What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents can be some of the most devastating accidents on the road, causing significant harm and trauma to victims and their families. After a truck accident, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your well-being and your rights:

  1. Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t have visible injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention to assess any potentially hidden injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
  2. Call the police: The police will create an accident report, which can be valuable evidence for insurance purposes and legal proceedings.
  3. Collect evidence: If possible, collect evidence at the accident scene, such as photos of the vehicles involved, the location of the accident, and any visible damages or injuries. Also, gather contact information from witnesses.
  4. Do not admit fault: Avoid admitting fault or making any statements that may be used against you later. Be cautious when speaking to the truck driver, other parties involved, or insurance representatives.
  5. Contact a personal injury lawyer: It’s important to seek legal representation from an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney with experience handling cases like yours can protect your rights, help you understand your legal options, and guide you through the complex legal process. At Christie Farrell Lee, we can build a strong case to help you claim compensation that covers all of your damages.
  6. Do not settle quickly: Avoid settling with the trucking company or insurance company quickly, as it may not fully compensate you for your injuries and damages. It’s important to assess the full extent of your injuries, damages, and losses before accepting any settlement offers.

 

Types of Injuries Related to Truck Accidents

There are many injuries for which our clients come to us for filling a personal injury claim after a truck accident, ranging from minor to catastrophic, including:

If you suffered an injury due to a truck accident caused by the negligence of others, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to demand compensation. But it’s important to have the help of a lawyer that can hear your case and help you understand your options and determine the responsibilities of the parties involved to prove negligence.

Our Bloomington truck accident lawyers at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell are committed to helping our clients move forward after a major injury. Call 317-488-5500 today to get started.

Determining Responsibilities After a Truck Accident in Indiana:

To know for sure who was responsible after a truck accident can be complex and may require a thorough investigation. In addition to the potential liability of the trucking company, other parties that may be responsible for a truck accident include:

Truck driver

Speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or violating trucking laws are one of the main reasons why people suffer motor accidents every day. And if these are one of the reasons why you got injured, then the driver may be found responsible for the accident.

Truck owner

If the truck involved in the accident is owned by a different entity than the trucking company, such as an individual owner-operator, that owner may also be held liable for their negligence or failure to properly maintain the truck.

Cargo loading company

When improper loading or securing of the cargo contributed to the accident, the company responsible for loading the cargo may also be held liable for their negligence.

Manufacturers and distributors

If a defective truck part or component, such as brakes, tires, or steering, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of that part may also be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.

Government entities

In some cases, government entities, such as municipalities or state agencies, may be held liable for their negligence in designing, constructing, or maintaining the roadways where the truck accident occurred.

A Bloomington Truck Accident Lawyer Will Hold Trucking Companies Accountable

Under state laws, trucking companies can be held liable for the actions of their drivers under the legal principle of “vicarious liability.” This means that if a truck driver causes an accident while in the course of their employment with a trucking company, the company may also be responsible for the victim’s injuries and damages. 

Indiana Code sets forth the legal standard for holding trucking companies liable for accidents caused by their drivers, but trucking companies can also be held directly liable for their own negligent actions or omissions. 

For example, if a trucking company fails to properly maintain its vehicles or violates federal regulations, such as hours of service rules, it can be held directly responsible for the resulting accidents and injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases in Bloomington

How Can a Bloomington Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me Claim for Justice?

We have a zero-tolerance policy for negligence by trucking companies. 

Our team will conduct thorough investigations into truck accidents, including obtaining and analyzing trucking company records, driver logs, maintenance records, and other relevant evidence to determine if any violations or negligence contributed to the accident.

If you have been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate in contacting our team of personal injury lawyers in Bloomington to claim the compensation you deserve. 

How much are most truck accident settlements in Bloomington?

The amount of a truck accident settlement can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and the available insurance coverage. 

Settlements in truck accident cases may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, or property damage. 

How long do most truck accident settlements take in Bloomington?

The timeline for resolving a truck accident case can also vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the court’s schedule. 

Some truck accident cases may be resolved through settlement negotiations within several months, while others may take longer, especially if the case goes to trial. Your truck accident lawyer will work diligently to expedite the process while ensuring that your rights and best interests are protected throughout the entire process.

Our lawyers that handle these types of cases

Lee C. Christie

Lee C. Christie

Katherine M. Marshall

Katherine M. Marshall