When some people hear the phrase rear-end collision, they think of parking-lot fender benders. But when a rear-end collision involves a semi-truck, the results can be catastrophic. The size and weight of a semi are enough to cause severe injuries to people in smaller vehicles, even at low speeds. When semi-truck accidents happen at highway speeds, they can cause disabling injuries and fatal injuries.
If you were hit from behind by a semi-truck, you may be entitled to seek substantial compensation. An experienced semi-truck attorney at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC can help you hold the at-fault truck driver and trucking company accountable for your injuries and medical expenses.
For three decades now, our legal team has advocated for injured people and their families throughout Indiana. Our experienced attorneys have the skills to investigate the most complex accidents, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you at trial if necessary. Let us help you demand full accountability after a rear-end collision caused by a semi-truck. Contact us today for a free consultation with an Indianapolis semi-truck attorney.
What Is a Semi-Truck Rear-End Accident?
A semi-truck rear-end accident is one in which a commercial truck collides with the back of another vehicle. Rear-end truck accidents often happen in heavy traffic or when traffic stops suddenly due to an accident or congestion. If a truck driver is distracted, excessively fatigued, impaired, or otherwise careless, the driver may not realize that traffic ahead has slowed or stopped until it’s too late.
Rear-end accidents can happen if a truck driver is tailgating another vehicle and traffic comes to a sudden stop. Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks require a longer distance to slow down or come to a full stop. Semi-truck drivers who follow too closely are increasing the risk of a rear-end collision if traffic slows suddenly.
What To Do If You’ve Been Rear-Ended by a Semi-Truck
If you have been rear-ended by a commercial truck, there are important steps you can take to preserve your right to seek compensation. After a semi-truck rear-end accident, you should:
- Report the accident to local law enforcement and call emergency medical services if you or someone else involved in the crash has been injured.
- Exchange contact information with the truck driver, making sure to get their name, license information, and employer and/or insurance details.
- Document evidence from the accident scene by taking pictures or videos of vehicle damage, debris on the road, traffic signals and signs, lighting conditions, and any injuries you may have suffered.
- Go to the hospital or see your doctor as soon as possible to have your injuries diagnosed, treated, and added to your medical record.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
- Keep records of any expenses and lost income that you incur due to the accident and your injuries.
- Speak with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney to learn about your rights and legal options.
Settlements After Being Rear-Ended by a Semi-Truck
Most personal injury cases – including those stemming from rear-end collisions involving semi-trucks – are resolved without going to trial. A settlement is a resolution whereby the insurer representing the at-fault party pays the accident victim an agreed-upon amount of money in exchange for the injured party permanently dropping the case. This avoids the time, expense, and unpredictable outcome of a court case.
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we understand that you may face mounting medical bills and other expenses after a rear-end semi-truck crash. If you cannot work because of your injuries, your lack of income can increase your financial strain. Our legal team can negotiate with insurers on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court and seek justice from an Indiana jury.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you may seek compensation for monetary and personal losses related to the semi-truck crash. For example, you may demand compensation for:
- Medical treatment related to your injuries, including hospital stays, doctor’s visits, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and medical equipment
- Vehicle repair costs, or reimbursement of the value of your vehicle if it was totaled in the accident
- Costs of long-term care if your injuries result in permanent disability or impairment, including the installation of special accommodations in your home, medical equipment purchases, or assisted living costs
- Lost wages or income if you cannot work while you are treating your injuries
- Loss of future earning potential and benefits if you are unable to return to your job or the workforce due to your injuries
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life if your injuries leave you with permanent disabilities or other conditions that impact your daily life
After a semi-truck rear-end collision, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney who knows how to negotiate effectively with insurers. Insurance adjusters can use numerous tactics to pressure accident victims to accept less than the full value of their claim. A lawyer can counter insurance company pressure tactics and build a solid case in your favor.
Statute of Limitations for a Semi-Truck Rear-End Accident Case
In Indiana, there is a two-year statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties in a rear-end collision involving a semi-truck. If you wait too long to act and miss the deadline, your case will likely be dismissed. You will lose your chance to pursue compensation in civil court. Although two years might seem like a lot of time, it takes months to investigate an accident, gather evidence, and build a case. It is crucial to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. A lawyer can file the necessary paperwork and meet deadlines while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Talk to a Semi-Truck Rear-End Accident Lawyer in Indiana
If you were injured in a rear-end crash involving a semi-truck, you need an experienced attorney on your side. At Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, our legal team has advocated for accident victims across Indiana and helped them pursue fair settlements and awards for their injuries and other losses. We are not afraid to stand up to insurance companies and trucking companies. Contact our office for a free, no-obligation case review with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Indiana.
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