In Kenosha County, accidents involving trucks have remained a primary concern when it comes to public safety despite the improvements in roads, corridors, and vehicle safety features.
Data from the U.S. Transportation Department’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System reveals that in 2018, a total of 4,136 individuals died in large truck accidents. In Wisconsin, an average of 7,333 accidents and 72 fatalities involving large trucks has occurred from 2013 to 2018, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Trucking is a billion-dollar business in the US, with trucks moving more than 70% of the country’s freight. More than three million trucks and professional truck drivers are needed to transport billions of tons of freight each year. With this large number of heavy-duty vehicles on the road, it cannot be denied that more and more accidents involving trucks are being reported. This is why it is important to know what to do after a Kenosha truck accident.
The major contributing factors in most accidents involving trucks are human error and vehicle-related issues. Human error includes:
- the driver speeding or driving carelessly
- being distracted or inattentive
- being impaired due to fatigue, alcohol, or illness
- failing to yield right of way
Vehicle-related issues can include tire problems or brake issues. Additionally, other maintenance issues and weather conditions may cause vehicle-related issues.
Truck Accidents Can Lead to Serious Injuries and Wrongful Death
Compared to ordinary vehicles, trucks are heavy-duty, taller, and weigh 20-30 times more. Unfortunately, human error and vehicle issues can result in serious and fatal injuries. With any of these injuries, there may be devastating consequences to the people involved and their families.
If you or someone dear to you is involved in a truck accident, it could be beneficial to you to seek legal help. A personal injury lawyer with an excellent record in handling truck cases can help you receive the compensation you or your loved ones deserve. Our Kenosha firm is qualified to take on this type of case and can provide you with excellent legal representation. For a free consultation, contact a local truck accident lawyer today.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
- Be aware of your surroundings. Check if the other people involved are safe or need medical attention.
- Contact the police and report the accident. You can call the non-emergency number if no one is injured. Be accurate and concise so the police can track the location easily.
- Call 911 if someone is injured. Do not try to move anyone that is seriously injured, wait for the paramedics to arrive. If you are injured, minimize any unnecessary movement to avoid aggravating your condition.
- Do not leave the accident site. You need to be at the scene when the police arrive to provide information about what happened.
- Observe the scene and take notes. Get the plate numbers of the vehicles involved. If your phone has a camera, take pictures of the vehicle damage and the injuries sustained. Document everything.
- Get contact details from witnesses. Ask for their names and phone numbers.
- Seek medical attention. Tell the medical provider if you are feeling pain or discomfort in any part of your body.
- When the police arrive, take note of their agency and plate number. After the police report is done, let them know you want your own copy. Sometimes, you will need to request it from the police station or through the mail.
- You may or may not need a tow truck. However, if you do, make sure to take note of the tow company, their contact number, location, and driver information.
- Seek legal help. Contact a local, experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case.
How Does an Experienced Attorney Deal with Insurance Companies and Know What to Do After a Kenosha Truck Accident?
Aside from the damages and injuries sustained, people involved in truck accidents also need to deal with insurance companies. Because commercial trucks are owned by big businesses, it may be difficult for the other parties involved to deal with the situation. You are up against big money and the arena mat become an uneven playing field for you.
Trucking companies have their own investigators who can be very strategic in their approach to downplay the seriousness of the situation. You need a Kenosha truck accident lawyer to seek legal advice from. Contact our truck accident legal experts for a free consultation today. We can review your case and help you seek the best solution possible.