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Truck accidents, particularly those involving multiple vehicles, can be incredibly complex. These collisions often lead to serious injuries and extensive property damage, making it essential for victims to understand their legal options. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contacting a skilled truck accident lawyer in Evansville is crucial to navigate the challenges of your case and secure the compensation you deserve.
What is Considered a Truck?
Before addressing the specifics of truck accidents, it’s important to define what constitutes a truck. In Indiana, trucks can range from smaller vehicles like two-axle trucks to large commercial vehicles such as tractors with multiple trailers. The size and weight of the truck involved play a significant role in the severity of the crash, often leading to more catastrophic injuries compared to accidents involving passenger vehicles.
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How Do Truck Collisions Happen?
Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, and hazardous road conditions. Equipment failure or improper loading can also contribute to accidents, especially when a truck is carrying excessive weight or poorly balanced cargo. The resulting injuries from these accidents are often severe and can include spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, fractures, or even death.
How is Liability Determined in a Multi-Vehicle Crash?
In any accident, liability is determined based on negligence, which involves proving that another party’s failure to act responsibly led directly to the crash and injuries. This process involves demonstrating that the at-fault driver had a duty to drive safely, breached that duty, and caused the accident that resulted in damages. In multi-vehicle accidents, the situation can become even more complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility.
Indiana uses a system of modified comparative negligence, which allows you to recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. This system ensures that damages are adjusted based on each party’s percentage of fault.
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Who May Be Responsible for a Truck Collision?
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, making it difficult to determine liability. The truck driver may be responsible if they acted recklessly, violated traffic laws, or drove beyond the allowed hours. The trucking company could be held liable if they failed to properly screen drivers or maintain their vehicles. In cases of improper cargo loading, the cargo loaders may be at fault. If a defective truck part caused the accident, the vehicle manufacturer might also be held accountable.
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Vicarious Liability
In cases involving employee drivers, vicarious liability may apply, holding the employer responsible for the actions of their employees. To establish vicarious liability, it must be shown that the driver was employed by the company and that the accident occurred while the driver was performing their job duties.
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How Are Damages Determined?
The amount of compensation you may be entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries and losses. Economic damages, like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, are easier to calculate, while non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress, can be more subjective. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless actions.
How Long Do You Have to File an Accident Claim?
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to compensation. It’s important to act quickly to gather evidence, consult with an attorney, and begin the legal process.
Do You Need an Attorney?
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, complex insurance issues, and legal intricacies. With a skilled personal injury lawyer on your side, you can ensure that all potential liabilities are explored, evidence is preserved, and your case is presented in the best possible light. Whether you are seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or wrongful death, an experienced lawyer will help you navigate the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact Christie Farrell Lee & Bell for a free case evaluation. Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers will guide you through your options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve
Call 317-488-5500 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form