Do you have questions about your truck accident case? Schwaba Law Firm has answers. Below, you’ll find helpful info to help you understand your situation and make the important choices ahead of you. Don’t see your question on the list? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation with a Wisconsin truck accident lawyer.
When Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
The sooner you contact a truck accident lawyer, the more they can do on your behalf. While Wisconsin’s statute of limitations on personal injury cases gives you three years to file, there are many reasons you won’t want to delay. Crucial evidence will degrade over time, and memories will fade. Moreover, your time is better spent healing and getting better. Let a professional handle the rest.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
It’s difficult to say how much your case could be worth without carefully reviewing the facts. Relatively minor injuries could mean thousands of dollars in compensation, while life-altering injuries could take seven figures or more to make right. Schwaba Law Firm offers free consultations, so it won’t cost you anything to learn more about how much your case is worth. Give us a call, and we’ll tell you what you could reasonably expect.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Truck accidents are expensive, and you don’t want to add to your burden by paying out of pocket for legal representation. Fortunately, you don’t have to. Most truck accident attorneys – including those at Schwaba Law Firm – work on contingency. That means you only pay a fee if and when they win your case. And when you do pay them, it’s a percentage of your recovery that you agreed to beforehand.
Should I Accept the Insurance Settlement?
It’s generally a bad idea to accept the first insurance settlement offer. This figure is merely the start of negotiations. Frequently, whatever they’ve offered out of the gate is far less than what they’re actually willing to pay – or what your case is truly worth. Just remember: once you sign the settlement, there’s no going back for more later. Be safe and run any offer by an attorney first.
What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Truck Accident?
First, assess your injuries and seek prompt medical attention to have your injuries, and any other injured persons, diagnosed and treated before they can worsen. Then if possible, gather whatever evidence you can: photos from the scene as well as the names and insurance info of other involved drivers. Hang onto any bills and receipts from accident-related expenses. Write down your memories of the accident while they’re fresh. Finally, get in touch with a truck accident attorney as soon as you can.
Should I Speak to the Truck Company’s Insurer After an Accident?
There’s a good chance that the truck company’s insurance provider or internal department will contact you after the accident. The adjuster might say they’re just checking to see how you are or
that they’re ready to start your claim and potentially even cut you a check. Be wary of your interactions with this individual, as they may be more interested in saving their employer money than making sure you’re compensated fairly. Be polite, but decline to give them a recorded statement. As soon as you’re off the line, get in touch with a truck accident attorney.
Are There Special Safety Regulations That Apply to Commercial Trucks?
The trucking industry is regulated at both the state and federal levels, and it is subject to laws regarding vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, driver training, and the number of working hours drivers can log before taking a break. Violations of these laws could make a truck driver, carrier, or other party liable for an accident. A truck accident attorney can investigate what happened and determine whether someone broke the law.
What Evidence Is Used to Prove Liability in a Truck Accident Case?
Winning a truck accident case requires considerable evidence like the following:
- Photos and videos of the accident and its aftermath
- Testimony from eyewitnesses
- Digital information from the truck’s event data recorder, or “black box”
- Employment records and internal memoranda
- Bills of lading and shipping manifests
An experienced truck accident attorney knows how to access this information, prevent it from being destroyed or deleted, and demand that it be turned over for review.
What If I Was Rear-Ended by an 18-Wheeler?
As a general rule, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is presumed to be at fault for the accident, barring additional information. However, you should not assume that the truck driver or the company they work for will simply accept fault for a rear-end accident. They have a vested interest in disputing fault and considerable legal resources available to help them do so. Fight back by getting legal muscle of your own.
What If I Am Partially At-Fault in a Truck Accident?
Wisconsin follows what’s known as a modified comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation from other at-fault parties if you are not more to blame for the accident than they are. However, a court will also reduce your compensation in kind. So, if a court finds you 40 percent to blame for an accident, and it would have awarded you $200,000, you would get $120,000 instead – that is, 60 percent of $200,000. An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to minimize their clients’ share of fault in order to maximize their recovery.
Will My Truck Accident Case Go to Court?
Most successful truck accident lawsuits end with an out-of-court settlement. This means the accident victim accepts a guaranteed amount from the at-fault party or their insurer in exchange for dropping the case permanently and releasing them from liability. However, when liable parties refuse to make a fair offer, it may be in a claimant’s best interests to go to trial instead of accepting pennies on the dollar. This situation is where you want to have a tough and experienced lawyer representing your interests.
Contact Our Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys to Learn More
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident in Wisconsin, Schwaba Law Firm wants to hear from you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your case and how we can help you pursue the compensation you could be owed. Our Wisconsin truck accident attorneys are standing by to answer your questions and advise you on your options.
