Evansville Truck Accident Lawyer

Trucks can be difficult to control on smaller roads, especially in the Midwest’s harsh weather conditions. Additionally, some trucking companies ignore safety regulations put in place to protect drivers. There are certain maintenance requirements and resting restrictions that keep the roads safe, but some companies might forego those rules in order to meet deadlines and protect profits.

If you or someone you know is injured in a truck accident in Evansville, Indiana at the fault of someone else, you may be eligible for compensation. The large size of trucks increases the danger of collisions, and the other driver is at the most risk. Taking the proper precautions can reduce the chances of getting into an accident, but some accidents are unpredictable. Hire an Evansville truck accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve after a truck crash.

Truck Accident Statistics

In May of 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released data regarding truck accidents in 2019. Across the U.S. 5,005 people died in large truck crashes in 2019. In Indiana, 140 people were killed in truck accidents. Evansville is situated at the crossroads of multiple interstates and sees daily heavy truck traffic.

These statistics are not just numbers, they represent individuals whose lives have been forever changed by a truck accident. Beyond the individuals, their families and friends have also likely been impacted by the crash. Don’t let the financial, emotional, and physical consequences of a truck accident ruin your life—pursue full and fair compensation for your suffering.

Reasons to Hire an Evansville Truck Accident Attorney

Similar to other auto accidents, truck accidents are often a result of multiple things going wrong at the same time. Maybe another driver is merging without a blinker while the truck driver gets a flat tire; or there’s a snowstorm late at night when a driver is already exhausted. Regardless of the circumstances of an accident, Indiana is an at-fault state, which means somebody will be assigned blame.

Hiring a truck accident lawyer in Evansville not only protects you from being blamed but also may result in financial compensation for the expenses incurred from your accident. Among other advantages, below are some of the things a good attorney can do for you.

Help With the Investigation

As soon as you hire an experienced truck accident attorney they can begin investigating the accident. One of the most important pieces of any vehicle crash case in Evansville is determining who was at fault; sometimes there is more than one person or entity who is responsible for the accident.

Some of the at-fault parties may include the following:

• The truck driver
• The owner of the trucking company
• The truck mechanic
• The truck manufacturer
• The company that owns the trailer
• The company that owns the product being transported

The number of parties involved in the trucking industry makes assigning fault a complex task. The sooner you hire an Evansville big rig accident lawyer, the more comprehensive their investigation can be.

Gathering and Presenting Evidence

During the investigation, the attorney will find a variety of things that could be essential to your truck accident claim. Proper documentation of this evidence is a necessary step to receive the full compensation amount from your settlement.

We know how to organize the information in an accessible manner and present it directly to the insurance company.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Along with emergency responders, insurance companies are typically one of the first entities contacted after a truck accident. Depending on whether or not the liable driver has insurance, their company will likely be responsible for paying your damages. The insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible without you realizing.

Anything that you say to an insurance company can help their case, especially if you are not fully prepared for the conversation. Let a member of the WKW team handle communication with the insurance company from beginning to end. We will make sure that the liable party is held accountable for their negligence by protecting you from lowball settlements and intimidation tactics.

Representation in Court

Although it’s relatively unusual, your truck accident claim could make its way all the way to a courtroom. If the insurance company will not provide a sufficient settlement to cover all of your expenses, it may be in your best interest to go in front of a judge.

Assuming the insurance company does not cooperate and refuses to settle, our firm will represent you and your case in court. Having experienced legal counsel can make a huge difference during a trial.

You Have More Time to Focus on Recovering

While all of the legal and insurance gears are in motion, you get to relax. Truck accidents can be physically, emotionally, and financially detrimental. Let us handle the many complexities so you can focus on your recovery. This means receiving the proper medical treatment and spending time around loved ones.

When you hire an Evansville truck accident lawyer from Wilson Kehoe Winingham, you remove a massive weight from your shoulders. And remember, our attorneys are paid on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only make money if you make money. When you come to us with a case, we take it on as our own.

What Causes Semi-Truck Accidents in Evansville, IN?

It’s impossible to predict every potential cause of a trucking accident, but there are certainly some factors that happen more frequently than others. Some of the common causes of semi-truck crashes in Evansville, Indiana include the following:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Tailgating
• Poorly maintained trucks
• Driving under unsafe conditions
• Driving while tired or exhausted
• Ignoring safety protocols

Trucking companies can also be held liable if they are not adhering to Indiana trucking laws. This could mean they are not inspecting their trucks, not training their drivers properly, or not running the correct background checks on employees.

What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?

Trucking accidents have the potential to be more serious than car accidents because of the sheer size and mass of a big rig. A car is not built for protection against a semi-truck. Here are some of the common injuries sustained from truck accidents in Evansville, Indiana:

• Back injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Loss of limbs
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal injuries
• Whiplash

It can sometimes be difficult to tell just how injured you are directly after a truck accident. You may not realize you have an injury until weeks or months later. To be safe, you should always get a medical examination as soon as possible following a truck accident—even if you don’t feel anything right away.

What Kind of Compensation Can Big Rig Accident Victims Receive?

The size and weight of semi-trucks mean they can cause serious damage in an accident. Beyond the potential injuries that may be sustained in an Evansville truck crash, you may also be responsible for the cost of vehicle repairs or property damage caused by the accident.

The truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham are prepared to fight for the following kinds of compensation:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Money for lost wages and benefits
• Additional benefits for physical, emotional, and mental pain and suffering

Big Truck Accident Settlement Process

After a semi-truck accident, the first thing you should do is receive the proper medical treatment. Once you are safe and taken care of, try to collect as much information as possible from witnesses and the other driver. File a police report and document any injuries or damage resulting from the accident.

This evidence will be essential in the truck accident claim you file to the insurance company. Depending on who is at fault and whether or not the other driver has insurance, you will either file with your insurance company or the other driver’s.

Hiring an experienced attorney to guide you through the claim process can ensure that you get a legitimate settlement for your injuries. They will help you collect evidence, make your claim, and continue communicating with involved parties while you focus on recovering. Just make sure you do everything within the deadlines.

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Truck Accidents

Truck accidents fall under the personal injury category of Indiana’s laws. Under Indiana Code section 34-11-2-4 victims of a truck accident are eligible to file a claim for up to two years after the crash. This allows a period of time for the victim to recover from any serious injuries or conditions if they are unable to pursue damages right away.

If possible, begin legal proceedings as soon as possible after the accident to get the most accurate information. People tend to forget a lot about what happened after time passes, especially if there is a head injury involved or the crash was not well-documented.

WKW: Indiana Law Firm With Knowledge and Experience

Here at Wilson Kehoe Winingham our attorneys use innovative technology to recreate your truck accident. Once we have a solid idea of what’s going on, we can provide the best possible care and attention to our client—you.

We limit the number of cases we take on simultaneously to ensure that we can dedicate the necessary time and resources to each and every one of our clients. We will prioritize you and your case until you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Evansville Truck Accident Lawyers Today

To get in touch with our experienced legal team you can call (317) 920-6400 or fill out the online contact form.