Kokomo Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents can cause severe injuries, financial losses, and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, you need a skilled Kokomo truck accident lawyer to help you pursue justice.

Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage when they collide with passenger vehicles. The legal process for seeking compensation differs from typical car accidents, making it essential to have an experienced truck accident attorney in Kokomo, IN, by your side.

Our dedicated Kokomo accident lawyer at Vaughn A. Wamsley can help you pursue compensation following an accident. For decades, we have stood up to protect our clients’ rights in Kokomo and across Indiana. We are here to help you get justice.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Driving near big trucks can be stressful. They take up a lot of space, and the damage can be severe when something goes wrong. Truck accidents happen for many reasons, and understanding the most common types can help you stay alert on the road.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, a Kokomo semi-truck accident lawyer can help you determine your next steps.

Tire Blowouts

A blown tire on a truck can send huge pieces of rubber flying into traffic or cause the driver to lose control. Blowouts often happen when tires are old, under-inflated, or overloaded.

Rear-End Collisions

Since trucks are heavy, they need a lot more time to stop than regular cars. If a truck driver isn’t paying attention or is following too closely, they may not stop in time to avoid hitting the car in front of them. These crashes can be especially dangerous for people in smaller vehicles.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents happen when a smaller car slides under the back or side of a truck. These are some of the deadliest truck crashes because the top of the car can be crushed or ripped off. Some trucks have safety guards to help prevent this, but not all of them do.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife crash occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side and forms a sharp angle with the front of the truck, like a folding pocketknife. This usually happens when the truck brakes too hard or too fast. When a truck jackknifes, it can block multiple lanes of traffic, putting other drivers in danger.

Rollover Accidents

Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them more likely to tip over if they take a turn too fast or hit a slick patch of road. A rollover can crush nearby cars, trap drivers, and spill cargo onto the highway, making the situation even worse.

T-Bone Crashes

T-bone crashes happen when a truck runs a red light or stop sign and slams into the side of a car going through an intersection. Since the sides of cars don’t have as much protection as the front or back, these crashes can cause serious injuries.

Blind Spot Accidents

The blind spots on trucks are much larger. There are also some areas where the driver can’t see other vehicles. If a car is in one of these spots when the truck changes lanes, the driver may not know anyone is there. This can lead to dangerous side-swipe accidents, forcing smaller vehicles off the road.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash, you don’t have to handle it alone. A truck wreck attorney near me can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you need. Truck accidents can change lives in an instant, but the right help can make a big difference in moving forward.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Many factors contribute to truck accidents, and understanding them can help determine liability in your case. Some of the most common causes include:

Driving Under the Influence

Most truck drivers follow the rules, but some make dangerous choices, like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even some prescription medications can make a driver drowsy or affect their judgment, increasing the risk of an accident.

Distracted Driving

You’ve probably seen drivers using their phones while driving, and truckers are no different. Whether they’re checking directions, responding to messages, or adjusting their radio, even a few seconds of distraction can lead to disaster. Since trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles, a distracted truck driver might not react in time to avoid a crash.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks are heavy, and the faster they go, the harder they are to control. Some truckers speed to make their deliveries on time, but this increases the chance of losing control, especially on curves or in bad weather. A truck that’s moving too fast can’t stop quickly, making rear-end crashes and rollovers more likely.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often remain on the road for several hours, covering hundreds of miles daily. Even though there are rules about how long they can drive before taking a break, not everyone follows them.

Some push their limits to meet deadlines, which can lead to exhaustion. When drivers are too tired, they react slower and might even fall asleep at the wheel, putting everyone on the road at risk.

Overloaded or Unbalanced Loads

Trucks carry heavy cargo; if the weight isn’t evenly distributed, the truck can tip over, especially when making turns. Overloaded trucks are also more rigid when stopping and controlling. If cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift or fall onto the road, creating hazards for other drivers.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Trucks need regular maintenance to stay safe. Brakes, tires, and lights must be checked often, but some companies or drivers cut corners to save time or money. Worn-out brakes, bald tires, or broken lights can lead to accidents that could have been avoided if the truck had been properly maintained.

Bad Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, and ice make roads slippery, and trucks need extra time to slow down. If drivers don’tjust their speed or follow too closely, they can skid or jackknife, which means the trailer swings out to the side and blocks the road. Strong winds can push a truck into another lane or off the road.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. A truck accident attorney in Kokomo, IN, can help you understand your rights and work to get the compensation you deserve. Truck accident cases can be complicated, but having someone on your side can make a big difference.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

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Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

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Injuries Commonly Seen in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are some of the most serious crashes on the road. Since trucks are so much bigger and heavier than regular cars, the injuries they cause can be life-changing. If you or someone you love has been in a truck accident, you may be dealing with pain, medical bills, and a long recovery.

Understanding the types of injuries that often happen in these crashes can help you know what to expect and when to reach out for help from a top-rated truck accident lawyer in Kokomo.

Head and Brain Injuries

When a truck hits a smaller vehicle, the impact can cause a person’s head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. This can lead to a concussion or a more serious brain injury. Some people recover quickly, but others struggle with memory loss, headaches, and dizziness for months or even years.

In severe cases, brain injuries can change a person’s ability to think, speak, or even walk.

Broken Bones

Truck accidents often cause broken arms, legs, ribs, and even hips. The force of the crash can be so strong that bones snap on impact. Sometimes, people need surgery and months of physical therapy to heal. Even after the bones mend, pain and stiffness can last a long time.

Back and Spine Injuries

The human spine isn’t built to handle the kind of force that happens in a truck crash. Some people suffer from herniated discs, which cause pain, numbness, and weakness. In worse cases, a person can suffer a spinal cord injury, which may lead to paralysis. That means they lose the ability to move or feel parts of their body, sometimes permanently.

Internal Injuries

Not all injuries can be seen on the outside. The impact of a truck accident can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, or other organs. Internal bleeding is dangerous because it isn’t always apparent right away. If not treated quickly, these injuries can be life-threatening.

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Whiplash happens when the head is suddenly thrown forward and backward, stretching the neck muscles beyond their limits. It might not seem serious at first, but the pain can get worse over time, making it hard to turn your head or even sleep comfortably. Some people deal with whiplash pain for weeks, while others suffer from it for years.

Cuts and Bruises

Glass from broken windows, metal from the car, or even personal items inside the vehicle can cause deep cuts. Some require stitches, while others leave scars. Bruises might seem minor, but they can indicate more profound injuries under the skin.

Recovering from a truck accident is not just about healing physically. It is also about fighting for the financial support you need to cover medical bills, lost income, and more. A no-win, no-fee truck accident lawyer in Kokomo can help you understand your rights without worrying about upfront costs. This means you only pay if your case is successful.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex. Unlike car accidents, multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries, including:

• The Truck Driver: If they violated traffic laws or were negligent in some way.
• The Trucking Company: If they did not enforce safety regulations.
• The Cargo Loader: If improper loading contributed to the accident.
• The Truck Manufacturer: If mechanical defects caused the crash.

A top-rated truck accident lawyer in Kokomo will investigate all aspects of your case to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Truck accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. The injuries are often severe, and the financial impact can last years. Recovering the right amount of compensation is essential for covering expenses and ensuring you have the support needed to move forward. A Kokomo truck accident lawyer can help fight for what you deserve.

You may be entitled to some key damages after a truck accident, including the following:

Medical Expenses (Past and Future)

Truck accidents often cause serious injuries that require urgeries, lengthy hospitalization, and ongoing treatments. The cost of medical care can add up fast, and many injuries need long-term care, like physical therapy or follow-up surgeries.

Lost Wages

If your injuries keep you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the money you would have earned. Even missing a few weeks can put you in a tough financial spot, and some injuries prevent people from returning to work at all.

Loss of Future Earning Capacity

Some injuries make it impossible to return to the same job. If you have permanent limitations, you may not earn as much as before. Compensation for lost future income helps you adjust to this change.

Rehabilitation Costs

Many truck accident victims need physical therapy, occupational therapy, or even speech therapy to regain lost abilities. These treatments are necessary for recovery, but they can be expensive.

Disability and Impairment

If an accident leaves you with a long-term disability, you may need financial support for medical equipment, home modifications, and other adjustments to daily life.

Home and Personal Care Assistance

Severe injuries might mean you need in-home care, whether it’s a nurse, caregiver, or help with daily tasks. This is an added cost that should not fall on you alone.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Truck accidents can take away the ability to do the things you once loved, like playing sports, hobbies, or even simple daily activities. Compensation for this loss helps recognize how deeply an injury can change your life.

Recovering from a truck accident is not just about paying bills. It can help you rebuild your life. The best truck accident lawyer in Kokomo can help make sure you aren’t left struggling after an accident that wasn’t your fault.

Getting Compensation After a Fatal Truck Accident

Losing a loved one in a truck accident is heartbreaking, and the financial impact can make it even harder. When someone else is responsible for the accident, families have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death claim. A Kokomo truck accident lawyer can help make sure your family gets the support needed during this difficult time.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

In Indiana, the people who can file a wrongful death claim depend on the relationship to the person who passed away. Usually, a spouse, children, or parents can file. If the person who died had no immediate family, a legal representative may be able to file on behalf of their estate.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

When a victim loses their life in an accident, families may be able to recover compensation for:

1. Funeral Costs: Funerals are expensive, and the sudden loss of a loved one can put an unexpected financial strain on the family. A wrongful death claim can help cover these costs.
2. Burial Expenses: The cost of burial or cremation can be significant. This compensation helps ensure families can give their loved ones a proper resting place without worrying about the cost.
3. Loss of Financial Support: If the person who passed away was the main source of income for their family, their loss can leave a huge financial gap. Compensation can help replace that lost income so the family can continue to cover daily expenses.

A truck accident attorney in Kokomo, IN, can help families fight for the compensation they deserve, ensuring they are not left struggling after such a tragic loss.

Why Choose Vaughn A. Wamsley?

Hiring the right attorney can make all the difference in your case. Vaughn A. Wamsley has a track record of success in handling truck accident claims. When you choose our firm, you benefit from:

• Experience Handling Complex Truck Accident Cases
• Personalized Attention and Aggressive Representation
• No Fees Unless You Win
• A Deep Understanding of Indiana Trucking Laws

Our goal is to get you the justice and financial relief you need to move forward.

Contact Our Kokomo Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Truck accidents can cause serious injuries, financial stress, and emotional trauma, but you don’t have to face this alone.

Contact Vaughn A. Wamsley today for a free consultation. Our experienced team will carefully review your case, answer all your questions, and develop a strategy to fight for the justice and financial recovery you need. Our Kokomo semi-truck accident lawyer is here to support you every step of the way.