How Our Indianapolis Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Our firm excels in handling the complexities of commercial truck accident cases, offering a personalized approach to ensure you receive the maximum compensation. From the moment you engage our services, we undertake a comprehensive investigation to gather all pertinent evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies. We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals to build a compelling case that clearly demonstrates the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.

As our case results show, we have secured millionaire settlements for clients who have suffered truck accidents due to the negligence of others. And we want to do the same for you. We offer a free initial consultation to hear your story, evaluate the impact of the accident on your life, and calculate fair compensation for you and your family to move forward.

What is Considered a Commercial Vehicle According to the Law?

A commercial motor vehicle is defined as a self-propelled or towed vehicle used on the highways in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property, provided that the vehicle meets certain criteria such as weight and usage parameters.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) further clarifies that a vehicle is considered a commercial motor vehicle if its gross vehicle weight rating and usage classify it as such. This includes trucks with a declared gross weight exceeding 11,000 pounds, semi-tractors paired with semi trailers where the combined weight surpasses 11,000 pounds, trailers with a gross weight over 9,000 pounds, and semi trailers.

Commercial vehicle accidents involve vehicles used for commercial purposes like transporting goods, passengers, or materials. These accidents typically feature larger and heavier vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, delivery vans, buses, and other commercial trucks, which significantly increases the potential for severe damage and complex liability issues.

Indianapolis Truck Accident Causes

Understanding the common causes of commercial truck accidents is crucial for building a strong legal case and ensuring responsible parties are held accountable. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a significant number of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas and on highways, emphasizing the widespread nature of these incidents.

1. Driver Negligence

  • Distracted Driving: Using cell phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug use impairs a driver’s ability to operate a truck safely.
  • Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, and failure to take mandatory rest breaks can lead to drowsy driving.
  • Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for weather and road conditions.
  • Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely, leaving insufficient stopping distance.

2. Truck Maintenance and Equipment Issues

  • Defective brakes, tires, or other mechanical parts due to poor maintenance.
  • Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo, increasing the risk of tipping or jackknifing.

3. External Factors

  • Negligence by Other Drivers: Unsafe lane changes, merging without signaling, or reckless driving by other motorists.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or inadequate road maintenance by government agencies.

By identifying the cause of the accident, we can determine liability and build a compelling case to secure fair compensation.

Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents vary widely in nature, each with its own unique challenges and implications for liability. Common types of truck accidents include:

1. Rear-End Collisions

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, rear-end accidents often cause catastrophic damage to smaller vehicles.

2. Jackknife Accidents

These occur when the truck’s trailer swings out of alignment with the cab, often caused by sudden braking or slippery road conditions.

3. Rollover Accidents

Improperly loaded cargo or sharp turns can cause a truck to tip over, crushing nearby vehicles and creating road hazards.

4. Underride Accidents

Smaller vehicles can become lodged under the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

5. T-Bone Accidents

These collisions occur when a truck strikes the side of another vehicle, often at intersections.

Understanding the type of accident is essential for pinpointing the factors that led to the collision and determining which parties are responsible.

What Can Compensation Cover?

Victims of commercial truck accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of damages to address the full impact of the collision.

1. Economic Damages

These damages compensate for tangible financial losses, including:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
  • Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work or diminished earning capacity.
  • Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged vehicles and personal belongings.

2. Non-Economic Damages

These cover intangible losses that affect quality of life, such as:

  • Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
  • Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed.
  • Loss of consortium: Impact on relationships with family members.

3. Wrongful Death Damages

In cases involving wrongful death, families can pursue compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses.
  • Loss of financial support and future earnings.
  • Emotional suffering from the loss of a loved one.

4. Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.

Our personal injury lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case to ensure that all damages are accounted for, so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Steps to Take Following an Indianapolis Trucking Collision

Taking the right steps after a truck accident can protect your legal rights and strengthen your claim for compensation:

  1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 to report the accident.
  2. Seek Medical Care: Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
  3. Report the Accident: Provide accurate details to law enforcement and request a copy of the police report.
  4. Document Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses.
  5. Preserve Evidence: Avoid repairing your vehicle or deleting electronic records that may be relevant to your case.
  6. Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to Christie Farrell Lee & Bell to discuss your case and receive expert guidance on navigating the claims process.

Contact Our Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis

Image generated by custom shortcode At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we understand the immense challenges victims face after a commercial truck accident. For over 40 years, we have been dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of injured individuals and their families.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure justice and rebuild your life. Serious injury isn’t one thing we do – it’s all we do. Let us be the advocates you need in this difficult time.