You’ll Need Compensation For Your Severe Truck Accident Injuries
The highways and roads of Indiana see heavy truck traffic daily as goods are transported across the state and country. While most truck drivers are safety-conscious professionals, the massive size and weight of semi trucks mean that truck accident collisions involving these vehicles can have catastrophic consequences.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a truck accident in Indiana, you may be facing life-altering damages, mounting medical bills, lost income and tremendous pain and suffering.
You’ll need to seek compensation from the negligent parties , and I can help. I’m attorney Paul D. Baugh, and I have over 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases. Whether you’re from Bloomington or any other part of south-central Indiana, allow a local attorney like me to evaluate your case, protect your right to compensation and fight for the full damages you deserve.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous?
Due to their immense size and weight, accidents involving semi trucks, 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles tend to be more severe than typical passenger vehicle collisions. The average driver will encounter these large vehicles on I-65 and the recently opened Interstate I-69. The two lane state highways in Indiana also present unique challenges with winding roads.
Some key factors that make truck accidents more hazardous and prone to cause serious injury include:
- Vulnerability of smaller vehicles: Cars, SUVs and pickups provide relatively little protection when struck by a truck weighing over 80,000 lbs.
- Longer stopping distances: Fully loaded tractor-trailers require 20-40% more distance to come to a complete stop than cars, increasing accident risks.
- Unsecured loads: Improperly secured cargo can shift during travel and cause trucks to jackknife, roll over or strike other vehicles with debris.
- Wide turning radiuses: The off-tracking motion of truck turning creates opportunities for collisions with other vehicles or fixed objects.
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving, slow reaction times and poor decision-making by truckers.
A combination of these factors and more could lead to a catastrophic collision, resulting in severe or fatal injuries. If you’re going to hold a truck driver responsible for your injuries, you’re going to have to prove their negligence. Trucking companies have aggressive insurance companies that don’t work in your favor so its important to have someone that will fight for you. Discuss your case with me, and I’ll use my years of experience in personal injury law to craft an approach for your claim that takes all of your injuries and suffering into consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
At the Law Offices of Paul D. Baugh, PC, I use my three decades of experience to provide answers and information to all of my clients. With that goal in mind, here are some of the questions I see most often regarding truck accidents – although the best way to learn more is to set up a consultation.
What should I do immediately after being involved in a truck accident in Indiana?
The first step is to contact the authorities. Take pictures of the scene. Exchange information with the other driver. Talk to the police and get a police report describing the accident. Do not leave the scene except to seek necessary medical attention.
How is liability determined in a truck accident case in Indiana?
Indiana uses a doctrine called comparative fault. This means that both drivers could have some responsibility. The court determines the percentage split – which could be 0/100 if only one party was negligent – and applies it to the damages.
What compensation can I seek after a truck accident in Indiana?
Compensation can address numerous different areas, starting with your medical bills if you – or family members in the car with you – suffered injuries. You also want to consider the cost of long-term healthcare needs like surgery, physical rehabilitation, in-home care and more. Finally, you can seek compensation for lost earning potential, loss of enjoyment in life or pain and suffering.
How does Indiana’s statute of limitations affect my truck accident claim?
Indiana has a two-year statute of limitations on truck accident cases, along with other auto accidents. This is why it’s important to consider your legal options quickly. If you wait too long, even if you have a valid claim, you may no longer be able to seek compensation.
What makes truck accident cases more complex than regular car accidents?
One of the reasons that truck accidents are more complex is because companies are involved, not just drivers. You may be able to seek compensation from the driver, of course, if they were responsible for the crash. But you also may be able to sue the trucking company if it was liable – perhaps the company didn’t train drivers properly or allowed them to use dangerous and poorly maintained vehicles, for instance. The company’s insurance company will then get involved, further complicating matters.
Let’s Discuss Your Truck Accident And How I Can Secure Compensation
Call Law Offices of Paul D. Baugh, PC, today at 812-727-7013 or send me an email to start legal action.