Crown Point Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accidents are among the most devastating incidents on the road. The sheer size and weight of trucks contribute to the severity of these crashes, especially in collisions with smaller vehicles. The legal aspects of truck accidents are also highly complicated. They require a deep understanding of trucking laws and regulations and the complexities of commercial insurance policies and personal injury law.
At Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, we have extensive experience representing truck accident victims across Northwest Indiana. We are one of the oldest law firms in the area, and our thoughtful, caring approach sets us apart. Our truck accident lawyers have consistently earned awards and recognition for their high-quality work. You can benefit from our team’s 100-plus years of collective experience handling challenging cases.
Getting The Compensation You Need To Recover After A Truck Accident
There is rarely such a thing as a minor truck accident. When a truck collides with a car, another truck, a motorcycle, a bicyclist, a pedestrian, a bus or a train, the result is usually serious injury for the other party to the crash. This is the case because of a truck’s size and momentum, compared to other vehicles or people on the road. Even if you are fortunate enough to be reading this after a truck accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries that will take a long time to recover from. Or you may be a family member of someone injured or killed after a truck accident, wondering how to pursue the compensation your family needs to move forward after this terrible blow.
Who Will Be Your Advocate? We Are Ready.
Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, is well-prepared to impart the knowledge you need at this time. After years in the practice of law, we have heard many stories and helped many people cope with the aftermath of serious accidents. We are efficient at identifying all liable parties after a truck accident, as well as determining the seriousness of injuries, which will, in turn, help determine the dollar amount a claim or lawsuit should aim for.
From our law offices near the intersection of Highway 41 and U.S. 30 in Northwestern Indiana, we are continually aware of the hazards of truck accidents. Except for in-town delivery trucks and service trucks like garbage trucks, many trucks used for shipping goods spend a great deal of time traveling at high speeds on highways like the ones near our office. We are ready to begin an investigation into the causes of any truck accident or another type of traffic accident and work to bring maximum compensation to injured parties.
Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for many reasons. Common causes include:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI)
- Speeding
- Improper loading
- Mechanical failures
- Poor road conditions
Identifying the contributing factors is crucial in building a strong truck accident case. Our team will work diligently to investigate the accident and collect strong evidence.
How Truck Accident Claims Differ From Car Accidents
Truck accident claims are more complex than car accident claims. They often involve multiple parties such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, and sometimes even the loading company. Multiple commercial insurance policies as well as federal and state trucking regulations also come into play, making these cases more challenging. Our attorneys understand these nuances and how to skillfully address them.
Steps To Take Following A Truck Accident
Getting into a collision with a truck is every driver’s worst nightmare. If you are involved in a truck accident, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Get help: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911.
- Gather evidence: If you’re able to safely do so, gather insurance information, collect contact details of witnesses and take photos of the scene.
- Seek medical attention: Get medical care as soon as possible, and follow up on all medical treatment plans.
- Contact a lawyer: While legal considerations may be the furthest thing from your mind in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, the sooner you get legal help, the better.
We are here to help you. Our lawyers can protect you from insurance tactics, help you build a strong case and work quickly to pursue compensation for you.
Potentially Liable Parties In A Trucking Accident
Multiple parties could be liable in a trucking accident, including:
- The truck driver: The driver could be legally responsible if their actions contributed to the accident – for example if they were speeding, driving under the influence, fatigued or violating traffic laws.
- The trucking company: The company that owns the truck or employs the driver may also be liable. This liability can arise from failing to properly train or supervise their drivers, failing to conduct adequate background checks or pushing drivers to meet unrealistic schedules that lead to tired or overworked drivers. Additionally, employers are liable for the actions of their employees during the scope of employment, which means even a nonnegligent employer can be on the hook.
- The truck manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure that can be traced back to the design or manufacturing of the truck, the manufacturer might be held liable under product liability principles. This includes issues like defective brakes, engine problems or safety features that did not work as intended.
- The loading company: Companies responsible for loading the truck’s cargo can be liable if an improper load contributed to the accident. This can include situations where the load was not secured properly, was not properly balanced or exceeded weight limits, all of which can affect the truck’s handling and safety on the road.
- Maintenance providers: If the accident was caused by a failure to maintain the truck properly, the service providers tasked with its maintenance could be held responsible. This includes failures to perform routine checks, repairs and replacements of crucial parts like brakes, tires, and lights.
Failure to pursue the right parties in a trucking accident can lead to incomplete or unsuccessful claims for compensation. We conduct detailed investigations to pinpoint all parties who may be liable.
Types Of Compensation In Truck Crash Cases
As with other types of personal injury cases, after a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you tragically lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you can pursue other types of damages through a wrongful death claim. We work tirelessly to build a well-supported case for damages that accounts for
How A Lawyer Can Help
Wherever and however the truck accident happened that left you with injuries or the loss of a loved one, you should have a lawyer advising you as soon as possible. Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, can be a valuable resource for you.
You may have a long road ahead of therapy and personal care needs. Or you may be a surviving family member struggling to recover a sense of equilibrium after the loss of a loved one in a truck accident. A funeral, burial, the expenses of settling the affairs of a deceased person, and adjustment to a restructured family are all pressing emotional and financial needs. Recovering from a serious injury or the death of a loved one can take much longer than you may imagine. Getting the compensation you need requires skillful legal advocacy.
Getting The Compensation You Need Can Restore Hope
Covering the financial realities can go a long way toward helping you and your family truly recover after a truck accident. For decades, our firm has helped people in the Lake County area confront and overcome legal challenges like truck accident injuries. Schedule an initial consultation with a trusted lawyer by calling 219-227-4259 or completing our online intake form. We look forward to hearing from you.