Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Indianapolis, IN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Indianapolis, Indiana?

  You can call the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department non-emergency hotline at 317-327-3811.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Indianapolis, Indiana?

  You can purchase a copy of your police report in person by visiting Room E100 of the City-County Building. You can also submit a request by mailing a self-addressed and stamped envelope together with your request to 50 N. Alabama St. E100 Indianapolis, IN 46204. Physical copies of incident reports cost $5 per page.

• How long do you have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Indianapolis?

  Under State law, you strictly have two years to file a lawsuit or personal injury claim after the date of the truck accident in Indiana. If you fail to meet this deadline, you may lose your chance to recover compensation for your injuries and losses following the truck accident in Indianapolis.

• What are the most dangerous intersections and roadways for trucks and other motor vehicles in Indianapolis?

  Some of the most dangerous Indianapolis intersections and roadways for motor vehicles include:

  • West 86th Street, between Michigan and Harcourt Roads
  • West 34th and 38th Streets, between Moller Road west to I-465
  • West 38th Street, from Boulevard Place to Meridian Street
  • East 38th Street, from the State Fairgrounds to Sherman Avenue
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Street, between 25th and 30th Streets
  • Meridian and Illinois Streets, between 14th and 34th Streets

• What types of compensation can you claim after a truck accident in Indianapolis?

  If you have been injured in a truck accident in Indianapolis, you can recover compensation for your past and current medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and emotional pain and suffering. You can also receive settlements for burial and funeral costs, loss of consortium, and loss of inheritance if you lost a loved one in a truck accident.

• How does the court determine the worth of a truck accident case in Indianapolis?

  Your case worth following a truck accident in Indianapolis is determined depending on the injuries you suffered, your required medical treatment, and the duration of your recovery. Special damages, which include health-related costs, are easier to value than general damages, which include emotional anguish, psychological trauma, and other subjective injuries.

• Who can you sue if you have been in a car accident involving a tractor-trailer in Indianapolis?

  You can file a lawsuit against the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, and the company responsible for truck maintenance if you have suffered injuries and property losses after an accident in Indianapolis. Your lawyer will be tasked with proving the liability of these parties.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.