What to Do After a Truck Accident in Gary

The aftermath of a truck accident can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. Here’s what you should do to protect your well-being and legal rights:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical care for yourself and other injured parties. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time.
  2. Call the Police: Report the accident to law enforcement. Officers will create an official accident report, which serves as vital evidence for your claim.
  3. Collect Evidence: If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence from the scene. Take photos of the damage, vehicle positions, road conditions, and skid marks. Obtain contact information from the truck driver, other involved drivers, and witnesses.
  4. Avoid Admitting Fault: Be careful about what you say to insurance companies or other parties. Do not admit fault or sign any documents without consulting a lawyer.
  5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Seek legal representation promptly. An experienced truck accident attorney can guide you through the process, evaluate your claim, and protect your rights under Indiana law.

Common Causes of Truck Collisions

Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which stem from negligence or violations of safety regulations. Common causes include:

  • Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time.
  • Distracted Driving: Using phones, eating, or other distractions can divert attention from the road.
  • Speeding: Trucks traveling at excessive speeds require longer stopping distances, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
  • Improper Loading: Overloaded or unsecured cargo can destabilize a truck, leading to rollovers or jackknifing.
  • Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance or defective parts can cause brake failures, tire blowouts, and other malfunctions.
  • Intoxicated Driving: Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly increases the risk of an accident.
  • Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or fog can make it harder for trucks to stop or maneuver safely. Image generated by custom shortcode

Understanding the root cause of your accident is critical for determining liability and building a strong case.

Why Truck Accidents Occur

Truck accidents differ significantly from regular motor vehicle collisions due to the unique challenges associated with commercial trucking. Here are some key reasons why truck accidents occur:

  • Size and Weight Disparities: Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with smaller vehicles more severe.
  • Tight Deadlines: Trucking companies often impose strict delivery schedules, leading to fatigue and rushed decisions.
  • Regulation Violations: Failure to adhere to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, such as limits on hours of service and maintenance standards, increases the risk of accidents.
  • Lack of Training: Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers are more likely to make mistakes.

Addressing these factors can help establish negligence and secure the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries Related to Truck Accidents

The significant size and weight of commercial trucks make them particularly dangerous, often leading to catastrophic injuries, such as:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Burns and abrasions
  • Internal organ injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Emotional and psychological trauma

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we work to calculate your damages comprehensively and present a strong claim for both economic and non-economic compensation.

Damages in a Truck Crash Lawsuit

Victims of truck accidents in Indiana may be entitled to recover a variety of damages, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
  • Property Damage: Compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle and other damaged property.
  • Lost Wages: Recovery for income lost during your recovery and diminished earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
  • Disability or Disfigurement: Damages for permanent injuries that impact your quality of life.
  • Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship or support from a loved one.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of reckless or egregious behavior, additional damages may be awarded to deter similar conduct in the future.

Every case is unique, and our attorneys will work closely with you to assess your losses and pursue the maximum compensation allowed by law.

Understanding Indiana Comparative Fault Statute

Indiana follows a comparative fault rule under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-5, which reduces your compensation based on your percentage of fault.

For example:

  • If you are found 20% at fault for the accident and your damages total $100,000, your compensation will be reduced to $80,000.
  • If you are more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering compensation.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto victims to minimize their liability. Our experienced attorneys will fight to ensure your percentage of fault is minimized and the focus remains on the negligent parties.

Contact Us and Claim the Compensation You Deserve

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Gary or anywhere in Indiana, prompt legal action is crucial to protecting your rights and pursuing justice.

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we have a deep understanding of Indiana’s trucking laws and a proven track record of success. We will:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation.
  • Gather compelling evidence.
  • Assess your damages comprehensively.
  • Develop a strong legal strategy tailored to your case.
  • Negotiate assertively with insurance companies.
  • Litigate in court if necessary to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Your recovery and justice are our priorities. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and begin the process of holding negligent parties accountable. Let us help you rebuild your life with the compensation you deserve.