When to Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident

Truck accidents are not uncommon on the roads and highways of Indiana, and they sadly often result in serious injuries and damages. But if you have been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial recovery for your injuries and losses.

Although you are not required to get a lawyer for a truck accident case, it is often recommended in most situations, especially if you want to present a personal injury claim to demand compensation.

Here are some of the main circumstances when you should consult a lawyer after your truck accident.

You Suffered Serious Injuries

Truck accidents can cause severe and catastrophic injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious and life-changing injuries such as:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones and fractures
• Neck and back injuries
• Burn injuries
• Amputations
• Internal injuries
• Organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Psychological injuries such as PTSD

In these cases, hiring a truck accident lawyer can help ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover all of your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer can work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and calculate the true cost of your damages, including the costs of future medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Multiple People Were Involved in the Accident:

Unlike other types of personal injury cases such as car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple parties, and there might be more than one party to blame for what happened. In addition to the truck driver, other parties that may be involved include the trucking company, truck manufacturers, truck parts manufacturers, mechanic or repair shops, cargo companies, government entities, or another driver. 

Under Indiana law, all parties involved in a truck accident are required to stop at the scene and provide aid to anyone who may be injured. They must also exchange insurance and contact information, and report the accident to the authorities if there is property damage, injury, or death. 

In truck accident cases involving multiple parties, Indiana law allows for the apportionment of fault. This means that the court may assign a percentage of fault to each party based on their contribution to the accident, and the damages will be allocated accordingly. However, it is important to note that Indiana follows the rule of joint and several liabilities, which means that if one party is unable to pay their share of the damages, the other parties may be held responsible for the full amount.

Therefore, to ensure all parties are accounted for, it is best to work with a truck accident lawyer who can investigate and identify any potentially responsible parties in the accident.

You’re Not Sure Who Is at Fault

In some truck accidents, it’s clear who is at fault. However, in other cases, liability may be unclear or disputed. For example, if the accident occurred at an intersection and both drivers claim they had a green light, determining who is at fault may require an investigation or witness testimony.

In these situations, a truck accident lawyer can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine who is responsible for the accident according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations. 

This is important because the at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to shift blame or minimize their liability, which can reduce the amount of compensation you receive.

The Truck Accident Caused Economic and Non-economic Damages

If you have suffered economic and non-economic damages as a result of a truck accident, it is important to consult with a lawyer. A specialized personal injury attorney can help you assess the full extent of your damages, including any ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or long-term care that you may require. 

They can also help you understand the non-economic damages you may be entitled to, and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses according to the Statute of Limitations for truck accident claims in Indiana.

Calculating damages and possible compensation after a truck accident

Calculating economic damages can be complex, especially in cases involving truck accidents where there may be multiple parties involved. A truck accident lawyer can work with financial experts to accurately assess the cost of your medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage, taking into account any future expenses that may arise.

On the other hand, non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, can be even more difficult to calculate. A local lawyer can help you understand the full scope of your non-economic damages and work to negotiate a fair settlement that compensates you for your losses.

You Are Being Offered a Settlement

Once you accept a settlement offer, you are essentially waiving your right to pursue further legal action related to the accident. This means that if you later discover that your injuries were more severe than originally thought, or if you encounter other unforeseen expenses related to the accident, you will not be able to seek additional compensation.

A lawyer can help you navigate the negotiation process with the insurance company and ensure that you receive a settlement offer that is fair and adequate to cover your current and future expenses. They can also advise you on whether it may be in your best interest to reject the settlement offer and pursue legal action, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit.

It is important to understand that insurance companies are often focused on minimizing their financial liability, and they may use tactics such as offering a quick settlement to try to resolve the case before you have had a chance to fully understand the extent of your injuries or losses.

Request a Free Consultation and Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you have been involved in a truck accident and need legal advice or representation, we can advise you to present a claim to support your personal injury case. Don’t hesitate in contacting us to request a free consultation with our local attorneys in Indiana.