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Handling Trucking Accident Cases For Clients Throughout Indiana

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that over 130,000 truck accidents are recorded in the United States yearly. Out of these accidents, 5,000 are usually fatal leading to loss of lives while close to 45,000 result in catastrophic injuries. Of all the trucks involved, tractor-trailers and semis represent only 3%, yet they account for over 25% of the fatalities.

The sad thing to note about these trucking accidents is that they are almost always as a result of negligence on the part of one or more parties.

At Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler, we sympathize with trucking victims, and we are committed to helping them. Most of the time, trucking companies and their respective insurance firms will move with speed to try and limit their liability following such collisions. They are fond of confronting the victims when they are most vulnerable – immediately after the accidents.

If you find yourself to be a victim of a truck driver’s negligence, it is imperative that you contact Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler in Indianapolis as soon as possible. As our client, we will protect your interests and legal rights while securing the appropriate compensation for your injuries or losses. With the years of practice we’ve had in this legal field, we can stand up to the big businesses, the insurance companies and their pack of attorneys to ensure that none of your rights are violated.

The Many Causes Of Trucking Accidents

Many factors can lead to trucking accidents; however, the sad news is that most of the accidents are ordinarily preventable. Some of the most common causes include the following:

  • Fatigue and driver exhaustion due to strict deadline demands
  • Driving trucks at high speeds
  • DUI
  • Poorly maintained vehicles leading to failure of certain parts
  • Use of defective auto parts
  • Using cellphones while driving
  • General negligence due to the truck driver

What Kinds Of Damages Are Available?

Such injuries include broken limbs, head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, back and neck injuries, damage to internal organs amongst others. Typically, the damages sought for these injuries include:

  • Present and future medical expenses
  • Therapy costs
  • Loss of current and future income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma

Truck Accident FAQs

You never expected that you would be in a serious crash involving a semi truck, yet here you are. Your world is completely different, from physical therapy appointments to communications with your insurance company. We understand what you are going through because we have helped countless other people with the same issues.

Without a doubt, you probably have numerous questions about the legal process after a truck accident. Here, we have answered some of these questions for you. We hope that this does a small part in helping you cope with your drastically different life circumstances.

How is fault proven in a trucking accident?

Determining liability, or fault, in a truck accident is very complex. There are often issues of third-party liability or the liability of a party other than you and the truck driver. It takes lawyers who have handled many trucking accident cases and know how to carefully investigate the scene and determine the at-fault party.

As a truck accident victim, what compensation may I be eligible to receive?

Because 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles are so large, the destruction to other motorists can prove severe. Some common damages include:

  • Present and future medical expenses
  • Loss of income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Auto repairs
  • Therapy costs

In a free consultation, you can ask our attorneys how much your case may be worth.

Why should I work with an attorney?

Trucking companies act quickly to cover their backs by hiring powerful lawyers, crime scene investigators and expert witnesses. You need to level the playing field by hiring legal counsel. A lawyer can ensure that you receive full and just compensation for your damages.

I lost a family member in a truck accident. What are my options?

You may have grounds for a wrongful death accident claim. This is when the deceased person’s personal representative files a lawsuit against the negligent party or parties. This can help you hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions and cover funeral costs and other damages.

What are the minimum insurance limits for a trucking company?

The minimum insurance requirements for semi trucks can vary depending on the state, the type of cargo being transported, and the weight of the truck. In general, the minimum insurance requirements are much higher for semi trucks than for passenger vehicles.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the minimum insurance requirements for commercial motor vehicles (which includes semi trucks) are:

  • $300,000 for trucks weighing under 10,001 pounds transporting non-hazardous freight
  • $750,000 for trucks weighing over 10,001 pounds transporting non-hazardous freight
  • $1 million for trucks transporting hazardous materials or passenger vehicles with over 15 passengers

It is important to note that these are only the minimum requirements and many companies choose to carry higher levels of insurance to protect themselves in the event of a lawsuit.

Reach Out To A Trusted Lawyer

When you are involved in a trucking accident, it is of utmost importance that you contact our aggressive accident attorneys as soon as possible. Resist the temptation to discuss the accident with anybody, signing documents, assuming any fault, or agreeing to any form of settlement – monetary or otherwise.

Our lawyers have the skills, experience and knowledge to give you competent representation. Our only desire is to obtain the most favorable verdict or compensation on your behalf, and we won’t charge you any legal fees unless you get compensated.