Truck accidents can cause life-changing injuries, leaving victims facing overwhelming medical bills and lost income. Recovering full compensation can be difficult, and the legal process can feel confusing without experienced guidance.
At Schwaba Law Firm, we advocate for truck accident victims by handling every step of the claim process. Our team knows the unique challenges of truck accident litigation, which is far more complex than regular car accident cases. With our deep knowledge of trucking laws and insurance tactics, we level the playing field for our clients.
Contact our Wisconsin truck accident law firm today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Makes Truck Accident Claims Unique?
Truck accident claims are unique for several reasons. First, these accidents tend to cause more significant property damage and severe physical injuries because of the additional force huge commercial trucks impart during the crash. The more damage is caused, the higher the claim’s value, especially if the physical injuries will cause long-term complications or quality of life changes.
Trucking companies and insurers have a vested interest in keeping victim payouts low to maintain profit margins, so they may use aggressive and manipulative tactics to get vulnerable accident victims to settle for less money than what their claim is worth. These companies also have significant resources to fight and deny claims, resources the average truck accident victim cannot successfully counter without assistance from an experienced attorney.
Trucking accidents differ from motor vehicle accidents because multiple entities may be liable for the collision. When more than one party bears liability, the claim becomes more complex and tricky to manage. Examples of entities that may be wholly or partially responsible for a truck accident include:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Cargo loading company
- Truck or parts manufacturer
Finally, trucking companies and drivers must meet specific and high standards. State and federal regulations can uniquely affect a truck accident claim.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Truck Accident Claim
- Speak with an Experienced Attorney: Step one in filing a truck accident claim is to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable attorney. Truck accident claims are more complicated than other claims. Injured people who retain legal representation as soon as possible tend to recover significantly more compensation for their injuries than those who work through the claim process on their own.
- Build a Strong Claim: With legal representation, your attorney can outline your options for recovering maximum compensation. In most situations, the best place to start is by filing a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault truck driver. To support your claim, an attorney can investigate the cause of the crash, collect and preserve crucial evidence, and manage communication with the insurer. Your attorney can also issue a demand for compensation based on their careful calculations as to the value of your claim
- Negotiation with Insurers: Often, the insurer may make an initial settlement offer. An initial offer is usually low, and it is rarely in your best interest to accept. Your attorney can negotiate for maximum compensation on your behalf.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: When negotiations break down or the insurer fails to engage in good-faith discussions, the next step in the truck accident claim process may be to file a personal injury lawsuit. A skilled lawyer can help you through the litigation process, which includes discovery, negotiations, and potentially a trial to resolve your case and secure the truck accident compensation you deserve.
Common Challenges in Truck Accident Claims
One of the most common challenges in truck accident claims is collecting and preserving the evidence needed to build a substantial compensation claim. While gathering medical records, repair receipts, and other information may seem simple, collecting other necessary documentation to prove your case can be nearly impossible without legal intervention.
Black box data, cargo loading manifests, safety inspections, driver employment history, hours or service logs, and other crucial evidence are trucking company property. The company typically does not give this information to an accident victim just because they ask nicely for it. It often takes a letter of spoilation to compel companies to preserve the information and a demand from an attorney to get them to share the information.
Other challenges that can complicate truck accident claims can include:
- Identifying all liable parties
- Understanding trucking industry regulations and how they affect your claim
- High-stakes negotiations
- Aggressive insurance company tactics
Working with an attorney means you have a knowledgeable advocate to help you overcome these challenges and pursue meaningful compensation for your injuries.
How an Experienced Green Bay Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
An experienced Green Bay truck accident lawyer can help you by taking much of the stress of filing a complicated truck accident claim off your shoulders. At Schwaba Law Firm, we know that following a significant truck accident, you are in no physical or mental position to fight against some of the aggressive tactics used by trucking companies and insurers. Our sensitive legal team makes your recovery our priority, and we will manage your claim from state to finish, giving you time to heal.
You can expect our skilled team to help by:
- Discussing your legal rights and options for recovering compensation
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Collecting and preserving evidence
- Managing communication between you and all involved parties
- Negotiating with insurers
- Preparing a case for trial when necessary
Trucking companies and insurers will attempt to get you to settle for far less than you deserve. Get an aggressive advocate who will fight to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Wisconsin Truck Accident Attorneys to Learn More
For decades, Wisconsin accident victims have turned to the experienced team at Schwaba Law Firm to help them during their most challenging moments. We know what it takes to build a solid truck accident claim and have a proven track record of maximizing client compensation.
If a careless truck driver causes an accident and you suffer serious injuries as a result, we are ready to help. Contact our Wisconsin office today and request a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim.
