When a crash involves a large truck, the resulting damages can be severe. If you were injured in a collision, you may be entitled to recover compensation from the liable party. Indiana truck crash statistics are used to identify the greatest dangers with these vehicles in hopes of preventing damages in the future.
At Vaughan & Vaughan, our team of experienced Indiana truck accident lawyers has a long track record of helping injury victims recover the compensation they require from the liable party. We will work diligently to ensure you get the money you need and deserve. Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
Large Trucks and Fatalities in Indiana
In 2020, there were 1,254 vehicles involved in fatal accidents in Indiana. Of these vehicles, 148 were large trucks, accounting for 11.8% of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents in the state.
This rate is the ninth highest in the country, trailing only Wyoming, Idaho, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska, and Kansas.
Why Are Large Trucks So Dangerous?
The dangers of large trucks are so profound for a variety of reasons. However, the most prominent threat is the extreme size and weight of these trucks. Because of their mass compared to the average passenger vehicle, the potential for destruction is massive in a collision.
The size of these vehicles also makes them more susceptible to an accident. Large trucks can not stop as quickly and must slow down much more than smaller vehicles when taking turns to prevent them from rolling.
Additionally, the cargo carried by commercial trucks can pose various hazards. If the cargo is not secured, it can spill out onto the roadway and cause damage. If the cargo spills during a crash, it can involve more vehicles in a collision. Some of the cargo carried by these vehicles is hazardous and can create a variety of problems in the event of a wreck.
Truck Drivers Are Far Safer than Others Involved in an Accident
The fatality rate for truck drivers in accidents is far lower than for others involved in the crash. In 2020, 23 occupants of large trucks were killed in crashes in Indiana, as compared to 130 occupants of other vehicles and pedestrians.
The extreme mass of these vehicles can help to protect those inside them while posing an increased risk to everyone else.
Fatal Truck Crashes More Likely During the Day
In 2020, the majority of fatal truck crashes across the country occurred between the hours of six in the morning and six in the evening. Overall, 63% of all crashes took place in this period. However, the likelihood of a fatal crash on the weekend was actually higher at night.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Indiana
Truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons. However, one of the most common causes of crashes is driver fatigue. Trucking companies often put pressure on their drivers to meet deadlines which can cause the drivers to get behind the wheel without adequate rest. Truck drivers are required to keep a driving log, recording their time behind the wheel and breaks.
There are strict rules of service that govern how much time a truck driver can spend driving during a day, how often they must take breaks, and for how long. Truck drivers are also required to carry a black box in their vehicle that records certain details about the truck’s activity and can be used to verify that the written log is complete and accurate.
Other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Blindspots
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Poor road conditions
Truck Accidents Lawsuits Can Result in Significant Compensation
Because of the massive damage that often results from truck accidents, the amount of money that can be recovered tends to be significant. In fact, the majority of the largest sums of money we have secured for our clients through settlements and court verdicts were in truck accident lawsuits.
In several cases, we have successfully recovered over $1,000,000 in damages for those harmed in accidents with commercial vehicles. If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to a wide array of damages, including:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
Economic Damages
All the losses caused by a truck accident that impact the victim financially are categorized as economic damages. The economic damages you will most likely be able to claim following a truck accident include:
- Medical costs
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lowered earning ability
- Property damage
- Money spent to complete daily tasks you can no longer perform yourself
Non-Economic Damages
Every other loss resulting from an accident falls under the category of non-economic damages. The non-economic damages you will most likely be able to claim following a truck accident include:
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
In extreme cases, a truck accident victim may also be eligible to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages differ significantly from compensatory damages in that they are not used to replace losses suffered by an injury victim. Instead, punitive damages are used to punish the at-fault party for their role in causing the accident.
A judge will only award punitive damages if the at-fault party acted with the intention of causing harm or was criminally negligent.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a truck accident, recovering compensation from the liable party can be critical. At Vaughan & Vaughan, we understand the challenges that truck accident victims face. We have been helping Indiana injury victims recover compensation from those responsible for their damages for over 100 years.
Following a truck accident in Indiana, we will treat you as a human being, not just another statistic. Contact us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team.
