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Critical Steps to Take Immediately After a Big Truck Accident

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Accidents happen, and when they involve a big truck—such as a semi-truck, big rig, or an 18-wheeler—the consequences can be devastating. These massive vehicles dominate the road, and due to their sheer size and weight, collisions often result in severe injuries and significant financial damages. In such unfortunate circumstances, it is crucial to know what steps to take immediately following a big truck accident. From gathering evidence at the scene, to securing the right legal representation, each action plays a vital role in your recovery process.

This blog post seeks to guide you through these critical steps and highlights the importance of hiring a specialized big truck accident lawyer for dealing effectively with these unique cases. Let’s navigate this challenging journey together.

Call 317-881-2700 When You Need a Big Truck Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis
Call 317-881-2700 When You Need a Big Truck Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

Understanding the Types of Big Trucks

Before we dive into the steps, it’s crucial to understand the different types of big trucks on the road. These include semi-trucks, which are also known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, and big rigs. Semi-trucks consist of a tractor unit pulling a large trailer behind it, while big rigs refer to trucks that have a cab for the driver and a separate container or tank for hauling cargo. These massive vehicles often weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, making them significantly larger and heavier than regular cars on the road. As such, accidents involving big trucks tend to have more severe consequences.

The Immediate Actions to Take After a Big Truck Accident:

❶ Check for Injuries. Your well-being should be your top priority after an accident. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries and seek medical attention if needed.

❷ Call 911. Immediately contact the police and notify the proper authorities of your accident. Request ambulance service if you suspect you or someone else may be injured.

❸ Gather Evidence. If possible, take photos or videos of the scene, including damages to both vehicles, all involved drivers, skid marks, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Also, collect contact information from witnesses.

❹ Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company. Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be truthful while providing details.

❺ Contact a Big Truck Accident Lawyer. Seeking legal representation is crucial for protecting your rights and obtaining fair compensation. Big truck accidents involve complex laws and regulations, and having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Financial Damages Suffered in Big Rig Accidents

Accidents involving big trucks often result in significant financial damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. These costs can quickly add up and put a significant strain on your finances. It’s essential to seek compensation for these damages from the at-fault party to cover your expenses and help you get back on your feet.

The Role of a Big Truck Accident Lawyer

Big truck accident lawyers specialize in handling cases involving automotive accidents with semi-trucks, big rigs, box vans and other large commercial vehicles. They have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing these cases and can effectively navigate the complicated legal process on your behalf. Additionally, they can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Hiring a specialized large truck accident lawyer greatly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.

In Summary

Being involved in a big truck accident is a traumatic experience, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. However, by following these critical steps and seeking the right legal representation, you can protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. Remember to prioritize your well-being above all else and seek help from a specialized large truck accident lawyer for the best possible outcome.

Have you or a loved one suffered serious injuries and losses due to a negligent big truck driver? Contact the Law Firm of Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced large truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent victims all throughout the state, including Indiana residents injured in other states.

Related Posts:

Never Accept A Truck Accident Settlement Offer without Talking To An Attorney
Top Causes of Large Truck Accidents in the United States
Recurrent Types of Commercial Trucker Safety Violations

Never Accept A Truck Accident Settlement Offer without Talking To An Attorney First

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Being involved in a truck accident can be a harrowing experience, with potential long-term impacts on your health and finances. If you find yourself in such a situation in Indiana, it’s crucial to understand that the initial settlement offer from an insurance company will not cover all your damages or losses.

This blog post will discuss why you should hire or at a minimum talk with an attorney before accepting a truck accident settlement offer, ensuring that you make an informed decision. We will delve into the complexities surrounding personal injury settlements, especially those involving semi-trucks, and help you navigate this challenging process.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Truck Accident Attorney Near Indianapolis
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Truck Accident Attorney Near Indianapolis

Understanding the Nature of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often catastrophic, with a higher chance of severe injuries and property damage compared to car accidents. The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks make them more difficult to maneuver and stop, making it easier for them to cause significant harm in an accident. Additionally, many truck drivers and companies operate on tight schedules, which could lead to driver fatigue and other safety violations.

The Role of Insurance Companies

After a trucking accident, you can expect the insurance company representing the trucking company or driver to offer you a settlement amount as quickly as possible. However, it’s important to note that their main goal is to minimize costs for their client and their insurance company, not compensate you fairly for your losses. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate any settlement offer before accepting it.

Key Truck Accident Injury Questions to Consider:

▷ What is the total amount of compensation I am entitled to?

▷ Does this settlement offer cover all my past, present, and future medical expenses related to the truck accident?

▷ Will it also include compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages?

▷ Is the insurance company aware of all my injuries and their severity?

▷ Have I consulted with a personal injury attorney to determine the fair value of my case before accepting a settlement offer?

▷ How will accepting this settlement affect any future medical treatment or expenses related to the truck accident?

▷ Are there any hidden clauses or terms in the settlement offer that could limit my ability to seek further compensation in the future?

▷ Can I negotiate for a higher settlement amount if I feel it does not adequately cover my losses?

These are just some of the important questions to consider, in consultation with your attorney, before accepting a truck accident injury settlement offer in Indiana. It’s crucial to thoroughly assess your situation and consult with experts, such as personal injury attorney,s who are experienced in motor vehicle accidents, to ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for all your damages.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You With Your Claim

Navigating the legal process after a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and their tactics. A reliable truck accident lawyer with experience handling such cases can help you understand your rights and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. They will also gather and present all necessary evidence to support your claim, ensuring that you receive the compensation you are entitled to and so you can concentrate on getting better.

In Summary

While it may be tempting to accept a quick settlement offer, it’s important to remember that it will not fully cover all your losses and expenses. Consider the questions outlined in this blog post before making any decisions, and always seek professional advice from experienced personal injury attorneys to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. Remember, it’s not just about getting a settlement offer, but ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve after a traumatic truck accident.  Therefore, take your time and make an informed decision. Your health and financial well-being depend on it.

If you were just injured in a pickup truck or large trucking accident, make sure to take the time to understand your options before making any decisions. Contact Craven, Hoover & Blazek, P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent victims all throughout the state, plus Indiana residents injured in other states.

Related Posts:

10 Tips for Keeping Safe on the Road Around Large Trucks
What You Need to Know About Your Rights After a Semi Truck Collision
The Most Common Reasons Why Semi Truck Accidents Happen

Recurrent Types of Commercial Trucker Safety Violations

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Like any other driver on the road, commercial truck drivers are subject to being ticketed for traffic and safety violations. In more serious cases, commercial truckers are ordered to refrain from driving until such violations are addressed in accordance with local and state law.

It is important for law enforcement to hold industry truck drivers strictly accountable for violating safety protocols and regulations while operating a big rig or commercial truck because such trucks pose a higher level of threat to other vehicles, pedestrians, and properties; and not just due to their size, but also the quantity of momentum gained while operating at high speeds. Essentially, semi-trucks and similar commercial vehicles are like multi-ton missiles and tanks out on the road.

Continue below to learn more about the recurrent types of commercial trucker safety violations and better protect yourself from negligent trucker accidents.

Truck Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700
Truck Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Regulation in the United States:

Although it is fairly common for commercial truckers to violate important traffic and safety codes on the road, there are systems in place to abate and create awareness for trucking safety. For instance, the Indiana State Police has an entirely separate department that is solely responsible for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) law enforcement.

Additionally, the United States trucking industry in whole is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA performs routine inspections on all trucking companies and operators in the country, plus aggressively seeks grievances and criticism about truck safety issues in local communities and cities. They also maintain an active website that offers a National Consumer Complaint Database portal for submitting complaints about unsafe truck drivers in your area.

If you have observed unsafe commercial truckers in your community, you can report your concerns free of charge to the FMCSA database, or you may contact 911 if you see a reckless driver or unsafe truck on the road.

Common Commercial Trucker Safety Violations to Watch Out For

The most common causes for truck accidents involves driver-error. One of the most frequent mistakes trucking companies make is setting unrealistic or arduous deadlines, causing truck driver fatigue, speeding and other short-cuts. Another cause for truck driver accidents involves improper training. When a trucking company fails to properly train their truck drivers through a professional trucking course, it can lead to dangerous driver errors that jeopardize the safety of the drive themselves, as well as others around them. Inadequate truck inspections, unbalanced cargo, overloaded cargo, hazardous chemical leaks, and lack of safety maintenance are other common reasons why commercial truckers cause accidents.

More specifically, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial truckers and trucking companies in the United States are most often cited for the following types of safety violations:

◈ Speeding or Swerving Through Lanes
◈ Tailgating Behind Other Vehicles
◈ Changing Lanes Incorrectly or Unsafely
◈ Making Improper or Illegal Turns
◈ Failing to Yield to the Right of Way
◈ Violating Railroad Grade Crossings
◈ Disobeying Traffic Lights and Signs
◈ Reckless or Careless Driving
◈ Using a Handheld Phone While Driving
◈ Driving While Impaired

Were you or a loved one seriously injured in an accident caused by a negligent commercial truck driver in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free personal injury case evaluation to discuss your truck accident in Indianapolis, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

Related Posts:

Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Indiana?
Where to Get Legal Help After Being Injured in an Indiana Trucking Accident
Who Do I Sue After Being Injured By a Semi-Truck?

Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Indiana?

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Negligent trucking companies and commercial truck drivers can be held liable for damages in a motor vehicle accident. But without professional representation, bringing about a claim against them can pose several uphill challenges. If you were recently injured in an accident that was caused by a trucker, you need the guidance of a skilled and seasoned law firm.

Continue reading to learn what an Indiana truck accident lawyer can do for you, plus how to get started on your claim.

Large Truck Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700
Large Truck Accident Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Commercial Trucking Accidents and Damages

Commercial and large-fleet truckers can cause a serious amount of damage with their rigs. Other cars, even SUVs and conventional 4×4 trucks, don’t stand a chance against the massive-sized semis, 18-wheelers, boom trucks, recycling trucks, cement trucks, dump trucks, box trucks, roll off trucks, and wide-load trailer trucks on the road. Not only do these common large commercial trucks weigh around 25 times more than the average vehicle, but they can also carry dangerous freights, like highly combustible materials or industrial waste. Combined with high speeds, the results are known to be devastating, and many times, fatal.

Because of these factors, the amount of damage that results in negligent trucking accidents can tend to be more severe than standard auto collisions. So, when an innocent victim is injured or killed in a negligent trucking accident, they deserve justice. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in Indiana truck accidents can be the essential resource in obtaining the maximum settlement or verdict for your case.

Should you hire a truck accident lawyer? Yes, and here’s why:

They Know State and Federal Trucking Laws

A personal injury truck accident lawyer has a comprehensive understanding of the specific state and federal trucking laws and regulations, including those surrounding commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs), drivers’ training and testing, drug and alcohol screening, maximum truck weights, maximum load weights, and truck maintenance guidelines.

They Will Determine Which Party or Parties are to Blame

A personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis will determine which party is to blame for your trucking accident. In commercial truck accident cases, it is possible, and often typical, to have more than one defendant. An attorney will examine and organize every detail of your case, and ultimately prove which party or parties are at-fault for your accident.

They Will Optimize the Discovery Process for You

The discovery process is the stage of a legal case in which both parties exchange all relevant case information in full disclosure, including documents, statements, admissions, and facts. Your Indiana truck accident attorney will have the skills to use the discovery process to your full benefit. Not only will they take advantage of discovery phase-specific tools like depositions, interrogatories, and requests for admission, they will use these tools to get the facts needed to win your case.

They Will Navigate All Settlement Negotiations

Most personal injury cases are settled before ever going to trial. Your Indianapolis truck accident lawyer can handle the settlement negotiations on your behalf and obtain the maximum settlement you deserve, all while avoiding a lengthy trial. They will let you know when to accept a settlement offer and when an offer is too low.

If you or a loved one was recently injured/killed in a car accident caused by a large truck or semi, learn your rights to pursing compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana, and can meet over phone, video, or in-person at our Indy-based office and even at your home or the hospital if necessary.  It is vital to obtain an attorney right away because the evidence needs to be obtained immediately.

Related Posts:

Who Do I Sue After Being Injured By a Semi-Truck?
Where to Get Legal Help After Being Injured in an Indiana Trucking Accident
The Most Common Reasons Why Semi Truck Accidents Happen

State Regulations for Truck Drivers Regarding Drugs and Alcohol

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Truck Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Truck Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

The trucking industry must follow several federal and state protocols and procedures, including licensing, equipment regulations, loading regulations, safety regulations, and much more. Not only do these rules and codes of practice have to be obeyed by all U.S. truckers, they must also be followed by any Canadian or Mexican trucking companies driving on U.S. soil. Truck accidents are all too common, which is why truck safety is so vital to the industry, and why these regulations exist.

One of the most common causes behind truck accidents is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Continue reading to learn what is expected of our country’s truck drivers, and which state regulations relate to drug and alcohol consumption.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

In the United States, anyone driving over the alcohol level of 0.08 is considered an intoxicated driver. In the trucking industry, this alcohol level is much less. The legal limit for an on-duty truck driver is 0.04 or less. Because truckers are performing, “safety-sensitive functions” while on the job, they must be free of drugs and alcohol. This is why truck drivers are tested for drugs and alcohol before they are hired, and further on during periods of their employment.

Truck Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Truck Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

When a new truck driver is in the process of being hired, they are required to take a drug and alcohol test. If they refuse these tests, they cannot be eligible for employment. For those who move forward with the hiring process, they can expect a urinary or blood test, depending on the clinic used and the company’s policy. They must pass both tests by rendering negative results on both drugs and alcohol. Drugs like cocaine and marijuana can stay in a person’s blood and urinary systems for weeks at a time; so a person can take a drug test sober, but still fail if drug-use was in recent weeks. Because alcohol doesn’t stay in your system long, a person who fails an alcohol test is likely to be suspected of consuming alcoholic beverages on the same day of the test. And anyone applying for a driving position while
under the influence of alcohol is not an
appropriate candidate for a truck driver.

State regulations also mandate that when a truck driver is involved in an accident or collision while on-duty, he or she is tested for controlled substances and alcohol once again. If they refuse these tests at the scene of the crime, or sometime following the incident, they are not only subjected to termination, they might also face legal ramifications. Even when accidents are not happening and truckers are not being hired, random drug testing among employees is required in the trucking industry. Each year, trucking and freight companies are legally mandated to randomly test ten percent of their drivers for alcohol use, and 50 percent of their drivers for controlled substances.

If you or someone you loved was recently injured in a truck accident as a result of a negligent truck driver, contact a licensed Indianapolis truck accident lawyer right away. Don’t wait another minute to recover the full and fair compensation you and your family deserve after suffering damages in a truck-related accident.

Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyers

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with licensed and experienced Indianapolis truck accident lawyers about recovering compensation for your damages following a wreck. Seasoned personal injury attorney, Daniel Craven, retains years of litigation and trial experience. He can settle out of court, or take your case to trial if need be. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we win your settlement! Call 317-881-2700 for more information about filing a truck accident lawsuit in Indianapolis, IN today.