Truck Accidents Caused by Eating or Drinking While Driving

Drivers who eat or drink behind the wheel are putting themselves and others on the road in danger. This is especially true of semi-truck drivers. Eating and drinking are significant distractions while driving a big rig. The slightest loss of concentration while operating a large truck can cause a serious accident. Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks can cause life-changing injuries to accident victims.

If you were injured in a collision caused by a truck driver who was eating or drinking behind the wheel, you may have a right to demand compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. The Indiana truck accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, want to help you hold the at-fault driver financially accountable. Our Indianapolis personal injury attorneys have advocated for the rights of accident victims for more than 20 years. Call us today or visit our contact page for a free consultation.

What To Do After an Indianapolis Truck Accident Caused by Eating or Drinking While Driving?

It’s essential to take certain steps to protect your rights after an Indiana semi-truck accident caused by eating or drinking while driving. After a crash, you should:

Call the authorities– Call 911 to summon the police and emergency medical services to the accident scene. The police can investigate the crash and file an accident report, which can be helpful if you file an injury claim later. You should go to the hospital from the crash scene or see a doctor promptly to have your injuries diagnosed and treated.
Document the accident– Use your phone to take photos of your injuries, damage to the vehicles involved in the crash, and any visible road hazards. The photos could be helpful evidence if you take legal action.
Look for eyewitnesses or security cameras– After calling 911, look for nearby traffic or surveillance cameras and potential eyewitnesses to the crash. Get the name and contact information of anyone who saw the accident happen.
Save your medical records and receipts– Ask your doctor for a copy of your medical record, which you might need for an insurance claim or lawsuit. Hold on to any bills, invoices, or receipts related to your crash injuries and other losses. They can help you determine how much the collision cost you financially.
Do not talk to insurance companies– Do not say anything to the other driver’s insurance company until you have met with a lawyer. The insurance company might use what you say to deny or minimize your claim.
Speak with a truck accident attorney immediately– The sooner you get a lawyer involved in your case, the better chance the lawyer will have of finding and preserving evidence to develop your case. A lawyer can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf while you focus on healing from your injuries.

Why Choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, for Your Truck Accident Caused by Eating or Drinking While Driving?

With so many personal injury lawyers in Indiana, why should you choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, for your truck accident case? When you choose us to handle your truck accident claim, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands because of the following:

Our experience– Our team has represented people injured in Indiana truck accidents since 1999. We are deeply familiar with the tactics that trucking companies and insurers use to avoid liability. Our experience in this area of law allows us to advocate aggressively for our clients and pursue the maximum compensation.
Our knowledge– Two of our attorneys, David Craig and Scott Faultless, are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in commercial truck accident law. They are among fewer than 100 attorneys nationwide to have received this certification for their extensive knowledge in this area of law.
Our results– Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for victims of truck accidents, allowing them to rebuild their lives and pay for their medical bills and other costs.
Our resources– Our legal team includes nine attorneys and a large support staff. As an established law Indiana firm, we devote time and financial resources to hire expert witnesses to fully develop your case for compensation. We are prepared to take on large insurance companies to protect your rights.
Our approach– We know how stressful a truck accident can be and want to make the legal process go as smoothly as possible. We will take care of all the details in your case. You can contact us anytime if you have a question or concern.

Is it Illegal to Eat or Drink While Driving a Truck?

It is not illegal to eat or drink while driving a truck in Indiana. However, eating and drinking behind the wheel are common causes of distracted driving. Driver distractions can significantly increase the risk of an accident. A truck driver who causes a crash because he is distracted by eating or drinking could be at fault for the accident and liable for any injuries.

Consequences of Eating and Drinking While Driving a Truck

The potential consequences of eating and drinking while driving include the following:

Delayed reaction times
Failure to notice other road users or hazards on the road
Loss of awareness of vehicles in blind spots on either side of the truck
Increased chance of losing control of the vehicle
Increased risk of running red lights or stop signs at intersections

How Our Attorneys Can Help To Seek Compensation After an Indianapolis Truck Accident Caused by Eating or Drinking While Driving

Your sole focus after a truck accident should be healing from your injuries and rebuilding your life. Our Indianapolis truck accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation after a crash caused by a distracted truck driver. If we handle your case, we will:

Investigate the accident to identify the at-fault parties who have financial liability
Document your physical and financial losses from the crash
File an insurance claim and handle all insurance paperwork
Negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf for a just settlement
Answer any questions or concerns you have
Bring your case to trial, if necessary

Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorneys

Our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers know how devastating a truck accident can be. If you have been injured by another driver’s inattention due to eating and drinking behind the wheel, our attorneys can help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless, LLC, in Indianapolis today for a free consultation.