Getting hurt in a car accident can lead to devastating injuries, especially if your car is struck by a truck. Large trucks and commercial vehicles weigh substantially more than passenger cars, meaning that collisions can result in significant force and impact.
If the truck driver or another party is found liable for your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation in a personal injury case that could cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Retain a Lawyer to Take on Your Case for You
A Bloomington truck accident lawyer from the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. may be able to represent you in a personal injury lawsuit. Our firm is dedicated to personal injury cases, unlike discount law firms that may be jacks of all trades but masters of none.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case. A member of our team will be happy to discuss your Bloomington truck accident and what legal options you may have moving forward.
We may be able to take your case on a contingency-fee-basis, where we do not charge you attorney fees unless and until you recover compensation at the end of your case.
Your Truck Accident Attorney will Prove Negligence
Indiana is a modified comparative negligence state. Per IC §34-51-2-5, if a jury finds you partially responsible for the accident, your compensation amount may be reduced by the percentage of the accident you are responsible for. Accordingly, the responsible party’s insurance company may try to deny their liability or argue that their client is responsible for a smaller percentage of the accident than they are.
When the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. represents your case, we can gather evidence for driver liability to refute such denials. We can gather all available evidence and may be able to hire accident reconstruction experts to testify in your defense, if necessary.
Injuries in a Truck Accident Could Entitle You to Damages
Collisions between trucks and cars may cause permanent or severe injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Herniated discs
- Severe lacerations
- Mobility impairments
- Chronic pain
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
We recommend seeing a medical professional for a full evaluation as soon as possible after your accident, as certain symptoms could be subtle or delayed. A doctor can begin treatment for any injuries they diagnose.
In addition, a prompt evaluation could prove an important link in your medical record between the accident and your injuries. We also recommend that you comply with all recommended treatments and attend all follow-up visits with your doctor. Documentation of your treatment can also demonstrate the validity and severity of your injuries in your truck accident case.
Types of Truck Accidents We See in Our Practice While Serving Indiana Victims
Your legal team will determine how your accident happened. In many cases, driver negligence can be established in a personal injury case with evidence that the responsible driver violated a traffic rule. If a truck driver commits a negligent act and causes an accident, they may be liable for the resulting injuries. Truck accidents can be caused by negligence such as:
- Tailgating
- Improper lane changes
- Failing to stop
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Improper turning
- Drowsy driving
The event could have happened due to a negligent driver, or other causes, which could include:
- Distracted driving: Changing the radio station, speaking on the phone or to other passengers, admiring the scenery, etc.
- Intoxication: Due to alcohol, illegal substances, or prescription medication
For a free consultation and to discuss the details of your case, call the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. today.
Damages in a Truck Accident Case
Indiana may allow you to recover economic and non-economic damages in a successful personal injury lawsuit.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are based on actual costs you paid or incurred because of the accident, meaning they can be proven with items like receipts and bank statements. It is important to keep all bills related to your accident. Making digital copies is a great way to ensure you have access to your documents in case your original copies are lost or misplaced.
Medical records can also help to prove the severity and extent of your injuries. If your injury is chronic, medical records can demonstrate how your symptoms impact your health.
If an injury prevented you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages. Statements from your employer and pay-stubs can establish how much income you lost as a result of your accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for how your injuries may impact your future health and happiness. Severe injuries can cause disabling conditions, which can limit your ability to work and provide for your family.
Note that in some cases, Indiana may limit the amount of damages you can collect. For example, if your accident was with a truck that belonged to a local municipality or government agency, per IC §34-13-3-4, your compensation may be capped at $700,000.
A Bloomington Truck Accident Lawyer on Your Side
Getting hurt in a car accident can cause excessive medical bills, time off from work, and even disability.
Fortunately, you are not alone. When you hire the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., a Bloomington truck accident lawyer from our firm can handle the following tasks while you concentrate on your recovery:
- Answering your questions and providing legal advice
- Handling all communications with insurance companies on your behalf
- Identifying the liable party
- Collecting evidence in your defense and of your injuries
- Negotiating with the insurance companies for a settlement offer
- Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court if they are not willing to make you a fair offer
Other circumstances could have led to your accident as well, such as a driver’s failure to respond appropriately to weather conditions, debris left in the road, or a malfunction or defect of a vehicle involved in the accident.
Legal Limitations Could Affect Your Lawsuit
Do not delay if you are considering legal action after a Bloomington truck accident. Per IC §34-11-2-4, Indiana imposes a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury cases. In some cases, your lawyer could be required to act even sooner to preserve your right to collect compensation.
For instance, a municipality could be partially liable for your accident. The city transportation department might have failed to repair a blinking traffic light, and a truck driver could have been confused and distracted and did not see your loved one had the right-of-way or was crossing the street in the crosswalk. The timeline in cases like these is generally shorter than other personal injury cases.
Call Our Team to Get Started on Your Case
We can discuss what legal limits pertain to your case when you call the Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. for a free consultation today.
Randy Sevenish can sympathize with truck vs. motorcycle accident victims
Our founding partner, Attorney Randy Sevenish, is a lawyer who rides. He understands all too well how motor vehicle drivers fail to consider motorcyclists while driving. If you suffered an accident with a truck during a motorcycle ride, turn to us for help.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
