Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys

Representing Victims of Truck Accidents in Indianapolis IN

If you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck or 18-wheeler, you most likely sustained severe, even life-altering injuries. The two most important things you can do right are get medical attention right away and seek a lawyer’s help as soon as possible.

Truck accidents in Indianapolis, IN are complex cases that involve not only state traffic laws but federal trucking regulations as well. In order to receive the compensation you deserve for your physical injury, lost wages, and pain and suffering, it's best that you retain a personal injury lawyer who has experience with trucking accident claims.

Choose An Indiana Truck Accident Firm With Experience

At Hovde Dassow + Deets, our Indianapolis truck accident attorneys have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered physical injury in accidents involving semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles. We are familiar with the federal rules and regulations that commercial drivers must follow, as well as any local laws that apply.

We have used our knowledge to our client’s advantage for more than five decades and have successfully recovered over $300 million in compensation on their behalf. Rely on us to fight for the full and fair compensation you are owed after a truck accident.

Have you been injured in a truck accident in Indianapolis, IN? Call us at (317) 576-3241 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to assist you.

Recovering Compensation for Serious Injuries

Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries due to the size, weight, and force involved in such collisions. Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Broken Bones: The impact of a truck accident can lead to fractures in various bones, including arms, legs, ribs, and even more serious injuries like spinal fractures.

• Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially causing paralysis or partial loss of function in certain body parts.

• Internal Injuries: The force of impact can cause damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs, leading to internal bleeding and other complications.

• Burns: If the accident involves a fire or explosion, burns can result from direct contact with flames, hot surfaces, or chemical exposure.

The severe injuries that result from a trucking collision can cost a fortune in medical treatment, cause you to miss weeks of work, and leave you with long-lasting pain and suffering. The Indianapolis truck accident lawyers at Hovde Dassow + Deets can put their extensive experience to work for you, fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our team has recovered over $300 million for our clients throughout Indiana.

Federal Regulations for Commercial Drivers

Truck drivers and trucks are regulated by a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and they have special rules and regulations they must follow.

Some of these federal regulations include:

• Limitations on the number of hours drivers are allowed to drive in one driving period

• Weight limitations for trucks and other commercial vehicles

• Driver’s license regulations for commercial vehicle operators

• Rules regarding the proper security precautions and processes for certain types of cargo

• Regular alcohol and/or drug screenings for commercial vehicle drivers

Violating any of these federal regulations is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous and a sure sign of liability.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The question of liability tends to be far less straightforward in truck accident claims than in standard motor vehicle accident cases. However, like other accident claims, liability can be determined by first identifying the cause of the crash.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Truck Driver Error/Negligence: Truck drivers may cause serious accidents when they are distracted, careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent. Traffic law violations, such as speeding or running red lights, are a common cause of these accidents, as are reckless and aggressive driving behaviors like drunk driving, speeding, tailgating, and passing unlawfully.

• Hours-of-Service Violations: Federal regulations, known as “hours-of-service” laws, limit the number of hours a commercial driver may drive during a single driving period. When truck drivers violate these regulations, they run the risk of driving fatigued. Fatigued driving has been shown to be as dangerous as drunk driving and can lead to devastating accidents.

• Issues with Cargo/Truck Weight: Large trucks transport literal tons of materials, including hazardous items and substances. When cargo is loaded improperly, it can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Overloaded cargo can pose a similar problem and may even be in violation of state and/or federal regulations.

• Poor or Incomplete Truck Maintenance: Truck drivers and other entities are responsible for regularly inspecting and maintaining commercial vehicles. When they fail to do so, or fail to report issues, serious truck failures can occur. Similarly, improper or missing truck repairs may lead to a disastrous or even deadly accident.

• Negligent Trucking Company Practices: In some cases, trucking companies may engage in negligent practices, such as encouraging drivers to meet unrealistic quotas or deadlines, turning a blind eye to hours-of-service violations, or failing to conduct background checks or regular drug and alcohol screenings on drivers. This can indirectly lead to serious collisions.

• Defective Trucks and Roadways: Truck defects—such as faulty engine components, defective braking systems, or poorly manufactured tires—can cause serious accidents. The same is true of defective or poorly maintained roadways, which may present significant hazards or dangerous conditions, leading to a crash.

Poor weather conditions, such as rain or snow, are another common factor in truck accidents. While no one can be blamed for the weather, truck drivers do have a responsibility to adjust accordingly to less-than-ideal conditions. This may mean driving slower than the speed limit or even staying off the road until conditions have cleared.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Indiana?

After determining the cause of the crash, our Indianapolis truck accident attorneys can identify the liable party. The most common liable parties in a trucking collision are:

• The driver

• The trucking company

• The truck owner

• The truck manufacturer

Even if the truck driver was directly responsible, the trucking company may be legally liable for your damages. This is because most employers are generally liable for the conduct of their employees while those employees are “on the clock.”

However, if the truck driver was classified as an independent contractor, or if another party was at fault, you could have a claim against the truck driver or another third party.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Indianapolis

The first thing you should do after a truck accident is to seek medical attention. If you are severely injured, call 911 and wait for paramedics to arrive. If you were minorly injured, you should still see a doctor or physician as soon as possible. The shock of the accident could mask the severity of your injuries, and you may even have underlying trauma that can only be diagnosed by a medical professional.

You should also call the police and have an officer come out to the scene of the accident. Indiana law requires that you report any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage of more than $1,000 to the police. If a law enforcement officer comes to the scene of the crash, they will file this report on your behalf.

If possible, you should also try to get the following information from the truck driver:

• Their name

• Contact information

• Employer information

• Driver’s license number

Note the name of the company that owns or leases the truck (if you can) and write down everything you can remember about the accident right away. Take pictures of the crash site, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. If any witnesses saw what happened, get their names, contact information, and a brief statement if possible.

When you wish to seek compensation after a motor vehicle accident, especially one involving a large truck or commercial vehicle, it is important that you discuss your case with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis. An attorney will be able to investigate the truck driver, the trucking company, and other details of the accident that led to your injury.

You may receive phone calls from the truck company’s insurance adjuster; we advise that you decline to speak with them without your attorney. Anything that you say to the adjuster will be used to determine the compensation they offer you—remember, their job is to have you settle for less than what you are entitled to. If you are offered a settlement in exchange for signing a release, you will want to have a lawyer review the legalities of the release. Never sign anything or give any statement to the insurance adjuster without first talking to your attorney.

Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyers Offering Free Consultations

If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident in Indianapolis, IN, we encourage you to reach out to Hovde Dassow + Deets right away. We are committed to maximizing your recovery, allowing you to secure the financial resources you need to manage unexpected medical bills, future care costs, lost wages, and other physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Because we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, you do not owe anything upfront or out-of-pocket when you work with our firm. Instead, we only collect attorney fees if/when we recover a settlement or verdict for you.

Don't hesitate to schedule your complimentary consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Indianapolis. Call (317) 576-3241 or submit a free consultation form today.