Evansville Truck Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Evansville

Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, and identifying the cause of the accident is crucial in determining liability and pursuing compensation. Some common causes include:

• Driver fatigue: According to Indiana trucking laws, hours of service regulations are in place to prevent driver fatigue, but violations are still a common cause of truck accidents.
• Distracted driving: Distractions such as cell phone use, eating, adjusting controls, or reaching for objects can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
• Speeding
• Improper loading: Incorrectly loaded or overloaded trucks can cause instability and imbalance, leading to truck accidents.
• Mechanical failures
• Intoxicated driving
• Poor weather conditions
• Negligent hiring or training

These are just some of the common causes of truck accidents, but determining the causes that affected your case requires a thorough investigation by experienced personal injury attorneys. Properly identifying the cause of the accident is essential in proving negligence and pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.

Types of Injuries Related to Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. The aftermath of a truck accident can leave victims with life-altering injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Some of the common types of injuries related to truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burns and lacerations
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal organ injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional and psychological injuries

The severity of injuries sustained in truck accidents can vary widely, but even minor injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

We have seen how truck accidents can take many forms, each with unique causes and potential outcomes. Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents that occur on Evansville’s roads and throughout Indiana:

• Jackknife Accidents: Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer of a big rig swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the truck’s cab.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often due to excessive speed, improper turns, or uneven cargo distribution.
• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents often occur in stop-and-go traffic or when the truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance.
• Underride Accidents: An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a truck, often shearing off the top of the vehicle.
• Tire Blowouts: A tire blowout is when a truck’s tire bursts, causing the driver to lose control.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks need extra space to make turns, and accidents can occur if the truck driver misjudges the distance or doesn’t account for nearby vehicles.
• Head-On Collisions: These accidents can happen if a truck driver drifts into oncoming traffic or when other vehicles make unsafe passing maneuvers.
• T-Bone/Side-Impact Collisions: T-bone accidents occur when the front of a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, often at intersections.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, and accidents occur when a truck driver changes lanes or turns without seeing a smaller vehicle.

Are Truck Accident Cases Different from Other Types of Crashes?

Truck accidents are a whole different beast compared to your typical car crash. If you’ve been involved in one, you’ve likely already felt the weight of that difference. From the sheer size and force of these massive vehicles to the complex web of regulations and parties involved, a truck accident requires a legal strategy tailored to your needs. Here’s why:

Size and Severity of the Accident

Commercial trucks are vastly larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles, sometimes weighing up to 30 times more. This size disparity means that when a collision occurs, the potential for severe injuries or fatalities is much higher, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles.

Complexity of Liability

One of the major differences between truck accidents and other vehicle crashes is the complexity of determining liability. In a typical car accident, liability usually rests with one or more drivers involved. However, in a truck accident, multiple parties may be held accountable, including:

• The Trucking Company
• Cargo Loading Companies
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
• Maintenance Providers

Industry Regulations

The trucking industry is governed by strict federal and state regulations, making truck accident cases more complex. Violations of these regulations can play a critical role in proving liability.

Higher Potential Damages

Due to the serious nature of truck accidents, victims often face substantial medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation, and extensive lost wages. Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and permanent disability are also common damages in truck accident cases in Indiana. As a result, truck accident cases tend to involve higher compensation amounts than other types of motor vehicle accidents.

Why Do You Need a Specialized Truck Accident Lawyer to Claim for Your Damages and Injuries

Truck accident cases can be complex and challenging to navigate without the expertise of an attorney who can help you claim what’s yours according to the law.

Hiring a local lawyer can be crucial in protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of obtaining fair compensation for all your damages and injuries because a professional can help you understand what type of injuries and losses you can claim. 

In-depth Knowledge of Federal Regulations

A specialized truck accident attorney will have a thorough understanding of these regulations and how they apply to your case, allowing them to build a strong legal argument and hold the trucking company and driver accountable.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Your attorney will have the resources and expertise to investigate the accident scene, obtain relevant records, collect witness statements, and analyze data from the truck’s black box or electronic logging devices to gather critical evidence.

Identification of All Liable Parties

A specialized personal injury attorney will have the experience to identify all the potentially liable parties and hold them accountable for their negligence.

In fact, Indiana Code § 34-51-2 establishes the principles of comparative fault, which means that multiple parties can be held liable for a truck accident, including the trucking company, truck driver, truck owner, maintenance provider, and others.

Legal Strategy and Negotiation

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we can help you develop a strong legal strategy tailored to your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages and injuries.

Litigation Experience

While most truck accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations, some cases may require litigation to resolve disputes and obtain fair compensation. In some cases, you’ll need the help of an attorney to litigate your case in court.

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

Your actions in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident can make or break your case, so it’s important to take strategic steps to protect yourself and your future.

Here’s what our truck accident lawyers in Evansville recommend:

• Ensure your safety and seek medical attention: Some injuries, like internal trauma or concussions, may not be obvious right away but can become serious without proper treatment. Documenting your injuries from the start is essential for your case.
• Call the police and file an accident report: Having the accident officially documented by law enforcement is key. The report from the Evansville Police Department will be an important piece of evidence in your claim and can help establish liability. Make sure you get a copy for your records.
• Document the scene: If you’re able, take photos or videos of everything—your injuries, the vehicles involved, the road conditions, skid marks, and any debris. This visual evidence can help show what really happened when it’s time to prove your case.
• Exchange information: Get the contact information of the truck driver, including their insurance and employer details.
• Avoid admitting fault: In moments of shock, it’s common for people to say things like “I’m sorry” or take the blame, even when they aren’t at fault. Don’t make any statements about what caused the accident or share information on social media until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. Insurance companies can twist your words to reduce your claim.

Who You Can Sue for a Truck Accident in Evansville

In Evansville, there are several parties you may be able to sue following a truck accident. This includes the truck driver, the trucking company, and other entities like cargo loaders or maintenance providers. Each of these parties could potentially bear some liability depending on the cause of the accident.

The Truck Driver

The truck driver is often the first person who comes to mind in truck accident cases. If the driver was negligent or reckless, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to follow traffic laws, they may be liable for the crash.

The Trucking Company

If the trucking company failed to follow safety protocols, hired unqualified drivers, or pushed the driver to exceed legal driving hours, they could be held accountable. Companies may also be liable for poorly maintained vehicles that contributed to the accident.

Cargo Loading Companies

If the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, leading to an accident, the cargo loading company might share some responsibility for the incident.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers

In cases where defective parts or manufacturing errors caused the accident (such as brake failure or tire blowouts), the manufacturer of the vehicle or its components might be held liable.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Evansville, it’s crucial to seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. Our dedicated team at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell is here to guide you through every step of the legal process and help you recover the compensation you deserve. With our in-depth knowledge of truck accident law and a proven track record of successful results, we are prepared to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.

Our lawyers that handle these types of cases

Lee C. Christie

Katherine M. Marshall