Truck Accident Attorney in Hammond, IN

Semi-truck accidents often leave seriously injured people facing mounting medical bills, loss of income, and an uncertain future. If you have been injured in a collision with a large commercial truck, you need an experienced truck accident attorney to fight for the full compensation you need to move forward.

The attorneys at Craig, Kelley, & Faultless LLC have decades of combined experience fighting to protect the rights of injured people in Hammond, IN. Our truck accident attorneys are ready to demand justice on your behalf if you have serious injuries caused by a tractor-trailer. Let us guide you through the legal process of seeking financial accountability as you continue to recover.

Contact us 24/7 to get started with a free consultation.

Top Reasons to Choose Our Hammond Semi-Truck Crash Lawyers

Semi-truck crashes are more complicated to resolve than automobile accidents. If you need to take legal action, choosing an attorney with hands-on experience handling commercial vehicle accidents is essential.

When you work with the team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, you get a truck accident law firm with a proven track record. Our firm has a long history of securing substantial truck accident settlements and court awards for our clients throughout Indiana. Our attorneys and staff provide the personalized attention our clients need, and we have the client testimonials to back that claim:

“Great experience! Amber and Krysten did a great job handling my case. Very amazing people at an amazing company – I appreciate you all so much” – Shelby W.

It’s natural to have financial concerns after an 18-wheeler accident, especially when you’re facing unexpected medical expenses and cannot work. Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC will handle your truck accident case on a contingency fee basis. You will not pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Determining liability can be challenging in cases involving semi-truck crashes. There may be multiple potentially liable parties named in truck accident lawsuits. For example, a truck driver may misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic at an intersection and turn unexpectedly in front of other vehicles, causing a collision. Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the accident occurred and identify all liable parties, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Cargo handlers
• Manufacturers of large trucks and truck parts
• Truck maintenance providers
• Government entities responsible for maintaining roadways

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?

Accident victims may seek big rig crash compensation for a wide range of financial and personal losses, including:

• Medical expenses – The medical costs following a truck accident can be financially devastating if you need multiple surgeries. The liable party may be responsible for covering your present and future medical expenses related to a semi-truck accident.
• Lost wages – If your accident prevents you from earning a living, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. That includes your hourly wages or salary, commission, tips, missed raises or promotions, and benefits.
• Pain and suffering – The physical, mental, and emotional trauma caused by the accident may be the most far-reaching consequence. Severe injuries can alter your life. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve experienced.
• Property damage – If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, the liable party may be responsible for the cost of repair, replacement, and diminished resale value of that property.

Time Limits for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Indiana

Under Indiana law, you have two years from the accident date to file a truck accident lawsuit. While this may seem like a long time, you should take action as soon as possible when seeking compensation for your injuries. The legal process takes time. Insurance companies may try to deny liability or delay your claim, potentially causing the filing deadline to expire. Our attorneys will be ready to take legal action to protect your right to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

How Trucking Companies Try to Avoid Liability

Trucking companies and insurers use various tactics to minimize compensation and deny valid claims. They may try to avoid liability by:

• Blaming you – Shifting the blame to you reduces or eliminates their liability and weakens your claim. They may try to do this by using your own statements, social media posts, or medical records.
• Offering quick unfavorable settlements – Once you’ve accepted a settlement, you don’t get a second chance to pursue additional compensation. Insurance companies might make a quick settlement offer, but this is almost always far less than the fair value of the case. Always have a knowledgeable truck accident attorney review any settlement offer before accepting it.
• Destroying or withholding evidence – Trucking companies may try to shield evidence that points to their liability. Our experienced truck accident attorneys will act quickly to obtain and preserve evidence such as drivers’ logs, black box data, maintenance records, and records of previous state and federal trucking regulations violations.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Hammond

Truck accidents occur due to a variety of causes, many of which involve negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or another party:

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Inadequate training
• Mechanical failure
• Improper cargo loading
• Hazardous road conditions

Evidence Used to Prove Liability for 18-Wheeler Accidents

On top of the standard evidence used to prove liability in motor vehicle accidents, such as police reports, accident scene photos, security camera videos, and witness testimony, commercial truck accidents also have a few unique types of evidence, including:

• Black box data – Big trucks have onboard data recorders that collect electronic data related to the truck’s operation. The so-called black box recorders record the truck’s speed, acceleration, braking, steering, and driver hours, which can be crucial for determining the accident’s circumstances.
• Maintenance records—All commercial trucks must undergo regular, recorded inspections, maintenance, and repairs. In some instances, these records can establish negligence.
• Driver logs and employment records – Truck drivers must meet specific qualifications to possess a commercial driver’s license and legally operate a commercial vehicle. Commercial truck drivers are limited in the number of consecutive hours they can drive without taking a rest break. Driver logs can serve as substantial evidence after 18-wheeler accidents.

How Our Hammond Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Working with an experienced truck accident law firm in Hammond can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. The lawyers at Craig, Kelley, & Faultless LLC can help you by:

• Offering legal guidance – Knowing where to begin with your claim can be overwhelming when you’re trying to focus on healing. We’ll review your case at no cost and advise you on the best course of action.
• Documenting and investigating – Our legal team will conduct an in-depth investigation into the truck accident and gather evidence to establish liability and seek maximum compensation.
• Negotiating with insurance – Our attorneys know how to deal with insurance company tactics. A truck driver and the driver’s employer may carry separate liability insurance policies. Both may provide compensation for your injuries. We’ll fight for your rights at the negotiating table, pushing back against lowball offers and demanding the fair compensation you need.
• Representing you in court—If the insurance companies representing the truck company or other at-fault parties refuse to agree to a fair settlement, we will be prepared to file a lawsuit and present your case in court.

If you’ve suffered injuries in a truck accident caused by another party’s carelessness, the team at Craig, Kelley, & Faultless LLC is ready to aggressively advocate for your right to fair compensation. Contact us right away to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions