Truck accidents are a serious threat to motorists in Lawrence, Indiana, and nationwide, injuring an average of more than 200 people per day in one recent year, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Lawrence, you could be entitled to compensation for what you’ve suffered as a result. Don’t make the mistake of pursuing your claim by yourself. Instead, get help from an experienced truck accident law firm that knows how to take on these complex cases and win them.
Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC has extensive experience handling some of the most challenging truck accident claims in Indiana. We are ready to fight for justice for you and demand full compensation for your medical costs, lost income, pain, suffering, and more.
Contact our team now for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Lawrence to discuss your next steps.
Here’s Why You Need Our Lawrence Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accidents are different from regular car crashes. The injuries tend to be more severe, and the legal issues can be more complicated. Trucking companies and their insurance providers have teams of lawyers working to protect their profits and avoid big payouts after a truck accident. You need a truck accident attorney who understands trucking company liability in crashes and how to build a strong case.
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we focus on serious injury cases and have won hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We know how to dig into truck accidents, handle big insurance companies, and fight for you in court as necessary.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what one of our past clients, Micaela M., had to say about her experience with our law firm:
“Guided us through the whole process of everything. Kept in touch with us with every detail as well as updating us on any changes that were being made for our best interest. I recommend going to Craig, Kelley & Faultless because I was able to be at peace while taking care of my children while they handled our case.”
How Liability Works in Lawrence Truck Accident Cases
Determining who’s at fault in a truck accident isn’t always easy. Several people or companies could be solely or partially responsible, depending on what led to the crash. A truck driver may be liable if, for example, they were speeding, driving while distracted, or breaking trucking regulations by driving longer than allowed. The trucking company can also be vicariously liable for its employee’s negligence, or directly liable for its own negligence, such as failing to maintain the vehicle or pressuring drivers to stay on the road too long, for example.
If a defective part like faulty brakes or tires contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be responsible. Cargo-loading companies can also play a role if an improperly secured load caused the truck to become unstable. It takes a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties and hold each accountable for their contributions to the accident.
Understanding Indiana Truck Accident Laws
In Indiana, state and federal truck accident laws are designed to protect victims and demand that those responsible be held accountable. Federal trucking regulations play a significant role in many truck accident cases, as truck drivers and companies must follow strict rules to keep the roads safe.
Under federal regulations, trucks must be covered by at least $750,000 in liability insurance, with higher amounts for hazardous materials. Drivers must also follow hours of service rules, limiting them to 11 hours of driving after a 10-hour break to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule, under which victims who are partially but not primarily at fault for a truck accident can still recover partial compensation. In other words, you can still receive compensation as long as you are not more than 50 percent to blame for the accident, though the amount of money you’ll receive will be reduced in accordance with your share of fault.
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What Evidence Is Crucial in a Truck Accident Claim?
Building a strong case requires solid evidence. Some important pieces of evidence in truck accident cases could include:
- The truck’s black box data, which records speed, braking, and other details
- Driver logs that show whether the trucker followed federal hours-of-service rules
- Maintenance records that show whether the truck was properly serviced
- Witness statements and accident scene photos
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
The sooner you contact our dedicated Lawrence truck accident attorneys, the faster we can start gathering the evidence needed to build a strong case for compensation.
Common Causes and Types of Truck Accidents in Lawrence, IN
Truck accidents in Lawrence can happen for a lot of reasons. Some of the most common include driver fatigue from long hours behind the wheel, distractions like texting or using GPS, and speeding. Poor truck maintenance can also be a significant factor, leading to issues like brake failures or tire blowouts. In some cases, overloaded or improperly loaded cargo shifts during transit, making the truck unstable and more prone to overturning.
Some examples of common types of truck accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Jackknifing
- T-bone crashes
- Sideswipes
- Rollovers
- Underride and override accidents
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
Under Indiana law, accident victims usually have up to two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. However, some exceptions could shorten or extend the deadline. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to seek compensation. That’s why it’s essential to reach out to our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You Seek Compensation After a Truck Wreck
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, our legal team knows how to seek maximum compensation for truck accident injuries, including money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to handle insurance disputes in truck wreck cases and demand full and timely compensation for severe injuries. We will not back down from a fight. Our firm has been recognized among the Best Law Firms by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, and our attorneys hold the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating, the highest peer rating for legal ability and ethics. We’re also proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Let our Indiana truck accident law firm take on the fight for you. Call today or contact us online for a free case review from an experienced truck accident attorney. We are ready to stand up to the trucking and insurance companies and pursue the full compensation you need to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there special laws that apply in truck accident cases?
The trucking industry is regulated by both the state of Indiana and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This is important because a violation of a state or federal regulation when related to a truck accident may lead to higher compensation for an accident victim or the victim’s family. It is important to work with an experienced lawyer who has handled numerous truck accident claims and is knowledgeable about the regulations that apply to truckers and trucking companies.
What does an Indianapolis truck accident investigation entail?
An experienced truck accident attorney will thoroughly investigate the truck driver, the trucking company and others involved in the accident to gather evidence. The attorney will request certain records that trucking companies are required to have, such as the driver qualification file, which provides detailed information about the driver’s history and medical tests. A truck accident attorney will review the driver’s logs, electronic on-board recorder, and truck maintenance records, interview witnesses, collect photos of the accident scene, review the police accident report and gather your medical records related to the accident. The evidence gathered will be used to build a persuasive case showing those who caused the accident were negligent and their negligence caused the injuries of the accident victims.
Should I wait to hear from the trucker’s insurance company before contacting a lawyer?
You should not wait. It’s important to speak with an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident involving a semi-truck. You want to avoid saying or doing anything that could adversely affect your claim for compensation for your injuries. The insurance company lawyers are experienced in dealing with truck accidents. You need a knowledgeable truck accident attorney on your side to level the playing field.
I have been out of work since being seriously injured in a truck accident. How can I afford a truck accident lawyer?
We understand that you and your family are going through a difficult time as a result of your injuries and inability to work after your accident. You certainly do not need more bills right now. If your case is the type that we handle, our truck accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC will handle your case on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee arrangement allows an accident victim to have legal representation without having to pay any legal fees or out-of-pocket costs. Our truck accident attorneys only get paid if we are successful in obtaining an insurance settlement or jury verdict for you. We receive a portion of the settlement or verdict as the legal fee for our services.
Can I file a lawsuit if my loved one was killed in a crash caused by a semi?
When a person is killed as a result of a truck driver’s carelessness or negligence in a truck accident, the victim’s family may be entitled to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties. Indiana law specifies the types of damages that may be sought and who is entitled to recover compensation in wrongful death actions. The compensation can help a family cover the medical bills, fill the gap in the family’s income and pay for counseling to cope with the loss. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can evaluate the particulars of the accident, discuss your legal options and help you determine whether pursuing a wrongful death claim is the right thing to do.
Is my truck accident injury claim likely to go to trial?
We prepare each accident case thoroughly as if it is going to trial. But our experienced attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are skilled negotiators and settle most Indiana truck accident cases before trial. A just settlement allows the client to receive the money they need to pay medical bills and other expenses more quickly and avoids the uncertainty of a jury trial. We negotiate aggressively on behalf of our clients and communicate any settlement offers we receive. If the insurance company’s refuses to agree to a fair settlement, then our attorneys are battle-tested courtroom lawyers and are ready to fight for you in court.
