April 18, 2018 | truck accident
Semi-trucks are everywhere in the Indianapolis area, hauling their cargo from place to place every day. These huge vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and are capable of causing incredible damage when they collide with other vehicles and their occupants. For this reason, the law requires people who operate these vehicles to undergo training and obtain specialized licenses known as commercial driver’s licenses, or CDLs. If it is violated and an accident happens, victims have the option of filing a lawsuit. Fountain Law Firm’s Indianapolis semi-truck accident attorney can help you figure out your options.
Unfortunately, truck drivers continue to cause accidents in spite of these safeguards. When semi-truck accidents result from negligent truckers, victims are typically entitled to compensation for their losses under Indiana law. The causes of trucking crashes that may entitle victims to financial compensation include:
Establishing Negligence Can Require Investigation
Sometimes, the cause of an accident is obvious. Suppose, for example, that a semi-truck slammed into the back of another vehicle stopped at a stoplight. Provided that the truck’s brakes properly functioned, fault would almost certainly fall on the shoulders of the individual driving the truck.
In some cases, however, determining fault may require an investigation into how the accident occurred and the gathering of evidence in support of the driver’s negligence. Evidence that could help establish negligence on the part of a truck driver includes:
Victims Should Retain an Attorney Even if Nobody Contests Liability
Even if the trucking company (or its insurer) concedes liability and is ready to settle the case, retain an attorney to represent you during the settlement process. Those without legal training or experience may not know the full value of their cases. Insurance companies will likely try to take advantage of this and try to get those people to settle for less than they actually deserve. An attorney will ensure that all evidence is preserved. By retaining a lawyer, you can ensure fair treatment and you may obtain the compensation to which you are entitled under the law.
Call Merry Fountain Today for a Free Consultation About Your Truck Accident Injuries
Accident lawyer Merry Fountain is a skilled injury advocate. If you are looking for an injury law attorney in the greater Indy area—Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Avon, Kokomo, Lebanon—she’s here to help! You can call her anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878), or simply click Tell Us About Your Case for a free consultation.