How to File a Truck Accident Claim in Indiana

June 17, 2019 / Truck Accidents

As the driver of a personal vehicle, you have little chance of escaping unscathed if you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck. These behemoths of the road, ubiquitous on the highways of Indiana and the nation, are tightly regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), but transgressions in the industry are rampant.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a tractor trailer, call the attorneys at Stephenson Rife to learn how to file a truck accident claim in Indiana. We have the experience, manpower, and tenacity to uncover violations, build your case, and win the damages you need to rebuild your life.

Common Trucking Violations

Trucking companies and drivers are required by law to follow the rules set by the FMCSA. If they fail to comply, they are not only endangering everyone on the road, but they can be held legally responsible.

• Hours-of-Service Violations. It can be tempting for truckers to drive as long as possible without stopping in order to deliver a load quickly. But drowsy driving is enormously dangerous, and the stakes are higher when your vehicle dwarfs the others around it. The FMCSA has set clear rules about rest breaks and how many consecutive hours a trucker may drive.
• Maintenance Violations. Commercial trucks are true workhorses, driving long distances over short periods of time and hauling massive loads. So while proper maintenance is important for all vehicles, it’s especially so for big rigs. Roadside weigh stations are helpful, but carriers must have protocols in place to make sure all of their vehicles meet Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) standards.
• Cargo and Load Violations. Commercial vehicles on interstate highways may not weigh more than 80,000 pounds. Federal law also details how different types of cargo must be secured.
• Hiring Violations. The trucking industry currently faces a shortage of up to 50,000 drivers. This, of course, makes it tempting for companies to hire people who aren’t qualified according to federal standards.

All of these regulations are in place for a very good reason — they help keep America’s roads safe. Companies and individual drivers who violate the law must be held accountable.

Mike Stephenson Will Be Your Advocate

Have you or a family member been hurt in an accident with a commercial truck? The experienced Indiana truck accident attorney at Stephenson Rife will show you how to file a truck accident claim in Indiana and win.

If the carrier, driver, or rig itself has a problematic history, we will find out. We will follow the paper trail — memos, maintenance logs, police reports, and other documents — to get to the truth. We relish the tough cases and, while we will settle if that’s in the client’s best interest, we are never afraid or ill-prepared to face the big trucking companies and their insurers in the courtroom. Our job is to ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation.

Call us today for a free consultation. And remember: we don’t get paid unless you do.