Merrillville Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me

Truck accidents can cause life-altering injuries and damaging consequences for those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Merrillville truck accident, you need a legal team that truly understands the complexities of these cases. Contact the Merrillville truck accident lawyers at Theodoros and Rooth, P.C., to help you take the next steps in going after fair compensation for your injuries. Let our experienced team guide you through the process of securing the fair compensation you need to recover.

Our Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help Determine Liability in Your Semi Accident Case

Determining liability in a semi-truck accident can be a complex legal issue. While the truck driver may initially appear to be the sole responsible party, a deeper investigation often reveals a more intricate web of potentially liable entities. Beyond the driver, factors like vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and company policies can weigh into an accident occurring, which means that multiple key parties could be liable for your injuries. Some potentially liable entities and individuals include:

• Driver: The negligent actions of the driver are typically the most obvious cause of an accident, including speeding, texting, driving under the influence, and fatigue from long hours.

• Trucking Company Owners: As the employer of the truck driver, the company may be able to be held liable for negligent hiring practices, lack of proper training, or policies that push drivers to ignore regulations.

• Truck or Parts Manufacturer: Defective truck assembly, parts, or manufacturing flaws can contribute to accidents occurring.

• Cargo Haulers: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to a truck becoming unstable and causing jackknifing or roll-over accidents.

• Maintenance and Repair Companies: Negligence in vehicle maintenance can increase the risk of accidents and if a repair company signed off on the status of a truck, they may be able to be held liable.

• Road Conditions: Ineffectively maintained roads or poorly designed highways can heighten the risk of accidents, and the parties responsible–whether local or state authorities–may be held accountable.

At Theodoros and Rooth, P.C., our truck accident attorneys will help you determine all possibly liable parties and build a solid base of evidence to help you recover damages. This starts with understanding the elements of negligence. 

Four Elements of Negligence in Truck Accidents

To establish liability for any of these parties, you must demonstrate the four elements of negligence. These elements include:

• • Duty of Care: This shows that the responsible party had a legal obligation to act with a certain level of care towards others on the road. This duty requires individuals and companies to avoid actions that could cause foreseeable harm.

• Breach of Duty: Next, you must prove that the responsible party did not uphold this duty, which could include reckless actions, negligent maintenance, or fully ignoring regulations and laws.

• Causation: You must find proof of a direct link between the breached duty and the accident that caused your injuries.

• Damages: You must provide evidence of the injuries and losses that were incurred as a result of the accident. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Your trucking accident lawyer will help you build a strong case. This involves gathering evidence from various sources, such as local law enforcement reports, eyewitness accounts, truck maintenance records, black box data, and expert testimony from accident reconstruction experts or medical experts. Each of these issues plays a crucial role in establishing a clear picture of negligence and supporting your claim for compensation.

Gathering Evidence for Your Merrillville, IN Truck Accident

Following a truck accident, the immediate aftermath is crucial for gathering evidence that can strengthen your claim. Our experienced trucking accident attorneys will work diligently to collect and analyze all relevant information, including photos, videos, medical records, police reports, and witness statements. 

We can help you document evidence from the scene of the accident thoroughly after the fact, but the best evidence is always the freshest. Take pictures of the damaged vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If you are able, record videos that capture the extent of the damage and the overall circumstances of the accident. This visual evidence can be invaluable when presenting your case to insurance adjusters and legal professionals.

Preserving medical records is equally important. Keep track of all medical expenses, diagnoses, treatments, and related expenses. These documents can substantiate the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. Additionally, a copy of the official police report may contain essential details about the accident, including witness statements and officer observations.

Our Semi Truck Accident Lawyers Help You Gather Evidence Specific to Trucking Accidents

To delve deeper into the possible causes of your semi-truck accident, it may be necessary to request records of the truck’s maintenance logs and inspection reports. This information can reveal potential mechanical failures or negligence on the part of the trucking company. In some cases, electronic data, such as event data recorders (EDRs) or dashcam footage, can provide valuable insights into what occurred leading up to the accident. It is crucial to preserve this data to prevent it from being overwritten or erased.

If you are unable to gather evidence yourself due to injuries or other circumstances, consider asking a nearby friend or family member to assist you. They may be able to provide valuable help documenting the details of the accident and preserving critical evidence. Remember, insurance companies often prioritize their own interests, so it is crucial to protect your rights by seeking legal counsel promptly. Our dedicated team of trucking accident lawyers will guide you through the evidence-gathering process and ensure that your claim is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Common Injuries From Truck Accidents in Merrillville, IN

18-wheeler accidents can have catastrophic consequences due to the size and weight of these vehicles. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is essential to prioritize your health and seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel relatively unharmed, unseen injuries may manifest later. Prompt medical evaluation can help document your injuries and facilitate timely treatment. Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Head and neck trauma
• Whiplash and concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis and limited mobility
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Burn injuries
• Wrongful death

The physical and emotional repercussions of such accidents can be profound. Victims often face significant medical expenses, lost wages, and enduring pain and suffering. To navigate the complexities of legal claims and secure fair compensation, consulting with an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney is essential. Protecting your rights and pursuing justice is crucial in the aftermath of a life-altering event.

Our Big Rig Accident Lawyers Will Help You Calculate Full Compensation

From minor property damage to severe personal injuries and fatalities, truck accidents can have devastating consequences for all those involved. When another driver’s negligence causes such an accident, you deserve a fair settlement for all your losses. Whether you have suffered broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or other debilitating injuries, you have the right to seek justice. The physical pain, emotional distress, and disruption to your life caused by the accident are significant burdens that should not be borne alone.

Our experienced big rig accident attorneys are committed to helping you rebuild your life. This starts with compensation for the financial impact that you have incurred since your injuries happened. We meticulously assess both economic and non-economic damages to ensure you receive the full settlement you deserve. We also value things like:

• Medical expenses and hospital bills
• Rehabilitation services
• Home health services
• Childcare
• Transportation 
• Past and future lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Permanent disability and impact on life
• Funeral and burial services for wrongful death cases

We understand that the full extent of your losses, especially future medical costs and lost earning capacity, may not be immediately apparent. Our team leverages its experience with personal injury law to identify and calculate all potential damages, ensuring you receive a full calculation of the compensation you need to move forward. Insurance companies will always try to undervalue the amount your claim is worth, so be sure to discuss your unique circumstances with our truck accident lawyer in Merrillville, Indiana, before you accept any offered compensation amount.

Our 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers Can Help You File On Time

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for truck accident injury claims is two years. This means you generally have two years from the date of your truck accident to file a claim with insurance or a civil lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from making a claim and lose the opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses. 

There are some exemptions to this rule, so be sure to talk to our semi-truck accident attorney about your unique case. One example would be if the injury was not discovered until after the accident, the statute of limitations may be tolled or paused until the injured victim learns about their condition. It should be noted that in an Indiana wrongful death case, the statute of limitations is also two years, beginning on the date of the victim’s death, not the date the injury occurred.

It is essential to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as you can after an accident. We will help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence when it is fresh, and ensure that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations. By acting swiftly and seeking legal assistance, you can protect your rights and maximize your chances of recovering fair compensation. Our team of attorneys will help you fight against insurance companies that try to minimize your damages, pain, and suffering.

Taking Your Truck Accident Case to Court in Merrillville, IN

Pursuing legal action may be the next step if negotiations with the insurance company fail to deliver a fair settlement. While litigation can be complex and time-consuming, our dedicated team of tractor-trailer accident lawyers will handle the complications, allowing you to focus on your recovery. By taking your case to court, you can seek significant compensation and hold multiple parties accountable for their negligence.

We will manage your case through the following stages:

• Pleading Stage: Our attorneys will initiate the legal process by filing a complaint detailing the accident and the resulting damages you’ve incurred. The case will progress to the next phase if a settlement isn’t reached at this stage.
• Discovery Phase: During this critical pre-trial phase, both sides gather evidence through depositions, document requests, and interrogatories. This process helps illuminate the facts of the case and strengthen your claim.
• Pre-Trial Motions: Attorneys may file motions to dismiss the case, compel the opposing party to produce evidence, or exclude certain evidence from the trial.
• Settlement Negotiations: Opportunities for settlement may arise as the case moves through the legal process. Our attorneys will aggressively negotiate to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. A jury will hear evidence from both sides and determine liability and damages.

By working closely with our experienced attorneys, you can confidently navigate the legal system and pursue the justice you deserve. Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys have the experience necessary to manage your truck accident cases and optimize the compensation you are able to receive.

Contact Our Merrillville, IN Semi Truck Accident Attorney To Help With Your Claim

When you have been involved in a truck accident, you need an experienced legal representation on your side. At Theodoros and Rooth, P.C., our dedicated team of Merrillville semi-truck accident attorneys will meticulously examine every detail of your case, including a full investigation of liability, as well as an examination of your medical records and financial losses. We strive to determine the cause of your accident and help you pursue the maximum compensation possible for your expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damage. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you with your case.