Truck Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN

As advocates for victims of road accidents, our law firm, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, understands the harrowing aftermath of traffic collisions involving large commercial vehicles, commonly known as big rigs. These colossal vehicles play a vital role in the U.S. economy by carrying approximately 72.2% of the nation’s freight, according to data from the American Trucking Association (ATA). However, their significant size and weight inherently pose considerable threats to other road users, often leading to severe personal injuries or fatalities.

When an unfortunate accident occurs involving a commercial vehicle, the path toward securing fair compensation for victims can be challenging and complex. These intricacies are magnified by the substantial insurance policies trucking companies employ as a shield against liability for accidents. Notably, some of these companies may resort to rapid responses to accidents, manipulation of evidence, or swift repairs to faulty trucks post-accident to reduce their liabilities.

We understand the importance of prompt legal action following any truck accident involving you or a loved one. We are committed to fighting for your rights, ensuring that your voice is heard and that justice is served. Reach out to us today via phone at (317) 545-1760 or by using our online form to discuss your legal options following a truck accident.

Why Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Semi Wreck?

In the aftermath of a truck accident, our dedicated legal team will implement a comprehensive approach to build your case and protect your rights:

• Gathering and safeguarding crucial evidence at the scene of the accident is our first priority. This process includes taking photographs, conducting measurements, recording video, and surveying the site.
• We will seek out and locate all eyewitnesses. Our professional investigators will interview them to obtain their testimonies and document their statements.
• We will ensure the truck involved in the incident is located and secured via a court order. This guarantees no alterations are made to the truck before our expert team can conduct an exhaustive inspection.
• Our mechanical specialists will examine the truck’s brakes and other mechanical components. We will also download data from the truck’s “black box” to gain insights about its speed and braking activities leading up to the accident.
• We will work with recognized accident reconstruction experts to understand how an accident occurred and build a convincing truck accident case for full compensation from the insurance provider based on facts.
• To prevent the destruction of critical evidence such as the truck driver’s log, we will secure a court order.
• Our team is dedicated to uncovering the truth about your truck accident. By securing relevant information and evidence, our objective is to help safeguard your financial future.

Rest assured, our legal team will tirelessly advocate for you and your family throughout this challenging time.

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Steps to Follow After a Truck Accident

Understanding the immediate actions to take following a truck accident can significantly influence the success of your legal claim. Instances abound where injured parties secured minimal or no compensation due to the choices made post-accident. Below, our specialized legal team imparts advice for effective conduct in the aftermath of a truck accident:

• Stay on the scene and contact emergency services – Following the accident, it’s crucial to stay put and call for assistance. Departing the scene could potentially result in criminal prosecution. Waiting for help to arrive is in your best interest. If injuries are sustained by you or others involved, medical services can ensure proper treatment and transportation to a hospital. The arrival of the police will initiate an official accident report – a valuable piece of evidence in your claim.
• Prioritize medical help – The colossal size and weight of commercial trucks often lead to severe, life-altering injuries in an accident. Thus, it’s critical to seek medical care post-accident. Neglecting this could adversely affect any compensation you might be entitled to.
• Engage a legal professional – Pursuing a truck accident claim is a complex and lengthy process. It’s made even more challenging as you grapple with physical recovery and financial strain. Given the intricacies of such cases, consulting with a seasoned truck accident attorney, well-versed in dealing with these investigations and legal aspects, is highly recommended.
• Gather relevant evidence – A truck accident case involves myriad details to scrutinize to establish fault and potential compensation. Collecting evidence is a vital step in building a strong case. This may involve photographs of the scene and injuries, medical records and bills, and the police report.

Adhering to these steps can aid in safeguarding your legal rights and the compensation you’re rightfully due. It’s important to remember that each truck accident case is unique, and the outcome of your claim hinges on your specific circumstances.

What Our Clients Say About Our Truck Accident Attorneys

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC in Indianapolis, we’ve proudly helped numerous clients get the compensation they deserve after truck accidents. Here’s what they have to say:

I am glad I chose Craig, Kelley and Faultless to negotiate my case for me. My whole experience was positive. Krysten came highly recommended from another attorney. I feel if it wasn’t for her persistence I would not have won my case, and it would have taken longer. Great communication, prompt responses to emails and calls. They kept me very informed throughout the process. Everything about this was smooth. Kim and Abby were great to work with as well. I can’t thank them all enough. I, too, highly recommend this firm.

Renee Street

I had a serious incident not knowing what to do. I was recommended Craig, Kelly, and Faultless. Not really sure what the outcome would be, these professionals knocked it out of the park! They went above and beyond checking in on me to assure I was ok. The assigned attorney as well as the case holder where very helpful with any questions or concerns during the entire process. By far the best people I have ever had the opportunity to deal with!

Brent Simms

My husband and I were in a horrible semi truck accident less than 1 yr ago and I immediately contacted Mr. Faultless and they made our case top priority and made us feel really welcome and comfortable! I would definitely recommend them to anyone in a situation like or similar to ours or for anything their firm had to offer! Also their paralegal was great as well with communication and just making us feel comfortable. Thank you to the whole team

Porsche Ratcliff

Read More Reviews Here.

2023 National Top 100 Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers

Our Indianapolis semi truck accident lawyers have a thorough understanding of the laws that apply to catastrophic injury cases and wrongful death or fatality cases. Many of the cases we handle involve large semi-trucks and other commercial motor vehicles.

Two of our attorneys, David Craig and Scott Faultless, have earned board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy in the area of personal injury law involving commercial truck accidents such as semi-truck accidents and bus accidents. The National Board of Trial Advocacy is accredited by the American Bar Association as a certifying agency.

Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are among less than 100 attorneys nationwide who have obtained board certification in the complex area of commercial truck accident law. They did so by passing a written exam, demonstrating extensive trial experience, and fulfilling the peer review and continuing education requirements. They use their knowledge of this area of law to demand justice and just compensation for people who have been injured through no fault of their own.

David Craig is the author of Semitruck Wreck: A Guide for Victims and Their Families. In the book, Craig shares the knowledge he has gained from over 35 years of representing individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted by commercial truck accidents. He also hosts a podcast After the Crash to help accident victims understand their rights and receive important information about the legal process after a crash involving a tractor-trailer.

Emergency Response Team for Semi Truck Accident Victims

In the face of an unfortunate accident involving heavy vehicles such as an 18-wheeler accident, securing competent legal aid is essential. If you, or a family member, have been a victim of such a crash, our law firm stands ready to provide immediate and robust legal representation.

Upon receiving your call, our experienced legal team will promptly conduct an initial, no-cost evaluation of your case. Armed with a team that includes legal professionals, private investigators, mechanical experts, and accident reconstruction specialists, our focus is to elucidate the circumstances leading to this distressing event.

Our mission goes beyond merely understanding the dynamics of the accident. We strive to ascertain responsibility, ensuring that those accountable are made to answer for their actions. In doing so, we provide our clients with a comprehensive legal service designed to protect their interests in the wake of such traumatic incidents.

When Should You Hire an Attorney After a Semi Wreck?

The prompt involvement of the trucking company’s legal team or insurance provider further complicates matters. Their goal isn’t to provide comprehensive compensation to the victims but to protect their interests. It highlights the importance of engaging with a seasoned attorney proficient in truck accident law based in Indianapolis, ensuring your rights are vigilantly protected.

Do not let the trucking or insurance company manipulate the situation to their advantage. They often convince victims that obtaining legal representation is unnecessary and will only prolong the settlement. This is a distortion of the truth. Without legal representation, the trucking or insurance company may exploit the situation. Thus, it’s crucial to engage a knowledgeable truck accident attorney in Indianapolis without delay. If you or a loved one has a potential case against a trucking company, don’t hesitate to seek legal consultation.

In such times of distress, victims need the expertise of attorneys specializing in accident and personal injury law. Our Indianapolis-based legal team focuses on providing just such specialized representation for victims of truck accidents. We are well-versed in the complexities of dealing with formidable trucking and insurance companies, and our professional expertise equips us to challenge these entities effectively.

Our legal services include comprehensive support beyond court representation, encompassing evidence collection, negotiation with insurance companies, and establishing fault, amongst other crucial legal processes. Trust in our experienced attorneys to guide you through the often overwhelming landscape of accident and personal injury law, ensuring that your pursuit of justice is in capable hands.

Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Establishing liability in a truck accident case is a crucial step toward pursuing damages. The process requires demonstrating that negligence from the other party or parties directly resulted in your injuries. Potential entities that could be held accountable in such scenarios include the truck operator, the owner of the truck, the truck’s manufacturer, the trucking corporation, and the entity responsible for shipping or loading the cargo.

Determining culpability in commercial truck accidents can be a complex task, reinforcing the importance of engaging a legal professional to guide you through the process.

Compensation You Might Be Entitled in a Truck Accident Claim

In the aftermath of a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and other damages. The scope of this compensation might encompass:

• Expenses related to medical treatment
• Rehabilitation costs
• Loss of income
• Decrease in future earning potential
• Expenses associated with long-term home healthcare, caregiver services, medical appliances, and household aids due to enduring disability
• Repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Monetary compensation for pain and suffering
• Compensation for emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In cases where the liable party’s behavior was particularly negligent or malevolent, punitive damages may also be granted.

Resources Needed To Fight A Truck Accident Case

Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC is an established law firm that has been representing injured people for more than 20 years. We have the financial resources to invest in the cases we accept. That involves hiring accident reconstruction experts, trial consultants, and other professionals with particular knowledge who can help us develop a case to provide the best chance of winning. We have a dedicated mechanic available to investigate vehicles involved in truck accidents or car accidents.

Commercial truck accident cases and wrongful death cases are high-stakes cases. That means the insurance companies will put a lot of resources into defending the case and avoiding liability. Frankly, many law firms cannot afford to spend $100,000 or more preparing cases. When taking on a big insurance company, you need a well-established law firm that has extensive resources and can pursue the case wherever it leads. Otherwise, you will be at a disadvantage when trying to hold accountable large insurance companies and trucking companies.

Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. We advance the money to cover the costs of developing a case. We recoup our expenses if we obtain a favorable settlement or court award for our client. The client does not owe a legal fee unless we achieve a successful outcome.

Timeframe For Filing a Truck Accident Claim

Under the provisions of Indiana Code §34-11-2-4, individuals involved in an 18-wheeler collision have a two-year timeframe from the date of the incident to initiate a legal action against a truck driver or any other liable party. If this two-year mark elapses without any action taken, the individual could potentially forfeit their right to seek damages for their injuries.

This two-year span is, however, a general rule and there are exceptions to it. Specifically, there is a 180-day limit to submit a claim notice against a government entity in Indiana. If you are unsure about how the statute of limitations applies to your specific circumstances, it’s advisable to reach out to Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC without delay. Missing a deadline could jeopardize your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents

Within the realm of law, common causes of large truck accidents are manifold and often encompass factors such as:

• Speeding
• Drivers Being Distracted
• Issues With Brakes
• Misuse of Over-the-counter Drug
• Tailgating
• Oversized Loads
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance
• Violations of Transportation Laws
• Operator Negligence
• Sideswipe
• Inadequate Vehicle Upkeep

The legal path to justice for victims is intricate, frequently involving confrontations with heavily-insured trucking entities. Hence, the necessity for expert legal counsel is paramount.

Companies That Are Involved in Most Truck Accidents

• UPS
• USPS
• DHL
• FedEx
• Amazon
• Walmart
• J. B. Hunt

Get in Touch With an Indianapolis Semi-Truck Accident Attorney

The dedicated legal team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC has the experience and skills to secure the evidence and identify all the potentially responsible parties after a truck accident. We investigate accidents thoroughly and prepare each case carefully as if it is going to trial. Careful preparation allows us to negotiate aggressively to obtain the full compensation that you deserve.

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We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we only get paid when we win your case. It’s important not to delay in seeking legal help after a serious truck accident.

Contact us by telephone at (317) 545-1760 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation of your truck accident. If you are unable to come to us, we will come to you.

Frequently Asked Questions