We are determined to get you the compensation you deserve
Truck accidents caused by commercial truck drivers in Muncie, Indiana can be devastating. They can involve tractor-trailers, delivery trucks and other large commercial vehicles that are often much larger and heavier than car and other vehicles. The result is often serious injuries to drivers and passengers that are sometimes fatal.
When the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company caused the collision that left you hurt, you deserve financial compensation. But the process of recovering compensation can be complicated. That’s why you need an experienced law firm with a long history of fighting for the injured. Vaughan & Vaughan can help.
Our firm was founded in 1913. We know how to handle complex truck accident cases and are very familiar with the state and federal laws that apply, including Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. We know how the legal system works in Delaware County. Our attorneys are committed to helping you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Causes of truck accidents
There are many factors that can lead to an accident in Muncie, including driver error and trucking company negligence. Some examples include:
- A distracted truck driver using a GPS or eating while driving, resulting in a serious crash on State Road 32 or another busy road.
- A driver texting behind the wheel – despite the fact that texting while driving is against the law for all drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- Speeding truck drivers trying to make up time on their delivery schedule. Tractor-trailers and other trucks take more time to slow down and a driver won’t have time to stop to avoid crashing into a smaller vehicle.
- Trucks that are poorly maintained, leading to a collision caused by defective brakes, a tire blowout or mechanical problem.
- Inexperienced truck drivers who don’t know how to handle a big rig. They may lose control of the truck, especially while taking a sharp curve or during hazardous weather conditions. This can result in a rollover or jackknife accident.
- Truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Tractor-trailer drivers work long hours and sometimes don’t take mandatory breaks.
Trucking companies respond quickly after an accident. They often send a response team to the scene to gather evidence. But they are protecting their own interests and already have attorneys working for them. You need an experienced lawyer who knows how to investigate accidents and move your case forward.
Can I sue after I was hurt in a truck accident?
If you were injured in an accident in Muncie caused by negligence, you have the right to take legal action to recover compensation for the damages you suffered. In truck accidents, there may be more than one negligent party. Identifying the party or parties responsible for your accident can be complicated. Negligent parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company that owns the trailer or truck cab
- The company that loaded the truck (if a tractor-trailer was loaded improperly)
- The company responsible for maintaining the truck
- Manufacturers of defective parts on the truck
Each party may have a different lawyer and a different insurance company. There may be questions about where a lawsuit should be filed, as well. Our attorneys can sort through all of the legal issues and build strong cases that hold negligent parties accountable for what happened.
Contact us to learn your rights
We understand the impact that injuries from a Muncie truck accident can have on your life. You may have suffered serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment. This may include surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy and home health care. You may not be able to work, and there is less income coming in.
Trucking companies and insurance companies will fight your claim for compensation because they know there’s a lot of money at stake. Our Muncie truck accident attorneys get the facts to build a case that they have to take seriously.
Our legal team investigates your crash to gather evidence. This includes evidence owned by the trucking company, such as maintenance records, the driver’s Hours of Service (HOS) logs and data from the truck’s event data recorder (EDR) (the truck’s “black box”). We carefully review all relevant documentation and interview witnesses.
Our attorneys are not interested in making quick deals that help insurance companies save money. We fight for the financial compensation you need and deserve following your Muncie truck accident. Many times we are able to negotiate an appropriate settlement. But we are prepared to fight for you in court, if that’s what it takes.
If you were hurt in a truck accident, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at our Muncie office.
