Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Evansville, Indiana

Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Indiana: Semi-Truck Accident Claims and Truck Wreck Lawyer in Evansville, IN

As semi-trucks and large 18-wheeler vehicles frequently travel both main roads and highways, truck accidents are not uncommon and can be devastating. Truck accidents may leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, the inability to work, and in worst cases, the loss of a loved one. While you may leave a truck accident unscathed, they can leave life-altering emotional and financial distress. If you or a loved one have experienced a truck accident in Evansville, Indiana or surrounding areas, contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at Tuley Law Office today.

Semi-Truck Accident Statistics in Indiana: Semi-Truck Crashes and Fatal Truck Accidents

According to the latest yearly statistics provided by INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation), there were almost 11,000 accidents involving large commercial trucks in Indiana. Of the commercial truck accidents, nearly 125 were fatal, and almost 2,000 resulted in injuries. Additionally, large trucks make up around 5% of all motor vehicle accidents in Indiana.

Truck accidents occur anywhere from local city roads, state roads, or interstate highways.

Causes of Truck Accidents and Wrecks

While truck accidents can be caused simply by human error, there are outside factors and influences that may lead to crashes as well. The following are common causes of truck accidents:

  • Weather and environmental conditions such as rain, snow, sleet, wind or fog
  • Road conditions such as potholes and inadequate signage
  • Improper loading of cargo on tractor-trailers, 18-wheeler trucks
  • Driver fatigue
  • Impaired driving such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Distracted driving such as texting, eating, or adjustment the radio

Truck accidents can be caused by any of the above factors. It is important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes on the road to avoid causing an accident.

Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents

All truck accidents have the potential to leads to serious injuries and in worst cases – death. There are several ways you can become injured in a truck accident, including the following:

  • Broken bones
  • Spine injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Loss of limbs

Injuries are not always obvious immediately following a truck accident. Injuries can take weeks to months to show, so it is extremely important that all victims in truck accidents receive a medical examination after the accident.

What to Do if You’ve Been in a Truck Accident

Following a truck accident, your health and safety is your number one priority. To ensure safety, it is important to take certain steps after an accident occurs.

Following an accident, it is important to take certain steps to ensure safety of yourself and any others involved.

  • Stay calm and ensure you are uninjured (if you are injured, seek medical attention right away)
  • Call the police
  • Document the accident by taking photos and notes
  • Collect contact information from eyewitnesses
  • Seek medical attention (even if you are not injured, it is important to be checked for injuries)
  • Inform insurance company
  • Seek advice from an experienced Evansville attorney

Insurance Companies and Semi-Truck Accident Claims

The days, weeks, and months following a truck accident may leave you feeling overwhelmed. As medical bills and car repairs pile up, calls from insurance agents and low settlement offers can make the recovery process feel impossible to navigate alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unable to take on the claim yourself, the truck accident attorneys at Tuley Law Office can help you understand your rights, navigate the claims process, and build a successful truck accident case so that you can focus on your recovery. We will work to negotiate a settlement with the liable party. However, if a fair settlement offer cannot be agreed upon, we are prepared to take your case to court.

While insurance companies may appear sympathetic to your accident and injuries, it is their responsibility to identify and pay the minimum necessary costs associated with your accident. It is also important to note than any communication you have with them can be used against you. It is in your best interest to allow an experienced attorney to speak with insurance companies on your behalf.

Determining Fault in a Truck Accident According to Indiana Accident Laws

Determining fault in a truck accident in Indiana may be difficult depending on the specific circumstances of the accident. Indiana is considered to be an at-fault state in terms of how it handles truck accident insurance claims. In an at-fault state, the driver who causes the accident is expected to use their insurance to pay for the victim’s expenses.

To determine fault, the police and insurance companies will use provided evidence to make their decision.

Types of Compensation in a Truck Accident Settlement

There are two types of compensation you may receive in a truck accident settlement: compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages include expenses such as loss of earnings or future earnings, medical bills, cost of medical care, household expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Punitive damages are awarded to an injured party when the opposing party’s actions are deemed negligent.

When filing a lawsuit for a truck accident case, the Evansville truck accident attorneys of Tuley Law Office will begin by evaluating your case. During this evaluation, you’ll get a more solid idea of what type of compensation you may possibly receive. Some of the most commonly compensated losses include:

  • medical bills, hospitalization, and other medical expenses
  • rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
  • future loss of wages and an inability to work in the future
  • physical pain, suffering, or loss of companionship
  • funeral and burial expenses
  • and other expenses directly stemming from the accident and your accident-related injuries, such as the need to hire a personal care attendant because you’ve been paralyzed in a crash

Semi-Truck Accident Settlements: Process, Timeline, What to Expect

When involved in an accident with a truck, it is important to know that many trucking companies have their own legal teams and insurance agencies. Their legal teams will advise them just as your truck accident attorney will advise you. Trucking companies can be held liable for the actions of their employees. Hiring an experienced Evansville attorney will ensure you are well-represented in a truck accident lawsuit.

After a truck accident, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed with the weight of bills, injuries, and more. If possible, reaching a settlement with the liable party is preferred. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the experienced attorneys at Tuley Law are prepared to take your case to court.

After reviewing necessary evidence, your attorney may file a truck accident lawsuit. An insurance settlement is likely reached prior to trial, so the trial process will likely occur in order to receive damages due to the liable party’s negligence.

Each case is different and speaking with an experienced truck accident lawyer will give you the best idea of what to expect with a semi-truck accident settlement. It is your attorney’s responsibility to give you the best chance at fair representation and compensation. Contact a member of our team today for a no-cost case evaluation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations in the state of Indiana is 2 years from the date of the accident.

How Can an Experienced Indiana Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to handle difficult communication with the trucking company and insurance agents. Having a legal representative will take a great deal of stress off you, so that you can focus on your recovery.

Contact Our Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Evansville, Indiana

With decades of combined experience, the experienced truck accident attorneys at Tuley Law Office can help you get the compensation you deserve. Serving clients throughout the Evansville, Indiana area, we offer no-cost case evaluations for clients who are suffering the unfortunate repercussions of truck accidents. Contact our team today.

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