Tuley Law/Truck Accidents
Few collisions are as devastating as truck accidents. The impact from a speeding two-ton vehicle can cause irreversible damage, high medical bills, inability to work, or even the loss of a loved one.
If you have experienced an 18-wheeler crash in Indiana, you’re probably wondering what to do next. The experienced Indiana truck accident attorneys at Tuley Law Office are here to clear up some misconceptions about these crashes and help victims get justice after a serious wreck.
The weight and size of commercial vehicles, as well as the complexity of the trucking industry, set semi accidents apart from other crashes. Truck wreck cases differ from car accidents because they require a deep understanding of commercial trucking regulations, industry standards, and liability issues.
Attorneys with truck accident experience can more effectively represent clients in these complex cases. We constantly work to negotiate a settlement with the liable party. If we cannot agree on a fair settlement offer, we are prepared to take your truck crash case to court.
Here are some key factors that make truck accidents unique:
Black boxes. Some commercial trucks have on-board event data recorders (EDRs), commonly known as “black boxes.” These devices can provide valuable data about the truck’s speed, braking, and other factors leading to an accident. An attorney may help get the trucking company to share black box data.
When you are involved in a crash, determining liability is essential to winning the case, but it also affects the compensation you receive. Indiana is an at-fault state, so the negligent driver’s insurance company is expected to pay for the victim’s expenses. If the victim is partially to blame, the court will reduce their settlement or judgment by their percentage of fault. Trucking companies have a financial interest in reducing their portion of fault—even if it means blaming you for the crash.
Other parties that could be at fault in a truck accident include drivers of other vehicles, manufacturers of defective truck parts, and government entities for negligent road conditions (such as potholes and inadequate signage). The best way to determine liability is to have a thorough investigation by legal professionals who understand trucking regulations and industry practices.
An investigation into the trucking company could help prove liability, especially after a crash involving:
There are two types of compensation in a truck accident settlement: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include calculable losses, such as hospital stays, ongoing medical care, physical therapy, funeral and burial expenses, loss of past and future earnings, and increased household expenses.
Non-economic damages are more challenging to quantify. They compensate victims for their emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and lost quality of life. The exact amount you could receive for non-economic damages depends on the specifics of your case, such as the extent of your suffering and the degree of the trucking company’s negligence.
Calls from insurance agents and low settlement offers can make the recovery process impossible to navigate alone—especially as hospital bills and repair costs pile up. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck wreck, we can help you prepare an investigation, protect your right to compensation, and represent you in court if necessary.
Best of all, Tuley Law Office collects legal fees for injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything until your case is won. Contact our team today to tell us about the collision and see how we can help.