Recovering The Compensation You Need After A Truck Accident
Were you seriously injured in a collision with a semi truck or 18-wheeler? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Center for National Truck and Bus Statistics, approximately 5,061 large trucks are involved in fatal accidents every year. More than half of such trucks are tractor-trailers.
At the Indiana law firm of Matthew D. Barrett, P.C. Attorney at Law, I represent personal injury victims throughout the state and beyond. I’m attorney Matthew Barrett, the firm’s founder. With nearly two decades of experience and a stellar record of results, I am here to advocate for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Such compensation can cover lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage and other losses.
Trucking accident cases are very different from auto accidents. To successfully resolve a specialized case of this kind, a lawyer must have detailed knowledge of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and other rules and procedures applicable to the trucking industry. I have handled many semi truck cases and am thoroughly familiar with the complexities.
Act Immediately To Preserve Vital Evidence
After any truck accident, it is very important to quickly gather and guard any evidence. Tire marks on the road can wash away. The memories of eyewitnesses can fade. The truck’s black box data and driving logs may be removed or destroyed by the trucking company. That is why it’s important to contact a skilled attorney right away.
Remember, you are not the only one who has something to prove. The trucking company and its insurance company will take whatever steps they can to protect themselves from any liability.
Holding Negligent Truckers And Trucking Companies Responsible
When truck drivers or their companies violate the laws and regulations governing this industry, catastrophic injuries or wrongful death frequently result. I hold such parties responsible for the damage they cause to innocent people. Negligence can take many forms, and multiple parties may be at fault, including:
- The truck driver
- Their employer or trucking company
- The dispatcher
- The shipper
- The truck mechanic
- The auto part manufacturer in cases involving defective vehicle equipment
I will leave no stone unturned in holding all the responsible parties accountable.
Causes Of Large Truck Accidents
It often takes a thorough and detailed investigation to get to the bottom of what caused a particular semi truck accident. An investigation may reveal:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driver distraction or inattention (including texting while driving)
- Truck driver fatigue, which may stem from logbook violations (driving too many hours)
- Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
- Reckless driving
- Unbalanced cargo or overloaded trucks
- Poor truck maintenance
- Insufficient training
I know how to dig deep to uncover all of the contributing factors in order to make a strong case for compensation.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After A Truck Accident
Insurance issues can be a headache in any car accident case. When commercial vehicles such as semi trucks are involved, the insurance aspect becomes even more complicated. There may be multiple insurance policies at play: one carried by the truck driver, another by their employer or trucking company, and your own. Navigating the intricacies of which insurance applies and to what extent may require careful legal analysis. What’s more, it often takes a strong advocate to avoid getting shortchanged by insurance companies.
Having worked extensively on the insurance defense side before becoming a personal injury lawyer, I understand how insurers handle these kinds of complicated cases. I can leverage that experience and insight to your advantage.
Discuss Your Truck Accident Case During Free Consultation
To schedule a free initial consultation, call my Logansport office at 574-516-6188 or toll-free at 574-516-6188. You can also contact me online. Because I charge contingency fees, you owe me nothing unless I recover money for you. Evening and weekend appointments are available by request.
