What To Do if You've Been in a Semi Accident in Wisconsin
Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be one of the most traumatic experiences a person faces on the road. Because commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, the damage and injuries that result from these collisions are often severe. If you have been in a semi accident in Wisconsin, knowing what steps to take can protect both your health and your legal rights by contacting a truck accident lawyer in Wisconsin.
Prioritize Safety and Call 911
Your first priority after any accident is safety. If you are physically able, move to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, call 911 immediately. In Wisconsin, accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to law enforcement.
When officers arrive, provide accurate information but avoid speculating about fault. A police report will play a crucial role in any insurance or legal claim that follows.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Semi-truck accidents often result in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline. Even if you feel “okay,” it is critical to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident. Delays in treatment can give insurance companies an opportunity to argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are able, collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes:
- The truck driver’s name, contact information, and employer
- The trucking company’s name and insurance details
- The truck’s license plate and USDOT number
- Contact information for witnesses
- Photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries
Because commercial trucks are regulated by state and federal laws, identifying the trucking company is especially important. In many cases, liability may extend beyond the driver to the company that owns or operates the truck.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Provide basic facts about the crash, but avoid giving recorded statements without fully understanding your rights—especially if the trucking company’s insurer contacts you. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts, and statements made early on can later be used against you.
Understand Wisconsin’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Wisconsin follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your total recovery will be reduced by 20%.
Because fault can significantly impact your compensation, thorough investigation and evidence collection are critical in semi-truck accident cases.
Consult an Experienced Wisconsin Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident claims are far more complex than typical car accident cases. Commercial vehicles are subject to regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which governs driver hours, maintenance requirements, and safety standards. Violations of these regulations can strengthen your claim.
An experienced Wisconsin truck accident attorney can:
- Investigate the crash and preserve critical evidence, such as driver logs and black box data
- Determine all potentially liable parties
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs
Because trucking companies often deploy rapid response teams immediately after an accident to protect their interests, having your own legal representation quickly can level the playing field.
Be Mindful of the Statute of Limitations
In Wisconsin, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe can result in losing your right to recover compensation. However, certain exceptions may apply, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Focus on Your Recovery
Finally, prioritize your physical and emotional recovery. Semi accidents can cause lasting trauma, both physically and psychologically. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, attend follow-up appointments, and document how your injuries affect your daily life.
Being in a semi-truck accident in Wisconsin can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can make a significant difference. By protecting your health, preserving evidence, understanding your rights, and seeking experienced legal guidance, you position yourself for the best possible outcome during a challenging time.
Let Rozek Law Help You if You’ve Been Involved in a Semi Accident
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















