The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. In an instant, your life is turned upside down - dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies. You need someone on your side who understands what you're going through and will fight for your rights. The Wisconsin truck accident attorneys at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers have helped hundreds of Wisconsin accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to guiding you through this challenging time and ensuring you receive the justice and financial support you need to recover and move forward.
Injured In A Truck Accident?
Why Choose Our Wisconsin Truck Accident Lawyers
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, our commitment to our clients goes beyond just legal
representation. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take on victims and their families. That's why we offer compassionate, personalized service to each and every client.
We believe that access to quality legal representation shouldn't depend on your financial situation. That's why we offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay us unless we win your case. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide updates on your case, ensuring you're never left in the dark about the progress of your claim.
Truck Accident Compensation
When it comes to truck accident cases, the potential compensation can be substantial due to the severe nature of these crashes. The amount you may be entitled to depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, long-term prognosis, and the impact on your ability to work and enjoy life.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we fight tirelessly to recover damages for all aspects of your suffering. This includes compensation for immediate and future medical expenses, which can be significant in truck accident cases. We understand that severe injuries often require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes lifelong care. Our goal is to ensure that you have the financial resources to access the best possible medical care for as long as you need it.
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity are also crucial components of truck accident compensation. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently, you deserve to be compensated for this loss. Our attorneys work with economic experts to calculate not just your current lost wages, but also the potential earnings you may lose in the future due to your injuries.
Pain and suffering is another critical aspect of compensation in truck accident cases. While it's challenging to put a dollar amount on physical pain and emotional distress, these non-economic damages often form a significant part of a settlement or verdict. Our experienced attorneys know how to effectively present evidence of your pain and suffering to insurance companies and juries, ensuring that this crucial aspect of your damages is not overlooked.
Property damage is typically easier to quantify but no less important. We'll fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damaged or destroyed vehicle, as well as any other personal property lost in the accident.
In cases where truck accident victims suffer permanent disabilities or disfigurement, additional compensation may be warranted. These life-altering consequences can impact your ability to work, engage in hobbies, and even perform daily tasks. Our attorneys understand the profound impact such injuries can have on your life and will fight for compensation that reflects the full extent of these long-term effects.
Loss of enjoyment of life is another factor we consider when pursuing compensation. If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed or affect your relationships with family and friends, you deserve to be compensated for this loss of quality of life.
In cases where we can prove egregious negligence on the part of the trucking company or driver, we may also pursue punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. While not available in every case, punitive damages can significantly increase the overall compensation in particularly severe instances of misconduct.
It's important to note that every truck accident case is unique, and the compensation you may receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident and injuries. However, our firm has a strong track record of obtaining multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims with catastrophic injuries. We approach each case with the dedication and thoroughness it deserves, fighting relentlessly to ensure our clients receive the full compensation they're entitled to under Wisconsin law.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Wisconsin
Truck accidents can happen anywhere in Wisconsin, from busy urban intersections to remote rural highways. However, certain areas see a higher concentration of these devastating crashes. Understanding where these accidents are most likely to occur can help drivers be more vigilant and potentially avoid dangerous situations.
According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, some of the most dangerous stretches of highway for truck accidents include Interstate 94 between Madison and Milwaukee. This heavily traveled corridor sees a high volume of both commercial and passenger vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions. The frequent construction zones and varying weather conditions on this stretch of highway can further contribute to accident risk.
Another hotspot for truck accidents is Interstate 43 in Milwaukee County. The dense traffic in this urban area, combined with frequent merging and lane changes, creates hazardous conditions for large trucks. The complexity of navigating a big rig through city traffic increases the likelihood of accidents, especially during rush hour periods.
U.S. Highway 151 through Dane County is another area that sees a disproportionate number of truck accidents. This route, which connects Madison to cities like Fond du Lac and Dubuque, Iowa, experiences heavy truck traffic due to its role in regional commerce. The mix of local and long-distance traffic on this highway can lead to dangerous situations, particularly in areas where the road narrows or intersects with local routes.
Interstate 90 near La Crosse is yet another area of concern for truck accidents in Wisconsin. This major east-west corridor sees a high volume of long-haul trucking traffic, and the hilly terrain in this part of the state can be challenging for truck drivers, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Injured In A Truck Accident?
While these major highways see many truck accidents, it's important to note that rural two-lane highways also pose significant risks. This is especially true during harvest season when farm vehicles are prevalent on the roads. The narrow lanes and limited visibility on many of these roads can make it difficult for passenger vehicles to safely share the road with large trucks.
Our familiarity with Wisconsin's trucking routes and common accident locations also helps us in the investigation phase of your case. We know what questions to ask and what evidence to look for based on where your accident occurred. This could include seeking out local surveillance footage, interviewing regular commuters who may have witnessed dangerous behavior in the area, or consulting with local law enforcement about common issues on that particular stretch of road.
Understanding the geographical context of truck accidents in Wisconsin is just one way our firm provides comprehensive, localized representation to our clients. Whether your accident occurred on a busy interstate or a quiet country road, we have the knowledge and experience to effectively advocate for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Types of Truck Accidents and Common Injuries
Truck accidents can take many forms, each with its own set of dangers and potential for severe injuries. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we've handled cases involving all types of truck accidents, giving us a deep understanding of the unique challenges each presents.
One common type of truck accident is the jackknife accident. This occurs when a truck's trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle from the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions. Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous because they can block multiple lanes of traffic and potentially cause multi-vehicle pileups.
Rollover crashes are another frequent and often catastrophic type of truck accident. These can happen when a truck takes a turn too quickly, encounters an obstacle in the road, or loses control due to tire blowout or driver error. Rollovers are especially dangerous due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, which can crush smaller vehicles in their path.
Injured In A Truck Accident?
Underride collisions are among the most horrific types of truck accidents. These occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath the trailer. Despite regulations requiring underride guards, these accidents still occur and often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Tire blowouts can lead to sudden loss of control, potentially causing the truck to swerve into other lanes or even tip over. The debris from a blown tire can also create hazards for other vehicles on the road.
Wide turn accidents often happen in urban areas when trucks attempt to navigate tight corners. The wide turning radius required by large trucks can catch car drivers off guard, leading to side-impact collisions.
Blind spot crashes are a constant danger with large trucks. Despite advances in technology, trucks still have significant blind spots on all sides. When drivers fail to check these areas carefully before changing lanes or merging, devastating accidents can occur.
Cargo spills present another unique danger in truck accidents. Improperly secured loads can shift during transit, potentially causing the truck to lose balance or spill hazardous materials onto the roadway.
Regardless of the type of accident, truck crashes often result in severe injuries due to the massive size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles. Some of the most common injuries we see in truck accident cases include traumatic brain injuries, which can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage. These injuries can impact cognitive function, memory, and even personality, often requiring long-term or lifelong care.
Spinal cord injuries are another frequent and devastating consequence of truck accidents. These can result in partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally altering the victim's life and requiring extensive medical treatment and adaptive equipment.
Broken bones are common in truck accidents due to the immense forces involved. While some fractures may heal relatively quickly, complex breaks or crush injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for multiple surgeries.
Internal organ damage is a serious concern in truck accidents. The blunt force trauma of a collision can cause injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or other vital organs. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Severe burns can occur if a truck accident results in a fire or explosion, particularly if hazardous materials are involved. Burns can cause extreme pain, require extensive treatment, including skin grafts, and often result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
In the most severe cases, truck accidents can result in traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that surgical amputation becomes necessary. The loss of a limb is a life-changing event that requires not only immediate medical intervention but also long-term rehabilitation and adaptive strategies.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we understand the profound impact these injuries can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our experience with a wide range of truck accident cases means we're well-equipped to handle the complexities of your claim, no matter what type of accident you were involved in or what injuries you've sustained. We work closely with medical experts to fully understand the extent of your injuries and their long-term implications, ensuring that any settlement or verdict adequately accounts for both your current and future needs.
Injured In A Truck Accident?
Fighting the Insurance Company
One of the most challenging aspects of pursuing a truck accident claim is dealing with insurance companies. Trucking businesses and their insurers have teams of attorneys and adjusters working to minimize payouts and cover their bottom line. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we understand their tactics and are prepared to fight back on your behalf.
Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the accident victim, seeking to reduce their liability or deny the claim altogether. They may argue that you were partially at fault for the accident, even if the evidence clearly shows otherwise. In Wisconsin, which follows a modified comparative negligence rule, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you're found to be more than 51% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. That's why it's crucial to have experienced attorneys who can effectively counter these tactics and present a clear, compelling case for the truck driver's or company's liability.
Another common tactic used by insurance companies is to pressure accident victims into accepting a quick, lowball settlement. They may reach out to you soon after the accident, when you're still dealing with the immediate aftermath and may not yet fully understand the extent of your injuries or the long-term impact of the accident. They might offer what seems like a substantial sum, but which in reality falls far short of what you'll need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
These initial settlement offers rarely account for future medical needs, ongoing rehabilitation, loss of earning capacity, or pain and suffering. By accepting such an offer, you could be signing away your right to seek additional compensation later, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially thought.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we've seen these tactics time and time again, and we know how to counter them effectively. We advise our clients never to speak with the insurance company or accept any settlement offers without consulting us first. When you hire our firm, we take over all communication with the insurance company, shielding you from their pressure tactics and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process.
Our approach to dealing with insurance companies is multifaceted. First, we conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering all available evidence to build a strong case for liability. This might include obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, analyzing data from the truck's electronic logging device, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
We also work closely with medical professionals to fully document the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. This includes not just your current medical expenses, but also projections for future medical needs, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary long-term care or adaptive equipment.
Armed with this comprehensive evidence, we prepare detailed demand letters that outline the full extent of your damages and make a strong case for why you deserve maximum compensation. We're skilled negotiators who know how to effectively present your case and counter any arguments the insurance company might make.
By handling all interactions with the insurance company, we allow you to focus on what's most important: your recovery and well-being. You can rest assured that with Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers on your side, you have a formidable ally in the fight against insurance company tactics.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Even if some time has passed since your truck accident, there are still important steps you can take to strengthen your case and protect your rights. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we guide our clients through this process, ensuring they have the best possible chance of receiving fair compensation.
One of the first things we advise our clients to do is obtain copies of the police report and any witness statements related to the accident. These documents can provide crucial information about how the accident occurred and who may be at fault. If you haven't already done so, contact the law enforcement agency that responded to your accident and request a copy of the report. We can assist you with this process if needed.
Keeping a daily journal documenting your pain levels, limitations, and overall recovery process can be incredibly valuable. This contemporaneous record can help demonstrate the day-to-day impact of your injuries, which can be powerful evidence in settlement negotiations or at trial. Be specific in your entries, noting things like difficulty sleeping, inability to perform certain tasks, or missed events due to your injuries.
It's also crucial to save all medical bills and records related to your injuries. This includes not just hospital bills, but also costs for medications, medical equipment, and even travel expenses for medical appointments. These documents help establish the financial impact of your injuries and support your claim for medical expenses.
As your visible injuries heal, it's a good idea to take regular photos to document the progress. These visual records can be compelling evidence of the physical trauma you've endured. Be sure to date the photos and keep them in a safe place.
In today's digital age, it's important to be mindful of your social media presence following an accident. Insurance companies often monitor claimants' social media accounts, looking for any posts or photos that could be used to undermine your claim. We strongly advise our clients to avoid discussing the accident or their injuries on social media platforms. Even seemingly innocent posts about daily activities could be misconstrued and used against you.
If you haven't already done so, it's crucial to seek legal representation before speaking with the insurance company. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we offer free case evaluations where we can review the details of your accident and advise you on the best course of action. Remember, anything you say to the insurance company can potentially be used to devalue or deny your claim. By having us handle all communication with the insurers, you protect yourself from inadvertently saying something that could harm your case.
When you come in for your consultation, bring all documentation related to your accident and injuries. This includes the police report, medical records, bills, photos, and any correspondence you've had with insurance companies. The more information we have, the better equipped we are to build a strong case on your behalf.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we understand that the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to guide you through every step of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary. Our goal is to alleviate your legal burdens so you can focus on your recovery.
Remember, time is of the essence in truck accident cases. Wisconsin has a statute of limitations that restricts the time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. Additionally, crucial evidence can be lost or destroyed over time. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case for compensation.
Injured In A Truck Accident?
Contact Our Wisconsin Truck Accident Lawyers
Don't let the trucking companies and their insurers take advantage of you during this vulnerable time. Contact Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let our experienced Wisconsin truck accident lawyers fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Your recovery is our priority, and we won't rest until you receive the full and fair compensation you're entitled to under Wisconsin law.