Semi-Truck Accident? Here’s What To Do.

September 11, 2019 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Semi-truck accident cases are common. If you or someone you know needs help, we understand. In fact, we handle accident cases daily. From personal injury to wrongful death, Domnitz Law takes on the tough cases to get you what you deserve.

Although truck accidents are similar to regular car accidents, there are several factors on top of typical traffic laws that come up with large vehicles. For example, a commercial vehicle like a tractor-trailer hauls material goods and has different laws in its own respect. That means there are multiple different impositions in terms of finding out how and why an accident occurred in the first place. The experienced attorneys at Domnitz Law have tried hands in all the nuances of commercial trucking accident cases. Let’s take a look at some specific details involved in semi-truck accidents and how we handle a case.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

There are several important things to do after you get into a truck accident.

1. Call an ambulance and the police, if necessary.

If anyone was injured in the truck accident, be sure to call an ambulance for immediate medical help. If there are no serious injuries, but there is substantial damage to the car ($1,000 and up), then call the police.

2. Take down insurance and contact information

You should always get insurance and contact information from anyone involved in the accident, just to be safe. This includes details like names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, make and model of vehicles involved, license plate numbers, and names and contact information of witnesses, if there are any.

3. Photograph the accident scene and specific damages.

Take pictures of the truck involved, as well as any other vehicles, including your own. This serves as physical proof of what happened and can be useful later when you really start dealing with the liability aspects of the case.

4. Contact a truck accident attorney immediately.

Call a local truck accident attorney near you to start sorting important details out. Even if you don’t think you need a lawyer, it’s better to find out right away if you’re right or if there are some things that need handling that you never considered. A truck accident attorney can help you get police reports, traffic cam footage, and dash cam footage if it’s available. In addition, an attorney will begin to calculate the monetary value and expenses of the whole accident, which you’ll want a complete record of if things become complicated.

5. Don’t Talk About the Accident Too Much.

It’s important that you don’t speak about the accident too much. Of course, contact family and friends to let them know you’re okay. But we’ve seen instances of social media posts and blogs that are used against clients in court. It’s best not to overshare about your accident until the whole ordeal is finished.

6. Be Cautious of Attorneys Who Pressure You to Settle.

It’s important that you understand the case and know when to settle. However, many attorneys will advise you to settle simply because it’s easier than challenging the other party. You want an attorney who is confident in your case and is willing to take the case to court. Winning a case in court requires much more time and effort, but it’s well worth it if you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident.

Common Questions Post-Truck Accident

As we mentioned, truck accidents happen daily, and we handle plenty of these cases. Unfortunately, truck accidents are often more severe than car accidents because of the size, weight, and speed that commercial trucks are usually going. We’ve compiled a list of common questions you may ask after you’re involved in a truck accident.

Who pays for all of the medical bills?
Who will pay for the damage done to my vehicle?
If I need to rent a car, will I be reimbursed for the cost?
Will I be compensated for the time away from work as the result of an injury?
How do we find out the cause of the accident?

These are commons questions and concerns. If you must miss work because you are seriously injured, the person responsible for the accident should pay you for the time you miss. They should also pay for the hospital bills, medical treatment, repairs made to the car, and rental cost for your temporary rental car. You need not worry about all these costs because Domnitz Law will factor in all these expenses when working on your case. We’ll make sure you come out ahead, not neck-deep in bills and costs.

Details Specific Only to Truck Accidents

There are some things that go beyond regular traffic laws when truck or semi-trucks are involved. This is because commercial trucking is regulated pretty heavily by state and federal governments. Here are some trucking-specific laws and circumstances:

Laws and restrictions on how long a driver can be behind the wheel.
When the last time the truck pulled into a rest station.
The total weight of the trailer and what materials were being transported.
Industry-specific inspections and vehicle maintenance practices.
Strict documentation and driver log laws.
Training and qualifications of the driver.
Medical history and driving fitness record.

Since these people are being paid to drive, they have much stricter rules than a normal driver. They need to pass certain tests, have certain licenses and endorsements, and follow specific routes and rest schedules. State and federal laws require drivers to take breaks every certain number of hours or miles to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Contact A Truck Accident Attorney Today!

Have you or someone you love been injured in a truck accident in Metro Milwaukee or Southeast Wisconsin due to the fault of another? If so, it is likely that you can recover damages for your injuries, losses, and pain and suffering.

Domnitz & Domnitz are A+ Better Business Bureau rated truck accident lawyers in Milwaukee, WI. We have helped thousands of clients recoup over $100 million for their injuries and suffering in a variety of personal injury cases.

Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?

August 31, 2017 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles that drive through the Milwaukee area are massive in comparison to the other cars on the road. For this reason, the experienced attorneys at Domnitz & Domnitz are proud of our record of fighting for the rights of truck accident victims in Milwaukee.

The weight, size, and speed of trucks and other large commercial vehicles means that when a truck is involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle, it is very likely that the driver and passengers of the smaller vehicle will sustain injuries including back and neck injuries, broken bones, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, brain and TBI, spinal cord injuries, and more.

Statistics show that truck accidents are more likely to result in injuries as compared to car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,050 accidents involving a large truck and there were an estimated 87,000 injuries that resulted from these accidents.

One of the most complicated matters in a truck accident is determining who is liable for the accident. While it may seem obvious that the truck driver who caused the accident is liable, the matter can be more complex. For instance, did a company hire an independent driver and then require him to drive outside the safety requirements?

Did a third party freight scheduler ignore safety ratings when scheduling a driver or company? Were there safety violations in inspecting and maintaining the company? Did a different company load the truck improperly, impairing the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle?

This is why it is important to contact a Milwaukee truck accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident. In a truck accident case, the liability may fall on not only the truck driver, but the trucking company, equipment manufacturer, freight scheduler, maintenance company, or others. Often truck companies demand that their drivers spend long hours on the road, despite clear laws and regulations dictating how long a driver can drive without a substantial break.

Contact Domnitz & Domnitz today

To schedule a free initial consultation with a Milwaukee truck accident lawyer, call Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. We have the resources to provide top-notch representation in a wide variety of legal issues. Contact our Milwaukee personal injury attorneys online or call 414-289-0909 today for a free consultation and review of your legal rights from respected Milwaukee attorneys.

Family of victim killed in city truck pedestrian accident to sue

June 7, 2014 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Family of victim killed in city truck pedestrian accident to sue Sheboygan

On behalf of Wisconsin truck accident attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Pedestrian Accidents on Saturday, June 7, 2014.

Family members of a Wisconsin high school student who was struck by a city truck in 2011 are seeking financial compensation from the city of Sheboygan in connection with the fatal incident. Official reports show a claim has been filed, though the official suit is still pending. The victim, an 18-year-old student, was crossing the street in front of his school when he was struck by a truck driven by a Department of Public Works employee.

Family members argue that the fatal pedestrian accident could have been prevented if the city had installed a special school zone sign in front of the facility. That would have effectively lowered the speed limit, which could have prevented the incident. Further, the city was apparently negligent when it mounted a leaf collection system to the truck in such a fashion that it caused the driver’s vision to be impaired. In addition, the driver is facing allegations of negligence, with the suit claiming that that person did not give a proper lookout while the truck was in motion.

The very operation of the city’s four leaf trucks has been questioned, according to news reports. Investigating officers determined that vacuum equipment that had been installed on the trucks cause a serious view obstruction for motorists in violation of state law. A third party also conducted an investigation in the case and reached the same conclusion. The leaf collection systems were slated for replacement before the pedestrian accident. They were replaced after the accident with units that were towed behind the trucks instead of being mounted to the front of the vehicle.

Municipalities have a responsibility to keep their pedestrians safe through a variety of mechanisms. These can include traffic control, but it is also important for city workers to have access to safe equipment, especially if they are driving on city streets. Municipalities that fail to meet these standards should be held responsible in civil court.

Source: Green Bay Press Gazette, “Family of dead teen files claim against Sheboygan” Josh Lintereur, Jun. 02, 2014 [NOTE: source no longer exists]

If you think you have a personal injury case against a municipality, contact a truck accident lawyer in Milwaukee such as Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.

Wisconsin milk truck accident injuries 3, including 2 children

April 2, 2014 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Wisconsin Milk Truck Accident Injuries Three

On behalf of Milwaukee truck accident attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Truck Accidents on Wednesday, April 2, 2014.

It only takes a second for an accident to occur. Some are due to impaired or distracted drivers, while other accidents occur because of mechanical problems or inclement weather conditions. In many cases, criminal charges may be filed against a reckless or negligent driver whose actions result in injuries or death. Those who are injured or have lost a loved one due to an at-fault driver’s actions have a right to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. This is done through personal injury lawsuits filed in civil courts.

On March 28, a serious truck accident occurred at the intersection of two Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, roads. A mother and her two children were in an SUV, headed north on County Y. A semi-truck carrying milk was traveling east on County FF.

Video and pictures from the crash scene show the milk truck on its side, with the cab and trailer disconnected, and the SUV with heavy damage. According to reports, the driver of the semi-truck was not injured in the crash. The 30-year-old driver of the SUV was taken by medical helicopter to Theeda Clark Medical Center. Her two children, whose ages weren’t reported, were taken to a hospital in Sheboygan with what were reported as minor injuries.

Police are still investigating the crash and have not yet made a determination as to which driver was at fault in the accident. If the truck driver is found to be at fault, the woman could seek compensation for herself and on behalf of her children for their injuries. Claims for compensation may include pain and suffering, medical expenses and emotional distress, among others. If you need legal representation following an accident with a commercial vehicle, contact a truck accident lawyer in Milwaukee like Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

Source: WISN 2, “Mother, 2 children injured in Sheboygan County crash” No author given, Mar. 28, 2014

Motorcoach Travel in the Midwest and Elsewhere: Is it Safe?

August 6, 2012 by Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.

How Likely Are You to be Hit By a Bus in Milwaukee?

That Could Depend on the Type of Bus: Motorcoach vs. Traditional

On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Truck Accidents on Monday, August 6, 2012.

The recent crash of a Megabus in Illinois that left one dead and over three dozen hurt is leading to questions about the safety and regulation of bus travel in the United States.

Sadly, this is just one in a series of recent crashes involving low-fare buses. The accidents have prompted federal regulators to look into the industry and to perhaps consider stricter regulations.

Last year, the National Transportation Safety Board completed an investigation into the motorcoach industry that revealed some striking findings. For example, the agency noted that curbside bus carriers (i.e., those that pick passengers up on the street instead of at a station) have significantly higher accident rates than traditional bus companies. Rates are even worse for newer companies and carriers with smaller fleets.

The problem is magnified by the fact that many curbside bus carriers operate outside the scope of government regulation. For example, regulators do not conduct “en route” inspections of passenger buses. Since curbside carriers do not operate from bus terminals, regulators have relatively few opportunities to check for safety violations.

Megabus USA provides bus travel in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Minnesota. The company’s buses covered more than 8 million miles last year, and recorded a total of six accidents. During that same period, seven of the company’s drivers were cited for fatigued driving.

The NTSB has been quick to point out that, generally speaking, motorcoaches are a safe and affordable way to travel. However, it is important to choose a carrier that has a strong safety record. It is better to spend the extra money than to put yourself in harm’s way.

Source: KSDK, “National Transportation Safety Board critical of motorcoach industry,” Leisa Zigman, August 2, 2012.

For more information on the rights of bus accident victims, please visit our Wisconsin Bus Accident resource page. If you need legal representation for a bus accident, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. for a free consultation.