Truck Accident Attorney Helps Wisconsin Clients Get Compensated
Experienced Oshkosh-based lawyer takes on drivers and trucking companies
Large trucks that haul freight on Interstate 41 and deliver goods to local communities can cause devastating damage if they are not operated in a safe manner. More than 20 large truck accidents occur each day in Wisconsin, and victims often have a hard time getting commercial vehicle drivers and owners to fulfill their legal responsibility. Apex Accident Attorneys, LLC in Oshkosh knows how to take on tough opponents and win. Drawing on more than 50 years of legal experience, George W. Curtis, Jr. finds the parties that contributed to the collision and doesn’t back down when advocating for plaintiffs in settlement negotiations or in court.
Factors that frequently lead to truck accidents
Due to the size and power of their vehicles, owners and drivers of trucks are subject to more intense regulation than passenger car operators. Still, violations do occur, and common factors that lead to collisions involving big rigs include:
- Poor maintenance — Even more so than passenger cars, trucks are complex machines that rely on thousands of individual parts, all of which must work properly. If a fleet owner or driver has not kept up with maintenance requirements, a tragic incident could occur.
- Fatigued or rushing drivers — Whether a commercial vehicle operator is speeding to get a delivery completed on time or just trying to get home, fatigue and deadline pressure can lead to unsafe situations. There are rules stating how much rest a driver needs to have before returning to the road and I can examine information from a truck’s electronic data recorder to determine if a violation occurred.
- Faulty equipment — Brakes that don’t work or a faulty trailer hitch could lead to disaster. Whatever individuals or businesses had a part in causing the crash should be held accountable.
- Oversized and overloaded trucks — When a truck is carrying too much weight or is too large for the road it’s on, maneuvering the vehicle becomes much more difficult, increasing the risk of a crash.
In addition to the types of accidents that affect all vehicles, such as rear-end collisions and sideswipes, semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles are subject to jackknifes, underrides and crashes that result from stray trailers. As a dedicated Wisconsin personal injury attorney, I know how to handle complex accident cases and get to the truth when stories about what happened do not agree.
What parties might be liable in a truck accident claim?
The driver of a car or passenger truck is almost always the vehicle owner or a member of their family. However, when a commercial vehicle is in an accident, there could be several liable parties besides the driver, including the driver’s employer, the fleet owner, the manufacturer of a defective part and possibly even a business that contracted the truck. My firm investigates the facts thoroughly to see if the vehicle operator was properly licensed and trained. From there, we press to collect payment from the trucking company and every other individual and business that contributed to the crash.
Attorney has the skill and knowledge litigate severe injury claims
Even at a fairly low speed, the force of a truck collision can trigger a concussion, broken bones or even worse physical damage. Depending on the circumstances, a crash involving a commercial vehicle might inflict permanent, or even fatal, harm. When litigating these claims, I don’t just look at current medical bills and lost income to formulate a settlement demand, but consult with doctors and other experts to get a true picture of an accident’s effects. From there, I fight on behalf of personal injury and wrongful death plaintiffs to obtain the maximum amount of compensation.
Contact a proven Wisconsin truck accident lawyer for a free initial consultation
Apex Accident Attorneys, LLC litigates personal injury cases arising from truck accidents that occur in Winnebago County and throughout Wisconsin. To schedule a free consultation regarding your situation, please call my Oshkosh office at 920-233-1010 or contact me online.