Weighing as much as 80,000 pounds, commercial trucks are the largest vehicles on Wisconsin roadways. Due to their massive size, collisions involving semi-trucks can cause serious injuries and even death. If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident, you may be unable to work and facing big medical bills. You deserve an attorney who’s willing to stand up for your rights to maximum compensation.

At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable when their carelessness puts others in harm’s way. After a truck accident, you can count on our team to fight for the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

 Contact our Appleton law firm today for a free consultation. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Appleton 

Commercial trucks are vital to Wisconsin’s economy. In Appleton and throughout the Fox Cities, truck traffic is a daily reality along I-41 and WIS 441. Both highways are known for complex traffic patterns and commercial zones.  

Ongoing construction and rebuilding of I-41 from Appleton to Green Bay can create additional hazards for truck drivers if they aren’t cautious. Commuters driving through the area could be caught in truck-related accidents that might have been prevented.  

Determining the cause of a crash is one of the most important parts of a successful injury claim. Common causes of truck accidents include: 

• Driver fatigue  
• Distracted driving  
• Speeding  
• Improper lane changes  
• Following too closely  
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo  
• Mechanical failures  
• Inadequate truck maintenance  
• Driving under the influence  
• Poor driver training  

When a fully loaded tractor-trailer collides with a passenger vehicle, the resulting injuries are often more severe than those in typical motor vehicle crashes. 

How Truck Accidents Differ from Auto Accidents

Truck accidents and passenger vehicle accidents are similar in many ways, but it’s important to understand the key differences between them.  

Truck Accidents Can Cause More Severe Injuries  

Because of their size and weight, collisions involving tractor-trailers can cause far more serious injuries than passenger vehicle accidents.  

Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, or burns that require extensive medical treatment. As a result, the financial impact of a truck accident can be much greater than that of a standard car crash. 

Trucking Companies Carry Larger Insurance Policies 

Because commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies to carry significantly higher insurance coverage than most passenger vehicle owners.  

While larger insurance policies can provide greater compensation opportunities for injured victims, they can also lead insurers to adopt more aggressive defense tactics to limit payouts.  

Multiple Parties May Be Responsible 

Determining liability is more complicated in a truck accident than in a typical car accident. While a negligent driver may be responsible, other parties can also contribute to a crash. 

Depending on the circumstances, liability could extend to the trucking company, a cargo loading company, a maintenance provider, a vehicle manufacturer, or another third party. Identifying all potentially responsible parties is an important step in maximizing a claim. 

Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex 

Truck accident claims can involve federal trucking regulations, driver qualification records, electronic logging devices, maintenance records, and other forms of evidence that aren’t present in passenger vehicle accidents. Plus, trucking companies and their insurers often deploy investigators and legal teams immediately after a serious crash.  

Because so much can be at stake, truck accident cases require extensive legal analysis. Having an Appleton attorney experienced in truck accidents on your side to take on big trucking companies and their insurance carriers can give you the best chance of recovering the compensation you need to move forward. 

Contact the team at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers today. 

Evidence Needed to Prove Liability After a Truck Accident 

Successful truck accident claims require detailed evidence. In addition to determining how the crash occurred, investigators need to examine whether federal trucking regulations were violated. 

Evidence commonly used in truck accident cases includes: 

• Police accident reports  
• Driver logs and hours-of-service records  
• Electronic logging device (ELD) data  
• Truck maintenance records  
• Inspection reports  
• Black box data  
• Witness statements  
• Dashcam or surveillance footage  
• Cargo loading records  
• Medical records documenting injuries  

Because trucking companies move quickly to protect their interests after a crash, preserving evidence as soon as possible can be critical. 

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident? 

The compensation available depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the long-term effects the accident has on your life. Compensation may be available for both current and future expenses related to your injuries, including: 

• Emergency treatment 
• Hospitalization 
• Physical therapy 
• Prescription medications 
• Medical equipment 
• Ongoing rehabilitation 
• Future medical care 
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity 
• Physical pain and suffering 
• Emotional distress  
• Reduced quality of life 
• Property damage 
• Wrongful death if injuries are fatal 

When you work with Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we can pursue every available source of compensation on your behalf.  

The Advantage of Hiring a Local Truck Accident Lawyer 

Because truck accident cases need expertise in local roadways and traffic patterns, an attorney familiar with the Appleton and Fox Cities area can give you an edge when building a strong case. 

Our law firm is located right here in Appleton. Every day, we travel on I-41, WIS 441, College Avenue, Northland Avenue, and other major commercial corridors throughout Outagamie County, where truck accidents commonly occur. Our team has the local knowledge to understand how your accident happened. 

We’re also familiar with the local courts, insurance issues, and the unique challenges of truck accident cases. For decades, we’ve helped Appleton residents recover compensation for their losses. Let Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers’ truck accident attorneys guide you through the legal process and give you peace of mind. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents 

Truck accident claims work differently from typical car accident cases, and it’s normal to have questions about how the process works and what your options are. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from people injured in truck crashes around Appleton and the Fox Cities. 

How Do I Get a Police Report for a Truck Accident in Appleton? 

Accident reports are available through the law enforcement agency that investigated the crash. Depending on where the accident occurred, the responding agency could be the Appleton Police Department, the Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office, or the Wisconsin State Patrol. 

Can I Still Get Compensation if the Accident Was Partly My Fault? 

Possibly, since being partially at fault doesn’t automatically prevent recovery. Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you’re found partially responsible, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.  

For example, if you’re 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 30%. However, if your percentage of fault is 50% or more, you’ll be barred from recovering any compensation. 

The Trucking Company’s Insurance Called Me With a Settlement Offer. Should I Take It? 

Not before consulting an attorney. Many initial settlement offers don’t account for the full extent of an accident victim’s losses. Before accepting any offer, it’s important to understand the long-term impact of your injuries and whether additional compensation may be available. 

What if I Were a Passenger in a Car Hit by a Commercial Vehicle? 

Passengers are often entitled to pursue compensation when they’re injured in a truck accident. Depending on the circumstances, claims may be brought against the truck driver, the trucking company, another motorist, or multiple parties. 

What’s the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Wisconsin? 

Wisconsin imposes a three-year statute of limitations for filing most personal injury claims. Missing the deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, no matter how strong your case is. That’s why exploring your legal options as soon as possible is important. 

How Much Does It Cost to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit? 

Most personal injury attorneys handle truck accident cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means clients don’t pay fees unless compensation is recovered.  

At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, you only pay when we win. When you schedule a free case review, we can explain how fees and case expenses may apply. 

Contact an Appleton Truck Accident Lawyer 

If you or someone you love was injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, semi, or tractor-trailer in Appleton or anywhere in Outagamie County, the personal injury lawyers at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers are here to help. We know the trucking laws in Wisconsin, and we’re ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. 

Contact us today for a free consultation.