You're driving down the highway when suddenly, a semi-truck jackknifes in front of you. Within seconds, multiple vehicles crash into each other, leaving a trail of destruction. In the chaos, you realize you've been injured. Now what?
Determining liability for a multi-vehicle pileup involving commercial trucks can be a complicated process. With over 50 years of experience representing truck accident victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, the attorneys at Hupy and Abraham have the knowledge and resources to investigate your crash thoroughly, determine who is at fault, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Key Challenges in Multi-Vehicle Truck Accident Cases
Keep reading to learn more about the unique challenges of multi-vehicle truck accidents and how having the right legal representation can make all the difference in your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
Determining Fault Can Be Complex
In a multi-vehicle pileup involving commercial trucks, liability is not always clear-cut. Depending on the circumstances, fault may lie with:
- The truck driver, if they were distracted, fatigued, or driving recklessly
- The trucking company, if they failed to maintain the vehicle properly or hired an unqualified driver
- Other motorists involved in the crash
- Government entities responsible for road design or maintenance
To determine liability, your attorney will need to conduct a thorough investigation. This may involve examining:
- The police report
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photographs of the scene
- Data from the truck's black box
- The trucking company's records
Multiple Insurance Companies Are Involved
Commercial vehicles typically carry much higher insurance policies than passenger vehicles. This may seem like a good thing for injured parties, but in a multi-vehicle pileup, there may be numerous insurance companies involved—one for each vehicle. This can lead to a lot of finger-pointing as each insurer tries to minimize their own financial responsibility.
An experienced truck accident attorney is prepared to take on the truck insurance companies and their adjusters, ensuring all liable parties are held accountable. Your lawyer can also help you navigate the complex web of insurance claims to pursue maximum compensation.
Evidence May Be Harder to Preserve
In the chaos of a multi-vehicle crash scene, crucial evidence can easily be lost or destroyed. The trucking company may quickly send out its own investigators to collect evidence that limits its liability. Road debris may be cleared before it can be documented.
That's why it's critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a multi-vehicle truck accident. Your lawyer can take swift action to preserve evidence like the truck's black box data, dashboard camera footage, and more. They may also work with experts like accident reconstructionists to piece together how the crash occurred.
Damages May Be More Extensive
Due to commercial trucks’ size and weight, the injuries and property damage resulting from a multi-vehicle pileup tend to be catastrophic. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, crushed or amputated limbs, severe burns, or even wrongful death.
Medical expenses can quickly become overwhelming, especially if the victim requires long-term care. They may be unable to work, leading to significant lost income. Property damage is often extensive, as well, sometimes resulting in totaled vehicles.
You need a truck accident lawyer who will aggressively advocate for you to seek full and fair compensation for all economic and non-economic damages. Your attorney can also identify sources of compensation you may not be aware of, like umbrella policies or third-party claims.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Pursuing a truck accident claim is not a DIY project. These cases are extremely complex, involving state and federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies with vast resources. Taking on a trucking or insurance company alone would be like bringing a knife to a gunfight— you'll simply be outmatched.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can level the playing field by:
- Conducting a prompt, thorough investigation to secure vital evidence
- Identifying all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage
- Calculating the full extent of your damages, including future expenses
- Handling all communication and negotiation with the insurance companies
- Fiercely advocating for your rights in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
- Allowing you to focus on healing while they handle the legal heavy lifting
If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle pileup involving a commercial truck in Wisconsin, Illinois, or Iowa, the skilled legal team at Hupy and Abraham is here to help. With over $1 billion recovered for over 70,000 clients, we have the experience, resources, and tenacity to take on the biggest trucking and insurance companies.
Don't try to navigate this complex process alone and risk mistakes that negatively impact your potential recovery. We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss how we can help you pursue justice and maximum compensation. Let us fight for you while you focus on getting your life back on track.