The state of Indiana has always been famous for its breath-taking landscape and nature. However, in the last couple of years, this state has been undergoing somewhat of a change and going through a process of urbanization. That means there’s a larger influx of people and the roads are definitely becoming more busy.
And, as is the case everywhere, with busier roads and crowded highways, the risk of accidents also increases.
Trucking accidents are among the most severe and life-altering incidents on the road. With their sheer size and weight, trucks can cause catastrophic damage, resulting in severe injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial costs for victims.
Indiana, with its huge network of highways and bustling commercial traffic, sees a high volume of trucking activity, making the risk of accidents particularly high. If you happen to become a victim of these accidents, it’s important to know what to do next and which steps to take. As an injured party, you have the right to compensation and a fair settlement.
To help you navigate these tough times, we’ve written up an article on the topic to make sure you understand the different types of compensation available.
Why trucking accidents pose a threat in Indiana
Road safety has always been a big issue in the US, with 4,764 deaths resulting from large truck crashes, accounting for about 11% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in the United States.
The number might not seem high when taking into account the number of car accidents that happen on a daily basis across the US, but keep in mind that we’re talking about trucking accidents here that cause much more damage and pose a bigger threat than your standard passenger vehicle.
Indiana’s location works as a central hub for transportation routes, including big highways like I-65, I-69, and I-7. That makes it key for commercial trucking operations.
However, this high volume of trucks increases the risk of accidents, often caused by factors such as driver fatigue, speeding, irregular maintenance, and distracted driving. These accidents not only disrupt traffic but also pose severe safety risks to other drivers, leading to long-lasting consequences.
The size and weight of commercial trucks mean that collisions with smaller vehicles can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even fatalities.
For those involved, the aftermath of a trucking accident can be overwhelming, with victims facing extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and financial costs on top of all that.
Understanding your rights to compensation
If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Indiana, you have the right to seek compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. It’s your right and it’s the insurance company’s responsibility to offer you a fair settlement.
Unfortunately, insurance companies often take a rather aggressive approach and try to trick the injured party out of a fair settlement. That’s why it’s always better to seek legal counsel, at least to have them lead the negotiation talks with the company.
You can easily do a quick Google search to find an experienced truck accident attorney in Indiana or you could even ask around if you know someone who’s been through a similar situation.
Medical expenses
The first and largest expenses the injured party has to deal with are medical expenses. These medical bills are impossible to avoid after a trucking accident has taken place.
Compensation can cover emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any necessary medical equipment. It also includes future medical expenses if the injury requires ongoing treatment or rehabilitation. Ensuring that all medical costs are accounted for is crucial in your compensation claim.
However, not only do you have to make sure that you mention all the costs, you also need to make sure to keep up with your treatments and check ups. If you fail to do so, the insurance company might use that to get the upper hand and deny you fair compensation.
Income-related losses
After a trucking accident, you’re definitely not going to immediately get out of bed and head right back to work on a Monday morning. As said, these accidents can result in serious injuries that prevent victims from returning to work, either temporarily or even permanently when we’re talking about very serious consequences.
Compensation for income-related losses can include lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and loss of future income (if the injured party can’t go back to work for a longer period of time).
If the injuries affect your ability to perform your job at the same level as before, you may also be entitled to compensation for reduced earning potential.
Property damage
Alongside personal injuries, property damage is a common result of trucking accidents. Compensation for property damage covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident. This ensures you are not left to deal with the financial burden of getting back on the road.
Emotional damage and stress
Apart from the physical injuries, it’s important to mention emotional stress as well. You’re also entitled to fair compensation for all the pain and suffering you’ve gone through.
Compensation for pain and suffering is often subjective and depends on the severity of the injuries, the recovery process, and how the accident has impacted your quality of life. Emotional damages may include anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological effects.
The bottom line
Hopefully, you’re now able to better understand the rights you have as a victim of a trucking accident in Indiana. Trucking accidents can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial stress for victims and their families as well. And the recovery period can definitely take a while.
Understanding your rights to compensation is crucial to cover medical bills, lost income, and emotional damages. Don’t forget to seek legal advice and gather all the relevant evidence to ensure you get the fair settlement you deserve.