The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reports that there were 6,562 large truck accidents reported statewide in 2023. If you were unlucky enough to be the victim of such a crash, it is imperative that you know what to do to protect your health, well-being, and your ability to get the financial compensation that you need to pay your bills. Truck companies and their insurance providers cannot be relied upon to do right by injured victims. A proactive approach is a must. Here, our Eau Claire truck accident lawyer highlights five steps to take after a tractor trailer crash.
Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle, Exchange Information, and Report the Crash
When you are involved in a truck accident in Eau Claire, the aftermath can be overwhelming and confusing. In Wisconsin, all motorists involved in a truck accident are required to stop their vehicle, stay at the scene, exchange information, and report the crash to the police. There is an exception for medical emergencies. If you are severely injured, emergency care is the top priority. You should report a truck accident to law enforcement right away. Contact the Eau Claire Police Department or another state or local agency to report the truck crash.
Step #2: Get Immediate Medical Care for Any Physical Harm (Injuries Require a Doctor)
As a tractor trailer that is carrying a full load of cargo in Eau Claire can weigh up to 40 tons, it is not surprising that these crashes can be extremely dangerous. Any signs of injury from a truck accident should be evaluated by a doctor. Without question, emergencies are the top priority—but other injuries need to be checked out as well. A thorough medical evaluation will ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated early. Further, medical records from these evaluations will serve as key evidence in a truck accident injury claim. You need medical records to get compensation.
Step #3: Document the Semi-Truck Accident in Eau Claire
Wisconsin is a fault-based truck accident state. The party—whether the trucker, truck company, or anyone else—who is responsible for causing a crash through negligence can be held liable for the resulting damages. You should carefully document a truck accident in Eau Claire. Once your immediate safety and health concerns are addressed, start documenting the accident scene to the best extent that you can. You should take photographs of your vehicle, the truck, any visible injuries, and of the overall road conditions. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and if they would be willing to provide statements later. An Eau Claire truck accident lawyer can help.
Step #4: Notify Your Own Insurance Provider that You Were Involved in a Truck Accident
Even if you are 100 percent certain that the truck driver was at fault for the crash, you should still notify your own insurance company. Your insurer may require you to do so as part of the policy coverage. You may also be entitled to some immediate no-fault benefits through your own carrier. You do not have to have all of the details at this time: Simply provide notice of the crash.
Step #5: Speak to an Eau Claire Truck Accident Lawyer Before an Insurance Company
You do not have to take on the personal injury claims process alone after a serious truck accident in Eau Claire. Before you provide a statement to any insurance company, you should speak to an experienced Eau Claire truck accident attorney who can review your case, investigate your crash, answer your questions, and help you develop a comprehensive legal strategy to maximize your recovery. The sooner you speak to an Eau Claire, WI truck accident lawyer, the better positioned that you will be to get full and fair financial compensation for your injuries.
Why Trust Our Eau Claire Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
Semi-truck accident claims are complicated. You cannot rely on any trucking company or insurance company to do what is right for you and your family. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we are a boutique law firm committed to protecting the injured and the disabled. With a proven record of successful verdicts and settlements, our team has secured millions in compensation for injured victims. You may be eligible to recover for vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A consultation with our Eau Claire truck accident lawyer is free and carries no obligations.
Contact Our Eau Claire Semi-Truck Accident Attorney for Immediate Help
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Eau Claire, WI semi-truck accident attorney is an aggressive advocate for justice. We help the injured and disabled get the maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free, no strings attached case review. We handle truck accident claims throughout Eau Claire County, including in Altoona, Augusta, Fall Creek, and Fairchild.