Semi trucks are a frequent sight on the interstates that traverse the state of Indiana. Accidents involving these enormous trucks are possible due to a number of factors, such as driver exhaustion, distraction, speeding, and equipment failure.
The regulations that govern commercial vehicles and truck drivers are complex and can affect the outcome of your claim. Without an Indiana semi truck accident lawyer, you may not collect the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
If you have been involved in a semi truck accident in Indiana, it is important to seek legal counsel to help you navigate the complex claims process and ensure that you receive fair compensation. An Indiana truck accident lawyer with Vaughan & Vaughan can give you options and work to maximize the compensation you receive after an unfortunate accident.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Semi Truck Accident
It is crucial to have competent legal representation following a commercial truck accident. A commercial truck accident lawyer in Indiana will look into the details of how your truck accident happened and use those details to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.
Accidents involving large trucks are more complicated than fender benders involving passenger cars and may involve several insurance companies and defendants. You need a law firm that has successfully represented victims of truck accidents with the resources and dedication to see your claim through.
We take a comprehensive approach to investigating and reconstructing your accident. An Indiana semi truck accident attorney can do the following to help build your claim:
- Consult accident reconstruction experts to determine what happened on the accident scene
- Review all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and medical bills and records
- Review the driver logs and EDR to determine if they were compliant with federal regulations
- Conduct all communication with the insurance companies, defendants and opposing counsel
- Consult with professionals in the field of accident reconstruction and the medical field to pinpoint the cause of your crash and injuries
- Negotiate with insurance companies and defense counsel to maximize your compensation
- Calculate a complete value of your truck-accident-related damages
- Investigate and identify all liable parties
- Complete and submit all legal filings and documents on time
- Help you to avoid costly mistakes and provide compassionate legal counsel
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Potentially Liable Parties in a Semi Truck Accident Case
Truck accident claims can become complicated very quickly due to the number of parties involved in the operation of a commercial truck. Finger-pointing and blame placed by the various parties can cause serious delays and obstacles.
Working with a truck accident lawyer in Indiana can help you to cut through this red tape.
Multiple people or organizations could share responsibility for an accident involving a truck. Participants in the incident may include:
The Truck Driver
If human errors like negligence or recklessness caused the accident, the truck driver may be held accountable. Excessive speeding, driving while distracted, or driving under the influence of alcohol are all examples of human error that could cause a collision. Careless driving and aggressive driving can also contribute to a crash.
Transport Company
The trucking company could be held accountable for the crash if they neglected to keep the truck in safe working condition or if they forced the driver to drive it in a hazardous manner.
Truck Owner
The truck’s owner could be held responsible for the collision if he or she was responsible for the truck’s upkeep but failed to do so before the crash.
Cargo Loaders
If the accident was caused by improper loading of cargo, the firm responsible for loading the container could be held liable. Cargo could spill onto the road, causing a crash due to the improper loading or causing the semi truck to overturn.
Automakers and Suppliers
If an 18-wheeler collision was caused by a flaw in the vehicle or a component, you could sue the company that made it. Manufacturers of tires, vehicle components, and the vehicle itself have been held liable for these defective products and design flaws in the past.
Providers of Mechanical and Preventative Maintenance Services
Improper maintenance of the truck may cause a crash, so the auto repair shop may be held liable. Mechanics who fail to adhere to protocol or perform substandard work can create truck maintenance issues that lead to accidents.
Government and Municipal Entities
It is possible to file a claim against the state or local government that was responsible for maintaining the roadway or the traffic control device that caused the accident.
Other Drivers and Pedestrians
Liability for an accident may be placed on other drivers if it can be proven that their actions contributed to the 18-wheeler collision.
To establish liability against any of these individuals, it must be shown that their actions directly contributed to the accident. Knowing who to hold accountable after your unfortunate accident is vital to your case, and an experienced lawyer from Vaughan and Vaughan can help you do that.
There is no fee
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Compensatory Damages You May Claim in a Semi Truck Accident Case
If you have been involved in a semi truck accident, you may be entitled to receive damages to compensate you for your losses. Some of the types of damages that may be available to you include:
- Medical expenses: You may be able to recover the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, including hospital bills, medication, and therapy. Retain your medical records for evidence.
- Lost wages: If the accident has caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover the wages you would have earned during that time.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering that you have experienced as a result of the accident.
- Loss of consortium: If the accident has had a negative impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of consortium.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a semi truck accident, you may be able to recover damages on their behalf with a wrongful death claim. Loss of companionship and funeral and burial expenses can be claimed in addition to the above.
It is important to note that the amount of compensatory damages you can receive will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. A semi truck accident attorney in Indiana can help you understand your legal options and pursue the maximum amount of damages available to you.
Causes of Indiana Semi Truck and Commercial Trucking Accidents
A variety of factors can cause semi truck accidents and often involve a complex web of parties. Truck drivers may be negligent if they are distracted while behind the wheel, such as by texting or using a cell phone. Drivers who are tired or fatigued may not be fully alert.
The trucking company may also be partially responsible for the accident if they have not properly trained the driver or if they have forced the driver to work excessive hours. They may also be negligent if they have not maintained the vehicle, leading to equipment failure.
In some cases, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts may also be at fault if a defect in the vehicle caused the accident. An Indiana semi truck accident attorney can help you navigate the complex investigation process and hold the negligent parties accountable.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Represent
We know that 18-wheeler accidents can be caused by a variety of different circumstances, and we represent victims of all types of semi truck accidents. In certain situations, a semi truck trailer can swing out and crash into cars. This is called a jackknife crash.
In some cases, a semi truck can roll over and slide into other vehicles at high speed. A smaller passenger car may collide with the rear or side of a semi truck and slide under the trailer, with devastating results. This is known as an underride accident.
Regardless of the type of truck collision you experienced, a truck accident lawyer in Indiana can investigate to find evidence of negligence and wrongdoing. An experienced attorney will understand how to examine these factors and present the evidence needed to prove an injured person’s case.
Injuries We Typically Claim in Indiana Semi Truck Accident Cases
When a semi truck is involved in an accident, the consequences can be devastating. Victims of these accidents often suffer serious injuries that can have long-term physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. In some cases, victims may even require lifelong medical care or be left with a permanent disability.
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Soft tissue injuries and whiplash
- Amputation, loss of limbs
- Severe burn injuries
- Permanent disfigurement
- Scarring
In each case, medical costs can quickly become overwhelming. When a semi truck is involved in an accident, it is important that victims seek legal representation from an experienced Indiana semi truck accident lawyer to fight for the maximum value of the damages involved in their claim.
Signs You Need an Attorney for Your Truck Accident Claim
You should consider getting legal representation for your semi truck accident claim if any of the following apply to your situation:
Insurance Company Denied Your Claim or Made a Lowball Offer
Your insurance company has rejected your claim or is only providing a meager settlement. If you need help negotiating with the insurance company or litigating for the money you’re owed, a semi truck accident attorney in Indiana might be invaluable.
Significant Injuries or Catastrophic Injuries
An Indiana catastrophic injury lawyer can assist you in obtaining damages to pay for your medical costs and other losses if you have had substantial injuries, such as shattered bones or a traumatic brain injury. These types of injuries can cost many thousands of dollars in medical expenses, and the insurance company is likely to fight your claim.
Multiple Parties or Businesses Involved
If the accident was complicated because of a truck defect or because it involved numerous parties, including the trucking business and the truck manufacturer, you will want legal representation to help you through the maze of paperwork and decisions.
You don’t Know What Your Options Are
You don’t know what your rights or options are under the law. A lawyer can explain your legal options and help you decide which ones are best for your situation.
The Expenses of the Accident Are Overwhelming
You’re having a hard time mentally and monetarily recovering from the accident: A lawyer can take care of the legal details of your case so that you may focus on getting better instead of worrying about the costs and stress of the accident.
When looking for a lawyer to handle your semi truck accident claim, experience and a proven record of winning such cases should be top priorities. Your semi truck accident attorney will know insurance company tactics and obstacles and how to combat them.
Why You Shouldn’t Deal With the Insurance Company on Your Own
It is generally not a good idea to deal with a truck accident insurance adjuster without a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the amount of money that the insurance company pays out, and they may use a variety of tactics to try to get you to settle for less than you are entitled to.
Trucking firms carry much larger insurance policies than private policyholders, and they know that a lot of money is at stake. They will work to minimize your payouts and deny your claim. Without a lawyer, you may not know what your legal options are or what type of compensation you are entitled to receive.
An experienced truck accident attorney can help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights. They can negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf and make sure that you receive a fair settlement. A lawyer can also help you understand your legal options and advise you on the best course of action for your case.
Experienced Indiana Semi Truck Attorneys Who Get Results
Our law firm knows how to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable. We know how insurance companies operate and how they try to avoid responsibility. Our legal team investigates and gathers the evidence that proves your injury was caused by negligence.
We determine the true amount of damages you suffered and fight to recover fair compensation. We build a strong case and focus on getting the best possible outcome, no matter how long it takes. Our firm has a long history of getting results for truck accident victims, and we can help you.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a semi truck, it’s crucial to secure legal representation. Contact Vaughn & Vaughn for a free consultation with an Indiana semi truck accident lawyer. Contact us today to take legal action.
