18-Wheeler and Semi Truck Accident Lawyers in Carmel, Indiana

Carmel, Indiana is located just north of Indianapolis in Hamilton County. The suburban city has received many accolades including being named a “Best Place to Live in America” by Money magazine. A thriving park system and an abundance of corporate headquarters has helped drive the population to over 100,000.

With that many residents and interstate highways nearby, Carmel is unfortunately also home to semi-truck accidents. If you have been involved in a semi-truck crash, an experienced truck accident attorney at Wilson Kehoe Winingham can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Carmel Truck Accident Statistics

In 2018, the latest data available, there were almost 500,000 trucking accidents in the U.S. rural areas, such as that surrounding Carmel, accounted for 57% of truck crashes in terms of location.

Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Carmel, Indiana

Just like with car accidents, many factors can play a role in a truck accident, but the actions of the truck driver often have an impact. Causes of truck accidents may include:

• Distracted driving, such as cell phone use
• Driving while drinking or on drugs
• Driving while fatigued
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Failure to yield
• Poor driving while in reverse gear
• Not leaving enough distance between vehicles
• Faulty vehicle parts

Types of Injuries Commonly Sustained in a Semi-Truck Accident

Not surprisingly, injuries from a truck accident can be severe, even deadly. Injuries often sustained in a truck accident include:

• Loss of limb or amputation
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury or paralysis
• Neck and shoulder injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns, cuts and bruises
• Disfiguration
• Fatalities

What to Do if You Were Involved in a Truck Accident in Carmel, IN

Accidents are scary. Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be terrifying. Following an accident, if you’re not seriously injured, do the following:

1. Safety first. Get yourself and any others out of traffic and harm’s way. The only exception to this is if someone is so seriously injured that moving them could worsen their condition.
2. Call the authorities. If there are serious injuries, dial 911 for an ambulance.
3. Exchange information with the other driver(s). With the truck driver, be sure to get their personal information but also the trucking company’s name and insurance information.
4. Document the scene. Take photos (and consider also doing videos) of not only the collision itself but also the road, road conditions, and the surrounding area.
5. Get checked out medically. Even if you feel ok, it’s important to have an assessment on file in case health issues crop up later.
6. Seek legal guidance. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney at Wilson Kehoe Winingham to help you through the upcoming legal process.

Emergency Contacts for Truck Accidents in Carmel, IN

Emergency Police or Ambulance: 911

City of Carmel Police Department: (317) 571-2580

City of Carmel Fire Department: (317) 773-1282

IU Health North Hospital: (317) 688-2000

Ascension St. Vincent Hospital: (317) 582-7000

Franciscan Health: (317) 705-4500

Determining Liability and Negligent Party in a Truck Accident Case

Though some clearly are, not all truck accidents are caused by driver error. In fact, the liable party may not be anyone you’ve ever met or a company you’ve ever heard of. Perhaps the truck was loaded improperly or was over the recommended weight. What if a part failed in the braking system? These sorts of examples are exactly why you want an experienced truck accident attorney on your side.

Types of Damages and Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Damages from truck accidents generally fall into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

• Economic damages are losses sustained due to the accident with a set dollar amount attached to them, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages.
• Non-economic damages are losses that affect your quality of life but are not items that have a direct monetary value. These can include loss of companionship, pain and suffering, trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In rare cases, punitive damages may also be sought, but you must prove “gross negligence” to receive this type of damages.

Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Carmel, IN

At Wilson Kehoe Winingham, we have years of experience with truck accident claims in the Carmel area. We work to get full and fair compensation for each of our clients as we negotiate with what is often a full team of attorneys on the other side pushing for a fast settlement. We’ll investigate to determine every potential liable party involved in the crash.

Gathering Evidence for a Truck Accident Case

Truck accidents can be devastating given the size of 18-wheelers. It’s almost always the driver and any passengers who fare the worst with either injuries or property damage. Gathering evidence after an accident is crucial in showing liability to gain compensation. We’ve already discussed taking photos after an accident and there will be a police report filed, but there are additional items an experienced truck accident attorney will pursue. These can include:

• Drug and alcohol texts
• Driving logs to see how many hours a driver had been working
• Personnel files to review driving history
• Truck inspection reports
• Docking and cargo weight reports

Negotiating a Truck Accident Settlement

Seeking compensation following an accident with a semi-truck is very different than the aftermath of a fender bender. Injuries and property damage tend to be much more due mainly to the sheer size of an 18-wheeler. Trucking companies generally have teams of lawyers working for them with the goal of paying out the least compensation as possible. The experienced lawyers at WKW have worked with these circumstances and won’t be pushed into a quick settlement to make it all go away. If a settlement can’t be reached, our attorneys have what it takes to see your case through trial.

How a Carmel Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case

If you choose to pursue a claim after an accident with a semi-truck without an lawyer, you are almost guaranteed to leave cash on the table. Why? Because trucking companies have teams of lawyers who toil away to prevent payouts of fair compensation. Without knowing every type of claim you can make, which only comes from experience, you are almost certain to miss something that the experienced truck accident lawyers at WKW would catch.

What to Look for When Choosing a Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case

The importance of working with a lawyer experienced in truck accident law cannot be overstated. There are many factors that are relevant only to semi-truck related crashes, so you want to make sure you have a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of these proceedings. When considering who to work with, most qualified, experienced attorneys in this area will work on a contingency basis. This means that there’s no up-front cost to you and the attorney only gets paid if you are awarded a settlement. Be wary of any attorney asking for cash in advance.

Let Us Recover Your Compensation: What to Expect When Working with WKW

At Wilson Kehoe Winingham, we’re here to help so you can focus on healing. After a semi-truck accident, the last thing you need is more on your plate. As medical bills pile up and anxiety builds about not being able to work, let us work with you step by step to gain the compensation you deserve. We will take the lead on negotiating with adjusters at the appropriate time on a schedule that’s most beneficial to you, not the trucking company attorneys who will want to wrap things up as soon as possible.

Statute of Limitations for Semi Truck Accidents in Indiana

Indiana Statute 34-11-2-4 states a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury suits, meaning you have two years to file a claim. This time period starts the day of the accident.

Reach Out to Carmel Truck Accident Lawyers at WKW for a Free Consultation

The Carmel truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham are here for you. While you focus on healing, we’ll have your interests at the forefront as we negotiate for the best settlement possible. Our free, no-obligation consultation provides an opportunity to see how we can help. Call our office today to learn more at (317) 689-0654.

What Are The Hours of Service Regulations?

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which has the following Hours of Service regulations to help ensure safety:

• Drivers may not work more than 14 hours per day
• Drivers must take meal breaks or rest for a minimum of 3 hours per day
• At the end of a work day, a driver must take off 10 consecutive hours
• It is required that drivers have days off at regular intervals

How much does a semi-truck weigh compared to a passenger vehicle?

A fully weighted semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Considering that the average car and SUV weigh between 3,000 to 6,000 pounds, you can see why trucking accidents can result is such serious injuries.

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