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.

Image generated by custom shortcode 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.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 54% of all fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas, 26% occurred on Interstate highways, and 12% fell into both categories by occurring on rural Interstate highways. These statistics show us the widespread nature of commercial truck accidents and prove the importance of understanding which are the exact causes to take legal action.

Overall, these are the most common factors leading to truck accidents:

Driver Negligence

  • Distracted driving, such as using a cell phone or engaging in other distractions while driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Fatigue or drowsy driving, with drivers failing to take mandatory rest breaks
  • Speeding and failure to slow down in poor weather conditions
  • Following other vehicles too closely

Truck Maintenance and Equipment Issues

  • Defective or poorly maintained truck parts and equipment
  • Improper loading or securing of cargo

External Factors

  • Negligence of other drivers on the road, such as unsafe lane changes or merging
  • Poor road conditions or maintenance by government agencies and contractors

By recognizing the various factors that contribute to these incidents, we can better prepare to navigate the legal landscape and secure fair compensation to cover your damages and pay for your medical bills.

Steps to Take Following an Indianapolis Trucking Collision

To protect your legal rights after a commercial truck collision, we recommend following these steps:

  1. Ensure safety: Guide on prioritizing safety by moving to a safe location and seeking medical attention if necessary.
  2. Get medical care: Even if you feel fine, see a doctor immediately. Some injuries may not be apparent right away and it’s important to have a medical record to build a strong case.
  3. Report the accident: Advice on reporting the accident to law enforcement and obtaining relevant information from the scene.
  4. Document evidence: Stress the importance of documenting evidence such as photos, witness statements, and medical records.
  5. Preserve evidence: Provide guidance on preserving evidence, including not repairing the vehicle or deleting electronic records.
  6. Contact a lawyer at Christie Farrell & Lee Bell: Contact our personal injury lawyers as soon as you can to protect legal rights and navigate the claims process with confidence. We will provide honest advice on the best course of action, making sure you understand every step of the process.

Securing Compensation for Harm Caused by Commercial Truck Collisions

We know that securing the compensation you deserve is essential for covering medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, but navigating the legal process can be complex for any victim of a truck accident. In such circumstances, we are committed to guiding you through every step of this process, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

Types of Damages Recoverable

After suffering a commercial truck accident, various types of damages can be recovered to address the full scope of your losses, including:

  • Economic damages: These include tangible costs such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and legal fees. Economic damages aim to compensate for the direct financial impact of the accident.
  • Non-economic damages: Compensation for non-monetary impacts such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. These damages recognize the profound personal toll an accident can take.
  • Wrongful death damages: In cases where the accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family can pursue wrongful death damages. These cover funeral expenses, loss of income, and the emotional suffering associated with losing a loved one.
  • Punitive damages: In instances of egregious misconduct, such as reckless driving or gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

It’s our job to assess all the damages related to accidents, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Contact Our Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis For A Free Consultation – Fighting For The Injured For Over 40 Years

Serious injury isn’t one thing we do – it’s all we do.

If you are unfortunately dealing with the consequences of an accident that wasn’t your fault, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with us to discuss the details of your case and explore your legal options. Contact us today to get the expert support and representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve.