If you’ve recently been involved in a semi-truck collision in Wisconsin, you may be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. We’ll walk you through the essential information you need to know to make informed decisions during this challenging time.
Your first question might be whether you should call an attorney. In many cases, the answer is yes. An experienced attorney is your greatest ally in navigating the complex legal landscape following a semi-truck accident. Semi-truck attorneys help you understand your rights, evaluate the circumstances of your case, and guide you through the entire process.
In Wisconsin, determining fault in a semi-truck collision is a critical aspect of your case. The state follows a modified comparative fault system. This means that if you are found to be less than 51% at fault for the accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Understanding how fault is assessed can be challenging, which is why consulting a semi-truck attorney is often the best course of action.
Following a semi-truck collision, you may be entitled to various types of compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering and punitive damages.
Your attorney will help you understand the potential damages applicable to your case and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
In Wisconsin, it’s crucial to act promptly after a semi-truck accident. The state has specific time limitations for both filing a police report and initiating a lawsuit. You should report the accident to the police as soon as possible to ensure an accurate and thorough record of the incident. Failure to do so can complicate your case later on.
As for initiating a lawsuit, Wisconsin has a statute of limitations that restricts the time frame within which you can file a personal injury claim. You have three years from the date of the accident to commence legal proceedings. However, this time limit can vary depending on the specifics of your case, so it’s imperative to consult with an attorney to determine the exact deadline applicable to you.
Navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck collision can be challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team of experienced Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need. We understand the complexities of Wisconsin’s legal system, and we are committed to aggressively advocating for your rights.
A “semi” is a colloquial term often used to refer to a semi-truck, which is also known as a tractor-trailer, big rig or 18-wheeler. A semi-truck includes two main components.
Feature | Semi |
|---|---|
Size and Weight | Large and heavy; GVWR up to 80,000+ lbs. |
Cargo Capacity | High, for large and heavy loads |
Towing Capacity | High, often tens of thousands of pounds |
Configuration | “18-wheeler” with multiple axles |
Cargo Type | Diverse, including large, heavy and bulk items |
Transport Distance | Long-distance, intercity or interstate |
What you call a truck varies significantly across the United States. In some regions, it’s commonly referred to as a “semi-truck,” while in others, it might be called a “tractor trailer” or “18-wheeler.” While the most common name for a large truck is “semi-truck” in the Midwest, Southwest, and Central US, 18-wheeler is the most common name for a large truck in the Southern US. Tractor trailer is the unanimous name for a large truck in New England and in the Northeast.
According to the National Safety Council, the number of large trucks involved in deadly crashes rose significantly in 2021. In 2021, 5,700 large trucks contributed to fatal accidents – an 18% increase from 2020 figures. Looking over the past decade, the rate has climbed by 49% since 2011.
When factoring in miles traveled, the fatal crash involvement rate per 100 million truck miles shows a 7% jump versus 2020 data. Over the last 10 years, the rate per mile traveled has surged by 22%.
Large trucks accounted for:
*The data defines large trucks as medium and heavy trucks over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, excluding buses and motorhomes. The statistics encompass both commercial semis and private non-commercial vehicles meeting the size criteria.
Dry van trailers are among the most common types of semi-truck trailers, used to transport general goods. Because they are prevalent on the road, they are involved in a significant number of accidents.
Cause of Accidents: The most common accidents involving dry van trailers are rear-end collisions, often caused by inadequate following distance or sudden stops.
Reefer trailers are used for transporting temperature-sensitive cargo, including perishable foods and pharmaceuticals.
Cause of Accidents: Accidents with reefer trailers frequently result from cargo shifts due to improper loading or poor temperature control.Tankers transport liquids or gasses, including hazardous materials. Accidents involving tankers can be particularly dangerous due to the risk of spills and chemical exposure
Cause of Accidents: Tanker accidents often involve rollovers, especially when taking turns at high speeds, due to the liquid’s sloshing effect.
Flatbed trailers are often used to transport oversized or irregularly shaped cargo, which may pose unique challenges in securing and handling the load.
Cause of Accidents: Common accidents with flatbed trailers include cargo that falls off due to inadequate securing or overhanging loads.
Car haulers transport multiple vehicles, and accidents can occur when vehicles being transported are not properly secured or during loading and unloading processes..
Cause of Accidents: Accidents with car haulers can occur during loading and unloading processes when vehicles are not properly secured.
Loggers transport logs from forests to mills, often operating in challenging off-road conditions. Loggers may be involved in accidents when logs are not properly secured.
Cause of Accidents: The most common accidents involving logging trucks are rollovers on uneven terrain or while navigating sharp curves.
Heavy haulers are designed for transporting extremely heavy or oversized cargo, which can present unique challenges in terms of weight distribution and route planning.
Cause of Accidents: Accidents with heavy haulers may involve difficulties with weight distribution, which can result in tipping or loss of control.
