Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer

The midwestern state of Indiana is just one of eight different states that constitutes the Great Lakes Region. Often referred to as the “Hoosier” state, Indiana ranks 17th on the most populated list, boasting a citizenry of over 6 million people living in 92 counties, 117 incorporated cities and 450 towns. Indianapolis is the largest city in Indiana and is also the state capital.

Multiple airports support air travel in and out of Indiana, including the Indianapolis International Airport. Transportation within the state is aided by 13 major U.S. Highways, including I-64, I-70 and I-275 in addition to numerous county roads. According to the American Community Survey (ACS) in a survey conducted by the United States Census Bureau, the roads and highways in Indiana are certainly put to good use. It is reported that 2.8 million workers aged 16 and older used a car, truck, or van to commute to work. That number alone is enough to create congested travel, let alone the countless other drivers on the road in addition to commuters.

The trucking industry in Indiana is very active due to the state’s geographic location which makes it a popular route to transport goods by large commercial vehicles to the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Detroit, St. Louis and Chicago areas. The trucking industry moves a variety of products through the state of Indiana taking advantage of the interstate system which converges and allows truckers to access all parts of the United States. Unfortunately, the high percentage of commuter and other traffic combined with the state’s popularity with the trucking companies increases the risk of residents and visitors being involved in a truck accident.

If you or a family member have been involved in a truck accident, a Indiana truck accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your losses. Mike Morse Law Firm is a team of experienced truck accident lawyers who can help you through the legal process. Call today for a free consultation. 855-MIKE-WINS or visit www.855mikewins.com

Trucking Accidents Are On The Rise

It is estimated that the population of Indiana will increase to over 7 million people by 2030. The constant influx of new residents into the state means more traffic on Indiana’s already congested interstates, highways, and city streets. More residents also means more goods will be needed to keep the grocery store shelves stocked in addition to inventory for all areas of commerce hauled in and out of Indiana. An increase in semi trucks, tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles on Indiana roads is the inevitable result. Unfortunately, more trucks on the road means an increase in truck wrecks, often involving a passenger vehicle.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data reports that in 2016 there were over 12 million buses and large trucks registered and those vehicles logged over 300 billion miles crisscrossing throughout the United States. As the population grows and more items are being shipped to individual homes via Amazon, Ebay, and FedEx, the risk of individual drivers being involved in a tractor trailer accident increases. Accidents involving large trucks are responsible for some of the most severe injuries on America’s interstates, highways and roadways.

A personal injury lawyer with experience in commercial vehicle accident claims can help accident victims recover financial losses caused by truck accidents. It is important to contact an Indiana truck accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident to avoid delays and complications with your case.

Mike Morse Law Firm is a personal injury attorney with the experience and resources required to successfully manage your truck accident claim. Taking on a trucking company, truck driver, or insurance company isn’t something you want to do alone. The truck accident lawyers at Mike Morse Law Firm will fight for you and your best interests and be by your side every step of the way. If you have been involved in an Indiana truck accident, you need the Mike Morse Law Firm.

 

Truck Collisions Responsible For Injuries And Loss

Car accidents involving semi trucks are notorious for causing serious injuries. The sheer size and weight of a commercial truck is no match for the family car or SUV. In addition, some commercial vehicles haul hazardous materials, which can cause further harm to truck accident victims.

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration reports 159,000 injuries caused by truck accidents in the United States for the year 2019, that is 7,000 more injuries than the previous year. Statistics also show that a majority of the injuries occur to individuals in passenger vehicles rather than the individuals inside trucks. In fact, 69% of people injured in truck collisions were in a passenger car, SUV or other vehicle. The injury rate for commercial truck drivers and other occupants of big rigs is a significantly lower amount, running right around 29%. It’s clear from the numbers that truck drivers are safer in their rigs than the individuals occupying the passenger vehicle on the road next to them.

Tragically, serious injuries are not the only result of Indiana truck accidents. A high percentage of truck accident cases also result in a wrongful death. The grim numbers show that 4,119 people lost their lives due to a truck accident in 2019 and the early estimates for 2020 indicate a rise in fatal truck accidents to approximately 4, 895. It is clear that more needs to be done to make our highways, interstates and city streets safer for everyone.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is an independent agency of the federal government that investigates all kinds of transportation accidents, including collisions involving large trucks. The NTSB uses the information gathered from a truck accident scene and the commercial truck’s black box to determine the probable cause of the collision and then analyzes the information to formulate recommendations for increased safety. The goal of the NTSB is to prevent future large truck accidents.

 

Common Injuries Caused by Indiana Truck Accidents

The type of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents involving a tractor trailer vary from mild to severe and even catastrophic injuries, due to the size and weight difference between the vehicles. Common injuries experienced by truck accident victims include but are not limited to:

• Brain injuries including: concussion, hematoma, brain swelling, fractured skull
• Broken bones: hairline fractures, compound and spiral fractures, shattered bones
• Injuries to the back and spine: torn muscles, spinal cord swelling, broken back, paralysis
• Neck Injuries: whiplash-mild to severe, fractures of neck vertebrae, strained muscles
• Traumatic loss of limbs, fingers or toes of limbs.
• Whole body bruising ranging from mild to severe
• Soft tissue damage, strains and sprains
• Burns
• Exposure to hazardous materials
• Cuts and lacerations
• Permanent scarring

Life after a truck accident can be filled with challenges, some of which may be permanent. A truck accident lawyer can evaluate your truck accident case, including all of your losses, and make a determination regarding the amount of financial compensation you deserve. Indiana truck accident lawyers are familiar with the statute of limitations and other deadlines and stipulations involved in filing a personal injury case for a car accident involving a tractor trailer. Having an experienced truck accident attorney working on your behalf can reduce the emotional and mental stress and allow you to focus on your physical recovery while your accident lawyer takes care of the legal issues.
The attorneys at Mike Morse Law Firm understand how overwhelming recovering from a Indiana truck accident can be, and we are here to help. Trucking companies always have a lawyer on their side, and so should you. Your truck accident case is too important to leave to chance. Call Mike Morse Law Firm today and schedule a free consultation. 855-MIKE-WINS or visit www.855mikewins.com

Indiana Truck Accidents Exact A Heavy Financial Toll

Motor vehicle accidents have a direct negative impact on the parties involved and also on society at large. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the financial impact of car and truck accidents is greater than $800 billion dollars every year. More than half of the financial losses come from injuries and deaths as opposed to property damage. Truck accidents affect everyone as financial losses impact the trucking company and are handed down the line to consumers. Insurance carriers increase rates for all drivers and someone is stuck with hefty medical bills, in addition to the life-altering physical damage.
Federal regulations impacting the trucking industry are intended to decrease, minimize and prevent trucking accidents. The regulations can work, but only if trucking companies enforce the regulations consistently among their fleet.

Trucking Regulations Increase Safety If Implemented
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is charged with policing the trucking industry and implementing rules and regulations meant to keep the truck drivers, trucking company, and the citizenry at large safe. Unfortunately, federal regulations are only effective if they are implemented and used in a consistent way.
If a trucking company fails to instill a culture of safety, fails to enforce the regulations, and either overtly or subtlety encourages their truck drivers to bend the rules, avoidable truck accidents will still occur. In such cases, the trucking company, carrier, truck driver, and any other negligent party may be found liable for damages.
In general the FMCSA regulations include:

• Restrictions on how many hours a truck driver can be on the road without a rest break
• Electronic logging device mandate
• Drug testing
• Previous drug and alcohol violation screening implemented in the hiring process
• Increase in fines and penalties for disregarding or breaking regulations

Failure to follow federal and local regulations while operating a truck may make the truck driver liable for any accident that occurs as a result. In addition, if the owner of a commercial vehicle falls short of the standard, they could also be liable for damages.

If you have been involved in a truck accident and you suspect that the driver or the trucking company has neglected to follow the standard safety regulations you need legal representation as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can assist you in proving that negligence caused your truck accident.

Mike Morse Law Firm is a legal team of Indiana truck accident lawyers dedicated to helping victims of negligence recover fair compensation from the party responsible for their injuries. For assistance with your truck accident case contact Mike Morse Law Firm at 855-MIKE-WINS (855) 645-3946, or visit Mike Morse Law Firm online at www.855mikewins.com. Truck accident cases require an experienced team. Call Mike Morse Law Firm today.

Common Causes of Large Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Most truck accidents are caused by a variety of factors, and while determining the exact cause may be difficult, it is a critical first step in determining liability. Sometimes truck accidents are caused by multiple factors each contributing in their own way, lining up like a tragic “perfect storm” of events. Common causes of truck and passenger vehicle accidents include:

Sleep Deprivation

Regardless of the rules requiring truck drivers to have time off to sleep after driving a prescribed number of hours, sleep deprivation is still the cause or a contributing factor in a lot of crashes. Federal regulations that limit the hours a driver can be on the road does not guarantee that a driver will be well-rested and alert behind the wheel.

Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure to deliver their loads on-time and often succumb to that pressure by driving when they know they are tired and not performing at their best.

Speeding

Driving faster than the posted speed limit or faster than is safe during hazardous road conditions is a big contributing factor in crashes. Once a big rig gets rolling it’s not easy to stop or slow down in time to avoid a wreck. The presence of rain, snow, and wind may also complicate the situation and a driver may go faster than is safe for the conditions due to deadlines.

Cargo Loading Error

A mistake made while the truck is being loaded in the yard can cause an accident miles down the road. Shifting cargo, an imbalance in the load and a truck that is loaded with too much weight all can cause a truck to crash.

Equipment Failure

We’ve all seen, and had to avoid, the leftover rubber from a semi blowing a tire on the freeway. Blown tires are other mechanical issues with a rig that can be incredibly dangerous on the road.

Due to the thousands of miles a truck is on the road, proper and regular maintenance and repairs is crucial to avoid accidents. If a company, driver or mechanic fails to keep their truck up to standard it is only a matter of time before their negligent behavior leads to a tractor trailer accident.

Impaired Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even prescription drugs, is often a deadly combination on America’s roadways. Regular drug testing is a critical step in keeping impaired truck drivers from getting behind the wheel. Truck accident attorneys will seek any evidence of impaired driving and use it to establish negligence to prove their case.

Lack of Driver Training

A driver without the proper training and experience is a menace on the road and puts other drivers lives in danger. Trucking companies who allow untrained or poorly skilled drivers on the road may be found negligent and held liable for any damage or losses that occur in an accident.

Distracted Driving

Any activity that diverts a truck driver’s attention from the operation of the vehicle is distracted driving. Eating, drinking, cell phone use, texting, even having a pet in the truck can all create a distraction and may lead to a crash.

Truck Driver Negligence

A truck driver has to make decisions regarding life and death on the road every day and not every decision is the right one. Reacting too slowly, overcorrecting, failing to react appropriately to road hazards, pedestrians and changing conditions can all lead to truck wrecks.

Truck accident attorneys are able to investigate an accident’s cause and advise victims regarding the merits of their case in regards to the likelihood of proving negligence and successfully winning a settlement.

Who’s Liable For Damages In An Indiana Truck Accident?

Immediately after a truck accident the search begins to find out who is at fault. The answer may not be obvious and the initial police report may not tell the whole story. Getting to the truth is a critical step and one that carries with it many legal, financial and other life-changing repercussions. If you have been injured in a truck accident, the answer to who is at fault directly affects your ability to receive compensation for your losses. Truck accident attorneys specialize in proving negligence in truck crashes.

In a truck accident things happen fast and it can be incredibly difficult to ascertain the order of events and what caused what to happen. A thorough investigation, oftentimes including truck crash reconstruction, is often needed to determine the cause. Depending on the crash accident findings one or more individuals may be held liable. The responsible party may include:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Cargo loaders
• Truck Manufacturer
• Parts Manufacturer
• Truck owner
• Independent contractor

A truck accident attorney can help victims determine who is responsible for their accident and gather the evidence needed to prove that negligence occurred. Seeking damages from the wrong party or not including all the responsible parties in your claim can severely limit the compensation you may be awarded.

For help with your claim, contact the Indiana truck accident legal team at Mike Morse Law Firm. Your accident case is unique and so are your needs. You need legal representation with the attention to detail that your case deserves. For a free case evaluation call 855-MIKE-WINS and schedule an appointment today, or visit www.855mikewins.com. Don’t miss out on the compensation you and your family deserve.

Hurt In A Truck Accident? You Need An Indiana Truck Accident Attorney

While it is possible for individuals to file a claim against a truck driver or trucking company without the guidance and expertise of a truck accident lawyer, it isn’t recommended. Plaintiffs with an attorney are far more likely to achieve a successful outcome, especially in the case of wrongful death.

An Indiana truck accident lawyer can gather the evidence required to prove negligence, file all paperwork correctly and on time, meet statute of limitations deadlines and negotiate with the insurance company to protect your rights and interests.

Skilled truck accident lawyers understand there may be more than one person responsible for your injuries and will thoroughly investigate your case to discover who was involved and how they may have contributed to your accident.

Family members who have experienced the tragic loss of a loved one due to a negligent truck accident deserve the closure a wrongful death lawsuit can bring. An experienced semi truck accident attorney can be a tremendous asset to your grieving family by handling all negotiations, court appearances, and court filings a wrongful death lawsuit requires. Mike Morse Law Firm understands that while no amount of financial compensation decreases the loss you have suffered, a successful claim can ease the financial burden that threatens to further de-stabilize your family.

An Indiana truck accident lawyer can assist you by:

• Explaining your rights in regards to the accident and how local laws, like the statute of limitations, affect your claim.
• Advising you on all matters pertaining to your case, such as insurance company settlement offers, second opinions, the legal merits of your case etc.
• Investigating your case ie. Interviewing witnesses, viewing police reports, gathering pictures and photographic evidence, arranging for accident reconstruction specialists.
• Filing your claim in a complete and timely manner.
• Negotiating with the insurance companies on your behalf
• Representing you in court if a settlement cannot be reached and it is in your best interest to do so.

Indiana truck accident cases can be challenging and not all personal injury attorneys have what it takes to handle your claim effectively. Mike Morse Law Firm is a team of truck accident attorneys with the staff, resources and experience to successfully guide you through the legal process from start to finish. At Mike Morse, we begin with a free consultation. There is no obligation or expense to you, just an opportunity to discuss your case with an expert and decide the best way to proceed with your claim. To schedule your free initial consultation, call Mike Morse Law Firm at 855-MIKE-WINS, or visit www.855mikewins.com. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You don’t have to fight alone.