The legal implications of a semi-truck accident in Indiana are different than a standard car accident. Most truck drivers have insurers who are aggressive in their mission to prove you were at fault. Unlike in a standard car accident, there are several third parties, such as the truck driver’s company or the truck manufacturer, that might be liable.

COLLECT AS MUCH EVIDENCE AS YOU CAN

After any type of auto accident, you should collect as much evidence as you can. Take pictures of all the damage you see, including any parts, shattered glass and damaged objects on the scene. Don’t leave it to the police or the other driver because they could miss something.

Semi-truck accidents often cause serious injuries for the other driver because of the vast weight difference in the vehicles. A semi-truck is around 80,000 pounds compared to 5,000 pounds of the average car. Plan for someone you trust to take photos of the scene as soon as they can. Always make sure anyone in your car with you knows to take pictures if they are in good enough condition after an accident. Call for emergency services first, though, when anyone involved in the wreck is in need.

POSSIBILITIES FOR LIABILITY

Besides you, other entities that could be liable for the semi-truck accident are the company that owns the cargo on the truck, the company that contracts or employs the driver, the manufacturer of the truck and the driver. A personal injury lawyer typically starts their investigation on the semi-truck driver to determine the driver’s actions before, during and after the accident. They are seeking to find out if the driver broke the law or was under the influence at the time of the crash. If there was a malfunctioning part on the truck or if the cargo wasn’t secure, the lawyer would have to investigate the manufacturer or the owner of the cargo.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer immediately after a semi-truck accident is important because of how complex these cases are. The truck driver’s insurers will try to pin the blame on you, so you will need to build a good defense for yourself and prove that you weren’t liable.