Large commercial trucks, also known as 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers, can cause serious damage on Indiana roads. Typically, occupants of smaller vehicles suffer the most and sustain severe injuries in these collisions. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, our Schererville truck accident lawyers can help.
Since 1913, Vaughan & Vaughan has been dedicated to helping victims achieve fair outcomes. Our Schererville personal injury lawyer team has extensive experience helping those injured in Indiana seek recovery after a serious truck accident.
For a free consultation and dedicated support, reach out to Vaughan & Vaughan. We’re committed to fighting for your rights and helping you get the compensation you need to move on.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident: Advice From a Schererville Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents can be chaotic and overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a crash can significantly impact your case and help you with your claim. A truck accident attorney in Schererville can answer any questions you may have.
- Call the police: Immediately contact the police after an accident. They will ensure everyone receives medical attention, manage traffic, take witness statements, investigate the crash, and file a police report. Provide facts without admitting fault or downplaying your injuries.
- Document the crash: Collect your own evidence to support your claim and the police report. Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicles, weather, road conditions, and any other relevant factors. Exchange contact information with the other driver and witnesses.
- See a doctor: Visit a medical professional as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Medical documentation is vital for your case and can prevent your injuries from worsening. Insurance companies may try to discredit your injuries without proper medical reports.
- File a claim with your insurance company: Contact your insurance company to report the accident. You may need to file a claim before getting your car repaired. Be prepared for the insurance company to offer a lower payout.
- Hire a Schererville truck accident attorney: Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, with physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
An experienced Schererville truck accident attorney can advocate for you and help you get the support you need. Our attorneys will find every avenue to get justice.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?
Truck accident damages can vary widely based on several factors. While truck crashes are unfortunately common, each case is unique and influenced by the following:
- Severity of your injuries: The extent and impact of physical harm.
- Degree of property damage: The amount of destruction to vehicles and belongings.
- Loss of life: Fatalities resulting from the accident.
- Recovery timeline: The duration and difficulty of the healing process.
Truck accident victims often face life-altering consequences and are entitled to seek economic and non-economic damages. While monetary compensation cannot fully heal the losses suffered, it can provide support on the path to recovery.
Economic Damages
Economic damages aim to compensate for measurable losses. These typically include:
- Past and future medical bills: Costs for treatments and hospital stays.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to the inability to work.
- Reduction of future earnings: Decreased earning potential.
- Rehabilitation expenses: Costs for physical therapy and recovery.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement expenses for damaged belongings.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address more subjective, non-monetary losses. These may include:
- Emotional pain and suffering: Mental anguish and emotional distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Reduced ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Emotional distress: Ongoing mental health challenges.
- Anxiety and depression: Psychological impact of the accident.
- Loss of companionship: Affected relationships with loved ones.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent physical changes.
The suffering and loss following a truck accident can be overwhelming. Seeking damages helps provide a sense of justice and supports recovery. Accurately calculating these damages is essential, so working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you understand and claim all entitled losses.
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Multiple Parties Can Be Responsible in a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be convoluted due to the involvement of multiple parties. Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation.
Potential at-fault parties can include:
- The trucking company: Liable if they failed to train the driver, ignored safety regulations, or pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines.
- Cargo loaders: Responsible if improper loading caused the accident.
- Truck mechanics: Accountable if failure to inspect or diagnose mechanical issues led to the crash.
- Trailer owner: Liable if the trailer was not properly maintained.
- Vehicle manufacturer: Responsible if the truck or trailer had design defects.
Identifying all responsible parties is essential for a thorough investigation and fair resolution. Seeking help from a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help uncover the full extent of liability.
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Main Causes of Truck Collisions
Truck accidents are frequent in Schererville, often caused by various factors. Passenger vehicles need to stay alert as conditions can change rapidly.
Commercial trucks can be intimidating on the road, but we assume drivers are well-trained and cautious. However, trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to risky behaviors.
In our many years of practice, we’ve identified common causes of truck accidents, including:
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits to meet deadlines.
- Driving under the influence: Drugs or alcohol impairing judgment.
- Distracted driving: Texting or talking on the phone.
- Driver fatigue: Long hours without rest.
- Reckless driving: Dangerous maneuvers and aggressive behavior.
- Defective tires: Equipment failures.
- Inclement weather: Poor road conditions affecting control.
- Defective brakes: Malfunctions leading to accidents.
- Overloading: Excessive cargo affecting stability.
- Lack of experience: Inadequate training and practice.
- Passenger car driver error: Mistakes by other drivers.
- Manufacturer defect: Faulty vehicle parts.
These are some common causes of truck accidents in Indiana. Multiple factors often contribute to a crash. Working with a skilled attorney can help uncover the true cause of your accident.
Reach Out to Our Schererville Truck Accident Lawyers Today
At Vaughan & Vaughan, we’ve been helping accident victims since 1913. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, our truck accident lawyers in Schererville are here to assist you. Schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your situation and explore your options.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Our experienced team is ready to use our resources and knowledge to advocate for you.
Reach out to Vaughan & Vaughan today, and let us fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
