’ comp insurance. 

However, eligibility can be complicated if the driver is considered an independent contractor rather than an employee. Many companies classify their drivers as contractors to avoid paying workers’ compensation. Understanding your employment classification is essential in these cases in Wisconsin.

How Craig Steger Can Help

With 503,000 crashes involving large trucks reported to police across the U.S. in 2022, having experienced legal representation is essential for injured truckers. Managing truck crash cases for over 20 years, Craig Steger knows what it takes to create an effective strategy to seek compensation for truck drivers’ losses, whether through court cases or workers’ comp claims.

We know the state’s injured truck driver laws and how they can impact your case. Moreover, Craig Steger knows firsthand how important it is for truckers to have effective legal representation. Holding a Class A CDL, he is a trucker himself. He knows all about the challenges truck drivers face, both behind the wheel and off the road.

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FAQs

What Happens If You Get in an Accident as a Truck Driver?

If you get in an accident as a truck driver, what happens next depends on the situation and your employment status. Your first priority should be to seek medical attention and report the accident. If you’re a direct employee of the trucking company, you could qualify for workers’ compensation. If another party caused the crash, you could also file a personal injury claim. It’s wise to consult a Wisconsin injured truck driver attorney to understand your rights and options.

What Is the Pain and Suffering Cap in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, there’s generally no cap on pain and suffering damages in most personal injury cases. However, there are a few details to remember in injured truck driver cases. If the at-fault party is a state government entity, non-economic damages are capped at $250,000. Furthermore, if you’re filing a workers’ compensation claim, you generally cannot recover any pain and suffering damages. It’s important to hire an attorney to properly value your case.

Is Wisconsin a No-Fault State for Accidents?

No, Wisconsin is not a no-fault state for accidents. Following a traditional fault system, the state allows injury victims to pursue compensation from the person or entity that caused their crash. You must prove negligence to recover compensation through a personal injury claim. However, if you’re filing for workers’ compensation, you do not have to establish fault to receive benefits.

Can You Eat While Driving in Wisconsin?

While there’s no law specifically prohibiting eating while driving, motorists can still be cited under general traffic laws if eating leads to distracted driving or unsafe operation of a vehicle. For example, if eating takes your attention off the road and leads to an accident, you could be liable for the crash and may receive a citation from the police. While not illegal on its own, it can still create legal and safety risks.

Hire an Injured Truck Driver Lawyer

If you’re a truck driver who has been injured on the job, you have legal options for recovering damages. Hire an injured truck driver lawyer to explain your rights and work on a strategy for pursuing compensation. Your lawyer can investigate the crash, collect evidence to prove liability, and guide you through the legal process. Craig Steger can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf or take your case to court. Contact us today to discuss your case.

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