Being involved in an accident with a large truck is often a life-altering experience, and having an experienced Anderson truck accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference. The aftermath may come with serious injuries, extensive medical treatment, and unsurmountable bills.
Vaughn A. Wamsley understands a truck accident’s devastating impact on your life. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Anderson, you need a dedicated team to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
As your trusted Anderson truck accident Attorney, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Anderson
Truck accidents are significantly different from regular car accidents, largely due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with smaller vehicles particularly dangerous. The injuries sustained in such accidents are often catastrophic, ranging from severe brain trauma to spinal cord injuries and even fatalities.
We are experienced truck accident lawyers in Anderson who know how to handle the complexities of these cases. From dealing with insurance companies to holding negligent trucking companies accountable, our team has the knowledge and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Anderson
Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, many of which are preventable. Some of the most common causes include:
Improper Maintenance: Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. However, cost-cutting measures may lead to poorly maintained trucks, increasing the risk of accidents due to mechanical failures such as brake or tire issues.
Distracted Driving: Like any driver, truck operators can be distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or even food and drinks while driving. This distraction can lead to catastrophic accidents.
Overloaded Trucks: Exceeding the legal weight limit can make trucks harder to control and increase stopping distances, resulting in deadly collisions.
As your semi-collision attorney in Anderson, we will thoroughly investigate your accident to determine the root cause and identify all liable parties.
Indiana Trucking Laws and Regulations
Like all states, Indiana follows federal trucking laws enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Some critical regulations include:
Hours of Service (HOS) Limits: Drivers can only operate their vehicles for 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Violations of these limits are common and contribute to fatigue-related accidents.
Vehicle Maintenance Standards: Trucks must meet specific safety standards regarding tires, brakes, lights, and other components. Regular inspections are mandated, but violations can lead to mechanical failures.
Load Limits: Trucks are generally restricted to a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds, as outlined in the Federal Bridge Gross Weight Formula.
Indiana also has laws governing trucking. For example, Indiana Code 9-21-8-44 mandates that trucks operating on highways with more than two lanes stay in the two right-most lanes. Violating this rule can result in fines and contribute to dangerous road conditions.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, our Anderson injury lawyers will use our knowledge of state and federal trucking laws to build a strong case for you.
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Types of Compensation Available After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can cause substantial financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. As your trusted accident attorney in Anderson, we will fight to ensure you receive full compensation for:
Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and medication.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you are entitled to compensation for your lost wages, both now and in the future, if your earning capacity is affected.
Pain and Suffering: Truck accidents often result in long-term pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life. We will fight for compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Property Damage: In addition to personal injuries, truck accidents often result in significant vehicle damage. We will seek compensation to repair or replace your vehicle.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is two years from the accident date, as outlined in Indiana Code 34-11-2-4. This means you have a limited window to file a claim. You may lose your right to seek compensation entirely if you miss this deadline.
Furthermore, evidence in truck accident cases can quickly disappear. Trucking companies are required by law to keep certain records, such as driver logs and maintenance reports, but these records may only be retained for a short period. Acting swiftly will allow us to gather crucial evidence before it’s lost.
As your Anderson truck accident lawyer, we will gather evidence immediately, including accident reports, witness statements, and electronic data from the truck’s “black box” to build a strong case.
Truck Accident Statistics in Indiana
Truck accidents are a significant issue in Indiana. In 2022, it is estimated that over 4,700 people lost their lives due to truck accidents in the U.S., with 66% of the fatalities being those riding in cars or other passenger vehicles. In Indiana, 173 fatal truck accidents occurred, which caused 172 deaths. Anderson, located in Madison County, is no exception to these alarming trends.
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident Case
One of the key challenges in truck accident cases is determining liability. Unlike car accidents, where only the drivers are typically involved, truck accidents often have multiple liable parties, including:
The Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, they could be held responsible for the accident.
The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are responsible for their drivers and the maintenance of their vehicles. They could be held liable if they failed to train the driver or maintain the truck properly.
The Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, leading to accidents. The company responsible for loading the cargo could be liable if improper loading contributed to the crash.
Manufacturers: If a defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, caused the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
At Vaughn A. Wamsley, we have the resources and experience to investigate your accident thoroughly and determine who is liable. As your Anderson injury lawyer, we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Anderson
The steps you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Here are some important steps to follow:
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional, as some injuries may not present symptoms immediately.
Document the Scene: If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
Get Contact Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of everyone involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses.
Report the Accident: Call the police and file an official report. This document will be crucial in your case.
Contact Us: Call our office as soon as possible. As your accident attorney in Anderson, we will guide you through filing a claim and protect your rights.
How We Can Help You
Truck accident cases are complex and involve powerful trucking companies and insurance providers. We have extensive experience handling these cases and know the tactics they use to try to minimize or deny your claim. As your semi-collision attorney in Anderson, we will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
From investigating the accident and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, we are committed to securing the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Contact an Anderson Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin working on your case.
Call Vaughn A. Wamsley, your dedicated truck accident lawyer in Anderson, today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
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