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Wisconsin’s roadways are vital for commerce and transportation, with countless semi-trucks and commercial vehicles traveling daily. These vehicles are essential to our economy, but crashes involving them can leave victims with life-altering injuries. If you were hurt, a Wisconsin personal injury attorney can help you understand your options.
Injured in a truck accident? At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and work to protect your right to seek compensation. Our objective is your recovery.
Truck accident cases differ significantly from standard car accidents. They often involve more than one responsible party and a set of federal trucking rules. Navigating these cases takes knowledge of those regulations and a plan to gather evidence quickly.
At Pemberton Personal Injury, we focus on the details that matter in a trucking crash. Our work may include:
Responsibility depends on the facts of the crash. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:
Whether a driver is a contractor or a full-time employee can make a difference. This question comes up often in delivery truck accidents, since many package carriers rely on contractors to run their routes. An attorney can review the records to help identify who may be responsible.
If you are a victim of a truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation for:
Commercial trucking is governed by federal and state rules designed to protect public safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets many of these rules.
For example, FMCSA’s hours-of-service rules say property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Trucks must also meet maintenance standards, including regular inspections of brakes, tires, and other critical systems. Trucking companies must keep records of drivers’ hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loads. These records can help show whether rules were followed, but they are not always easy to obtain without legal support.
Federal rules also set minimum insurance levels. Under 49 CFR Part 387, many for-hire carriers of nonhazardous property in interstate commerce must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage. Actual coverage can be higher and varies by carrier, so an attorney can look into what applies to your case.
Semi-trucks have technology like electronic logging devices (ELDs) and black box recorders. These tools collect data such as speed, braking patterns, and hours of operation before a crash. Helpful evidence can include:
Some of this information can be overwritten or lost over time, so quick action matters. Our attorneys work quickly to help preserve the evidence you need. Read our Wisconsin truck accident FAQ for additional information.
Trucking accidents often result from unsafe practices or negligence, including:
Semi-truck accidents often involve massive vehicles and smaller passenger cars, and they can leave victims with serious injuries. Common injuries include spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and broken bones.
WisDOT reported 6,825 crashes involving large trucks in Wisconsin in 2024. Those crashes resulted in 66 deaths and 1,480 injuries, including 180 serious injuries. Nationwide, NHTSA estimates that 153,452 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks in 2023.
Icy roads challenge all drivers, but the risks increase for large trucks. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to about 80,000 pounds, which makes it harder to stop or steer on slippery roads. Drivers are expected to adjust their speed and following distance for conditions. Fault may also involve the trucking company if records show worn tires or poor winter preparation.
Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Wis. Stat. § 895.045. In general, you may still recover compensation if your share of fault is not greater than the share of the person you are seeking recovery from. Any compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you can do so safely, these steps can help protect your health and your claim:
Typically, a lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date of the accident, and this time period generally applies to truck accident claims under Wisconsin law. However, there are important exceptions and nuances that can affect the applicable deadline. Wrongful death claims are handled under their own rules, so it is best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
The aftermath of a truck accident can feel overwhelming. Medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress can make it hard to move forward.
Pemberton Personal Injury can help you understand your options. Do not face the legal process alone. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Call (608) 448-6242. We will work to pursue the compensation your case may support.
Here are answers to common questions about truck accident claims in Wisconsin.
With four offices across the state, we're never far from where you need us.
Insurance companies have extensive resources and experience protecting their profits. They may deny valid claims, undervalue injuries, or pressure people into accepting less than they deserve. They know how to protect their interests.
At Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the strategies insurance companies use to minimize claims, and we are prepared to challenge them. We carefully investigate each case, calculate the complete impact of our client’s injuries, and pursue the compensation available under the law.
When insurance adjusters see Pemberton involved, they know they are facing a legal team that will come prepared, stand firm, and fight for its clients.
You didn’t ask to be injured or forced into a dispute with a powerful insurance company. You deserve a legal team that will listen to you, explain your options, and stand beside you throughout the process.
We do not back down when an insurance company refuses to treat our clients fairly. Every client receives determined advocacy, compassionate support, and the preparation their case deserves.
Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Life following a serious injury can bring intense emotions and pain. Accident victims often hope to get their lives back on track, only to be held back by the demands involved with personal injury claims. This is especially the case for individuals who become hospitalized. Wherever you are in the process, we’d be glad to help.
Our injury lawyers in Wisconsin step up to represent you. At Pemberton, we provide this advocacy at every step in the injury claims process so you can be on your way to feeling like yourself again.
Contact our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys at (608) 448-6242 to speak with one of our experienced attorneys. We will create a plan together to help you protect your rights and get you back to your life.
$40M+ Won For Our Clients
The client was seriously injured in a trucking accident, sustaining approximately $120,000 in medical expenses. After thorough treatment and recovery, we partnered with co-counsel to build a strong case. Despite questions about future complications, we successfully negotiated a $575,000 settlement to compensate the client for injuries sustained, medical treatment received, and the impact on quality of life.
The client was rear-ended by a semi while parked on the side of the highway. He sustained significant back injuries, had surgery the day of the crash, but very little follow up treatment after the surgery. We obtained double the insurance company’s initial offer of $250,000.
Client sustained life-threatening injuries after being hit by a driver who passed away at the scene. We obtained close to the policy limits with an additional claimant pre-suit and negotiated medical liens down over $250,000.
In this car accident case, the client suffered catastrophic injuries in a head-on collision when the at-fault driver crossed the center line. Her injuries included multiple broken bones in the chest, ribs, wrist, and ankle, internal injuries requiring intestinal surgery, and a damaged artery in the spine. With medical expenses exceeding $4,000, we secured the at-fault driver’s full insurance coverage and pursued an additional $1,000,000 from the client’s own insurance policy. We also negotiated a reduction of more than $468,000 in outstanding medical costs to ensure the client received maximum financial recovery for her life-altering injuries and permanent impact on her ability to work.
The client’s loved one suffered a fatal injury in an auto collision that resulted in over $382,000 in medical bills. Acting as the family’s second attorney, we navigated difficult policy-limit issues and secured a $1,000,000 settlement. While the case had greater overall value and the family would have liked a higher recovery, they chose to settle to avoid prolonged litigation and move forward.
“Focus on healing and we will take care of everything on the legal side”
“If you ever need an attorney, he would be the first one I recommend”
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