Trucks and large vehicles are common in the Jefferson, Indiana, area, and while they are an essential part of the local and national transportation system, they are sometimes involved in dangerous accidents. If you were injured or suffered any form of loss in a truck accident, you could be eligible for financial compensation.
A Jefferson truck accident lawyer with Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., can help you learn more about your legal options during a free consultation today. We exclusively handle personal injury cases, so when our team works on your case, you are getting an attorney dedicated to personal injury law and helping you recover your losses after an accident.
Recoverable Compensation in Indiana Truck Accident Cases
After your accident in the Jefferson, Indiana, area, you might want to pursue compensation by filing a claim. While filing a claim does not guarantee compensation, there are various ways in which you could recover your losses if your case is successful. Available forms of compensation include but are not limited to:
- Reimbursement for damage to your vehicle, total loss, or any loss of valuable property
- Damages awarded for the emotional suffering from the sudden trauma of your truck accident
- Reimbursement for the legal fees you paid to file a lawsuit
- Reimbursement for medical expenses, such as therapy, doctor’s office visits, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and more
- You could be awarded for any wages that you lost if you were not able to work and earn income as a direct result of your accident.
- If you lost a family member in a truck accident, you could receive compensation for the wrongful death of your loved one.
Compensation Payment Structures
If you are awarded compensation, there are different ways you could be paid. Some victims decide that a single payment is best and choose to receive all damages at once. Others opt for smaller payment amounts that are allocated over time. Sometimes lump-sum payments are for a lesser amount than small payments over time, but there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods.
If you find yourself in the position of receiving compensation, it could be helpful to speak to a financial professional to figure out a compensation plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
Indiana Truck Accidents Can Happen in Many Ways
Your truck accident could have occurred in any number of ways, and it is possible that it could have happened for more than one reason. Sometimes a single party is at fault, while in other instances, there could be many vehicles or individuals involved. It is possible that someone else contributed to your accident in one or more of the following ways:
- Drunk driving: If a truck driver was intoxicated at the time of your accident, they could be responsible for your injuries and suffering.
- Improperly loaded cargo: When you see a truck on the road, it is easy to assume that the carriage or trailer is properly packed and secure. Unfortunately, cargo-loading errors can occur that result in obstructions on the road and often lead to dangerous accidents.
- Sharp turns: Trucks and other large vehicles need to make wider turns than usual to avoid dangerous jack-knife accidents or even vehicle rollovers. If a sharp turn caused your accident, you could have a case.
- Distracted driving: Examples of distracted driving include looking at a cell phone, peering away from the road, engaging in distracting conversation, listening to loud music, and more. Distracted drivers could be at-fault in your truck accident.
- Negligence: The term negligence covers a broad range of behaviors that fail to adhere to basic safety precautions on the road. If any form of negligence caused your accident, you could have grounds to pursue compensation.
- Speeding: Speeding is always dangerous and illegal, but large vehicles like trucks that are speeding can be particularly devastating when involved in accidents.
- Inexperience: Large trucks require special training. Sometimes a lack of training or experience can result in an accident.
- Mechanical failures: Mechanical failures are common in truck accidents. If a truck was improperly maintained, this could be deemed a form of negligence and is punishable by law.
How Choosing Legal Representation Can Help
If you choose to file a lawsuit following your accident, hiring a lawyer could help be beneficial to your case in several ways. The following examples are among the many benefits of having legal representation by your side:
- Assistance with preparing and filing case paperwork
- Available to explain the legal process of your case and answer questions as they arise
- Able to help gauge possible compensation in your case, which can help you plan for life after your recovery
- Offer a support system during a stressful time
- Help manage your legal deadlines and keep your case on track
- Familiarity with the law that can organize and put your best case forward
Proving Liability in a Jefferson Truck Accident
If you believe another vehicle or party caused your accident, you could have a valid case, but you still need to prove liability in court. Having a well-organized and detailed case could help your chances of recovering compensation from the liable party or parties.
Our Jefferson truck accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and present a strong case so that you have a fair shot at justice. We will investigate your case and identify all liable parties in the accident and how they are responsible for your damages. We will negotiate with their insurers for a fair settlement that compensates you. If we are unable to settle your case, we can file to sue the liable party and take your case to trial.
Statute of Limitations
If you experienced loss from a truck accident in the Jefferson area, your ability to file a claim could be based on Indiana state law. The statute of limitations refers to the amount of time you have following an accident that you have to take action.
In Indiana, you generally have two years from the accident date to file an injury lawsuit, per IC § 34-11-2-4. If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you have two years from the deceased’s death date, per IC § 34-23-1-1.
This means the clock is ticking for you to pursue the compensation in your case. You do not want to wait too long and jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for your loss. Our Jefferson truck accident lawyer is ready to help you start on your lawsuit as soon as you can.
Contact Our Team Today for a Free Consultation
A truck accident can significantly change your life, and you do not deserve to be left suffering the consequences when someone else was your fault. Our team at Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., is available to discuss your legal options with you or your loved one today. Call (317) 636-7777 for a free consultation.
