Truck Accidents

Representing Clients Injured in Semi-Truck Accidents

Aside from car accidents, truck accidents are one of the leading causes of traffic deaths and serious injuries in the United States. Hundreds of people are killed every year by truck collisions and thousands more are severely injured.

Whether you have been injured by a semi-truck, tractor trailer, big rig, or another type of commercial vehicle as a driver or a pedestrian, Casey Law Offices can help you file a claim to seek the maximum recovery possible.

We have recovered millions of dollars for clients inside and outside of court, including in cases involving serious big truck wrecks. Our lead truck accident lawyer is a trial attorney with extensive jury trial experience.

We know how to skillfully negotiate for full and fair compensation as well as aggressively prosecute your claim in front of a judge and jury. Before speaking to insurance companies, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney at our firm to ensure that you are justly compensated for your losses.

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Major Causes of Truck Crashes

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, we have seen a more than 20% increase in trucking accidents in the past two decades. This comes as no surprise, as trucking companies and their truck drivers are under constant pressure to meet deadlines and deliver their cargo on time.

When companies begin to put profit over consumer safety, it is drivers and pedestrians just like you who end up with severe losses. The bottom line is, somewhere along the way, somebody made a mistake and now you’re left with injuries. When you contact our firm, we can help you get to the bottom of your accident and aggressively pursue full compensation on your behalf.

The common causes of truck collisions include:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Equipment failure
• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Parts failure
• Dangerous road conditions

Determining the Liable Party in a Truck Accident

The government recognizes the dangers that commercial trucks pose to the public, which is why there are strict state and federal regulations regarding the operation of a truck and the necessary insurance coverage. During a truck accident investigation, we can help you evaluate and identify whether trucking regulations were violated and if this contributed to your accident.

In a truck accident, liability can fall on one or more of the following parties:

• Truck driver – for errors such as fatigued driving, drunk driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, texting while driving, and other reckless driving habits
• Trucking company – for inadequate training, poor hiring practices, failure to perform regular maintenance, or even failing to conduct background checks for its drivers
• Loading company – if a vehicle was overloaded or improperly loaded, this can cause debris to scatter, delay braking, and diminish maneuverability of a vehicle. Unevenly loaded trucks can cause rollover accidents.
• Auto manufacturer – truck defects such as brake failure and tire blowouts can cause serious rear-end accidents, which is why it is so important to have regular vehicle checks to identify defects early

Trucking Insurance Requirements

Commercial trucking is heavily regulated to ensure the safety of all road users. One of the key regulatory areas involves insurance requirements. Given the potential for severe damage and injuries that trucks can cause, both state and federal laws mandate that commercial trucks carry insurance coverage at or above specific minimum levels. This is to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to compensate victims in the event of an accident.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, trucks are required to have insurance minimums of:

• $300,000 for vehicles weighing 10,000 lbs or less carrying non-hazardous cargo
• $750,000 for vehicles weighing more than 10,000lbs carrying non-hazardous cargo
• $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 for trucks carrying hazardous cargo

Although these amounts may seem like a lot, they are rarely sufficient to cover damages caused to victims, who often suffer from catastrophic injuries. The costs associated with medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term care can quickly surpass these minimum coverage amounts, leaving victims with significant financial burdens.

How Are Truck Accidents Investigated?

It often takes extensive resources to investigate commercial truck accident cases. Our law firm has access to a vast network of accident reconstruction specialists, medical specialists, and other experts who can help us investigate and analyze a claim. We have effectively handled a broad range of truck accident claims, including those involving cases with multiple liable parties and complex injuries such as brain damage.

In some cases, you may be going up against an insurance company or trucking company across state lines, which adds an extra layer of complexity to your case. This is why you need a dedicated truck accident attorney who knows the ins and outs of a truck crash claim.

Investigating a truck accident may require review of:

• A truck’s black box – which records data such as a truck’s speed, braking, acceleration, and other data regarding the truck’s operation.
• Police reports– detailed accounts from law enforcement officers who responded to the scene, including observations, diagrams, and initial determinations of fault.
• Crash scene evidence – photographs, video footage, skid marks, road conditions, and vehicle positions that can help reconstruct the accident.
• Witness statements– accounts from people who saw the accident occur, which can provide crucial insights and corroborate other evidence.
• Truck maintenance logs– records that show how frequently the truck was serviced and if there were any known issues with the vehicle.
• Truck activity log and driver time behind wheel– information about the driver’s hours of service to determine if fatigue played a role in the accident.
• Cargo reports– documentation of what the truck was carrying and how it was loaded, which can impact the truck’s handling and the severity of the accident.
• Employee records– background checks, training records, and employment history of the driver to identify any past issues or lack of proper training.
• Employee procedure manuals– company policies and procedures related to vehicle operation, safety protocols, and maintenance routines.

Trucking companies would rarely willingly provide company records for examination. We may need to request that companies release such information through a court order, which means it is crucial that you have a strong attorney with you through the legal battle. This process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring a thorough understanding of both legal procedures and trucking industry regulations.

Explore Your Right to Compensation

With the help of our personal injury lawyers, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and other intangible damages such as pain and suffering. Learn more by contacting our law firm. We care about each client and we work hard to recover every penny possible.

Schedule a consultation online or by calling (414) 272-5564.