If you suffered injuries in a collision with a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the damages you incurred. Truck accident victims often suffer significant injuries due to the sheer size of commercial vehicles. Injuries sustained in truck accidents can leave you with hefty medical bills and may even prevent you from returning to work.
Unfortunately, truck accident claims can be difficult to document and prove. Our experienced Evansville truck accident lawyers at Gerling Law understand the confusion and hardship you are facing. Contact us today to get started on your claim.
Indiana Truck Accidents: An Overview
Indiana law defines commercial vehicles as either:
- Large trucks;
- Combination vehicles;
- Pickup trucks over 10,000 pounds;
- Buses that can carry at least 15 passengers;
- School buses; or
- Any vehicle with a hazardous material placard.
In 2017, 219,112 total vehicle collisions occurred in the state of Indiana. Of that total, 16,910 accidents involved a commercial vehicle.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
After a collision with a truck, you have to act quickly to preserve evidence that will prove your case later. You should first seek medical treatment for any injuries you suffered in the collision. Even if you do not realize it at first, some injuries will present themselves hours after the crash.
Collect the information of any parties at the scene who may have witnessed the accident. Take pictures of the scene of the crash and document the details from the accident scene. Contact authorities to complete a car accident report. The accident report plays a key role in your case.
After your accident, a full medical evaluation is necessary. A thorough examination by a qualified medical professional will ensure you get proper treatment for your injuries. The results of your evaluation and your medical records will be used to prove the injuries you suffered as a result of the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
A wide variety of circumstances cause vehicle collisions in the United States every day. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute compiled car accident statistics for 2017, including collisions involving commercial vehicles. The most common factors in commercial vehicle accidents include:
- Unsafe lane movement,
- Following too closely,
- Speeding too fast for weather conditions,
- Improper passing,
- DIstracted driving,
- Overcorrecting,
- Falling asleep at the wheel, and
- Animals on the roadway.
Truck accidents occur in a multitude of situations. Regardless of the cause of the accident, truck collisions result in devastating injuries and property damage. The Evansville truck accident lawyers at Gerling Law are committed to obtaining justice and fair compensation for our clients.
Over $500 Million in Recoveries
Jim Stoltz was very professional and caring when he handled my case. I would recommend him to anyone. - Donna K.
Injuries Commonly Seen in Truck Accidents
Research indicates that in collisions between passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, the occupants of passenger vehicles are more likely to be injured or killed than occupants of commercial vehicles. The size of commercial vehicles presents especially dangerous circumstances in the event of a crash. Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury,
- Broken bones,
- Internal injuries,
- Paralysis, and
- Death.
If you lost a loved one due to injuries sustained in a truck accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. You could potentially recover damages for the victim’s lost earning potential and funeral expenses, among other things. Contact Gerling Law today to speak to one of our committed and compassionate truck accident lawyers.
Hiring an Evansville Truck Accident Lawyer
Gerling Law has over half a century of experience representing clients who suffered injuries in truck accidents. Thinking about your accident may be overwhelming and confusing. Our truck accident attorneys at Gerling Law Injury Attorneys want you to know that you are not alone. We have substantial experience navigating truck accident claims at every stage of the lawsuit. Contact us today for a complimentary case analysis.
