The insurance companies know commercial truck accidents are complicated and will do everything possible to avoid paying you what is fair after the accident.
- Large Truck Accidents Statistics
- Common Truck Driver Errors
- What Is the Stopping Distance for Large Trucks?
- Do You Need a Lawyer for a Trucking Accident?
- Holding Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Financially Accountable for Their Mistakes
- How Dangerous are The Roads in Indiana?
- How Much Is My Claim Worth? Seeking Compensation for Indiana Truck Crash Victims
- How Truck Accident Attorneys Value a Case
- Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
- Don’t Let Insurance Companies Blame You for Large Truck Accidents!
- What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident?
- Best Practices for Truck Accident Victims in Indiana
- How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim?
- Truck Accident Cases: The Indiana Statute of Limitations
- Indiana Truck Accidents FAQs
- Hiring an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer to Resolve a Compensation Case
You can’t do it alone! An experienced attorney is essential if you want to receive the compensation you deserve for your losses from this commercial truck accident.
At the law offices of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our personal injury attorneys are legal advocates for commercial trucks victims to ensure they receive maximum compensation when accidents involving large trucks happen.
Contact the truck accident lawyers at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal representation and advice.
All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Large Truck Accidents Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there is an increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks and tractor-trailers.
Additionally, the number of people who suffered catastrophic injuries in Indiana in truck accidents also increased.
The NHTSA reports that large truck drivers have the highest percentage of previous accidents compared to drivers of other vehicle types. Almost 17 percent of the truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in a recent year had at least one prior conviction for speeding.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that a rear-end collision is the most common type of accident involving large trucks.
Collisions involving large trucks can be reduced by following Indiana trucking laws, such as:
- 9-20-3-1 of Indiana Code states that no person shall operate a commercial motor vehicle on any highway unless the person holds a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with applicable endorsements and is medically qualified to do so.
- 9-20-4-1 of the Indiana Code states that the driver of a commercial motor vehicle must stop at all railroad crossings and use due diligence to ascertain that the tracks are clear before crossing.
- 9-21-8-6 of the Indiana Code prohibits driving a commercial vehicle while impaired by alcohol or any controlled substance.
Were you injured in an accident involving a commercial truck? If so, contact the Indianapolis truck accident lawyers at the law offices of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, for a free consultation.
Our truck accident attorneys are experienced in fighting for the rights of truck crash victims and will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Truck Driver Errors
According to a new survey from the American Trucking Association, more than 90 percent of truck drivers believe safety is their number one priority.
Yet as many as one million large trucks, commercial vehicles, and tractor-trailers are involved in truck collisions each year, according to the IIHS.
What are some of the most common semi-truck drivers’ mistakes?
- Failing to check blind spots: Large trucks have large blind spots on both the right and left sides and front and back. Commercial vehicle operators should always check these spots before changing lanes or turning.
- Failing to use turn signals: Negligent commercial truck drivers should always use their turn signals when turning, merging onto a highway, or changing lanes.
- Driving too fast for conditions: Commercial trucks and tractor-trailers need more time to stop than cars, so truck drivers should never drive faster than conditions allow.
- Following too closely: Truck drivers should always leave enough space between their trucks and other vehicles in front of them.
- Not giving right-of-way to other vehicles that have it: When a truck driver is merging onto a highway, they should always give the right-of-way to vehicles already on the road.
- Carrying too much weight: A truck carrying too much weight can jeopardize the safety of other drivers on the road.
- Driving while tired: Fatigue is a significant cause of semi crashes. Semi-truck drivers should avoid driving while tired by taking breaks and napping before long trips. It is considered truck driver negligence to skip mandatory brakes and rest periods.
- Driving at night without proper lighting: Truck drivers should always ensure their truck is equipped with working headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, especially after dark or when it’s foggy outside.
- Failing to wear a seatbelt: Truck drivers are required by law to always use their seatbelts, no matter how short the trip may be.
- Driving impaired (drugged, drunk, tired): Federal and state laws prohibit driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol; commercial vehicle operators (especially long haul truck drivers) should always designate an additional driver to take over if they feel too tired or sick to drive.
Drivers who violate any of these safe driving practices are far more likely to be involved in fatal crashes involving large trucks.
If you suffered serious injuries in such an accident, speak with a semi-truck accident attorney from our law firm to help file an insurance claim and obtain compensation from the responsible trucking companies.
What Is the Stopping Distance for Large Trucks?
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), driving too closely to the vehicle in front can cause fatal crashes when large trucks have insufficient time to stop completely.
Data reveals that the average distance for smaller vehicles to come to a complete stop from 60 mph is approximately 416 feet.
In contrast, a tractor-trailer and other large trucks take about five times that distance to stop simultaneously.
Drivers must always leave a safe stopping distance between their large trucks and the passenger vehicles in front of them.
To avoid truck collisions due to insufficient stopping distance, you should:
- Leave enough space between your car and large trucks for a safe stopping distance (this means three seconds)
- Avoid trying to beat large trucks through a yellow light or stop sign. Large trucks take longer to stop than cars and could run the red light if you go through it first
- Avoid tailgating large trucks since they need more time and space to stop than you do
Many drivers feel that cutting in front of the semi will allow them to get ahead of the truck and avoid a rear-end collision if they pass a truck.
However, this is far more dangerous than most people realize. Instead of cutting in front of a semi-truck, pull over, and allow it to pass before pulling back on the road.
Following these simple safety tips and avoiding unsafe driving practices could save many lives from semi-truck crashes.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Trucking Accident?
If you were involved in a serious accident with a truck, whether a tractor-trailer, tanker, dump truck, or any other type of commercial vehicle, the chances are high that you will need to hire a lawyer.
Truck collisions are complex cases that often require an experienced truck accident attorney.
Holding Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Financially Accountable for Their Mistakes
Indiana law provides legal remedies for injured victims harmed in large truck accidents.
According to Indiana law, the party responsible for an accident can be held financially accountable for the damages they cause.
It includes compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future lost earnings
- Pain, suffering, and mental anxiety
- Funeral & burial costs
Are you a truck accident victim or did you lose a loved one through a preventable death? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Your experienced truck accident lawyer will offer free case evaluation and contingency-based fee arrangements, which means you only pay us if we win your case.
How Dangerous are The Roads in Indiana?
The number of truck accidents in Indiana has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the Indiana State Police, 11,350 truck crashes in 2019 resulted in over 500 fatalities and thousands of injuries. While accidents can be hazardous, involving large vehicles like semi-trucks often leads to more catastrophic results due to their sheer size and weight.
Indiana is home to a vast network of highways and interstates, making it an ideal location for commerce and long-haul freight transportation. Unfortunately, it also means that traffic congestion is common and increases the risk of an accident. In 2019 alone, there were 35 fatal accidents involving semi-trucks on I-65 alone.
With companies competing for faster shipping times by pushing drivers past their limits, safety is often a secondary concern leading to more risky behaviors like speeding or disregarding traffic signals which can have disastrous consequences.
It is essential for anyone who uses these roads regularly to remain aware of their surroundings, as even a minor mistake can lead to severe injury or tragedy.
How Much Is My Claim Worth? Seeking Compensation for Indiana Truck Crash Victims
Every serious accident case is unique, as are the facts and evidence to support your claim.
Typically, truck accident attorneys handling commercial vehicle accidents hire accident reconstruction experts and others to investigate what happened.
During the investigation, the team will:
- Visit the truck accident scene to gather any additional evidence
- Speak to eyewitnesses to record their testimony
- Retrieve surveillance tapes from local businesses
- Assess if the truck was carrying any hazardous materials
- Review police reports, medical records, and other evidence
When investigating semi-truck accidents in Indiana, some common factors can raise or lower the value of your claim against the responsible trucking companies.
These include:
- The location of the accident (urban vs. rural)
- Whether you were on a controlled-access highway at the time
- Your behavior before, during, and after the serious accident
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of property damage caused by the accident
- Length of time until your case goes to trial
- Your lawyer’s experience and track record in similar cases
- The insurance company’s willingness to pay a fair settlement
The truck company insurance agency works on its defense immediately after an accident occurs. You must contact our truck accident attorneys immediately to give you the best chance at fair representation.
How Truck Accident Attorneys Value a Case
One of the first things a truck accident lawyer will do is calculate damages.
These can include:
- Medical costs for current and future treatment
- Wages lost while you’re unable to work due to your injuries
- The cost of ongoing medical care
- Loss of quality-of-life damages
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
If the truck driver was working for a company at the time of the tractor-trailer accident, your lawyer might also be able to sue the employer for negligence.
Employers have a legal duty to ensure their employees follow safety regulations while driving.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
According to the National Institutes of Health, the chances of surviving a collision with an eighteen-wheeler are relatively slim.
The force generated by large commercial trucks is so intense that most accidents result in fatalities.
Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
- Amputation
- Burns
If you were injured in a truck accident, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Don’t Let Insurance Companies Blame You for Large Truck Accidents!
In many cases, insurance companies will blame the victim for the accident to reduce their liability. Sometimes, claims adjusters will offer significantly less than the total value of the case to settle quickly.
Insurance companies are in business to generate profits for their shareholders, often at the victim’s expense. Therefore, even if your carelessness contributed to the accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries.
Our firm has years of experience representing people severely injured in serious accidents involving 18-wheelers or other commercial vehicles.
A semi-truck accident attorney working on your behalf can ensure you receive maximum compensation by proving that the insurance company is making a bad faith offer.
The truck collision attorney does this by:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence
- Speaking with witnesses
- Obtaining the police report and copies of medical bills
- Consulting experts
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Evaluating your trucking accident medical treatment and care
If you were injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to call us for a free consultation. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident?
Since each case is unique, there is no “average” settlement for truck accidents.
An average settlement for a semi-truck accident depends on the crash’s severity, the state’s laws in which it occurred, and any other factors that may have contributed to the incident. Generally speaking, settlements involving semi-trucks tend to be much higher than those resulting from car accidents due to the potentially catastrophic damages caused by these collisions. Various legal expenses, such as medical bills and court costs, can also add to the cost of a settlement.
When determining an average settlement amount for a semi-truck accident, it is essential to consider factors such as who was at fault, how severe any injuries were, and what damage was done to the property. If all parties agree upon liability and both sides reach a fair consensus on damages and compensation, an agreement can be achieved quickly without going through lengthy litigation processes.
Insurance companies will often attempt to settle quickly to minimize their losses, so it is essential for anyone involved in a truck accident to seek legal advice before signing any documents or agreeing to any terms. A skilled lawyer with experience in trucking law should be able to help work out an agreement that meets everyone’s needs. Furthermore, some states have predetermined amounts for settlements based on specific criteria.
In cases where there are fatalities due to a truck accident, settlements may include money for funeral costs, emotional distress, and financial compensation for loss of livelihood.
Best Practices for Truck Accident Victims in Indiana
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our lawyers know how to build a strong case against negligent drivers and their insurance companies.
We will talk with you about your accident and injuries, explain what we can do to help, and walk you through the process.
We will keep you informed and answer your questions at every stage of your case.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Claim?
Handling a commercial truck accident claim in Indiana civil court typically takes longer than an accident involving two passenger vehicles.
The main reason is the number of defendants usually involved in these accidents.
There can be the truck driver, the trucking company, their insurance carrier, and other parties depending on the circumstances of the wreck.
What this means for you is that you should not expect a quick settlement. Instead, the insurance company will likely want to investigate on its own, and our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers will need time to build a strong case.
We understand that you may be anxious to put this behind you, but we will work diligently to get you the best result possible.
We typically see settlements for these types of truck accident cases within two years of filing the lawsuit, but there are always exceptions.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact Indiana truck accident lawyers. The sooner we can start working on your case, the better.
Truck Accident Cases: The Indiana Statute of Limitations
Under Indiana law, injured victims are restricted to the length of time they can file a civil lawsuit or compensation claim. In addition, the law states that you cannot file a claim after the time specified in the statute.
In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your wreck to file a civil complaint or “lawsuit” against a negligent party. It means that if you were injured on December 1, 2021, you have until December 1, 2023, to file a lawsuit against the party or parties deemed responsible for your injuries.
If you do not get started on your claim within two years, it may be too late to file a claim. Although there are exceptions to this rule, including exceptions related to minors and persons with mental illness, these exceptions are difficult to prove.
Contact an Indianapolis truck accident attorney as soon as possible if you consider taking legal action after a truck accident.
Indiana Truck Accidents FAQs
Our personal injury law firm understands that many families have unanswered questions concerning catastrophic truck accidents dealing directly with the insurance company.
An Indianapolis truck accident lawyer has answered some of those questions below.
For additional information, call our Indianapolis truck accident attorneys at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Hiring an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer to Resolve a Compensation Case
Are you the victim of a severe truck accident, or did you lose a loved one through another’s negligence?
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our truck accident attorneys are legal advocates seeking maximum compensation for our clients.
Contact our Indianapolis truck accident attorneys today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number), or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation.
We accept all personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement ensures you pay nothing until your case is resolved through a negotiated settlement or jury award.
All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
