Fatal Truck Accidents

Large commercial trucks—semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and others—are common on roadways in rural Indiana and across interstate highways. Unfortunately, when these vehicles are involved in a collision with a passenger vehicle, the results are often deadly.

The loss of a loved one in a truck accident is devastating for the victim’s family, friends, and community. When the crash was caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of another person, it is even more traumatic because surviving family members know that someone else’s actions caused their loved one’s death.

While you are grieving, medical bills may be piling up, or you may be worried about how you will pay for expenses with the loss of your loved one’s financial support. No amount of money can bring back your family member, but you deserve to get compensated for the financial losses you have experienced.

If your family has suffered from a loss, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the guilty party. But the idea of managing the paperwork, fighting insurance companies, negotiating settlement offers, and preparing for the courtroom without help is overwhelming.

That’s where we come in.

The fatal truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham are here to be your advocate every step of the way. We have experience in both truck accident cases and wrongful death lawsuits, so the attorneys at WKW are prepared to help you build a strong truck accident case and pursue compensation for your damages.

Why Truck Accidents Cause Fatalities

The size and weight disparity between large commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means that crashes frequently lead to fatalities.

Semi-trucks have difficulty slowing down to avoid accidents. If, for example, a truck is going 55 mph and has a gross weight of up to 80,000 pounds, it has a stopping distance of about 100 yards. And, after the truck driver steps on the brake, it takes a full second for the braking system to activate.

These factors all contribute to the fatal nature of truck accidents.

When to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Fatal Crash

If someone’s negligence, recklessness, or misconduct led to the death of another person, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Wrongful death claims are extremely complicated. It’s in your best interest to find a qualified fatal truck accident lawyer to investigate the accident, determine who was responsible, and calculate the damages you and your family have suffered.

Who Can Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim

In Indiana, wrongful death lawsuits can only be filed by certain family members or personal representatives of the deceased person’s estate. Depending on the situation, a spouse, adult children, dependent children, or parents or legal guardians may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

An Indiana fatal truck accident attorney can help you understand if you are eligible to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Determining Fault in Fatal Truck Accidents

There are many parties at play in large commercial truck accidents, some of which include the following:

• Driver operating the vehicle
• Trucking company that employs the driver
• Cargo company that loaded the truck
• Manufacturers of the truck or its parts
• Maintenance workers responsible for repairing the truck

One or more of these parties could be held responsible for a fatal truck crash. Your attorney will conduct a thorough accident investigation and closely analyze the evidence to determine who acted negligently and caused the collision.

Fatal Truck Accident Compensation

The sudden death of a cherished loved one can lead to financial stress for surviving family members. These expenses can take many forms:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering (both of the deceased before death as well as that of surviving loved ones)
• Loss of financial resources (wages, health insurance, benefits, future retirement pensions, etc.)
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral, burial, or cremation expenses

While compensation does not make up for the loss of a family member, it can ease some of the financial burden on survivors. A successful wrongful death claim may be able to cover some or all of these damages.

How a Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

After a deadly collision, you and your loved ones shouldn’t have to worry about how you are going to pay for funeral expenses or what to say to a trucking company’s insurance representatives. You deserve to take the time you need to deal with the emotional trauma of losing a beloved family member. We’ll take care of the rest.

A fatal truck accident attorney can help you throughout the lawsuit process. We will handle communications with insurance companies, negotiate a fair settlement, and act as your advocate in the courtroom.

Don’t go through this alone. Let the experienced lawyers at WKW serve as your legal guide.

Contact a Fatal Truck Accident Attorney Today

Our firm has extensive experience with cases involving devastating crashes. If your loved one was killed in a tragic truck accident, contact the Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you and your family fight for the compensation you deserve, and we’ll be there for you every step of the way.

Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.