Understanding a Rear-End Truck Collision and the Catastrophic Injuries They Can Cause

A rear-end collision with a truck can lead to severe injuries, financial burdens, and emotional distress. If you were injured in a rear-end truck crash, our experienced Wausau truck accident attorney at Hupy and Abraham can help you navigate the legal process to get the settlement you deserve. 

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Reasons Why Rear-End Truck Crashes Happen 

Rear-end truck accidents—when a commercial vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle—occur for various reasons. Understanding the causes is essential for determining liability. Here are some of the primary reasons for rear-end collisions. 

• Driver Distraction. Distracted driving is one of the major contributing factors. Like all motorists, truck drivers become distracted by texting, adjusting the radio, or eating while behind the wheel. Inattentiveness leads to reduced reaction times and rear-end collisions.
• Speeding. Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks require longer distances to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver is speeding, braking in time to avoid a collision when traffic slows or stops suddenly becomes challenging.
• Fatigue. Truck operator fatigue is a common problem in the industry, as drivers are frequently under pressure to meet tight schedules. Although federal hours of service mandates are in place for all drivers to follow, long hours on the road often cause exhaustion, impairing their judgment and reaction time. 
• Faulty Equipment. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for routine vehicle maintenance to ensure the safety of their vehicles. Unfortunately, mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, are another major factor in truck accidents. 
• Poor Weather Conditions. Inclement weather in Wausau, such as rain, snow, and fog, makes roads slippery and reduces visibility. Truck drivers should adapt their driving to these conditions, but failing to do so can result in a rear-end collision.
• Following Too Closely. Tailgating is another common behavior among truck drivers, especially when trying to meet delivery deadlines. Following too closely leaves insufficient time to react when a vehicle in front brakes suddenly.

What to Do If You're Hurt in a Rear-End Collision With a Truck

If you or a loved one suffers injuries after a rear-end collision, take the following steps to keep your rights and possible compensation protected.

• Seek Medical Attention. Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries appear minor, getting medical attention immediately is vital. Some conditions, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms right away but can become severe.
• Contact Law Enforcement. Call 911 to report a truck accident. A police report provides valuable evidence when determining fault and liability.
• Document the Scene. If you can do so safely, take pictures of the accident scene, including damage to your vehicle, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This additional form of evidence helps substantiate your claim. 
• Exchange Information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and other parties involved. Collect contact information from eyewitnesses as well.
• Notify Your Insurance Company. You’ll want to report the accident to your insurer right away. However, be cautious about providing statements without first consulting an attorney—you’re under no obligation to provide a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster right away.
• Consult a Wausau Truck Accident Attorney. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in Wausau truck accidents as soon as possible. At Hupy and Abraham, our attorneys can help protect your rights and advise you of your possible legal options.

How Our Proven Wausau Truck Accident Attorney at Hupy and Abraham Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident is overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, ongoing medical bills, and insurance claims. Here are some ways our Wausau truck accident attorneys provide invaluable assistance.

• Investigation. Lawyers specializing in truck accident cases have the resources and expertise to investigate the events surrounding the collision thoroughly. Determining fault in a truck accident is complicated, as multiple factors contribute to the crash. Often, it’s a combination of driver negligence and other external circumstances. Your attorney gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and reconstructs the events to establish liability. 
• Determining Damages. Experienced truck accident attorneys assess the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses. This helps ensure you outline the rightful compensation you deserve.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies. Insurers may pressure you to settle for less than you deserve. A skilled attorney negotiates on your behalf to secure a fair settlement covering your current and future expenses.
• Litigation. If negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful, your attorney can take your case to court. They’ll represent your interests, presenting evidence and arguments to a judge and jury.
• Peace of Mind. Having an experienced legal team on your side allows you to focus on your recovery while it manages the complexities of your case.

At Hupy and Abraham, our Wausau truck accident lawyers have successfully handled rear-end collision claims for our past clients. We secured a $250,000 settlement with the truck driver and insurance company for one client’s serious injuries, loss of income, and future medical expenses. For another client, we successfully obtained a $130,000 settlement to cover our client’s rear-end truck accident medical expenses that required surgical intervention for her arm and shoulder injuries.

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