Being struck by a commercial vehicle is one of the most devastating accidents a person can experience. These vehicles, whether semi-trucks, delivery vans, box trucks, or buses, can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, and the injuries they cause often go far beyond those from a typical car accident. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a collision with a commercial vehicle, understanding your legal rights and what comes next can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds.
At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we represent injury victims across Wisconsin who are navigating situations like this. If you’re looking for dedicated Wisconsin truck accident lawyers, our team can help guide you through the legal process. With decades of combined legal experience handling Wisconsin injury cases, we understand the unique complexities that commercial vehicle cases present, from identifying the responsible parties to managing the calculated insurance tactics these large companies often deploy.
Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents Are More Complex
Commercial vehicle accidents are not treated the same way as standard car crashes under the law. These cases frequently involve multiple potentially liable parties, including the driver, the trucking or delivery company, the vehicle owner, a cargo loader, and even a maintenance contractor. Determining who is liable for a truck accident often requires investigating driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, cargo loading procedures, and company safety policies, all of which are subject to federal and state regulations.
Commercial drivers operating large trucks and buses are governed by rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). According to the FMCSA, there were approximately 503,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in the United States in 2022, resulting in thousands of serious injuries and fatalities. Violations of these safety rules can play a major role in determining liability in a crash. You can also learn more about what happens when a trucking company violates FMCSA rules in our related article. The sheer volume of evidence and regulatory material involved in commercial vehicle cases can overwhelm someone without legal support.
What Injuries Are Common in These Accidents?
The force involved in a commercial vehicle collision often produces injuries that are severe and long-lasting. Because of the significant size and weight disparity between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, the occupants of smaller cars bear the brunt of the impact. Understanding the types of injuries suffered in trucking accidents can help you recognize the full scope of what you may be dealing with after a crash.
Common injuries in these cases include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ trauma, and severe lacerations. Many of these injuries require extended hospitalization, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. Some victims face permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work and carry out daily activities. The physical and financial toll of a commercial vehicle accident can be extraordinary, which is why building a comprehensive claim for damages is so critical.
What Compensation Can You Pursue?
If you were injured by a commercial vehicle due to someone else’s negligence, you may seek compensation for a range of losses under Wisconsin law. Knowing what you can sue for in a truck accident is an important step in understanding what your case may be worth. Recoverable damages can include medical expenses, both current and future, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage.
The following are the main categories of compensation typically pursued in commercial vehicle injury cases:
- Medical costs, including emergency treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing care
- Lost income from time missed at work during recovery
- Future lost wages if the injury results in long-term or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional impact of the accident
- Property damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings
Each case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the extent of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the degree to which each party contributed to the accident. An experienced attorney can help evaluate the compensation available in your specific situation.
Contact Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm
When you are up against a commercial carrier and its insurers, having knowledgeable legal representation on your side matters. At Pemberton Personal Injury, our attorneys bring extensive combined experience to commercial vehicle cases and understand the tactics that large companies and their insurance teams use to minimize payouts. We handle commercial vehicle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a commercial vehicle, we encourage you to reach out to us as soon as possible so we can begin evaluating your case. You may also find it helpful to read our guide on when to hire a truck accident attorney to better understand the timing and importance of legal representation in these cases. Contact our team to schedule a free case evaluation today.
