Parcel delivery trucks are essential to our economy, with increasing numbers of people choosing to do business and shop online. However, as the need for shipping services increases, so does the possibility of accidents. Even minor crashes with delivery trucks can cause serious injuries.
OnTrac is a delivery service that serves the continental United States. If you’ve been in an accident with one of their trucks, you probably have a lot of questions. An Indiana OnTrac truck accident lawyer can help you understand how to pursue compensation.
Our team of Indiana truck accident lawyers at Vaughan & Vaughan has recovered over $25 million for injured victims. We’re here to stand up for your rights and help you get the money you need to pay your bills. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Take an Initial Settlement After an OnTrac Accident?
An insurance company representing OnTrac might approach you with a settlement soon after your accident. It can be tempting to take their money and move on, but this is usually a bad idea. First, speak to a lawyer and find out if the offer is fair.
Insurance companies are businesses, and they look out for their bottom lines. They know what your claim is worth, but they might hope that you don’t. If they can convince you to take a lower amount, they can get off the hook for a fraction of what it should have cost them.
If you accept their offer, you usually waive your rights to future compensation, even if your condition worsens. Instead, contact an Indiana personal injury lawyer who can assess the true value of your claim and help you fight for your rights.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Who is Liable in an Accident with an OnTrac Truck?
In most cases, the driver is liable if they cause an accident in an OnTrac truck. That’s because OnTrac drivers aren’t OnTrac employees, nor does OnTrac own their trucks. They are independent contractors who own and maintain their vehicles.
If you get into an accident with an OnTrac driver, you will be dealing with their auto insurance company. On the positive side, OnTrac does require its drivers to carry significant liability coverage.
In some cases, other parties, such as another motorist, may be liable for an accident. Your Indiana OnTrac truck accident lawyer can help you identify liable parties and discuss the best strategy for obtaining compensation for your injuries.
There is no fee
unless you win
Common Causes of OnTrac Truck Accidents
Delivery trucks can crash in as many ways. Here are some of the most common causes we see in Indiana:
- Driver fatigue: Delivery drivers often work long hours, especially during busy times of the year. Tired drivers experience reduced reaction times and impaired decision-making, which can cause accidents.
- Pressure to meet delivery quotas: Drivers under tight deadlines may drive recklessly, speed, or take their eyes off the road while multitasking, causing accidents.
- Distracted driving: Cell phones, hot coffee, food, or in-cab GPS systems can distract drivers working long hours, making them take their attention from the road and cause crashes.
- Poor weather conditions: Delivery drivers sometimes work in dangerous weather conditions, such as snow, fog, and rain, to ensure that packages are delivered on time.
- Inexperienced drivers: Drivers who lack experience in high-pressure situations or who are not accustomed to handling large delivery trucks on narrow streets can inadvertently cause accidents.
- Improper parking: Delivery drivers can cause accidents when they stop or park in unsafe areas to unload packages, causing collisions with other vehicles.
- Mechanical issues: Brake failures, blown tires, and other mechanical problems can cause OnTrac delivery trucks to lose control and crash into other vehicles.
- Poor training: Training is always a concern for any commercial delivery company, but when all drivers are contractors, it can be even more important to ensure they are performing their duties safely.
How an Indiana OnTrac Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Handling a personal injury claim with a large company on your own is never a good idea. There are many benefits to hiring an OnTrac Truck accident lawyer in Indiana. Some of the ways we can can help include:
Contingency Fee Agreements
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we are only paid when we win your case. Then, we deduct our fees from your award or settlement. That means you can afford quality legal representation to take on powerful insurance companies.
Accident Investigation
The events of the accident may seem hazy, especially if you were badly injured. We will investigate to understand how the crash unfolded and determine who is liable for your injuries.
Fair Compensation Assessment
You may not know what your claim is worth, but the insurance company does. We will, too, after we assess your damages. Then, we will fight to get you what you need. We aren’t going to let an insurance company decide what your injuries are worth to you.
Settlement Negotiations
We can handle all negotiations and interactions with insurance companies. Our goal is to get you the compensation you are entitled to at the negotiating table. You’ve already been through enough, and we’d like to end it here.
Civil Representation
Ideally, it would be best for everyone if we could get you the settlement you need through negotiation. However, sometimes, insurance companies aren’t willing to do the right thing. We won’t back down from a fight. If you wish, we can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Connect with an Indiana OnTrac Truck Accident Lawyer
When you are hurt in an accident, it can be tough to bounce back. Your medical bills keep adding up, you can’t work because of your injuries, and the family who depends on you is suffering.
When the at-fault party’s insurance company isn’t playing fair, you need help. Our Indiana OnTrac truck accident attorneys will work to get you the compensation you need to pay your expenses so you can focus on healing.
Since 1913, Vaughan & Vaughan has stood up for the rights of injured victims like you. Contact us today and find out how we can help.
