Have you or a loved one been injured in a collision with a semi-truck? Semi-truck accidents often cause life-altering injuries or, tragically, result in loss of life. At Schafer & Schafer LLP, we understand that the aftermath of such accidents can be overwhelming. Our experienced legal team is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve while holding negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable.
Truck drivers in Northwest Indiana face relentless pressure to meet strict deadlines and cover long distances, often at the expense of safety. Many trucking companies prioritize profits over adhering to safety regulations, putting everyone on the road in danger. Instances of drivers operating 80,000-pound vehicles on minimal sleep or under the influence of stimulants are not uncommon. Additionally, maintenance shortcuts like neglected brakes, worn tires, or faulty lights often lead to preventable accidents.
With extensive experience handling trucking cases in Northwest Indiana, Schafer & Schafer LLP is here to guide and support you. If you’ve been in an accident caused by a truck driver or trucking company, contact us today for a free consultation.
Types of Injuries in Semi-Truck Accidents
Accidents involving semi-trucks and passenger vehicles often result in devastating injuries due to the immense size and weight of large trucks. Victims of these accidents frequently suffer injuries more severe than those associated with collisions between two passenger vehicles. Common injuries resulting from truck accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Impact-related injuries that can result in cognitive impairments or permanent disabilities.
- Paralysis: Spinal cord injuries that cause partial or complete loss of mobility.
- Herniated Discs: Back and neck injuries leading to chronic pain and limited movement.
- Amputations: Loss of limbs due to severe trauma.
- Broken Bones: Multiple fractures often requiring extensive surgeries and rehabilitation.
- Burns: Serious burns caused by fires or chemical spills during collisions.
- Fatal Injuries: Tragically, many truck accidents result in loss of life.
If you or someone you love has experienced any of these injuries in a trucking accident, Schafer & Schafer LLP is here to fight for your right to fair compensation.
Determining Fault in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents require thorough investigation to determine fault, and trucking companies often act quickly to protect their interests. In Northwest Indiana, trucking companies deploy their attorneys and investigators immediately after a crash, sometimes even before the scene is cleared. They aim to control the narrative and minimize the liability of their drivers.
Schafer & Schafer LLP levels the playing field by promptly gathering and preserving evidence on your behalf. Our team works with accident reconstruction specialists to analyze the crash, determine its cause, and ensure that negligent parties are held accountable.
It’s critical not to engage directly with the insurance companies that represent the trucking industry. Insurance adjusters often attempt to settle for far less than what your case is worth, especially if the full extent of your injuries isn’t yet known. Trust Schafer & Schafer LLP to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you truly deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Northwest Indiana
Northwest Indiana’s bustling highways, including I-80, I-90, and I-65, are major trucking routes connecting the Midwest to the rest of the country. The high volume of commercial truck traffic, combined with adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow and fog, creates hazardous driving conditions unique to the region.
Truck accidents in Northwest Indiana are often caused by factors such as:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours and tight schedules push drivers to operate beyond their physical limits.
- Distracted Driving: The use of mobile devices or onboard communication equipment by truck drivers can lead to accidents.
- Speeding: Truckers attempting to meet delivery deadlines may exceed safe speed limits, particularly in construction zones where accidents often occur.
- Improper Maintenance: Poorly maintained brakes, tires, and other critical systems lead to mechanical failures on the road.
- Hazardous Weather: Snow, sleet, and icy roads are common in the region, increasing the risk of skidding and jackknifing.
These accidents are often catastrophic because of the size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles. Understanding the specific risks in our region is crucial when building a case for victims of truck accidents.
Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents remain a serious concern nationwide and here in Indiana. Some key statistics include:
- Fatalities involving large trucks increased by over 30% nationwide over the last decade.
- Indiana consistently ranks among the top ten states for fatal truck accidents, with hundreds of fatal collisions reported annually.
- Roughly 80% of multi-vehicle truck accidents involve smaller passenger vehicles, with the occupants of those vehicles making up the majority of the injuries or fatalities.
These numbers highlight the dangers posed by truck accidents and underscore the importance of diligent safety regulations for the trucking industry. If you or someone you know has been impacted, Schafer & Schafer LLP is ready to build a strong case on your behalf.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Each truck accident is unique, but many fall into specific categories, including:
- Jackknife Accidents: These occur when the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. Jackknifing often results from sudden braking on slippery roads or improper maneuvering.
- Rollover Accidents: Truck rollovers happen when drivers lose control, often due to speeding around curves or overloading the vehicle. The high center of gravity in trucks makes them more prone to tipping over.
- Rear-End Collisions: Due to their massive weight, semi-trucks require much longer stopping distances. When truck drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance, they frequently rear-end smaller vehicles, causing significant damage and injuries.
- Underride Accidents: An underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a semi-truck. These collisions are often fatal, as the smaller vehicle’s roof may be crushed entirely.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require more space to execute turns, particularly right-hand turns. A miscalculated turn can result in the truck hitting nearby vehicles, curbs, or pedestrians.
Understanding the unique dynamics of truck accidents can help you recognize potential hazards and strengthen your legal case. Schafer & Schafer LLP has extensive experience handling all types of truck accident cases and holds negligent parties accountable.
Northwest Indiana Truck Accident? Contact Our Experienced Lawyers Today
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a trucking accident in Northwest Indiana, contact Schafer & Schafer LLP today. Our dedicated legal team is here to protect your rights and seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t face this battle alone; we’re here to stand beside you every step of the way.
