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

Greenwood, Indiana is located in Johnson County, just 15 minutes south of Indianapolis. Known for its sense of community and the state’s great Hoosier hospitality, it’s a welcoming place. Greenwood is one of Indiana’s fastest cities with a population increase of 20% in the past decade.

Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in Greenwood and Johnson County?

Located between State Road 37 and Interstate 65, Greenwood is unfortunately perfectly situated to be home to semi truck accidents, which occur most frequently on our highways in rural areas.

Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Greenwood, IN

Truck accidents in and near Greenwood may have many different causes. Frequently, but not always, driver error plays a role. Common causes of trucking accidents in Greenwood include:

• Driving under the influence (drinking or drugs)
• Driving while fatigued
• Driving poorly while in reverse
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Driving too closely to traffic in front
• Failure to yield
• Truck poorly loaded or overloaded
• Mechanical failure (brakes, etc.)

Common Types of Semi-Truck Accident Injuries

Just given the size of an 18 wheeler, it’s no surprise that truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. A fully-loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and cause serious damage. Injuries that frequently occur in semi accidents include:

• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Loss of limb or amputation
• Brain trauma
• Broken bones
• Neck and shoulder injuries
• Burns and laceration
• Disfigurement
• Plus, fatalities

What to Do if You Were Involved in a Semi-Truck Accident in Greenwood, IN

Being involved in a semi truck accident is terrifying. If you are involved in a crash, there are certain steps you should take immediately after, both for your own well-being and also to help your odds of claiming a settlement later.

First, if you are not severely injured, move to safety, out of the way of traffic. Also move any passengers and your vehicle out of the path of traffic if possible. The only exception to this rule is if someone is injured to the point where moving them could worsen their condition.

Next, call the authorities. If you or another person involved needs an ambulance, dial 911. Stay on the scene so an accident report can be completed.

Document the accident scene by taking photos with your phone. Include any property damage to your car, injuries, and photos of the area surrounding the scene, including road conditions and setting.

Get checked out by a doctor. You’ll want a medical record on file in case conditions crop up or worsen later, not matter how you feel immediately after the crash.

Then hire an attorney. Truck accidents are more complicated than a simple fender bender. Having an experienced truck accident attorney from WKW can help you get a full and fair settlement.

Emergency Contacts in Greenwood, IN

Police, fire, or ambulance: 911

Greenwood Police Department (317) 882-9191

Greenwood Fire Department headquarters: (317) 882-2599

Community Hospital south (317) 887-7000

Saint Francis Hospital and Health Center south campus: (317) 528-5000

Community Rehabilitation Hospital south: (317) 215-3800

Community Spine Center south: (317) 497-2100

Determining Negligent Party in a Truck Accident Case

Cases involving an accident with an 18 wheeler are more complicated than a car-on-car crash. When a semi truck is involved, there are many other factors to consider when determining fault. Obviously, the actions of the driver will be considered. But beyond that, blame could lie with a person or company you’ve never even heard of if the truck was overloaded or if there was a brake failure. An experienced Greenwood truck accident lawyer at WKW will know to dig deep and uncover any potentially liable parties.

Types of Damages and Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Compensation is awarded to victims in truck accidents in order to make them financially whole. Most claims will seek out both economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include items such as property damage, medical bills, lost earnings, and lost wages due to an inability to work following the accident

Non-economic damages are harder to put a price tag on. They include pain and suffering, trauma, loss of companionship, and mental anguish.

It’s not as common to pursue what are known as punitive damages following a truck accident as you must show malicious intent.

Filing a Semi-Truck Accident Claim in Greenwood, IN

Making a claim involving a semi truck is a complicated process, mainly because most trucking companies are large enough to employ a team of attorneys who only do one thing: work to reduce payouts. The lawyers at WKW are experienced in every step of the process of filing a claim to reach a full and fair settlement.

Gathering Evidence for a Semi-Truck Accident Case

Available evidence is one way that a semi truck accident truly varies from a more typical car crash. Experienced attorneys will know that there are additional avenues to pursue for both evidence and potential liable parties. Your lawyer will consider the following for potential evidence:

• Driving logs
• Personnel file of the driver
• A “black box” from the truck, if applicable
• Loading dock records
• Maintenance files
• Driver’s qualifications

Negotiating a Truck Accident Settlement

Given the likely severity of a truck accident, there is a lot at stake in pursuing a claim. The experienced Greenwood truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham know how to navigate the waters to get the best settlement possible. Trucking companies will have a team of lawyers working for them with the goal of reaching the lowest settlement amount possible. Many victims who go it alone take the first offer made, which an experienced lawyer would not do. Our lawyers know that negotiation is a learned skill and that your future livelihood is at stake.

How a Greenwood Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case

While anyone can pursue damages on their own following a truck accident, we definitely recommend you work with an experienced lawyer. A WKW lawyer who has worked on numerous truck accidents will know how to pursue the best settlement possible. Whether it’s uncovering evidence you would not know to seek out or pursuing multiple parties for claims, you will almost certainly miss out on thousands of dollars if you choose to go it alone.

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

The aftermath of a truck accident is stressful and possibly traumatic and life-changing. While you need to focus on healing, there are so many other things to think about. But you shouldn’t have to worry about securing compensation. Working with a lawyer experienced in trucking accidents is key to getting a fair payout. While most cases end in a settlement, you’ll also want a lawyer who can take your case all the way to trial if needed. Lastly, most lawyers don’t ask for cash up front to take on a personal injury suit, so be wary of anyone with that request.

Let Us Pursue Your Compensation: What Can You Expect when Working with WKW?

The stress of a truck accident can take a toll on both your physical and mental wellbeing. Hiring an experienced Greenwood truck accident attorney at WKW can help ease your stress. We will listen to your story and review any evidence you gathered at the scene. But we’ll go way beyond that. We work with experts in the field to re-create the accident scene with the latest technology and computer animation. WKW also limits the number of clients we take on so you know your case will get the attention it needs and deserves. Lastly, we have the experience to take your case to trial if a settlement can’t be reached.

Statute of Limitations for Semi-Truck Accidents in Indiana

As per Indiana State Statute 34-11-2-4, you must file a claim within two years of the date of the accident.

How long is a truck driver allowed to drive without stopping?

Given the size of a semi-truck, avoiding driver fatigue, which could lead to truck accidents, is vital. Driver hours are regulated nationally by the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration.

Truck drivers may not drive beyond the 14th hour of coming on duty. They are not allowed to drive again until after a 10-hour break. Following the 10-hour break, a driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour period. Rules also limit a driver to 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days.

How does winter weather contribute to truck accidents?

Truck accidents occur most often in winter. A fully-loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Trying to stop a semi requires more space than a car and wet or snowy conditions only increase the distance needed. High winds, a common occurrence across the central U.S., can also be difficult to maneuver in, leading trucks to drift between lanes and even get blown over either on or off the road.

Reach Out to Experienced Greenwood Truck Accident Lawyers at WKW for a Consultation

Your life will likely be turned upside-down following a truck accident. The last thing you need to worry about is the legal aspects of the crash. Working with an experienced truck accident attorney at Wilson Kehoe Winingham will relieve the stress and allow you to focus on getting yourself and loved ones feeling better. And with our no-obligation, free consultation, why not reach out today? Call us at (317) 576-3859.

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