Truck Accidents in Franklin, IN

Truck accidents can leave a trail of devastation in their wake, causing severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. At Stephenson Rife, we recognize the unique challenges that victims of truck accidents face, and we’re here to help them navigate the legal process.

As leading truck accident lawyers in Franklin, IN, we bring a wealth of experience and a track record of success in representing clients who have suffered harm due to negligent truck drivers, reckless trucking companies, or defective equipment. Our mission is simple: to secure the maximum compensation possible for our clients, allowing them to rebuild their lives.

After a trucking accident, contact Stephenson Rife at (317) 680-2350 to schedule a free consultation. Our truck accident lawyers in Franklin, IN, will stand by your side, fight for your rights, and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Indiana

Truck accidents in Franklin, IN, involving commercial vehicles can occur due to various factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• Speeding by truck drivers, particularly on highways where some ignore speed limits, such as the 70 mph limit on certain rural highways in Indiana.
• Distracted driving among truckers, who often multitask behind the wheel, including looking up directions, communicating with dispatchers, eating, and texting, despite its being illegal for commercial truck drivers nationwide.
• Fatigued truck drivers, especially long-haul drivers covering extensive distances across the country.
• Truck drivers operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Poorly maintained trucks, with issues like bald tires, defective brakes, or malfunctioning brake lights. Truck drivers and companies are responsible for proper maintenance and inspections, but some neglect these safety measures.
• Inexperienced truck drivers lose control of their vehicles, leading to rollover or jackknife accidents.
• Improperly loaded trucks, particularly tractor-trailers, where improperly secured cargo can cause the truck to roll over or veer out of control, endangering other vehicles on the road.

What Should I Do After My Accident?

If you’ve been in an accident caused by a commercial truck driver, immediate action is essential to protect your health and rights. Failing to do so could jeopardize your chances of receiving rightful compensation for your injuries.

While every accident has unique circumstances, there are common steps to take to strengthen your claim against the at-fault truck driver:

• Get Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, you may have suffered serious injuries, including internal ones. Prompt medical care is essential for your well-being and for documenting your injuries for insurance claims, especially in Indiana’s fault-based insurance system.
• Report the Accident to the Police: Ensure the authorities document the accident details. Their investigation is vital evidence for your claim.
• Obtain a Copy of the Accident Report: This official document is crucial for your claim. Ensure its accuracy, or your attorney can assist in correcting it.
• Gather Evidence at the Scene: Collect evidence like photos and witness statements if possible.
• Obtain the Truck Driver’s Information: Get their personal and insurance details and those of their employer.
• Limit Discussions About the Accident: Refrain from discussing the accident with anyone, including on social media, as it could harm your claim.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform them about the accident without giving detailed information during the initial call.
• Hire a Lawyer: Prompt legal representation is essential for negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring you receive rightful compensation.

Who Can I Sue After My Accident?

Pursuing a lawsuit against the responsible party is the most effective means of obtaining rightful compensation following a truck accident. While this may seem straightforward, determining liability can be complex as multiple people or entities may bear responsibility for the incident. Depending on the specifics of your accident, potential targets for legal action may include:

• The truck driver
• The truck driver’s employer or trucking company
• The owner of the truck’s cab or trailer, especially relevant in tractor-trailer accidents
• The entity responsible for loading the truck, particularly if improper loading contributed to the accident
• The company responsible for packaging the cargo, especially if inadequate packaging led to cargo shifting and subsequent accidents like jackknifing or rollovers
• The manufacturer of the truck or specific truck components, especially in cases involving tire blowouts or defective brakes.

Forms of Compensation Following a Truck Accident

Here are some potential forms of compensation that may be available to you:

1. Medical Expenses

Following a truck accident, victims often require medical attention, including emergency room treatment, surgery, medication, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. Compensation for medical expenses may cover all current and future medical bills related to your accident injuries.

2. Lost Wages

Serious injuries from a truck accident can prevent victims from returning to work for weeks, months, or even permanently. Compensation for lost wages aims to reimburse victims for the income they would have earned without their injuries. This includes wages lost during recovery and potential future earnings if the injuries result in long-term disability or reduced earning capacity.

3. Pain and Suffering

Truck accidents can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish for victims and their families. Compensation for pain and suffering seeks to provide financial support for the physical discomfort, emotional trauma, and psychological stress experienced as a result of the accident and injuries.

4. Disability and Impairment

If the truck accident results in permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement, victims may be entitled to compensation. This includes the loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and the impact on their ability to perform daily tasks, pursue hobbies, or engage in relationships.

5. Property Damage

Compensation for property damage can cover the cost of replacing or repairing damaged vehicles and any other personal property lost or damaged in the accident.

6. Wrongful Death

If a loved one is killed in a truck accident, surviving family members can pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. Compensation may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support and companionship, and other damages.

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Claim After a Truck Accident in Indiana?

If you aim to file your truck accident claim in court, you have a two-year window from the date of the accident to pursue your losses. Failure to file a complaint within this time frame may result in dismissal by the court.

Gathering all the necessary information to build your case can be challenging without the assistance of a truck accident attorney. Our truck accident lawyers in Franklin, IN, are well-versed in maximizing the state’s allotted timeline. You can contact our attorneys to strategize the best approach for filing a complaint before time runs out.

Why Choose Stephenson Rife for Your Truck Accident Case?

Here are some reasons to choose us to handle your truck accident case;

1. Extensive Experience

Our legal team brings decades of combined experience to every truck accident case we handle. We have successfully represented numerous clients in Franklin, IN, securing substantial compensation for their injuries and losses. Our depth of experience equips us with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of truck accident litigation effectively.

2. In-depth Knowledge of Trucking Regulations

Truck accidents often involve many federal and state regulations specific to the trucking industry. Our attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of these regulations, including those set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This in-depth knowledge allows us to identify negligence or regulatory violations by trucking companies or drivers, strengthening our clients’ cases.

3. Access to Expert Resources

We have access to a network of expert resources crucial to building a strong truck accident case. From accident reconstruction experts to medical experts, we collaborate with top-tier experts to gather evidence, assess damages, and provide expert testimony when necessary. This ensures that our clients receive the comprehensive representation they deserve.

4. Client-Centered Representation

We prioritize your needs and goals above all else. We understand that every truck accident case is unique and tailor our legal strategy to suit your specific circumstances.

5. Proven Track Record

With years of experience representing truck accident victims in Franklin, we have a track record of successfully securing favorable outcomes. We are committed to maximizing compensation for our clients to help them rebuild their lives.

6. Aggressive Advocacy

Trucking companies and their insurers have powerful legal teams on their side. We are not afraid to stand up to these entities and fight aggressively for our client’s rights. We will not hesitate to take your case to court if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

How We Can Help

Here’s how our truck accident attorneys in Franklin, IN, can help you:

• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your truck accident to gather crucial evidence. This may include obtaining police reports, witness statements, electronic logging device (ELD) data, truck maintenance records, and other pertinent information to support your case.
• Determining Liability: Truck accidents can involve different parties, including the vehicle manufacturer, truck driver, trucking company, and others. Our legal team will assess all aspects of your case to determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
• Calculating Damages: Truck accidents can result in physical, emotional, and financial losses. Our attorneys will work with medical professionals, economists, and other experts to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, especially when they try to minimize or deny your claim. We have experience negotiating with insurance adjusters and will work to secure a fair settlement for you.
• Litigation and Trial Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we will take your case to court. Our trial-tested attorneys have a track record of success in the courtroom and will advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Franklin, IN, Today

Truck drivers are held to a higher responsibility than drivers of private vehicles. If a negligent truck driver breaches their duty of care to you on the road, they can be held accountable for the full extent of your economic losses.

When presenting your case in civil court, you can seek compensation from the semi-truck driver, insurance company, or employer.

Attorney Mike Stephenson

Attorney Mike Stephenson has 40 years of experience and is a trusted advisor to many individuals and companies. His current practice is dominated by civil litigation in state and federal courts. He focuses much of his time on handling catastrophic injuries caused by all types of accidents, including motor vehicle, trucking, workplace injuries, product liability, just to name a few. Mike is a proven advocate and trial attorney. He has served as lead trial counsel in more than 100 civil jury trials, and has handled litigation in 18 states. [ Attorney Bio ]