Gary, IN Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are unfortunately common in Gary and the surrounding areas, given the high level of truck activity on I-94 and the Indiana Toll Road. These incidents often result in significant damages for victims. Victims of accidents caused by driver negligence have the legal right to seek compensation for their losses, which is often substantial.

Trucking companies and drivers must follow safety regulations, but some might ignore them, either for selfish reasons or due to carelessness, resulting in severe injuries. It is important to remember that you are not at fault for their dangerous behavior. If you have been injured because of a truck driver’s or a trucking company's negligence, you deserve compensation for your damages.

For a free review of your case with our truck accident lawyers, call Wruck Paupore today at (219) 322-1166.

Ways That Our Gary, IN Attorneys Can Help Your Truck Accident Case

Experiencing injuries after being involved in a truck accident can be a lot to handle. The expenses tend to pile up quickly, including medical bills, lost wages, and other costs that can amount to tens of thousands of dollars. On top of that, the pain and suffering caused by your injuries can be overwhelming. However, our truck accident lawyers are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for the damages you have suffered. We provide a variety of services to our clients in Gary, which include the following:

Calculating Your Damages

Determining the value of your case after a truck accident in Gary can be challenging. The insurance company might not offer a settlement that adequately covers all of your damages, but we are here to assist you in assessing the value of your case and ensuring that you are fairly compensated. This involves examining your current losses and anticipating any future expenses, such as potential surgeries or prescription costs. Additionally, you should receive compensation for any time missed from work and any potential loss of earnings during your recovery.

Gathering Important Evidence

At our firm, we understand the importance of gathering evidence to support your case. This evidence might come in the form of photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, the damages sustained, and any injuries incurred. This information is crucial in assessing the severity of the incident. Testimonies from witnesses who were present at the time of the accident can also provide valuable evidence. It is imperative to establish liability for the other driver's negligence, and police records like incident reports, pictures taken by law enforcement officers at the scene, and any citations given are necessary.

We will carefully evaluate all the evidence we collect, which includes your medical records, statements from witnesses, and consult with medical professionals to determine the extent of your injuries. Our team will then determine the appropriate compensation your case deserves and the percentage of fault assigned to each party if multiple parties were involved.

Preparing and Filing Your Claim

We are here to aid you with drafting a complaint that reflects the evidence you provide, detailing the specifics of your accident and the injuries you endured. Once your claim has been filed, the defendants and potential witnesses might be further questioned to ascertain the truth of the matter. If a settlement cannot be reached, seeking damages through the courts is the main avenue for receiving the full extent of compensation you are owed.

Parties That You Can Potentially Sue for a Truck Accident in Gary, IN

Determining who is responsible for a truck accident can be quite difficult, as multiple parties might be involved. Although the truck driver is usually held accountable, the company they work for could also be partially responsible. In certain instances, legal action against a different party might be necessary in order to obtain compensation for damages. Luckily, our team has the knowledge and expertise to identify the appropriate party to take legal action against. The following are the most commonly sued parties in Gary for injuries sustained in truck accidents:

Truck Driver

Driver negligence is the main cause of truck accidents and can manifest in various ways. Common examples include distracted driving, exhaustion, and driving above the speed limit. These behaviors often violate state and federal guidelines that restrict the amount of time drivers can spend on the road. If a collision occurs due to such recklessness, both the driver and their employer might be held accountable under the law.

Trucking Companies

Trucking companies can face legal consequences for accidents caused by their drivers' negligence through "vicarious liability." This means that if the driver was performing their regular duties when the accident occurred, the company would typically be responsible for any resulting injuries. For example, if a driver was delivering goods too quickly, both the driver and the trucking company could be held liable.

Trucking companies are fully accountable for any wrongdoing and must prioritize the safety of their drivers and the public by providing sufficient training to all drivers. Additionally, they must conduct thorough background checks before hiring drivers to prevent reckless individuals from driving. Furthermore, trucking companies must adhere strictly to state and federal regulations that require routine inspections and maintenance of vehicles for safety and roadworthiness.

If the truck driver is deemed an independent contractor, the trucking company is unlikely to be held responsible for any injuries resulting from their actions. Independent contractors are not treated as regular employees in a truck accident claim. For example, Amazon delivery truck drivers are often hired by a local delivery company instead of by Amazon. In this scenario, Amazon would probably not be sued, but the local delivery company could be held responsible for their driver's negligence.

Other Third Parties

Accidents involving trucks can be caused by another driver’s negligence, such as failure to check before changing lanes. In such instances, the driver might need to swerve to avoid a collision, but if they were speeding, they could be considered responsible. Both drivers are accountable for any damages resulting from the accident.

The improper loading of cargo during transport is often due to carelessness or failure to adhere to regulations by the loading company. Proper loading includes using appropriate straps and ensuring that the cargo is secured to prevent movement and ensure safety. This is critical to avoid accidents like jackknifing or overturning.

Truck accidents can also occur due to defective or poorly designed parts. If a component like the brakes or steering fails and causes an accident, the manufacturer or designer of the part could be held responsible for any injuries sustained.

Our Gary, IN Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Contact Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166 for a free case assessment with our truck accident attorneys.