An Indiana law firm helping you get justice
After a truck accident, it’s important to conduct an investigation to find out what really happened. A truck driver’s negligence may have caused your crash. But the trucking company may also be partially responsible. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Vaughan & Vaughan fight to hold all negligent parties accountable.
Indiana trucking companies know how important it is to get the facts. That’s why, whether it‘s Lafayette, Indianapolis, Muncie, Bloomington, or anywhere else in the state, they often have their own investigators on the scene within 24 hours. But their interest is in protecting themselves, not in sharing the evidence they find. That’s why our firm will conduct our own investigation of your crash.
Accident evidence matters
We know that much of the evidence that can tell us how the accident happened is under the control of the trucking company. So we take quick action to preserve this evidence before it is lost or destroyed.
In Indiana, the trucking industry is big business moving big cargo. Lafayette is home to one of the world’s largest semi truck-trailer manufacturers as well as a producer of large diesel and natural gas engines and a major auto maker. This means the type of evidence we collect for your case may include:
Hours of Service (HOS) Logs – Federal regulations restrict the number of hours truck drivers can spend on the road. Drivers are also required to take mandatory breaks. Drivers who exceed these hours are likely tired and kept driving in order to meet an unrealistic delivery schedule. We seek all HOS data, whether kept on paper logs or electronic logging devices.
Maintenance Records – Trucking companies are required to perform regular maintenance of their trucks and repair problems promptly. These records can tell us whether the truck was put on the road with any known issues or before it received needed maintenance.
“Black Box” Data – Most trucks are equipped with event data recorders – also known as electronic control modules or “black boxes.” These devices can provide information about speeding, braking and other factors prior to the crash.
Hiring and Supervision Records – Trucking companies are supposed to conduct background checks of the drivers they hire, to ensure they are qualified. These records can also tell us if a trucking company put drivers on the road who have a history of traffic violations.
Travel Records – Truck routes are well documented and can provide evidence that can support your claim. Oftentimes, traffic camera video, dash cams, GPS history, toll receipts and other records are available on roadways like I-65, US-52, and SR-25.
Experience produces results
In addition to gathering evidence from trucking companies, we also review documents related to your accident, such as police reports and medical records. We identify witnesses and interview them ourselves. And if needed, we work with accident reconstruction experts who can help us understand how the accident happened.
We know how to build a strong case that proves the negligence of the truck driver, and possibly the trucking company itself. Many times, the insurance company is willing to negotiate a settlement. But any settlement offer should meet your needs.
This includes compensation for current and future medical expenses related to the injuries you suffered. It includes compensation for lost income if you are unable to work. And it includes compensation for other damages, such as pain and suffering, disability, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life. Results matter here.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you need an experienced truck accident attorney fighting for you. We can review your case and answer all of your questions during your free consultation. Call 765-742-0056 to set up a time. Contact our law firm today.
