$48.5
Million
We Won $48.5 Million in a Truck Accident Case
In this case, we took more than 60 depositions in five different states. Because of Stephenson’s tireless advocacy, shortly before the trial was to commence, the defendants settled the case for $48.5 million.
Truck accidents are among the most severe and devastating incidents on our roads, often resulting in catastrophic injuries, significant property damage, and profound emotional trauma for victims and their families. At Stephenson Rife, we will provide compassionate support and aggressive advocacy to those affected by truck accidents in Greensburg, IN.
Our truck accident lawyer in Greensburg, IN, understands these cases’ unique challenges. We will fight for our clients to ensure they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact Stephenson Rife at (317) 680-2350 for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, involving negligence or violating safety regulations. Common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can lead to dangerous levels of driver fatigue.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by mobile devices, GPS systems, or other in-cab technologies.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Pressure to meet tight delivery schedules can lead to speeding and other reckless driving behaviors.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failure to maintain trucks properly can result in mechanical failures and accidents.
- Overloaded Trucks: Exceeding weight limits can make trucks more difficult to control and increase the risk of accidents.
Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident in Indiana
If you are involved in a truck accident, taking the following steps is essential.
- Get Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses.
- Report the Accident: Ensure that the accident is reported to the police and get a copy of the police report.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Refer all communications to your attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
- Contact Stephenson Rife: The sooner you contact our experienced truck accident lawyers, the better. We will guide you through the legal process, handle all negotiations, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Trucking Accident in Indiana?
To seek compensation, you must prove that the other party was negligent and their actions directly caused your injuries. In some cases, multiple parties may be held responsible. Potentially liable parties include:
- The truck driver
- The truck’s manufacturing company
- The trucking company
- The shipper and/or loader of the cargo
- The owner of the truck.
Statute of Limitations for Trucking Accidents in Indiana
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for trucking accidents is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
Compensation for Indianapolis Truck Accidents
You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if you have been involved in a truck accident. Here are some of the types of compensation you can get.
1. Medical Expenses
Truck accidents can cause injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. Compensation may cover medical bills, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
2. Lost Wages
Compensation can include lost wages, including current and future earnings, if your injuries result in long-term disability (LTD) or reduced earning capacity.
3. Pain and Suffering
Victims often experience physical pain, emotional distress, and a reduced quality of life. You can get compensation for mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
4. Property Damage
Compensation can cover the cost of replacing or repairing damaged vehicles and other property lost or damaged in the accident.
5. Wrongful Death
When a truck accident results in death, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include loss of funeral costs, financial support, and compensation for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the death of a loved one.
Why Choose Stephenson Rife for Your Truck Accident Case?
Truck accidents aren’t just another case for us; they’re deeply personal. We’ve seen the devastation they leave in their wake, and we’re committed to helping victims.
Our team brings experience and a relentless drive to every case we handle. We understand the challenges of truck accident claims. Here are some reasons to choose us.
- Expertise in Truck Accident Law: Truck accidents are different from regular vehicle accidents due to the involvement of commercial vehicles, federal regulations, and large insurance companies. Our lawyers focus on truck accident cases and are well-versed in the laws governing the trucking industry.
- Thorough Case Evaluation: We offer an in-depth evaluation of your case, examining every detail to identify all potential sources of liability. This includes investigating the truck driver’s qualifications, the trucking company’s compliance with safety regulations, vehicle maintenance records, and possible equipment failures.
- Aggressive Representation: Trucking companies and insurers often have significant resources to defend against claims. They may attempt to shift blame or minimize their liability. At Stephenson Rife, we are not intimidated by their tactics. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and litigators who will aggressively pursue your case.
- Access to a Network of Experts: Truck accident cases require expert testimony to establish liability and quantify damages. We collaborate with a network of respected experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economists, to build a strong case on your behalf. These experts provide critical insights that can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
How We Can Help With Your Case
Our truck accident lawyers in Greensburg, IN, meticulously ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Here’s how we can help:
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection
Truck accident cases require a detailed investigation to uncover all the facts and establish liability. Our team will gather critical evidence, including accident scene photos, witness statements, police reports, and video footage. We’ll scrutinize the trucking company’s maintenance logs, driver logs, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Many trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) or “black boxes” that record crucial information about the truck’s operation before and during the accident. We will secure and analyze this data.
Our network of experts, including accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, will provide insights that strengthen your case.
Building a Strong Case
To ensure you receive maximum compensation, we will identify all liable parties, such as the trucking company, truck driver, cargo loaders, and manufacturers of defective truck parts. We will identify all responsible parties to maximize your compensation.
We will thoroughly document your injuries, medical treatments, lost wages, and other damages to build a compelling case for compensation. Our truck accident attorneys will handle all necessary paperwork, including filing claims and court documents and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies representing trucking firms have vast resources to minimize their payouts. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating with these insurers. We are adept at countering their strategies and ensuring you receive a fair settlement for your losses.
Litigating Your Case
We will take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our lawyers are skilled litigators who will present a compelling case on your behalf, aiming for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Our Truck Accidents Lawyer in Greensburg, IN, Today
Every moment matters after a truck accident. At Stephenson Rife, we’re here to provide the support and guidance you need to navigate this difficult time.
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 ]
Table Of Contents
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident in Indiana
- Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Trucking Accident in Indiana?
- Statute of Limitations for Trucking Accidents in Indiana
- Compensation for Indianapolis Truck Accidents
- Why Choose Stephenson Rife for Your Truck Accident Case?
- How We Can Help With Your Case
- Contact Our Truck Accidents Lawyer in Greensburg, IN, Today