Indianapolis Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer

In 2023, there were more than 5,000 truck accidents in Indiana, many of which were rear-end crashes. Six percent of the 139 fatalities resulting from these accidents were caused by the truck rear-ending another vehicle.

If you have been in a rear-end accident with a truck, you need a knowledgeable and experienced legal team who will fight to protect your rights.

Vaughn A. Wamsley is a leading Indianapolis rear-end truck accident lawyer ready to assist you. Our dedicated team will pursue fair compensation to help you and your family move forward from an accident.

What is a Rear-End Accident?

A rear-end accident occurs when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle, typically when the other vehicle has come to a stop.

Given that the impact point in a rear-end accident is the back of the stationary vehicle, the driver and any occupants are unlikely to see the crash coming. Unable to brace for impact, rear-end crash victims experience an elevated risk of severe injuries or even death.

Additionally, the disparity in weight and size between trucks and most other vehicles on the road increases the resulting damage to both people and cars.

Practicing defensive driving and being alert to other vehicles can help you avoid most accidents, but most rear-end accidents are unavoidable for a stationary car.

A rear-end truck accident attorney in Indianapolis can help you explore your rights if you experience a rear-end accident with a truck.

Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents

Several common causes lead to rear-end truck accidents. A truck accident lawyer near me can help determine whether negligence by the vehicle operator, manufacturer, maintenance providers, or others contributed to the crash.

Fatigue

Truck drivers are often on the road for long hours, leading to drowsiness and accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates driving hours to help minimize this risk.

Distracted driving

In addition to fatigue, cell phones and other technologies in the cab can easily distract truck drivers. Fatigue coupled with distractions significantly impair a truck driver’s reaction time.

Improper Vehicle Maintenence

Defective equipment caused by failing to maintain a truck properly can lead to a rear-end crash. Poorly serviced brakes or tires with insufficient tread can also cause accidents with devastating results.

Speeding and Following Too Closely

The truck driver speeding or not leaving adequate space between the truck and the vehicle ahead increases the risk of causing a rear-end accident. Both speed and following too closely create the conditions that may result in a rear-end crash.

Road Conditions, Including Heavy Traffic

Road conditions caused by inclement weather and heavy traffic significantly contribute to rear-end accidents. Wet or slick roads make stopping difficult for all vehicles, particularly trucks. Heavy traffic calls for frequent starting and stopping, which leads to more rear-end accidents.

Impairment

A driver operating a truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol could cause a rear-end accident. Impaired drivers compromise their judgment and decision-making, which may lead to devastating accidents.

A top-rated truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis can help determine whether negligence contributed to your accident if a truck rear-ended you or a loved one.

Typical Injuries in Rear-End Accidents

Due to the unexpected nature of a rear-end accident coupled with a vast disparity between the size of a truck and the vehicle it hits, injuries sustained in such a collision can be severe and even fatal.

Whiplash and Spinal Injuries

Unexpected collisions from behind commonly lead to whiplash-related injuries to the neck and back. Additionally, spinal cord injuries that affect mobility and may even result in paralysis are common.

Broken Bones

The impact of a truck against a stopped vehicle can result in fractures all over the body, including, but not limited to, arms, legs, ribs, and back.

Head Trauma

The sudden impact of a rear-end accident may cause significant head trauma. Drivers and passengers may suffer from concussions or other debilitating brain injuries.

Death

Unfortunately, the injuries suffered in a rear-end collision with a truck are sometimes not survivable. The size differential between trucks and many passenger vehicles significantly increases the risk of death in these accidents. In some situations, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim in these cases.

A top Indianapolis rear-end truck accident lawyer can assist you in obtaining appropriate compensation, covering the costs of medical coverage, rehabilitation, and more.

Establishing Liability in a Rear-End Accident

Even in a rear-end accident, determining fault is not always as straightforward as one may suspect. Furthermore, establishing liability and fair compensation in such a case is even more complicated.

Therefore, you should contact an experienced rear-end truck accident attorney in Indianapolis who understands the federal and state laws pertinent to crashes involving trucks.

Vaughn Knows What You Are Going Through

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Time Is Not On Your Side After An Accident. Call Vaughn Wamsley NOW.

317-846-1080

Federal Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry and oversees the safe operation of commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks.

Relevant federal laws that may impact a case involving a truck accident include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: FMCSA regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can drive without a break.
• Vehicular Maintenance Regulations: These rules mandate trucking companies adequately service and maintain their trucks while keeping detailed records.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Commercial vehicle drivers must undergo drug and alcohol testing.

State Regulations

In addition to federal laws, Indiana has regulations that may be relevant to your claim in the event of a rear-end truck accident. Key state laws include:

• Comparative Negligence: Indiana follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule, stipulating that accident victims may collect damages if they are determined to be less than 51 percent at fault. Victims found to be partially at fault may have their award reduced by the percentage at which they are at fault.
• Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations in Indiana typically requires that a personal injury claim be filed no more than two years after the accident. Due to this, find a truck accident lawyer near me immediately following a crash.
• Damages Available: A top-rated truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis will help you understand what damages you can claim to ensure adequate compensation for your case. Indiana state law allows for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Potential At-Fault Parties

Determining fault in a rear-end truck accident can be complicated. Our experienced team understands that multiple parties may be at least partially at fault and thus share a portion of the liability in a claim.

• Truck Drivers: The truck operator’s negligence may be a primary cause of rear-end accidents. Driver negligence may include speeding, following too closely, distracted driving, and more.
• Trucking Companies: Trucking companies may be responsible for negligence by their drivers, particularly regarding training and compliance practices with federal and state regulations.
• Third-Party Maintenance Providers: An independent maintenance provider responsible for servicing commercial vehicles may be at fault if it fails to adequately address mechanical issues such as brakes, tires, and other truck parts.
• Parts Manufacturers: Companies that manufacture and sell truck parts may be liable if they make defective equipment that causes an accident due to the part’s failure.
• Cargo Loaders: Materials loaded onto a truck improperly or not adequately secured can contribute to a rear-end accident. If this is the case, cargo loaders may also be determined to be at fault.

How a Rear-End Accident Lawyer Can Help

In the unfortunate event of a rear-end accident with a truck, you’ll want an Indianapolis rear-end accident lawyer to help you navigate the aftermath of the crash and ensure your rights are protected.

• Accident Investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident through evidence collection, witness interviews, and video review. We can determine exactly how the accident happened to demonstrate what parties are liable for the crash.
• Communicating With Insurance Companies: Our experienced lawyers know that insurance companies want to minimize the amount they pay, but we know that isn’t always what you are entitled to. We handle these negotiations on your behalf to fight for a fair settlement.
• Securing Fair Compensation: Our team understands that the cost of a crash goes far behind what it takes to fix or replace your car. We fight to ensure you are appropriately compensated, including immediate expenses such as medical bills and lost wages and potential long-term costs such as lost earning capacity and ongoing medical treatment.

Contact Our Indianapolis Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a rear-ended truck accident, contact Indianapolis’s top-rated truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. You can focus on your recovery knowing that an experienced professional with a long track record of success handles your claim.

You and your family deserve an attorney who will fight to ensure that the at-fault parties are held liable and that you are fairly compensated. Reach out today for a free consultation.