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Plainfield Truck Accident Lawyers
Request a Free ConsultationPlainfield 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 are injuries that impact your quality of life. These may include pain and suffering, loss of companionship, or trauma.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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