Plainfield Truck Accident Lawyers

Plainfield is a popular, growing community in the suburbs of Indianapolis and is known for being a great place to live and raise a family. However, due to Plainfield’s proximity to so many state highways and the airport, the city is sadly no stranger to truck accidents.

Truck accidents are traumatic events that often leave the victim injured, unable to work, and feeling helpless. But you’re not alone. If you or a loved one have been involved in a semi-truck crash, an experienced truck accident attorney at Wilson Kehoe Winingham can help you get fair and full compensation.

Truck Accidents in Plainfield, Indiana

Semi-trucks are an essential element of commerce in the U.S., but they are also a safety concern on our roads. In 2018, the latest data available, there were almost 500,000 trucking accidents in the U.S. Rural areas, such as those surrounding Plainfield, accounted for 57% of truck crashes in terms of location. In Indiana, truck accidents accounted for 10% of all traffic fatalities.

Find a Plainfield Truck Accident Attorney to Represent You

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, the 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.

Am I Required by Law to Hire an Attorney?

There is no law in Indiana that requires you to hire an attorney to file a claim. But if you choose to go it alone when pursuing a claim after an accident with a semi-truck, you are almost guaranteed to leave cash on the table. Why? Because trucking companies have teams of lawyers who toil away to prevent large payouts. Without knowing every type of claim you can make—something that only comes from experience—you are almost certain to miss details that the experienced truck accident lawyers at WKW would catch.

Determining Fault in a Plainfield Truck Accident Case

Though some clearly are, not all truck accidents are caused by driver error. In fact, the party held liable for the crash may not be anyone you’ve ever met or a company you’ve ever heard of.

Liability and Negligence

Investigating and analyzing the Plainfield, IN accident’s scene and details are key to filing any successful claim. Perhaps the truck was loaded improperly or was over the recommended weight. What if a part failed in the braking system? These types of examples are exactly why you want an experienced truck accident attorney on your side. Trucking accidents can be complex for those not familiar with them.

Possible Compensation for Your Plainfield Truck Accident

The main types of compensation granted following a truck accident are economic damages and non-economic damages. In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded, but only in cases where an act of “gross negligence” can be proven, such as driving while under the influence.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable damages you have incurred or lost due to the accident. Examples include medical expenses, loss of wages and/or loss of earning capacity, or property damage.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are injuries that impact your quality of life. These may include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, or trauma.

Trucking Insurance Coverage in Indiana

Truck owners and operators need to go beyond standard auto-type insurance policies for their vehicles. Trucks are more expensive and can cause significant damage, leading to trucking companies carrying various types of coverage:

• Indiana law requires every trucker or trucking company to carry primary liability insurance.
• It is recommended that truckers or trucking companies also carry liability insurance to protect against property damage and bodily injury, including delivery docks, other drivers, pedestrians, etc.
• Cargo insurance will protect against any damage that occurs to cargo while in transit.
• Environmental liability insurance is needed when trucks are carrying potentially hazardous or toxic cargo.

Differences Between Car Accidents and Trucking Accidents

Given the size and weight of the vehicle involved, trucking accidents are typically much more severe than car accidents. If a semi truck crashes into a car, especially at highway speeds, severe injuries, or even death, is not an uncommon result. Another difference when a truck is involved in an accident is that there are more potential parties who could be at fault—from the mechanic, to a safety inspector, to the team who loaded the cargo. It is essential to work with an experienced Plainfield truck accident lawyer if you or a loved one has been involved in a crash.

Common Injuries From Truck Accidents

Given the sheer size of an 18 wheeler, accidents involving these trucks tend to be more serious. Common injuries caused by semi truck accidents may 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

Types of Truck Accidents Common in Plainfield, IN

The volume of semi-trucks passing through the heartland of Indiana is significant, which means that the state, unfortunately, is home to semi-truck accidents. Common accidents involving 18 wheelers include the following.

• Head-on and rear-end collisions: Head-on accidents occur when large trucks collide with other vehicles head-on, and rear-end collisions describe crashes when large trucks drive over the back of another vehicle. Both types of collisions are incredibly dangerous, especially to those in smaller vehicle.
• Jackknife accidents: These accidents happen when trucks brake suddenly and their trailers swing out to a 90-degree angle. A jackknifing truck can easily overturn or roll over, causing a huge roadway danger.
• Blindspot accidents: Semi-trucks have sizable blind spots where the driver loses sight of other vehicles, and these blind spots are much more significant in size than with smaller vehicles.
• Roll-over accidents: If a truck driver loses control, the tractor-trailer can rollover, making both the truck and any cargo that escapes a hazard for other motorists on the road.
• Underride accidents: These are one of the deadliest types of truck accidents. They happen when trucks stop quickly and approaching vehicles get stuck under the tractor-trailer. The top of the smaller vehicle is often ripped off.
• Tire blowouts: It is common to see the remains of tire blowouts on major roadways in Indiana—shreds of back rubber on the shoulder or in the middle of a lane. The tires of any vehicle can blow out, but large commercial trucks are especially vulnerable to tire failure. This can hinder the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle and also present a road hazard to other drivers.

What Is My Truck Accident Settlement Worth?

It’s impossible for any truck accident lawyer to offer a ballpark value of your case without first learning more details and doing some investigation. The Plainfield, IN truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham will run a full investigation of your accident, leaving no stone unturned as to any potential causes and liable parties of the accident. Truck accidents often cause severe injuries, with higher dollar amounts at stake.

What Types of Damages Can I Receive?

Accidents involving semi-trucks are more complex than a simpler “fender bender” type car accident, and there is a long list of potentially liable parties. An experienced truck accident lawyer at WKW in Plainfield would pursue every avenue to determine who could be at fault. Semi-trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance to remain safe on our roads. They also need to be loaded properly or can become unstable. It is not uncommon for damages to be paid by a party who was nowhere near the scene of the accident but played a role in the crash through their actions.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Attorney Cost?

Don’t let the fear of not being able to afford a truck accident lawyer stop you from getting the help and guidance you need. Most truck accident and personal injury lawyers work on what is known as a contingency basis, meaning that there’s no up-front, out-of-pocket cost to you. Instead, when you are awarded your settlement, the lawyers receive a percentage of the money awarded. So not only does this alleviate the financial burden on the victim, but it also aligns the interests of both the client and lawyer to seek the maximum settlement.

Finding a Truck Accident Law Firm in Plainfield, IN You Can Trust

The main priority in selecting a lawyer to work with you is to find someone with relevant experience to your particular case. If you’ve been in a crash with an 18 wheeler, you want to work with a lawyer who is not new to this type of law. You need to have faith that they will pursue the maximum settlement possible. You also want to find someone with whom you have a good rapport, as the case may take a while to complete. Lastly, be wary of any attorney who asks for money upfront. Most truck accident lawyers will only accept a portion of the settlement amount as payment.

Wilson Kehoe Winingham: What to Expect Working With Our Firm

Wilson Kehoe Winingham offers a team of experienced truck accident attorneys who will give your case the attention it needs. Every accident is unique, so we limit the number of clients we accept to ensure that resources are available to get you the best outcome possible. We use the latest technology to support your case, including computer animation, medical imaging, and accident reconstruction, and we partner with top experts and industry professionals to reinforce your case. And while most truck accident cases end with a settlement, we have the litigation experience to take your case to trial if needed.

Reach Out to WKW for Legal Guidance in Plainfield Truck Accident Cases

The experienced truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham offer a no-obligation consultation, serving clients in Plainfield, IN, and the greater Indianapolis area. Since we work on a contingency basis, there is no out-of-pocket cost to you to hire professional help. Give us a call today at (317) 689-0654.