Semi-trucks are everywhere. The shipping of goods in these vehicles plays an essential role in our economy. However, while necessary, these vehicles also increase the danger of being out on the road. Because semi-trucks are far larger and heavier than the average passenger vehicle, their ability to cause damage in a crash is extensive.
At the law offices of Vaughan & Vaughan, our team of Indianapolis semi-truck accident attorneys can help you recover the money you need after a crash. Our firm has been in the business of helping accident victims get fair compensation for their injuries for more than a century. Reach out to us by phone or through our website to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Don’t Let the Clock Run Out Before You File Your Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit, Indiana
When attempting to recover damages by suing the liable party after a semi-truck accident, you must pay attention to the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. According to the personal injury statute of limitations, accident victims in Indianapolis have up to two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Missing this deadline will likely bar you from pursuing compensation.
Although this time limit is typically quite rigid, certain exceptions apply. Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to sue the liable party long after the standard deadline. That’s why it is essential that you speak with an attorney about your case, even if you believe you are no longer eligible to recover damages.
Of course, the deadline for filing can also shift in the other direction. The circumstances surrounding your accident could significantly shorten the amount of time you have to submit your lawsuit. Hiring an Indianapolis semi-truck accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash is the best way to avoid losing your right to claim damages because of an unexpected deadline.
Determining Liability Following a Semi-Truck Accident
After suffering damages in a semi-truck accident, determining who is at fault is essential. You will not be able to pursue compensation until you first establish who is to blame. Unfortunately, proving liability is rarely a simple process. However, the good news is that you don’t have to worry about proving fault on your own.
When you hire an experienced semi-truck accident attorney in Indianapolis to help with your case, they will know exactly what to look for as they attempt to prove who was responsible for your damages.
Damages You Can Claim Following a Semi-Truck Accident
After suffering an injury in a semi-truck accident, identifying all the damages you are eligible to pursue is critical. Without identifying all the damages that apply to your case, you will be unable to recover the full value of your claim.
Fortunately, hiring an Indianapolis semi-truck accident lawyer can help. Your attorney will be able to review the losses you suffered and determine all the damages that apply to your case. All recoverable damages are split among three primary categories.
Economic Damages
Any losses caused by your accident that negatively affect your finances are categorized as economic damages. Some of the economic damages available in many semi-truck accident cases include:
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning ability
- Property damage
- Any money paid to accomplish daily tasks that your injuries prevent you from completing yourself
Non-Economic Damages
Every other loss resulting from your accident falls into the broad category of non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are far more personal and often profoundly impact the life of an accident victim. Some of the non-economic damages available in many semi-truck accident cases include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Lowered quality of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages differ significantly from economic and non-economic damages. Instead of focusing on the losses incurred by the accident victim, the purpose of punitive damages is to punish the at-fault party for the role they played in causing the accident. Punitive damages are designed to work as a deterrent, preventing similar behavior in the future.
These damages are only available in extreme cases. In order for a judge to award punitive damages, the liable party must have intended to cause harm or acted with gross negligence.
What an Indianapolis Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Will Do for You
After hiring a lawyer to help with your case, they will immediately get to work investigating your accident. During this investigation, they will look to prove who was at fault and collect evidence that supports your claim. They will then determine what damages you are eligible to pursue and calculate how much money you can expect to recover.
Your attorney will then discuss your options with you on the pros and cons of the possible paths forward. After you decide how to proceed, your lawyer will either submit an insurance claim to the insurer of the at-fault party or file a personal injury lawsuit against them with the court.
If filing a lawsuit, your attorney will go through all of the steps of the pretrial process before representing you in court if necessary. However, it is unlikely that your case will make it to trial. That’s because your lawyer will also be in discussion with the opposing side, attempting to come to terms on a settlement deal.
Schedule a Free Consultation WIth an Indianapolis Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Following a semi-truck accident, you need to choose the right lawyer to represent you. To give yourself the best chance of recovering the money you need, you want an Indianapolis semi-truck accident lawyer with experience and a proven track record of winning big for their clients. At Vaughan & Vaughan, we have helped countless accident victims get the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today by giving us a call or filling out the contact form on this website. We offer free consultations with no obligation to retain our services.
