Trucking Accident Attorney Near Me

Pursuing Fair Compensation for Eau Claire Truck Accident Victims

The danger of truck accidents comes from the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Cars, motorcyclists, and pedestrians have very little chance of escaping a collision without serious injuries, and unfortunately, many truck accidents are fatal. If you or a loved one has been affected by a collision with a commercial vehicle, Bye, Goff & Rohde are here to help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve.

Our trucking accident attorney near me law firm in Eau Claire bring over 215 years of combined experience. We are familiar with the local roads, highways, commercial trucking routes, and high-risk areas where accidents are most likely to occur. When you work with us, you gain access to a legal team that is deeply rooted in the community and committed to the safety of its residents. We are dedicated to holding negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties accountable for the harm they cause.

For a free case review with trucking accident attorneys near you, contact Bye, Goff & Rohde today. You can also reach us by phone at (715) 425-8161.

Bye, Goff & Rohde: A Trusted Trucking Accident Law Firm in Eau Claire

Local knowledge is what sets Bye, Goff & Rohde apart from big city law firms. We are familiar with the commercial vehicle routes in Eau Claire and the high-risk areas throughout the Chippewa Valley. We are also aware of traffic patterns and the locations where truck collisions are most likely to occur. This insight allows us to anticipate potential issues, gather evidence efficiently, and build stronger truck accident claims for residents of Eau Claire.

Our established reputation in the Eau Claire community gives you a clear advantage. We are respected by local judges, investigators, and medical providers, and that standing ensures your truck accident claim is taken seriously from the start. With this credibility, you have the best possible chance of securing full compensation for your injuries, damages, and long-term health needs.

High-Risk Areas for Trucking Accidents in Eau Claire

The following parts of Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley consistently see higher rates of trucking accidents due to traffic patterns, truck routes, and congestion:

Downtown Eau Claire (Barstow Street and Main Street): Heavy traffic combined with pedestrians increases the risk of collisions, especially during rush hours.
Industrial Corridors and Loading Zones (Eau Claire Business Park): Frequent deliveries and tight turning areas create hazards for other vehicles and pedestrians.
Highways and Major Intersections (I-94, 53 Bypass): High-speed merges, exits, and traffic congestion make these locations prone to serious trucking accidents.
Retail and Commercial Areas (Festival Foods, Menards, and Surrounding Lots): Crowded parking lots and delivery routes, where trucks and smaller vehicles frequently cross paths, lead to a higher risk of collisions.

Our experienced truck accident attorneys know these roads inside and out. If you’re involved in a collision, we understand the evidence that matters and how to gather it to maximize your chances of securing comprehensive truck accident compensation.

The Most Common Causes of Commercial Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents in and around Eau Claire often result from a combination of driver error, vehicle issues, and environmental factors. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations: Long hours on I-94 or local highways can lead to slowed reactions and poor decision-making.
Distracted Driving: Truck drivers using phones, GPS devices, or other distractions may fail to notice smaller vehicles or pedestrians.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving: High-speed maneuvers in a big rig reduce the truck driver’s ability to stop or avoid collisions.
Improperly Secured Cargo or Mechanical Failures: Shifting loads or equipment malfunctions can destabilize the semi-truck, leading to accidents.
Blind Spots and Unsafe Turns: Tractor-trailers have large blind spots and require extra space for turns, which can result in collisions in congested areas.
Poorly Maintained Roads or Construction Zones: Temporary lane changes, uneven surfaces, and blocked signage increase risk for trucks and other drivers alike.

Even in seemingly safe locations, such as residential streets or marked pedestrian crossings, 18-wheeler accidents can still occur. Our Eau Claire trucking accident lawyers examine every detail, including traffic camera footage and roadway conditions, to determine liability and strengthen your claim.

Trucking Accident Injuries: The True Cost of Collisions with Large Vehicles

Trucking accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Anyone involved, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists, can suffer serious harm. Here are some of the most common injuries we see:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Result from impact with the truck, other vehicles, or pavement, often causing permanent cognitive, emotional, and physical effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and long-term mobility challenges.
Broken Bones and Fractures: Severe impacts can break ribs, arms, legs, and collarbones, often requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries: Blunt-force trauma can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
Amputations: Severe collisions sometimes result in the loss of limbs.
Long-Term Mobility Limitations: Injuries may restrict movement and reduce quality of life for months or years.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Victims of trucking accidents often experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can significantly affect daily life and well-being.

Insurance companies often try to downplay injuries or challenge your account of events. Our Eau Claire trucking accident attorneys encounter this regularly and are prepared for every tactic. Nothing will stop us from pursuing the maximum compensation available under Wisconsin law for your trucking accident.

Notable Trucking Accident Laws in Wisconsin

Trucking accident claims in Eau Claire involve specific legal principles that protect victims and govern liability. Here are some key laws:

The Duty of Care Owed by Truck Drivers

Commercial truck drivers in Wisconsin are required by law to operate their vehicles safely. They owe a duty of care to other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists, which means they must not speed, drive under the influence, use a phone while driving, run red lights, or engage in any other dangerous behavior.

Federal Trucking Regulations and Hours-of-Service Rules

Federal trucking regulations, including the hours-of-service (HOS) rules, require commercial truck drivers to limit the number of consecutive hours they drive and mandate minimum rest periods. These rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents. If a driver exceeds these limits, it can serve as evidence of negligence in a Wisconsin trucking accident claim.

Wisconsin’s Comparative Fault Laws

Wisconsin follows a modified comparative fault system, which means that if you share some liability for a trucking accident, you can still pursue compensation. However, your recovery may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Burden of Proof in Wisconsin Truck Accident Injury Claims

To meet Wisconsin’s burden of proof, your truck accident injury case must be backed by reliable evidence. This can involve mandated police reports, roadway photographs, commercial vehicle data, ELD and maintenance records required by federal trucking regulations, video footage, and witness statements. When necessary, reconstruction specialists may also be brought in to analyse the crash.

Statute of Limitations for Trucking Accident Lawsuits

Wisconsin imposes a three-year filing deadline on the majority of trucking accident claims. Delays can jeopardise your compensation, so early legal guidance is highly recommended.

The legal complexities of truck accident claims are our specialty. We ensure your case is handled in full compliance with all relevant Wisconsin personal injury laws.

What Does Wisconsin Trucking Accident Compensation Cover?

Truck accident victims in Eau Claire can seek compensation for both the immediate and long-term impacts of their injuries. Key areas include:

Medical Care and Ongoing Recovery Needs: This includes emergency treatment, follow-up appointments, surgery, prescription costs, physical therapy, and any future medical support tied to your injuries.
Impact on Your Ability to Work: Many victims miss significant time from their jobs. Compensation can account for lost income as well as reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
Quality-of-Life Effects: Wisconsin law allows injured individuals to seek damages for pain, emotional distress, and the overall disruption the accident causes to daily life.
Adaptive Equipment: Serious injuries may require mobility aids, in-home care, or modifications to living spaces to maintain independence.
Losses After a Fatal Truck Accident: Families pursuing a wrongful death claim may recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other related damages.

The trucking accident attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde carefully investigate every detail of your case, ensuring no aspect is overlooked. This thorough approach gives you the strongest possible chance of recovering compensation that fully reflects the extent of your injuries.

Our Commitment to Truck Accident Victims in Eau Claire

At Bye, Goff & Rohde, we follow a core set of principles in handling every truck accident case in Eau Claire:

We Act Quickly: We take your call, evaluate your case, and secure critical evidence without delay, giving you the strongest chance for a full recovery.
We Care About Your Future: For over 50 years, our law firm has served the Eau Claire community in all types of injury claims. We work not only to secure financial compensation for you but also to protect your long-term well-being.
We Don’t Back Down: Insurance companies may use tactics to undervalue your claim, but we stand firm to protect your right to full compensation under Wisconsin personal injury laws.
We Will Listen to You: Every call and email is returned, and you work directly with an experienced truck accident attorney who provides personal guidance throughout your case.

Bye, Goff & Rohde combine the legal expertise of a big-city firm with deep roots in the Eau Claire community. We are committed to making the area safer to live, work, and visit, and holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable is a key part of that.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Accidents

Knowing where to start with an Eau Claire truck accident compensation claim can feel overwhelming. To help make things easier, we’ve put together a set of straightforward questions and answers to guide you through the essentials.

What are the most important steps after a trucking accident?

Your health comes first, so seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, scans can detect hidden injuries like internal bleeding. Once your immediate health needs are addressed, contact a truck accident attorney to protect your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and strengthen your claim.

Who can be held liable in a trucking accident?

Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to the trucking company, fleet managers, vehicle owners, maintenance providers, or even manufacturers of faulty truck components.

How long does a Wisconsin trucking accident claim take?

Simpler claims may be resolved within a few months, but cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take over a year to settle.

What if the truck driver was uninsured?

Even if the driver lacks insurance, you may still recover truck accident compensation through the trucking company’s coverage or your own uninsured-motorist policy.

How much is my trucking accident claim worth?

The value of a truck accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care needs. Our experienced truck accident attorneys can help assess every aspect of your losses

If you have more questions about your trucking accident claim in Eau Claire, Bye, Goff & Rohde are always here to help. We pride ourselves on being accessible to clients at every stage of the process.

Contact Our Eau Claire Trucking Accident Attorney Near Me Law Firm

Injuries sustained in Eau Claire truck accidents can be severe, and the emotional impact can be just as significant. The last thing you need is to deal with insurers, complete complex paperwork, or present your case in court alone. Our truck accident attorneys handle these challenges for you. Remember, your initial consultation is completely free. To discuss your situation with experienced trucking accident lawyers near you, contact Bye, Goff & Rohde today. You can call our law office at (715) 425-8161.