Best Truck Accident Lawyers Milwaukee, WI Of 2024

Being involved in a truck accident can be a frightening, painful and expensive experience. However, if a truck driver or company is responsible, you could file a truck accident lawsuit and qualify for compensation. Knowing your rights and responsibilities in the aftermath of a crash is crucial. Here are some of the most important laws and regulations that may impact your case.

Wisconsin Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Cases

Knowing the statute of limitations applicable in a truck accident case is essential, as it determines how long after an accident you can file a claim. You may lose your right to sue and pursue compensation if you miss this deadline.

In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for truck accidents and other personal injury matters is generally three years from the date of your injury. If you don’t file in time, the court will likely throw out your case, leaving you without legal recourse.

However, there can be rare exceptions that could lengthen or shorten the time you have available to file a truck accident lawsuit, which is why consulting a truck accident lawyer can be vital for protecting your rights.

Wisconsin Laws for Truck Drivers

Truck accident statistics can provide insight into the dangers passenger vehicle occupants face when involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle. When you’re experiencing an accident, you’ll want to be aware of the Wisconsin laws that can significantly influence the outcome of your truck accident case and recovery.

• Caps on damages. Wisconsin does not generally cap damages in truck accident claims, with some exceptions. Punitive damages in Wisconsin are capped at twice the compensatory damages or $200,000, whichever is greater. Claims against the government are capped at $250,000.
• Trucking industry insurance requirements. Wisconsin law requires commercial trucks to carry extensive insurance coverage. For example, the minimum liability coverage for a vehicle carrying hazardous cargo is $5 million.
• Vicarious liability. Under Wisconsin law, truck accident victims may hold a trucking company vicariously liable for the actions of its drivers. For example, if a truck driver causes an accident on work time, you could sue their employer for damages.

Identifying Fault for Truck Accidents in Wisconsin

Determining fault in a Milwaukee truck accident is essential to establishing liability. In other words, the party at fault for your accident (or their insurance company) is typically responsible for covering your damages, such as medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. In truck accidents, determining fault can be tricky as several parties could be responsible, including the driver, the truck manufacturer, the truck owner or even a negligent repair shop.

Fault in truck accidents is determined through an investigation involving technical experts and evidence such as a driver’s log book, trucking company records, police reports, witness statements and a truck’s black box.

Wisconsin follows the modified comparative negligence doctrine, meaning you can recover damages provided you’re no more than 50% responsible for the collision. However, your compensation will be reduced according to the percentage of your fault.

Truck accidents can be more complex than “regular” car crashes due to the technical aspects of commercial vehicles and the possibility of several defendants. An attorney can identify all liable parties and avenues for compensation in your claim, such as a trucking company and manufacturer. They can request crucial evidence from the trucking company, such as maintenance records and log books, and engage technical experts to investigate your accident thoroughly.

Suing a powerful company, manufacturer or insurance company can be intimidating. Your attorney can level the playing field, act as your advocate and fight hard for what you deserve. They can handle negotiations with insurers and take them to court to maximize your recovery. Whether it’s filing the legal paperwork or representing you at trial, having an attorney in your corner gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome.

Truck accidents demand specialized legal knowledge and experience. Consider the following when you’re looking for a lawyer to handle your case in Milwaukee.

• Truck accident experience. Truck accident cases require specific skills that differ from those required for other motor vehicle claims. Choose an attorney who has successfully litigated truck accident claims and secured settlements and favorable verdicts for clients.
• Access to industry experts. Technical experts are vital for understanding truck accidents and identifying all liable parties in a claim. An excellent attorney has connections to industry experts who can uncover vehicle defects, maintenance issues and other crucial evidence.
• Trial experience. While many injury cases settle out of court, truck accident claims may be more likely to go to trial, as they typically involve high damages and contested liability. If your case proceeds to trial, you’ll want an attorney with a successful track record in the courtroom.
• Contingency fees. Due to extensive evidence preparation requirements and expert witness fees, truck accidents can be expensive to litigate. Choosing an attorney who doesn’t charge upfront fees can help alleviate some financial stress during a difficult time.

Forbes Advisor ranked attorneys offering services in truck accident law within a 50-mile radius of Milwaukee, WI using data points across the categories of qualifications, experience, reputation, client experience and diversity and inclusivity. We pulled data for these categories from reliable, third-party resources such as state bar associations and individual firm websites. Data is accurate as of July 2024.

We evaluated attorneys based on the following metrics.

Qualifications (15%):

• Active business license
• Public records check
• Practice areas
• Overall reputation of law school

Experience (15%):

• Years of membership in state bar
• Ethics and bar disciplinary history

Reputation (30%): 

• High regards in top legal publications
• Positive reviews
• Accolades from colleagues

Client Experience (25%):

• Free consultations

Diversity and Inclusivity (15%):

• Bilingual services

We considered only attorneys without disciplinary history who have been licensed for at least five years.