Evansville Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

When a devastating truck crash occurs on Evansville’s busy roads, the aftermath can be overwhelming. As experienced Evansville truck accident attorneys, we understand that the moments following a collision with a commercial truck are crucial. Just like after a car crash, your first priority should be to seek medical attention for any truck accident injuries, even if they seem minor at first. However, what you do at the accident scene can significantly impact your future personal injury claim.

The trucking industry operates under complex regulations, and truck crashes often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Our truck injury attorneys have years of experience gathering critical evidence from accident scenes, identifying the liable party, and helping victims navigate the challenging aftermath of these devastating collisions.

Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, mounting medical bills or pressure from insurance companies, the Evansville truck accident attorneys at Crossen Law Firm are here to help.

We know that time is essential after an Evansville truck accident. While you focus on your medical attention and recovery, our team will work diligently to investigate the crash, preserve evidence and build a strong case against all responsible parties.

With decades of combined experience handling truck accident injuries throughout Indiana, we understand what it takes to successfully pursue claims against large trucking companies and their insurers.

Why You Should Hire an Evansville, Indiana Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving commercial trucks often lead to severe injuries, significant financial losses and long-lasting emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, hiring an experienced Evansville truck accident lawyer is essential for navigating the complex legal process.

Truck accident lawyers have the expertise to handle the unique challenges presented by these types of accidents. They work to establish liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

Commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, can cause catastrophic damage due to their size and weight. When a truck driver’s negligence, reckless driving or improper training is the cause of an accident, trucking companies may be held liable for the damages. Truck accident cases often involve intricate investigations, as it is necessary to identify the responsible parties, whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company or the vehicle manufacturer.

An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you through this challenging time by working with experts to examine key evidence, such as maintenance records, driver logs and accident reports. They will ensure that you are properly compensated for not only your medical bills if you seek medical attention and vehicle damage but also for pain and suffering.

Whether you’ve been involved in a minor collision or a catastrophic crash with a commercial vehicle, an Evansville truck accident lawyer can provide the guidance you need to recover from the accident and get back on your feet.

Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents

An Evansville truck accident involving large trucks and commercial vehicles can occur in a variety of ways, each with its own unique causes and consequences. These accidents often lead to severe injuries and substantial property damage, making it essential to seek compensation through a truck accident case. Some of the most common types of accidents involving trucks include:

Jackknife Accidents

This type of accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle to the cab, often caused by sudden braking or slippery road conditions. Jackknife accidents can be particularly dangerous because they block multiple lanes of traffic, potentially causing collisions with other vehicles.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents happen when a commercial truck fails to stop in time and crashes into the vehicle ahead. These types of accidents are particularly dangerous when the truck driver is following too closely, speeding or distracted.

In truck accident cases involving rear-end collisions, victims can suffer serious injuries such as whiplash, spinal cord injuries or even fatalities. Seeking compensation for lost wages is often crucial for victims of these collisions.

Underride Accidents

These accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a large truck. These accidents are especially common when the truck is improperly equipped or not maintained properly, and they can cause severe damage to vehicles involved in the crash. Victims of underride accidents often face significant physical, emotional, and financial losses making it essential to seek compensation.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents involving commercial trucks can happen due to driver fatigue, improper loading or mechanical failures. When a truck overturns, it can crush vehicles and cause serious damage to the surrounding environment.

These types of accidents are more common with large trucks that are not properly maintained or when the truck driver is operating the vehicle while fatigued. If you’ve been involved in a truck rollover, seeking compensation for injuries and property damage is important.

T-Bone Collisions

These accidents often happen at intersections when a truck driver fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light. A collision in the shape of a “T” can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles and serious injuries to their occupants.

When large trucks are involved in such collisions, the impact can be life-threatening. Truck accident cases involving T-bone accidents often result in long recovery times and significant medical costs, making it essential to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

The Role Poor Driving Habits Play

Many truck accidents result from negligent driving behaviors. Common issues include:

• Distracted Driving – Using a phone, eating or engaging in other distractions while driving
• Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to drowsiness and delayed reaction times.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving – Excessive speed increases stopping distances and the likelihood of truck collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence – Some truck drivers operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their ability to drive safely.

Common Injuries Resulting From a Semi-Truck Accident

Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns and lacerations
• Permanent disability

These injuries can require extensive medical care, physical therapy and long-term care, significantly impacting a victim’s future earnings and overall mental well-being.

If Someone Dies in a Tractor-Trailer Accident, Can You File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

If a loved one has tragically passed away due to a tractor-trailer accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This type of legal action allows surviving family members to seek justice and financial compensation for their loss.

In many cases, commercial trucks and trucking companies may be held responsible if the accident was caused by driver negligence, improper maintenance of the tractor-trailer or other factors.

Wrongful death claims related to truck accidents are complex and often involve multiple parties. For example, if the truck driver was fatigued, distracted or driving under the influence, it could be a clear case of negligence. Additionally, if the trucking company failed to ensure that the tractor-trailer was maintained properly, or if there were issues with the loading of goods, the company may be found liable.

In addition to the loss of life, if the deceased suffered injuries before passing away, this could also play a critical role in a claim for wrongful death. If the victim experienced significant pain and suffering prior to their death, those factors will be considered when determining compensation for the surviving family members. This includes not only the physical injuries sustained during the accident but also the emotional toll on the victim, as well as the lasting effects it has on the family’s mental health.

In these cases, an experienced Evansville truck accident attorney is crucial to navigate the complexities of the case. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation, reviewing factors such as driver logs, maintenance records and evidence from the crash scene, which may involve collisions with other vehicles. They will also work with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability and demonstrate that the trucking company or driver was responsible for the crash.

Who Can File For Wrongful Death?

In Indiana, specific laws govern who has the legal right to file a claim after a fatal truck accident.

The following individuals can typically file a wrongful death claim:

Surviving spouse or children of the deceased

This includes legally adopted children and, in some cases, stepchildren who were financially dependent on the deceased

Parents of a minor child killed in the accident

Both biological and adoptive parents may have the right to file.

Legal representative on behalf of the deceased’s estate

This person must be officially appointed by the court.

The specific circumstances of each case can affect who has priority to file the claim. For example, if the deceased was married, the surviving spouse typically has the primary right to file. If there is no surviving spouse, adult children may file. In cases involving unmarried adults without children, parents may have the right to pursue the claim.

It’s important to note that Indiana law sets strict deadlines for filing these claims, typically within two years of the death. Additionally, different rules may apply depending on whether the claim falls under Indiana’s general wrongful death statute or the Adult Wrongful Death Act. Our experienced attorneys can help determine which family members have legal standing to file and ensure all deadlines are met.

Semi-Truck Accident FAQs

Why Would an Insurance Company Deny My Semi-Truck Accident Claim?

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by denying claims based on:

• Lack of sufficient evidence
• Alleging that the victim was partially or fully at fault
• Disputing the severity of the injuries sustained
• Claiming the policy does not cover certain damages

Who Investigates My Accident?

Several parties may investigate your truck accident, including:

• Law enforcement agencies
• Insurance companies
• Truck accident attorneys
• Accident reconstruction experts

What Determines What My Case is Worth?

The value of a truck accident claim depends on various factors, such as:

• The severity of injuries sustained
• Medical expenses and future treatment costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Emotional distress and pain and suffering
• The degree of liability of multiple parties involved

Do Semi-Truck Accidents Occur More in Different Locations?

Yes, truck accidents tend to happen more frequently in high-traffic areas, construction zones, and highways where commercial vehicles are prevalent. Poorly maintained roads and hazardous weather conditions can also contribute to increased accident risks.

Contact an Evansville, IN, Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer at Crossen Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need a firm with a proven track record in handling truck accident cases. The truck accident attorneys at Crossen Law Firm are dedicated to helping truck accident victims seek compensation for their losses.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let our legal professionals guide you through the legal claim process. Whether you need help collecting evidence, determining liability or negotiating with insurance companies, we are here to help you secure fair compensation.

Don’t wait—get in touch with an Evansville personal accident lawyer now to start building your case: 317-401-8626.