Indiana Truck Accident Attorneys

Indiana Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck accidents pose many threats to other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians on the road. Many 18-wheeler accidents are caused by inattentive truckers who have been driving over the maximum hours they are allowed under law. Surveys indicate that many drivers break these regulations that were put into place to keep other motorists safe from fatigued drivers.

Laws and Regulations in Indiana

The state and federal government have laws on the books that regulate semi-trucks in order to protect motorists from the dangers semi-trucks present. Federal and/or state regulations may apply in your case.

There are some differences between the two, but they generally require truck drivers and trucking companies to:

• Drive under a certain amount of hours per day and per week.
• Take breaks from driving.
• Properly maintain and repair truck fleets.
• Keep cargo loads under certain weights.

Semi-Truck Accident Causes

Truck accidents are often caused by failure to adhere to state and federal regulations. Even if the driver is following the regulations, you may still be able to recover.

Speed is one factor in accidents. Speeding trucks are more likely to rollover or to rear-end passenger vehicles.

In addition, failure to take driving breaks can lead to fatigue and inattention to the road. Finally, mechanical difficulties and tire blowouts can pose a threat to other drivers.

Truck Accident Checklist

If you have been in a trucking accident, you may not know what to do at the scene. Getting in a car accident can be a scary experience, so it’s important to think through what you would do in the aftermath of an accident ahead of time.

• Look for injuries. The health of the driver and the passengers in your car are the most important consideration. Do not move or allow anyone else to move if they have been injured. Do not stand up or exit your vehicle until you feel completely stable.
• Call police. Because of the severity of accidents involving an 18-wheeler and the fact that so many happen on high-speed roads like interstates and highways, the police should be called.
• Trade information with others. Be sure to get the truck’s license plate and DOT number as well as insurance information. Do not discuss fault with other drivers at the scene.
• Write down your memory of what happened. Accident victims are often surprised at how quickly their memories fade after and accident.
• Call an attorney. The trucker and his insurer have attorneys. You should too.

Do You Need an Attorney?

Our Indiana truck accident attorneys have seen a variety of trucking accident causes and the injuries such accidents can produce. A lawyer knows how to talk to an insurance company to get the most money for your injuries, and a skilled accident attorney will take your claim to court for a full trial if the insurance company is not being fair.

You want a lawyer who can investigate a truck company to determine if it has meet all state and federal standards and look at what its accident record is. An experienced accident attorney will give you the confidence you will be properly compensated. Call one of the 18-wheeler accident lawyers listed on this site for a free case evaluation.