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

Zionsville, Indiana is a desirable place to live, as proven by its continued growth. Located in Boone County just north of Indianapolis, the town has reached nearly 30,000 in population. Zionsville is proud of its small-town character while also having access to amenities in nearby Indianapolis.

Zionsville Truck Accident Statistics

A growing population means more vehicles on the road, and with that, more trucking accidents on Zion’s nearby interstates and highways. In 2018, the latest data available, there were almost 500,000 trucking accidents in the U.S. Rural areas, such as that surrounding Zionsville, accounted for 57% of truck crashes in terms of location.

Build Your Case with a Zionsville, IN Truck Crash Lawyer

If you are involved in a trucking accident in or near Zionsville, you want a lawyer with local experience to help you get the best settlement possible. The experienced truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham will work to build a solid case for you, outlining what the damages are and which parties are liable.

Negligent Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Zionsville, IN

Semi-truck accidents are more complex than a more typical two-car crash. While there are many more things that can go wrong to bring about a truck accident, as with car accidents, driver error often plays a role.

Truck driver negligence often includes:

• Driving while on drugs or under the influent of alcohol
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Driving too closely behind another vehicle
• Failure to yield
• Driving while fatigued
• General hazardous driving or dangerous maneuvers

Other negligent causes of a truck accident might be:

• Improper loading of cargo
• Overloading of cargo
• Mechanical failure, such as brakes
• Inadequate driver training and testing

Common Types of Injuries Sustained in a Semi-Truck Accident

Given the sheer size of 18 wheelers, it is not surprising that truck accidents can result in severe and often chronic injuries. And it is almost always the people in the passenger vehicle who fare the worst given that they’re in the more vulnerable position. This is one reason why working with an experienced truck accident lawyer at WKW can help you through this trauma to get a full and fair settlement. Common injuries sustained from trucking accidents include:

• Disfigurement and amputation
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Brain injuries
• Shoulder and neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Lacerations, burns, and bruising
• Internal organ damage

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

Being involved in a truck accident is terrifying. Injuries could be significant and there may even be a fatality. It’s hard to know what to do immediately following an accident so we’ve outlined some steps here:

1. Try to remain calm and get to safety. Move yourself and others out of both traffic and harm’s way. The only exception to this is if a victim is injured severely enough that moving them could worsen their condition.
2. Call the authorities. Dial 911 if an ambulance is needed on the scene. Police or state patrol will arrive to document what happened and help as needed.
3. Exchange information with the other driver(s), including license, insurance information, and any relevant info on the trucking company. If there are witnesses around, gather their information too.
4. Document the accident. Take photos of both property damage (the vehicles involved), any injuries, the surrounding scene, road conditions, and any signage or other road elements.
5. Get a medical checkup. Even if you’re feeling okay, it’s important to get a medical examination for future reference on a claim.
6. Hire a lawyer. Working with an experienced truck accident attorney at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Emergency Contacts for Truck Accidents in Zionsville, IN

Emergency police or ambulance: 911

Zionsville Police Department: (317) 873-5967

Zionsville Fire Department: (317) 873-3344

Zionsville Medical Center: (317) 873-1200

Riverview Health Emergency Room and Urgent Care: (317) 764-5050

Indiana Spine Group: (317) 428-5044

Importance of Receiving Medical Care After a Truck Accident

If you are severely injured in a truck accident, chances are you were taken by ambulance to a hospital. But even if you don’t feel bad after a truck accident, it is important to get a medical checkup as soon as possible. This will not only protect you by finding an injury or damage you hadn’t noticed but will also be a record to rely on if your condition worsens when you are seeking a claim.

Types of Damages and Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Financial settlements following truck accidents can be significant. The claims mainly fall into two categories, economic damages, and non-economic damages.

Economic damages general can have a “receipt” attributed to them and often include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages if you’re unable to work following an accident
• Future lost earnings if the accident causes lasting damage impacting future prospects
• Property damage, such as your vehicle

Non-economic damages don’t have a set dollar amount but are often included in settlements:

• Pain and suffering
• Trauma and fear
• Loss of companionship
• Lower quality of life following an accident

Determining Liability and Negligent Party in a Truck Accident Case

The experienced truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham will work tirelessly to determine who is liable for the trucking accident. Their years of experience guide them in knowing what to dig for to help your claim. It could be that a liable party is someone you’ve never even heard of. Perhaps the cargo was overloaded before the driver was even in the picture. This is why working with a seasoned lawyer will help your case.

How Trucking Companies Will Avoid Paying for Damages in an Accident

One significant difference between a truck accident from a car accident is that with a car accident, the other party is a person like you. With a truck accident, it’s you against a corporate team of attorneys getting paid to minimize settlement amounts. If you choose to go it alone without an experienced lawyer, you are almost certain to leave money on the table. The trucking company will throw out a lowball number, hoping to get the victim to accept as it may sound like a lot. But in truth, they’re just trying to get the case settled before a lawyer is hired who knows what a fair settlement really is. To the trucking company, you’re just a number. To WKW, you’re our client and we’ll fight for you.

Filing a Semi-Truck Accident Claim in Zionsville, IN

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Zionsville, lawyers at WKW are here to help. Filing a claim is more complicated than in a typical fender bender, mainly because most trucking companies have a team of lawyers who will fight to reduce their payout amount every step of the way. Our truck accident lawyers have the experience it takes to know how to pursue the most compensation possible for your case.

Benefits of Working with a Zionsville Truck Accident Lawyer

Working with a lawyer who has experience with truck accidents is the most important decision you can make in pursuing a claim. You don’t want to hire a general practitioner who has a vague knowledge of truck accident cases. You want a lawyer who has been in the trenches. The lawyers at WKW have helped many victims secure significant claims. We know the Zionsville area and are local to help in any way.

Gathering Evidence for a Semi-Truck Accident Case

As discussed above, documenting the aftermath of a truck accident by taking photos of the vehicles involved and the surrounding area is important. But that will only be the starting point for an experienced truck accident lawyer at WKW. There’s much more to uncover.

It’s possible that there are multiple people or companies at fault. We will look at driving logs, personnel files, loading dock records, vehicle maintenance files, and anything else that could possibly be relevant. Some modern 18 wheelers have the equivalent of the “black box” you hear of in plane crashes, so if applicable, we would work to secure any information that could reveal.

Negotiating a Truck Accident Settlement

Trucking companies have the advantage of a team of lawyers who mainly work on negotiating settlements. That could give them an edge unless you have an experienced lawyer who has done this before many times. You are likely to get shortchanged if you handle your case alone. Some lawyers will take advantage of your inexperience and offer a very low settlement.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing a Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case?

Experience relevant to your case is the most important consideration in choosing a lawyer to work with. You’ll also want someone with whom you have a good rapport and who listens. You will likely be going through hardships following your accident, so having someone with whom you’re comfortable and that you trust are important.

What to Expect When Working with WKW

The truck accident lawyers at Wilson Kehoe Winingham are experienced at both getting significant settlements and taking cases to trial if needed. We limit the number of cases we accept so we can focus on you. We’re local and available to meet when and where you choose. WKW lawyers partner with industry leaders in accident recreation and animation technology. And we work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if you receive a settlement, so there’s no upfront cost to you.

Statute of Limitations for Semi-Truck Accidents in Indiana

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

Reach Out to WKW for Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Zionsville Today

If you’ve been in a truck accident in or near Zionsville, the lawyers at WKW are here to help so you can focus on healing. Truck accidents are traumatic and having an experienced partner alongside you can help ease some of your burden. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so why not reach out today? You can also call us at (317) 576-3859.

Is it possible to file a truck accident claim with no attorney? Is it a good idea?

Yes, any individual may file a claim on their own, but we do recommend that you work with a truck accident lawyer. Why? In a word, experience. The experienced truck accident lawyers at WKW will have the knowledge of who could be held liable in your accident, how insurance adjusters will lowball victims, and we have the negotiating skills to get you full and fair compensation. Don’t leave money on the table that an experienced lawyer would have uncovered on your behalf.

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

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration. Their Hours-of-Service rules state that any truck driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after a 10-hour break, or 14 hours from the start of their shift that followed a 10-hour break. Restrictions also including a maximum of 60 driving hours in a 7-day period or 70 hours in an 8-day period.

How does winter weather contribute to truck accidents?

Semi-trucks can weigh 20 to 30 times that of the weight of an average car or SUV. Under optimal circumstances, 18 wheelers required a lot of room to come to a stop. Given that, it’s easy to see how winter conditions can contribute to truck accidents. With slippery roads, a semi-truck may not be able to stop in time when they are following other traffic. Slick roads can also lead semi-trucks to slide off of a road, especially while turning or exiting a highway. High winds and limited visibility can also be factors contributing to a truck accident.

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