Understanding the Legal Process After Being Hit by a Semi-Truck: A Guide for Victims
Being hit by a semi-truck is a traumatic and often life-altering event. These massive vehicles can cause devastating damage in an accident, leading to serious injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident, understanding the legal process can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to navigate the legal aftermath of a semi-truck accident.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first step after any accident, especially one involving a semi-truck, is to seek medical care. Even if you don't feel injured right away, adrenaline can mask symptoms, and internal injuries may not be immediately apparent. Medical records not only ensure your well-being but also serve as critical evidence if you later file a claim.
2. Report the Accident
Always report the accident to law enforcement. A police report is a key piece of evidence in any legal claim. Officers will document the scene, collect statements, and may note who appears to be at fault. If you're able, gather information at the scene yourself—photograph the damage, collect witness contacts, and get the truck driver's license and insurance details.
3. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car accidents. Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or even a third-party logistics provider. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Wisconsin who specializes in truck accidents can help identify the responsible parties and protect your interests from the start.
Your attorney will often begin by conducting a free consultation to assess your case and determine the best course of action.
4. Investigation and Evidence Collection
Once you've retained legal representation, your attorney will begin a thorough investigation. This includes:
- Reviewing the accident report
- Obtaining and analyzing black box (event data recorder) information from the truck
- Examining driver logs and maintenance records
- Collecting surveillance footage, if available
- Interviewing witnesses
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts
The goal is to build a strong case by showing that the truck driver or another party was negligent and that this negligence directly caused your injuries.
5. Filing a Claim
After the investigation, your attorney will file a claim with the appropriate insurance companies or pursue a lawsuit, depending on the circumstances. Claims typically cover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Loss of earning capacity
In serious cases involving gross negligence (like drunk driving or major safety violations), you may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
6. Negotiation and Settlement
In many cases, trucking companies and their insurers prefer to settle rather than go to court. Your attorney will handle negotiations, using the evidence collected to demand fair compensation. Settling can save time and reduce the stress of a prolonged legal battle, but it’s crucial not to accept a low offer just to move on quickly.
Your attorney will guide you on whether a settlement offer is fair or if it’s better to proceed to trial.
7. Litigation and Trial (If Necessary)
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may proceed to trial. This process includes:
- Pre-trial discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Depositions of witnesses and experts
- Court hearings and motions
- The trial itself, where a judge or jury decides the outcome
Trials can take months or even years, but sometimes they’re necessary to secure full compensation, especially in high-stakes cases with serious injuries or disputed liability.
8. Resolution and Recovery
Once your case is resolved, through settlement or court verdict, you’ll receive your compensation. Your attorney will help finalize any paperwork, address liens (like unpaid medical bills), and ensure you get the funds owed to you.
Call Rozek Law Offices if You’ve Been in a Semi Truck Accident
Being hit by a semi-truck is a frightening experience with long-lasting consequences. The legal process can be complex, but with the right legal guidance, you can pursue the justice and financial support you need to recover. Don’t face this alone. Consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and start the path to healing.
For almost 30 years, Attorney Randy Rozek has been representing victims of serious, life-changing injuries including those caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Routinely asked to speak to lawyers around the country in his primary areas of practice, which include representing victims of traumatic brain injuries and brain damage due to carbon monoxide poisoning, Randy has extensive experience representing victims throughout the United States. It is because of this vast experience; Randy often gets called in to co-counsel cases from around the country by attorneys with less experience handling these types of cases. If you are in need of a truck accident lawyer to represent you in your case, contact Rozek Law Offices by calling 414-374-4444.
Rozek Law Offices, S.C.
3970 N Oakland Ave Ste 604
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211
(414) 374-4444









