Big Rig Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN
A collision with a big rig can leave you seriously injured, unable to work, and unsure of what to do next. If someone else was responsible for the crash, they should be responsible for the financial consequences, too. An experienced big rig accident attorney can help you demand just compensation for the harm you have suffered.
The Indianapolis big rig accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC have more than 30 years of experience helping people whose lives have been shattered by truck crashes. We care about the people we represent and are ready to do everything we can to help you recover physically and financially. We will take care of the legal work so you can focus on healing from your ordeal. We do not charge a legal fee unless we obtain a settlement or court award for you. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting our office for a free consultation.
What To Do Right After a Big Rig Accident
Here is what you need to do after an Indiana big rig accident to protect your rights:
- Take photos of your injuries, the position of the vehicles, the damage to your vehicle, and anything at the scene that may have contributed to the crash.
- Get the truck driver’s name, commercial driver’s license number, registration information, and insurance information, as well as the name of their employer.
- Look for potential eyewitnesses and nearby surveillance cameras.
- Seek prompt medical attention and save all your medical records and receipts related to the accident.
- Do not give any statements to the truck driver’s insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney.
- Hire an Indianapolis big rig accident attorney.
Why Choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC for Your Indianapolis Big Rig Accident?
Selecting a law firm from the many personal injury firms in Indianapolis can be challenging. Here is why Craig, Kelley, & Faultless, LLC is your best choice among Indianapolis’ truck accident lawyers:
- Our experience – Our Indianapolis big rig accident attorneys have represented people injured in crashes for more than 30 years. That experience gives us an advantage in pursuing maximum compensation for our clients.
- Our affordable services – We believe anyone injured in an accident deserves experienced legal representation. We handle big rig accident cases on a contingency basis and do not charge any legal fees unless you collect compensation for your injuries.
- Our firm’s resources – We have nine attorneys and numerous support personnel, allowing us to handle the most complicated cases. Our team approach means you have the entire group working to help you.
- Our focus on our community – We believe serving our community means being involved in the community and supporting local civic organizations that help make Indianapolis a great place to live.
What Are Recoverable Damages or Settlements in a Big Rig Accident?
The way to maximize your compensation after a big rig accident is to document all the ways the accident harmed you. An Indianapolis big rig accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for:
- Your medical expenses related to the crash
- Your lost wages while you are out of work recovering from your injuries
- Your reduced future earnings due to your injuries
- Your pain and suffering from the accident
- Your emotional distress from the crash
- Your diminished quality of life because of your injuries
- Your damaged personal property
What Is the Time Limit for Filing Indianapolis Big Rig Accident Lawsuits?
According to the Indiana Code, you have two years from the date of a big rig crash to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline means you will likely lose your chance to seek compensation through the courts. Meet with an attorney as soon as possible after a semi-truck crash to allow adequate time to investigate the accident and develop a lawsuit.
How Is Liability Determined in a Big Rig Accident?
Most big rig accident cases are based on the legal concept of negligence. In a big rig accident case, you need to establish that a truck driver or trucking company failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an accident and that negligence caused your injuries.
One way in which big rig accidents are different from car accidents is that there may be several parties that are potentially liable for an Indiana big rig accident. They include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The trailer owner
- Vehicle and parts manufacturers
- Truck maintenance crews
- The cargo loaders
Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to identify everyone who is potentially liable for your injuries. Some of the evidence we may use in your case includes:
- Police accident reports
- Photos from the crash scene
- Eyewitness accounts
- Medical records
- Surveillance footage
- The truck driver’s logs
- The truck’s electronic data recorder
- The trucking company’s records
- The truck’s maintenance records
How Our Attorneys Can Help to Win Your Indianapolis Big Rig Accident
Winning a big rig accident case is challenging. Our big rig accident attorneys will work to build a persuasive case by:
- Investigating the crash to identify all the liable parties
- Working with a truck mechanic to identify mechanical issues that contributed to the accident
- Gathering medical records to document all your injuries
- Developing and submitting your claim
- Communicating with the insurance companies
- Handling settlement negotiations
- Preparing your case for trial if the insurance company will not agree to a fair settlement
Most Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents in Indianapolis
There are many causes of semi-truck crashes in Indiana. Some of the more common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Truck driver fatigue
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Improper lane changes
- Defective brakes and other truck parts
- Failure to adjust speed for traffic and road conditions
Most Common Injuries from Big Rig Accidents in Indianapolis
Semi-trucks are much bigger and weigh considerably more than passenger cars. These factors are among the reasons big trucks tend to cause severe injuries to occupants of other vehicles in a crash. Common big rig accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- External head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Crushes limbs
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
Schedule a Free Case Review with an Experienced Indianapolis Big Rig Accident Attorney
It is in your best interest to meet with a lawyer right away after a big rig accident. Our team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC is ready to review the details of your accident and help you understand your legal options. Call our Indianapolis office today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.