- 1. Who Caused the Truck Accident? Were You Responsible in Any Way?
- 2. What Is the Link Between the Victim’s Injuries and Their Compensation?
- 3. How Much Compensation Should You Expect After an 18-wheeler Accident Claim?
- 4. What Are the Factors that Influence Damages in a Truck Accident?
- 5. What Happens When a Semi-truck Crash Results in Fatalities?
- 6. What Should You Know About Trucking Companies’ Insurance and Policies?
Flatbeds, semi-trucks, and tractor trailers are responsible for transporting goods and cargo movement over a distance of over 9 billion miles annually in Indiana.
Truck accidents in Indiana concerning large trucks have increased by about five percent in recent years. When the driver of such a commercial truck commits a mistake that results in a crash, the fallout could be devastating to other road users.
You must know how to file a truck accident insurance claim in Indiana. Accident claims involving trucks can be more complex to resolve than other automobile accident claims, so you need to be prepared and have some important information.
1. Who Caused the Truck Accident? Were You Responsible in Any Way?
A good number of semi-truck crashes in Indiana have many contributing factors. Many drivers or other road users may be at fault in one way or another for causing the truck accident. You may also be partially responsible for the crash if you are a truck driver. The liability of the parties involved in causing the crash can determine whether the injured party receives compensation for damages or injuries.
Indiana implements a legal standard called the modified comparative fault to determine fault in the event of an accident. Under these standards, you are eligible to get damages for the injuries that you have suffered if you were 50 percent or less to blame for causing the crash.
2. What Is the Link Between the Victim’s Injuries and Their Compensation?
When an 18-wheeler truck is involved in a crash, the resulting injuries can become life-threatening or catastrophic. How severe your injuries are and the cost of your medical treatment will be significant factors in your compensation claim.
Seeking medical attention should be your top priority before you think about filing a claim. A doctor will give an independent report of your injuries, which can be used as evidence in your claim. Once you have gotten medical attention, you can find a truck accident lawyer in Gary, Indiana, to take over your case.
3. How Much Compensation Should You Expect After an 18-wheeler Accident Claim?
It is worth noting that commercial trucks are obliged by law to have higher liability insurance coverage than passenger vehicles. This is because truck accidents can result in more significant harm. As a result, more insurance compensation can be made accessible after a truck accident for an individual that is seriously hurt.
4. What Are the Factors that Influence Damages in a Truck Accident?
Some of the factors in a truck accident that will inform the significance of your case are:
- Which road user was at fault and caused the crash?
- What is the extent of your injuries?
- Did the truck accident result in fatalities?
- What limits are imposed on your insurance policies?
- How strong is your case against the liable party?
- How skilled is your attorney in negotiating a settlement in your favor?
5. What Happens When a Semi-truck Crash Results in Fatalities?
Most of the fatalities that result when an 18-wheeler is involved in an accident are usually from the passengers in smaller vehicles. This is because of the large trucks’ size, speed, maneuverability, and weight.
The immediate family of a fatal accident victim may have the grounds to file a wrongful death suit to help pay for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other expenses the family may incur.
6. What Should You Know About Trucking Companies’ Insurance and Policies?
Trucking and insurance companies usually have an experienced team of negotiators to represent their interests. It would also be best for you to have an experienced attorney to represent your interests in court. Under federal law, big trucks must have at least $750,00 of liability insurance. This is stipulated by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Handbook issued by the Department of Revenue in Indiana.
The law requires trucks that move hazardous materials to put in place $1 million to $5 million of liability insurance, which can fluctuate depending on the materials being transported.
Truck accidents are a common occurrence in Indianapolis. Therefore, it would be best if you did not hesitate to hire a competent attorney to help with your claim.