Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyer
Have you recently been involved in a serious trucking collision? If so, reach out to an Indianapolis truck crash lawyer who can help you obtain the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.
The catastrophic injuries seen in tractor-trailer crashes can permanently disable victims and force them to endure traumatic life changes no one is prepared to handle. Not only can you expect to be buried under a mountain of medical bills, but if you were the provider for your family and are unable to work due to your injuries, you’ll also be burdened by the pressures of financial insecurity.
When you are ready to take the first steps toward reclaiming your life, get in touch with a qualified Indianapolis truck accident lawyer at Kooi Law. We take pride in always putting the needs of our clients above all else and will stop at nothing to ensure that you are able to win the compensation you’ll need to support both your recovery and your family.
Fault in Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Crashes
A number of individuals and businesses can be partially to blame for your Indianapolis truck accident. Each of these parties has a responsibility to maintain the safety of the 18-wheeler either before it makes it onto the road or while it’s being operated. The following parties are the most frequent causes of trucking accidents:
- The Trucker – Truck drivers become liable for the injuries a victim sustains when they’ve been operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigued, distracted, or engaging in aggressive driving practices like speeding, following too closely, or changing lanes without signaling.
- The Trucking Company – The commercial trucking company employs the truck driver and usually owns the truck in operation. If the trucking company ignored the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations regarding mandatory safety inspections of the 18-wheeler or failed to comply with trucker scheduling guidelines, it can be named as the defendant in your claim for compensation.
- Cargo Loaders – These employees have a responsibility to properly secure cargo so that it doesn’t become loose and subsequently endanger those sharing the road with the semi-truck.
- Vehicle Parts Manufacturers – If a manufacturer fails to notify the trucking company of a recalled part or even installs parts it knows are defective in the hopes of saving money, it can be held accountable for this reckless decision.
- Government Agencies – The body of government that is responsible for maintaining safe roadways in Indianapolis could hold blame for your injuries if debris, an improper road construction zone, or a missing street sign contributed to your truck accident in Indianapolis.
If any of these parties were irresponsible in their care and operation of the big rig involved in your accident, we can seek damages on your behalf to not only compensate you for all you’ve been through, but also in the hopes that the negligent parties will consider the damage they’ve caused before making the same decisions again.
Obtaining the Compensation You Deserve
Truck accident injuries are some of the most expensive and painful injuries to endure. The medical treatments alone could end up costing tens of thousands of dollars—hundreds of thousands in some of the most severe cases.
But rest assured that your medical expenses are some of the first damages your truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis will make sure you are able to recover. Any hospital bills, copays, prescription medications, medical equipment, and additional expenses relating to your injuries will be included in this figure.
We also work to make sure you are fully compensated for your loss of income while you are out of work, as well as any lost future earnings if you are unable to continue in your current position and miss out on any retirement earnings, bonuses, or raises.
Equally as impactful are the non-economic damages that cannot be easily quantified, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of companionship and love. It is crucial to your case that we leave no stone unturned when considering the areas of your life that have been and will continue to be impacted by the traumatic injuries you’ve suffered.
Indianapolis Truck Accident FAQ
We enjoy putting our legal knowledge to good use for our clients. The following are some of the questions our truck accident clients in Indianapolis often ask us. For the answers to your unique questions, give us a call.
What if the truck that caused the collision was from another state?
If the involved tractor-trailer originated in another state, it shouldn’t matter as long as the accident itself took place in Indiana. We can still pursue your personal injury claim against the truck driver, trucking company, or other negligent party.
I feel fine after my truck crash. Do I really need to see a doctor?
Because many injuries, such as concussions and internal bleeding, can go unnoticed until serious damage has been done, it’s always best to see a medical professional immediately following a crash. Your doctor will be able to rule out any invisible injuries you may have suffered and document these injuries accordingly, which will also benefit your claim.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
You will always have the final say in accepting or declining the insurance company’s offer. If the insurer made you a quick offer without going through the negotiation process, chances are it knows your claim is worth much more and is attempting to minimize your settlement by making you a swift offer you’ll be tempted to accept.
Should I expect to go to court?
You should always be prepared for the possibility of going to court. It’s very possible, however, that we will be able to avoid court if we can negotiate a fair settlement with the other side. We usually have to bring your case to court when the insurer remains steadfast in its decision to discontinue negotiations. Our best option at that point becomes letting a court determine your compensation.
How long do I have to decide if I want to pursue a claim?
In Indiana, you are given two years from either the date of the accident or the diagnosis of an injury stemming from the accident to file a personal injury claim. When a government office is going to be your defendant, you may have as little as 180 days to file. Once that deadline has passed, you will not be able to sue the person or people liable for your injuries.
Do I need a lawyer to seek compensation?
Working with an experienced Indianapolis 18-wheeler crash attorney is likely to help your case. Most individuals aren’t prepared to handle the filing of paperwork, the investigation process, and determining the true value of a claim. If you’re suffering from a serious injury, this can be all the more difficult—unless you have the help of a lawyer.
Call an Indianapolis Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
It’s an enormous understatement to say that handling the aftermath of an 18-wheeler crash is a challenge. Having to focus on your recovery while burdened with steadily increasing expenses is something no one should have to suffer through. But by getting in touch with an experienced lawyer at Kooi Law, you are taking the first steps toward reclaiming your life.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer today by giving us a call at(317) 569-1335 or filling out the online contact form at the bottom of this page.