An 18-wheeler accident can cause devastating injuries in a matter of seconds. The size and weight of commercial trucks can make these crashes especially dangerous for people in passenger vehicles.
Victims may face extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and lasting physical and financial consequences.
If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers can help you pursue compensation from the responsible parties.
Contact us at (317) 920-6400 to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis 18-wheeler accident lawyer.
How Can Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers Help After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Indianapolis?
18-wheeler accident claims can be more complicated than typical car accident cases in Indianapolis, IN. Multiple companies may be involved, and important evidence may be controlled by the trucking company or other parties.
At Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers, our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers can:
- Investigate how the 18-wheeler accident occurred
- Obtain driver logs, inspection reports, and maintenance records
- Review electronic logging device and vehicle data
- Preserve photographs, videos, and physical evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists when appropriate
- Identify all potentially responsible parties
- Document your injuries and financial losses
- Handle communications with trucking companies and insurers
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Take your case to court when necessary
With 124 years of combined experience, our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys understand the issues that can arise in complex commercial truck accident claims. Contact us today for a free case review.
What Causes 18-Wheeler Accidents in Indianapolis?
18-wheelers spend long hours on busy highways and city streets, including major routes in Indianapolis, such as I-65, I-69, I-70, and I-465. Driver mistakes, unsafe trucking practices, and mechanical problems can all contribute to serious crashes.
Common causes of 18-wheeler accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Impaired driving
- Inadequate driver training
- Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
- Brake or tire failures
- Poor truck maintenance
- Hours-of-service violations
- Dangerous weather or road conditions
Sometimes, several factors contribute to the same crash. An Indianapolis truck accident attorney can thoroughly investigate to determine what happened and whether a driver, trucking company, or another party was negligent.
Who May Be Liable for an Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Accident?
More than one party may be liable for an 18-wheeler accident. Responsibility depends on what caused the crash and on the relationships among the driver, the trucking company, the vehicle owner, and other businesses involved.
Depending on the facts, potentially liable parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck or trailer owner
- A maintenance or repair provider
- A cargo loading company
- A truck or parts manufacturer
- Another driver whose negligence contributed to the crash
For example, a trucking company may be responsible for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices. A maintenance company could be liable if careless repairs contributed to a mechanical failure. Identifying every responsible party can be important when pursuing compensation after a serious truck accident.
What Compensation Can I Recover After an 18-Wheeler Accident?
If another party caused your 18-wheeler accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the financial and personal effects of your injuries.
Depending on your case, damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of an 18-wheeler accident claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, your expected recovery, your medical costs, how the injuries affect your ability to work, available insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence establishing fault.
What if I Am Partly Responsible for an Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Accident?
You may still be able to recover compensation if you share some responsibility for an 18-wheeler accident. Indiana generally follows a modified comparative fault rule.
Under Indiana law, an injured person can typically recover damages when their percentage of fault is 50% or less. However, their compensation is usually reduced according to their share of responsibility.
For example, if you are found 20% responsible for an accident, your damages would likely be reduced by 20%. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you likely cannot recover damages from the other party.
Because trucking companies and insurers may dispute fault, evidence such as crash reports, photographs, video footage, vehicle data, and witness statements can be important.
How Long Do I Have to File an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
In most cases, Indiana gives an injured person two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing the applicable deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation through the courts.
Different deadlines or procedural requirements can apply in certain cases, particularly when a government entity is involved. You should therefore avoid assuming that you have the full two years to act.
Starting an investigation promptly can also help preserve evidence, including driver logs, electronic vehicle data, maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness information.
Contact Our Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
An 18-wheeler accident can leave you facing serious injuries, expensive medical care, and questions about who should be held responsible. Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers can investigate the crash, identify potentially liable parties, and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
With 124 years of combined experience, our legal team is prepared to handle complex commercial truck accident claims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis 18-wheeler accident attorney.