Can I Sue a Semi-Truck Driver for Causing an Accident in Wisconsin?

Truck accidents have a high propensity to cause serious injuries because of the size of the vehicles involved. In many cases, these crashes occur as the result of truck drivers’ negligence. For instance, a collision may happen because a truck driver was speeding, driving drunk, or disobeying traffic signals.

You can sue a truck driver for causing an accident in Wisconsin. However, the process for obtaining monetary damages may not be straightforward. There are several strategies the defendant in your case may utilize to avoid paying you the compensation you are owed.

If you suffered a collision with a large truck, get help from our Wisconsin truck accident attorneys by calling Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166 to assess your potential case for free.

How Do Truck Drivers Cause Accidents in Wisconsin?

There are many different ways that negligent truck drivers can cause accidents. If your accident stems from any of the following potential sources, then our Milwaukee truck accident lawyers will evaluate the strength of your claim against the at-fault party:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is an extremely common cause of devastating truck accidents. Truck drivers can become manually, visually, or cognitively distracted. Manual distraction happens when they take their hands off the wheel, while visual distraction describes situations where they take their eyes off the road. Cognitive distraction happens when truck drivers take their attention off driving.

Several different activities can distract truck drivers. For example, drivers can be distracted while playing music on their stereos, texting, eating, drinking, or interacting with GPS systems. Some activities like texting can involve multiple forms of distraction.

Drunk Driving

Similarly, drunk driving is also a common source of truck accidents in Wisconsin. While drunk, drivers will exhibit reckless decision-making abilities, blurry vision, and poor motor skills. Drunk truck drivers are prone to causing crashes by veering outside their lanes and ignoring traffic lights.

Drunk driving is an inherently dangerous activity. Still, some truck drivers attempt to operate their vehicles while impaired. Crashes caused by drunk drivers often occur at night but can happen at any time of day. If an intoxicated truck driver struck you, you may be entitled to significant payment for the harm you endured.

Running Red Lights

Running red lights is another common source of truck accidents. Drivers running red lights can cause devastating collisions with motorists and pedestrians utilizing other travel lanes. Head-on collisions are a particularly dangerous type of crash caused by truck drivers who run red lights.

There are several reasons a truck driver may run a red light. For instance, they may run a red light because they were impatient and in a hurry. Further, a driver may run a red light simply because they were not paying attention. Fortunately, several different forms of evidence can be used to prove that a truck driver who ran a red light is responsible for your accident.

Speeding

Many truck drivers cause accidents by traveling at excessive speeds. While speeding, truck drivers may be prone to losing control of their vehicles and straying outside their lanes. Furthermore, speeding drivers may be unable to stop in time to avoid a crash when cars in front of them have to brake.

Accidents at high speeds are also more likely to result in catastrophic injuries. For instance, injuries like concussions, broken bones, and internal organ damage are often suffered.

High-speed crashes often happen on highways and rural roads. Thankfully, plaintiffs who are injured because of these accidents may be entitled to several different forms of monetary damages.

Improper Lane Changes

Additionally, truck accidents are regularly caused by drivers who commit improper lane changes. Improper lane changes can happen when truck drivers change lanes without using their turn signals or change lanes in illegal areas. In many cases, this behavior results in side-collisions that cause severe harm to victims. Truck drivers who commit improper lane changes can also be sued for crashes that stem from their negligent conduct.

Damages You Can Sue a Truck Driver for After an Accident in Wisconsin

There are multiple types of monetary damages you may sue for after suffering a truck accident in Wisconsin.

Economic Damages

First, you can pursue payment for the economic damages stemming from your injuries. Economic damages refer to verifiable financial losses such as medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Additionally, economic damages refer to various types of out-of-pocket expenses. For instance, after suffering a truck accident, you may obtain damages for the cost of transportation to and from your court proceedings and medical appointments. As another example, you may recover payment for the cost of childcare assistance needed during your recovery.

Non-Economic Damages

In addition to economic damages, you may obtain non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering related to your truck accident injuries. For instance, in addition to causing immense pain, a traumatic brain injury may prevent you from participating in your favorite hobbies after your crash. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for both the physical pain and emotional anguish you experienced.

Punitive Damages

Finally, you may be able to obtain punitive damages if you can prove that the truck driver who caused your accident acted with gross negligence. These damages do not compensate you for a loss. Rather, they intend to punish the defendant for their especially careless or reckless behavior. For example, you may be awarded punitive damages if you were hurt by a truck driver who was driving drunk, surpassing hours of service regulations, and traveling in the wrong direction down a one-way street. During an evaluation of your potential claim, our team will determine if punitive damages may be available to you.

Truck Accident Victims in Wisconsin Can Contact Our Law Firm for Assistance

If you were hurt because of a truck accident, get support from our West Lafayette truck accident lawyers at Wruck Paupore by dialing (219) 322-1166 for a free case review.