Tag Archives: truck accident lawyer

What You Need to Know About Your Rights After a Semi Truck Collision

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Have you been involved in a semi-truck collision and are unsure of your rights? Semi truck accidents can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries or worse. It is important to understand your rights after an accident with a large commercial vehicle. Having knowledge about the laws related to semi truck collisions will help you protect yourself during this difficult time. A qualified truck accident lawyer can provide expert advice and guidance on how best to proceed with your case, as well as assist you through the entire legal process from start to finish.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about your rights following an accident involving a semi or similar large truck.

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

Information For Semi Truck Accident Victims

When it comes to truck accidents, victims have rights. They are entitled to understanding their options and the process pertaining to their unique situation. Knowledge is power; as such, victims should arm themselves with the necessary information in order to obtain the best level of outcome possible measured by what a just resolution looks like for them specifically. This means victims can seek answers about certain areas such as the rules and regulations governing drivers’ behavior and insurance companies’ liabilities. At the end of the day, having an informed grasp of their circumstances offers truck accident victims an undeniable sense of opportunity and justice.

Legal Rights for Injured Victims

First and foremost, it is important to know that you have the right to seek legal advice from a qualified truck accident lawyer. A knowledgeable trucking accident lawyer can answer your questions about insurance coverage and any other issues related to the accident. Additionally, an experienced truck accident attorney can explain what compensation you may be entitled to for such things as medical bills and lost wages due to being unable to work.

Large Truck Accident Liability

Another thing to keep in mind is that semi truck accidents often involve complex issues of liability. Your attorney will help determine who was at fault for the accident, thereby allowing you to file a claim with the responsible party or their insurance company. It is also important not to sign anything without consulting your lawyer first – especially documents related to settlement negotiations or liability admissions.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents

Next, you should be aware that the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident is two years in most states – including Indiana. This means that it’s important to act quickly and consult with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident in order to protect your legal rights.

Damages Awarded in Trucking Accident Settlements

Finally, understanding the types of personal injury damages available to victims of large truck accidents is crucial when seeking fair compensation and justice. Large truck accidents, including those involving semi-trucks, can result in devastating consequences for victims and their families. Such damages can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, prolonged physical therapy, permanent scarring, permanent/partial disability, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. The settlement amount awarded may vary based on factors such as the severity of the accident and the degree of negligence on the part of the driver or trucking company.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several important points to consider when dealing with semi-truck collisions. If you have been involved in such an accident, it’s important to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable and experienced semi-truck accident attorney who can help ensure that all of your rights are protected. With their expertise and guidance, you can rest assured that any claims related to the collision will be handled properly and fairly.

Your rights are important and it’s essential that they are protected following an accident with a semi-truck or large commercial truck.  Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Related Posts:

10 Tips for Keeping Safe on the Road Around Large Trucks
Who Do I Sue After Being Injured By a Semi-Truck?
Top Causes of Large Truck Accidents in the United States

Where to Get Legal Help After Being Injured in an Indiana Trucking Accident

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Were you or your loved one wrongfully injured in an Indiana trucking accident within the last two years? If so, you likely still have time to take legal action against the negligent party who caused your subsequent injuries and losses. With the right legal counsel by your side, you could recover a settlement for your hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, lost benefits, pain and suffering and more.

Not sure where to begin? Not to worry; these times are challenging enough for you. Enlist the help of seasoned professionals to protect your best interests and overall quality of life after a serious loss or traumatic experience.

Continue below to learn exactly which personal injury law firm you can trust to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your damages and losses after a serious large truck accident in Indiana.

Large Trucking Accident Lawyer Indiana 317-881-2700
Large Trucking Accident Lawyer Indiana 317-881-2700

Large Trucking Accidents in Indiana

Trucking accidents that cause injuries to other drivers on the road are not so rare. Here in Indiana, more than 100 people have died in a motor vehicle accident involving a large truck for the past 7 years. In 2019, 125 Hoosiers were laid to rest after a trucking accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in Indiana that same year, 2,210 vehicles were in a fatal collision. Of those vehicles, 149 of them were large trucks.

Because large trucks are significantly heavier and bigger in size compared to other vehicles on the road, the amount of damage they can do in an accident can be extreme. Most fatalities in large truck accidents occur to other drivers involved, not the truckers or truck passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recently, in a period of 12 months, there were 3,964 large truck accident victims who died, nationwide. Out of those 3,964 victims, only 17% were the driver or occupant of the large truck.

How an Indiana Injury Lawyer Can Help Truck Accident Victims

Common causes for large truck accidents include speeding, improper cargo loading, distracted driving, poor truck maintenance, truck malfunctions as a result of negligent maintenance, inadequate training, unqualified truckers, drug use, illegal driving maneuvers, and roadway problems. A seasoned personal injury lawyer well-versed in large truck accidents can demonstrate a trucker or trucking company’s negligence, prove your damages, and recover the maximum settlement or verdict for your case.

Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

Here at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., we have worked with numerous trucking accident victims, including accident survivors themselves and the bereaved of those who lost their lives in a truck accident. We can prove and substantiate your trucking accident case in Indiana based on empirical evidence and cold, hard facts.

Our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers have the proven legal strategies to ensure you are protected against financial liability. Whether you are a seriously-injured survivor or the surviving family of a truck accident victim, you deserve justice in the form of full and fair compensation. The most important priority right now is to act fast.

Schedule a case evaluation with our office as soon as possible before time runs out and evidence is lost to support your claim. We can hold meetings and consultations over the phone, via online video conference (Skype, Zoom, etc.), or in person at our Indianapolis-based office. All first consultations are free and we never charge anyone unless we win a verdict or settlement.

Are you ready to get started on your financial justice after being victimized in a serious trucking accident in Indiana? 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 attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Related Posts:

Who Do I Sue After Being Injured By a Semi-Truck?
FAQS About Commercial Truck Accident Claims
What to Do After Being Injured By a Garbage Truck in Your Neighborhood

Local Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700
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The Most Common Reasons Why Semi Truck Accidents Happen

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Trucking companies are obligated by law to obey strict regulations and safety procedures to ensure the safety of their drivers and all other drivers on the road. Learn what happens after a trucking accident and who to turn to for help if injured by a truck driver on the road.

Personal Injury Attorney Law Firm 317-881-2700
Indiana Truck Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Causes and Effects of Semi-Truck Accidents

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. This can lead to accidents on the road because a sleepy driver cannot possibly remain alert enough to operate a 5 ton truck safely. 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 on the road, and put other drivers in danger as well. More causes of trucking accidents include speeding, distracted driving (i.e. eating, phone calls, text messages, etc.), inadequate truck inspections, unbalanced cargo, overloaded cargo, and lack of safety maintenance.

Trucking Company Tactics After an Accidents

When an innocent driver or pedestrian is injured by a truck driver on the road, there are certain actions that will take place immediately. These pieces of information are important to know if ever involved in such an accident. First, the trucking company will immediately send their attorneys, investigators, and insurance adjusters to the scene of the accident if possible or to you as soon as they can. They do this to collect statements, persuade you to not hire a lawyer, and to minimize your claim. Afterwards, trucking companies, or their insurance adjusters, will try to delay the claim as long as possible in hopes that the claimant becomes frustrated and gives up.

This is why it is vital to hire an Indiana personal injury attorney if you are ever hurt in a motor vehicle accident. Your personal injury lawyers will investigate and collect evidence: such as pictures, black box information, and more. They use this collection of evidence and information to reconstruct the accident to show what took place. They will further investigate by obtaining maintenance records on the truck, truck driver driving history, and more. They remain aggressive against adjusters trying to minimize your claim!

Indiana Large Truck Accident Lawyers Who Will Fight for a Full Settlement

Call the experienced personal injury lawyers of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you or your loved one was recently injured in a large truck or semitruck accident in Indiana, call our licensed personal injury attorneys right away. There are statute of limitations in Indiana that regulate the amount of time a victim has to legally pursue compensation for a serious injury. When you need strong and successful legal representation following a serious car, large truck or semi accident, we are the trusted personal injury lawyers you need. Schedule a free initial consultation, today.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Schedule a Free Consultation!

Important Accident Claim Facts for Victims of a Head-On Collision

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Most car wrecks are serious, but when it comes to head-on collisions, the consequences are generally more severe. Virtually all head-on collision car accidents result in some form of injury, whether physical, mental, emotional, or a combination of the three. Sadly, many also result in death. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that in 2018, 56% of vehicular fatalities were caused by head-on car accidents.

If you or someone you love was recently injured in a head-on car collision, it is vital that you consult with a licensed accident attorney as soon as possible to learn your rights to recovering compensation for your damages. Continue reading to learn some basic accident claim facts that will help you get started on the right path toward a full and fair settlement.

Indiana Car and Truck Accident Lawyers
Indiana Car and Truck Accident Lawyers 317-881-2700

Common Causes for Head-On Car Crashes

There are several things that can go wrong behind the wheel of a vehicle, making the list of possible causes for car accidents vast. However, head-on car collisions tend to be caused by the same types of negligence. Arguably, the top cause for such car accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving can include a wide range of behaviors, from driving fatigued or under the influence, to texting, taking calls, addressing children or passengers, eating, reading, fidgeting with the stereo, searching through purses or bags, and similar actions.

Additional causes for head-on collisions include speeding, losing control of the vehicle, unsafe or illegal passing, and other types of driver errors.  Our related blogs, “Most Common Injuries Caused By a Rear-End Car Accident” and “Top 5 Ways to Avoid a Serious Car Accident” can also give you insight on car accident claims and driving safety.

Accident Claims for Head-On Car Accidents

The law says that, as a driver, you have a duty of care when you drive on the road. If another driver breaches this duty of care, and as a result, collides head-on into a car and injures that driver and/or their passengers, the victims can seek damages in a court of law. In order to be awarded damages, victims must prove that the negligent party did breach their duty of care, which directly resulted in their injuries and subsequent losses. This is where a seasoned personal injury lawyer can help.

Personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and skills to help clients recover damages for current and future medical expenses and hospital bills, as well as, property damages, permanent damages, wrongful death damages, pain, suffering, and more. See our blog, “An Overview of Personal Injury Basics” will help you understand more about how the accident claim process works.

How to Get Started on Your Car Accident Claim in Indianapolis

Call The Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to learn the best course of action after being negligently injured in a serious car collision in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding locations. We offer free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you. Schedule your consultation before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim. We represent injured persons throughout the State of Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Schedule a Free Consultation!

Can I Sue Both Company and Driver After Being Hurt in a Truck Accident?

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The consequences of car accidents range on a very broad spectrum, from minor all the way to fatal. But when it comes to truck accidents, the damages tend to be even more extensive given that trucks are larger, heavier, and therefore more lethal than a standard sedan or compact car. Often times, it is the trucking company that would be held liable for an accident caused by one of their drivers; however, there are some cases in which a separate claim can be brought against a negligent trucker driver too.

Continue reading to learn more about the possibility of suing both trucking company and driver after being injured in a serious trucking accident in Indiana.

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

Trucking Company Employees vs. Independent Contractors

Most often, the trucking company is responsible for any damages caused by an employed driver while they were on the clock. However, some trucking accident claims can prove to be a bit trickier since not all truck drivers are employed by the trucking company. Some trucking companies outsource truck drivers who own their own truck and operate as independent contractors. In the case that a driver was injured by an independent trucking contractor, appointing liability can pose its challenges due to certain independent contracting laws. For this reason, it is vital to have a seasoned truck accident attorney representing your claim, from start to finish.

Although the negligent actions of employees of a trucking company are the trucking company’s responsibility, independent trucking contractors are responsible for themselves. This means that the trucking company that hired an independent trucker will generally not be held legally liable if the trucker causes an accident that harms another person. In fact, it is quite common for trucking companies and their insurance carrier to point the finger totally on the independent truck driver. On the other hand, if the trucking company lease a truck or placard to a truck driver, they could be found legally liable for the driver’s actions while on the clock.

Another important factor that courts will consider is whether or not the truck driver of a trucking company was acting within their scope of employment. For instance, if an employed truck driver of a trucking company causes an accident while on the clock performing work duties, the company can be held liable for the accident. However, the trucking company might be able to evade liability if the employee acted outside their scope of employment by causing an accident while running a personal errand, potentially. The company could argue that because the employee was acting outside of their scope of employment, they are not accountable.

What You Should Do After a Truck Accident

If you were just injured in a serious car accident as a result of a negligent trucker, you are likely entitled to collecting compensation for your subsequent damages and losses. See our blog, “FAQS About Commercial Truck Accident Claims” to learn more about your options for legal recompense. Contact a licensed truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis for help navigating your personal injury claim, today.

Indiana Truck Accident Attorneys

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free consultation with a licensed Indianapolis truck accident attorney who can determine the best strategies for your case. Not only does our law firm offer free consultations, we never collect lawyer fees unless we prevail for you! Call 317-881-2700 to get started on your financial recovery, today.  We represent injured persons throughout Indiana and are located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

The Law Office of Craven, Hoover and Blazek Can Help Truck Accident Victims in Indiana

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If you or someone you love is a recent victim of a trucking accident in Indiana, it is important to learn your rights to being properly compensated for your resulting damages and losses. Financial obligations like hospital bills, medical expenses, and similar bills are adding up, so be sure to reach out to one of our Indiana personal injury truck accident lawyers as soon as possible after the collision, before the Indiana statute of limitations runs out for your case.

Continue reading to learn what we can do for you, and how to get started.

Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys 317-881-2700

Truck Accidents and Injuries

According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), a large truck is defined as any vehicle that is:

⚙ Single 2 Axle, 6 Tires
⚙ Single 3 or More Axles
⚙ Truck/Trailer that is Not a Semi
⚙ Tractor with Cab Only and No Trailer
⚙ Tractor/One Semi-Trailer
⚙ Tractor/Double Trailer
⚙ Tractor/Triple Trailer

Truck accidents tend to be more serious than other automotive accidents because they involve larger and heavier vehicles, and usually generate more momentum and forces involved. Furthermore, some large trucks carry dangerous or hazardous cargoes, such as flammable materials, chemicals, fuel, and more. Consequently, vehicles like semis, delivery trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles are capable of doing more harm and damage than a passenger car.

According to the most recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) statistics, between 2014 and 2016, more than 12,000 victims lost their lives to large truck accidents in our country, and just over 2,000 of those victims were drivers or occupants of large trucks. Common injuries resulting from large truck accidents include orthopedic injuries, fractures, concussions, brain injuries, paralysis, quadriplegia, comas, spinal cord injuries, back and neck injuries, shoulder injuries, head injuries, wrongful death, and more.

What to Do for Your Truck Accident Claim

Here at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., our Indiana personal injury lawyers have handled numerous truck accident cases involving semis, dump trucks,  bus and large truck collisions throughout the entire state roads and highway system. We retain a comprehensive understanding of all state and federal trucking regulations, and strategically apply our expansive knowledge to prove our client’s truck accident case in court and recover the full and fair settlement our clients deserve.

How to Get Started

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to file a personal injury truck accident claim in Indiana. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers are ready, willing and able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve after being injured in a large truck accident in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and never collect attorney fees unless we recover for you.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700
Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700

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.