Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyer
A crash with a commercial truck is nothing like a typical car accident. The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler or semi truck can cause devastating injuries, and the legal process that follows is far more complicated. At Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP, we represent truck accident victims throughout Indianapolis and Marion County and fight to recover the full compensation they deserve.
Indianapolis Roads And Truck Traffic
Indianapolis sits at the crossroads of some of the busiest freight routes in the country. I-70, I-65 and I-74 carry heavy commercial truck traffic through the city every day. I-465 moves freight around the metro, and I-69 connects Indianapolis to the northeast. With that much truck traffic on local roads, serious crashes are a constant risk for everyone sharing those highways.
Common Types Of Truck Accidents In Indianapolis
Commercial truck crashes come in many forms. Types of truck accidents we handle Indianapolis clients include:
- Semi truck and tractor-trailer collisions
- Jackknife accidents where the trailer swings into other lanes
- Underride crashes where a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer
- Rollover accidents caused by speed or shifting cargo
- Rear-end collisions involving large commercial trucks
- Accidents caused by improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
No matter what type of motor vehicle crash you were involved in, our team can evaluate your case and help you understand your options.
Common Causes Of Commercial Truck Crashes
Most truck accidents are preventable. Common causes we investigate in Indianapolis truck accident cases include:
- Driver fatigue from exceeding hours-of-service limits
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Unsafe lane changes on busy Indianapolis corridors
- Improper cargo loading or inadequate securement
- Poor vehicle maintenance and ignored inspection failures
Understanding what caused your crash is a critical part of building a strong claim for compensation.
Who May Be Responsible For Your Crash
After a commercial truck accident, identifying every responsible party is one of the most important steps you can take. Depending on the facts, responsibility may go beyond the driver and include:
- The trucking company through negligent hiring, training or supervision
- The vehicle owner if maintenance obligations were not met
- A cargo or loading company if improper securement caused the accident
- A maintenance provider who failed to fix a known mechanical problem
Identifying all liable parties affects the total amount you could recover.
Evidence That Can Support Your Claim
Truck accident cases involve more evidence than most people expect. Commercial vehicles carry data that can be critical to your claim. Important evidence may include:
- Official crash reports and law enforcement documentation
- Photos and video footage from the scene and nearby cameras
- Witness statements and contact information
- Driver logs and electronic logging device data
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection records
- Onboard computer data capturing speed and braking before the crash
Trucking companies and their insurers act fast after an accident to protect themselves. Hiring an attorney early helps make sure this evidence is preserved.
Damages Available After An Indianapolis Truck Accident
A serious truck crash can affect every part of your life. Depending on your situation, you may be able to pursue compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
Every case is different, and the damages available to you depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your crash.
What To Do After A Truck Crash In Indianapolis
Get medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Document the scene when it is safe to do so and hold on to any records related to the crash. Do not accept a quick settlement from a commercial insurer before speaking with an attorney. Early offers rarely reflect the true value of your losses.
Got Questions?
Truck accident cases raise a lot of questions, especially when commercial insurers and corporate legal teams are involved. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from Indianapolis clients.
Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Indianapolis?
Liability depends on the facts of your case. The driver may be at fault, but so might the trucking company, the vehicle owner, a cargo loader or a maintenance provider. A full investigation is needed to find every responsible party and pursue every available source of compensation.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Indiana?
Indiana generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Certain facts can affect that deadline, so it is best to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
What evidence is important after an Indianapolis truck accident?
Key evidence includes the crash report, photos and video from the scene, witness information, driver logs, electronic logging device records, vehicle maintenance history and any onboard vehicle data. Acting quickly matters because some records can be lost or overwritten over time.
Discuss Your Case With An Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a family member suffered serious injuries in a commercial truck accident in Indianapolis or Marion County, Allen Wellman Harvey Keyes Cooley, LLP, is here to help. Call 317-468-2355 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.