18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN

Due to their colossal size and weight, accidents involving 18-wheelers can have devastating consequences. And passenger cars are no match for a fully loaded commercial truck. When the truck strikes, the occupants inside the smaller car almost always suffer the worst injuries.

Did you or a loved one suffer injuries in an 18-wheeler truck accident in Indianapolis? At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we understand the pain and hardships accident victims face in the wake of a serious collision. You could be eligible for substantial compensation if someone else is responsible for your injuries. Our attorneys can help you seek the accountability and money you deserve.

For over 20 years, our law firm has advocated for the rights of injured people in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana. We can handle every detail of your case from start to finish. Filing a semi-truck accident claim can be complex, but we can take the burden off your shoulders by doing all the legal legwork.

Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC to learn your legal options after a tractor-trailer crash. An experienced Indianapolis 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case in a free consultation.

What to Do Right After an Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Accident?

The aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident can feel disorienting and frightening. If you can, follow these steps to protect your legal rights and your future claim for compensation.

  • Document the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the crash scene from multiple angles. Get the truck driver’s license number, insurance details, and employer information. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses.
  • Seek medical attention right away. Always accept emergency treatment if paramedics recommend it. Otherwise, see a doctor right away. Some life-threatening injuries can have a delayed onset.
  • Follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Attend every follow-up appointment. Otherwise, the insurance company could argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
  • Notify your auto insurance carrier of the accident. Many policies have notification deadlines. Report the accident, but keep the information limited to the date, location, and parties involved. Never agree to give recorded statements or sign medical release forms until you’ve consulted a lawyer.
  • Request a copy of the police accident report. This report provides basic information that can help during the initial investigation of the crash.
  • Document your financial losses. Keep a file of all accident-related bills, invoices, receipts, and vehicle repair estimates or replacement costs.
  • Gather your income records. Pay stubs can establish your wage losses if you cannot work after the 18-wheeler accident.
  • Start a journal. A daily diary of your pain and the limitations you experience during your recovery can substantiate a claim for pain and suffering compensation.
  • Talk to an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer. Truck companies work fast to try to limit their liability after a crash. Hiring a lawyer immediately reduces the chances of valuable evidence getting lost, altered, or destroyed.

Why Choose Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for Your Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Accident?

Picking the right attorney to represent you after an 18-wheeler truck accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. When you hire Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, you can rest assured that we will fight aggressively for you because:

  • Our attorneys have devoted their legal careers to advocating for the rights of people injured in accidents due to someone’s negligent, reckless, or otherwise harmful actions.
  • We have the staff and resources to handle complex cases while providing personalized, attentive client service.
  • Our team is dedicated to treating our clients with respect and compassion. We take the time to listen to their stories, understand their concerns, and develop legal strategies tailored to meet their needs and goals.
  • We work tirelessly to get the best possible results for our clients.
  • Our legal team thoroughly investigates every case to identify all liable parties and potential sources of compensation.
  • Our firm has earned numerous awards based on the successful outcomes we have obtained for clients, including an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a 10.0 Superb Rating from Avvo, and memberships in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

What Are Recoverable Damages or Compensation in an 18-Wheeler Accident Claim?

If you were involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you could receive compensation for your injuries and other losses. Compensation can include money for:

  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Cost of long-term home health care, caregiving services, medical devices, and household services due to a long-term disability
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost quality of life
  • Punitive damages, if the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious

What is the Time Limit You Have for Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuits?

Indiana Code §34-11-2-4 gives accident victims two years from the date of an 18-wheeler crash to file a lawsuit against a truck driver or another at-fault party. If you wait until the two-year deadline passes, you could lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.

While two years is a general rule, there are exceptions. You only have 180 days to file a notice of claim against a government agency in Indiana. If you have questions about the statute of limitations for your case, contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC immediately. You don’t want to lose out on money due to a missed deadline.

How is Liability Determined in an 18-Wheeler Accident?

Investigating an 18-wheeler truck accident requires reviewing extensive evidence to determine which party(s) should be held responsible for your injuries. Liability for an 18-wheeler accident is often determined based on evidence such as:

  • Medical records
  • Police accident reports
  • Crash scene photos and videos
  • Surveillance, traffic camera, or dashcam footage
  • Witness statements
  • The truck driver’s hours of service (HOS) logs
  • Drug and alcohol screening results
  • The trucker’s cell phone records
  • The 18-wheeler’s event data recorder logs
  • The cargo or freight manifest
  • Trucking company dispatch logs
  • Employer hiring records, background checks, and safety monitoring history
  • Truck inspection and maintenance records
  • Post-accident vehicle inspection records
  • Accident reconstruction reports

How Our Attorney Can Help You Win Your Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Accident

Navigating the legal system can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when recovering from a serious truck wreck. An attorney from Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC will help you pursue the compensation you deserve by:

  • Investigating the accident and gathering valuable evidence to build a robust case
  • Identifying all liable parties and sources of compensation for you
  • Calculating your ongoing expenses and any anticipated future losses to place a full and fair value on your case
  • Providing regular updates and consistent communication by promptly returning your calls and emails
  • Preparing and filing insurance claims, demand letters, and other necessary paperwork
  • Keeping track of important filing deadlines
  • Handling settlement negotiations so you can focus on your medical treatment and rehabilitation
  • Taking your case to trial, if necessary, to demand the best possible result for your case

Most Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Indianapolis

Leading causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Indianapolis include:

Most Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents in Indianapolis

Victims of truck crashes tend to suffer more severe injuries than victims of other kinds of motor vehicle accidents. The enormous size of a fully loaded tractor-trailer makes the impact particularly violent, especially at high speeds.

Common injuries from 18-wheeler accidents include:

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury in a truck crash, the lifetime medical costs could cost millions of dollars. A proven 18-wheeler accident lawyer can calculate your current and projected future losses to place a full and fair value on your case.

Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Indianapolis 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

If you were involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you might face costly medical bills, lost wages, and other losses due to the crash. The 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC want to help you get the compensation you need after all you’ve been through. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an Indianapolis 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer.