Indianapolis Truck Accident Law Firm

The importance of pre-trip inspections should not be overlooked by truck drivers driving in Indiana and across the country. Pre-trip inspections can help protect truck drivers and other motorists by reducing the risk of truck accidents. When a truck driver fails to perform these inspections and ends up causing truck accidents, injured victims should contact an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer from Ward & Ward Law Firm to find out what legal recourse they may have.

Importance of Pre-Truck Inspections for Truck Drivers

While most truck drivers inspect their trucks before they get behind the wheel, there are several inspection items that many of them tend to forget about. An Indianapolis truck accident lawyer is aware that the most common of these items include:

Brakes

Since truck drivers drive frequently, the brakes on their trucks are subject to significant wear and tear. Therefore, they should be checked on a regular basis. The brakes need to be adjusted correctly while the brake chamber lines are checked for flexing. If there are any leaks in the brakes, they should be replaced immediately. A truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis knows that failure of the brakes is one of the most common causes of truck accidents.

Chocking

Chocking is performed to prevent trucks and trailers from moving unintentionally while truck drivers are loading, hitching, or servicing the vehicle. Although truck drivers know chocking is crucial, they often disregard it because they are in a hurry.

Cleaning the Truck

It is common for truck drivers to fill their cab with food, paper, clothing, and other items. These items in the truck can cause dangerous distractions when the driver is supposed to be focusing on the road. Spending so much time in the truck can also cause windows to become dirty, both inside and out, and this can make it difficult to see the road. All of these factors can result in a crash.

Emergency Kits

Emergency kits are so helpful in the event of an emergency situation that truck drivers are required to carry them by law. Emergency kits must contain items such a fire extinguisher and spare fuses. In addition to making sure they have an emergency kit, truck drivers should make sure all of the items in it are functioning properly.

Reflectors

Without reflectors, truck drivers would have a difficult time seeing at night and being seen by other vehicles. Since faulty reflectors can increase the risk of an accident, truck drivers must make sure they are free of cracks and dirt. They should also investigate their reflective strips and look for signs of peeling and wear and tear.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Our Highly Skilled Indianapolis truck accident lawyer

If you sustain an injury in a truck accident that was caused by another party’s negligence, Indiana law allows you to pursue damages against that party. Since trucking accidents can be complex and involve more than one liable party, consider contacting an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer from Ward & Ward to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation. Call our office today.

Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorney

A truck accident can send all who are involved reeling; and during this time of uncertainty, our Indianapolis truck accident attorney that victims depend on can help provide guidance, support, expertise and peace of mind. Knowing where to turn or what steps to take next can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you have been injured. Some of the time, injuries from an accident can leave victims incapacitated, even unable to make decisions on their own. Ward & Ward Law Firm fully understand the stressors and pain that you may be facing. We recommend that you take the following steps should you find yourself the victim of a truck accident:

Move to a Safe Space

The moments following an accident can be completely chaotic. However, if you are able, one of the most important things is to move yourself to a safe location, away from any oncoming traffic. The last thing that you want is to experience another collision or accident if the wreckage is still in the roadway. This can only result in further damage. 

Contact Law Enforcement

When an accident occurs, law enforcement must be contacted. They will play a critical role as they will ensure that medical attention is received and take the time to investigate the accident carefully. They will gather information, interview witnesses, and in some cases, might even identify the at-fault party. However, perhaps one of the most critical components to proving your case will be the police report that is generated. Our truck accident attorney shares that this will serve as a critical piece of evidence should you take legal action. 

Seek Medical Care

In many situations, especially those involving large trucks, emergency services will be called. If injuries are apparent, you will immediately be dispatched to the hospital for medical care. In the wake of an accident, seeking medical attention is imperative, even if you do not believe that you have been injured. Medical care is important because it will ensure that you receive the medical attention you need. In some cases, even underlying conditions can go untreated without medical care. A medical professional will take the time to diagnose and treat any injuries that may have resulted. Additionally, seeking medical care can help prove your case as documentation will be generated that outlines your injuries and the expenses incurred as a result. 

Gather as Much Information as Possible

Evidence is probably one of the most critical aspects to pursuing legal action against the liable party. If you have been severely injured, the chances are that you may have been unable to obtain evidence from the scene. Our team can help you to backtrack and assist in gathering the evidence needed to support your case. This might include:

• Witness Information
• Driver’s Information
• Medical Documentation
• Photographs/Videos
• Trucker’s Logs and Reports
• Police Reports

Having strong evidence can support you in proving your case. We will work to gather information and formulate a case against the liable party. 

Contact a Lawyer

Our team at Ward & Ward Law Firm wants to assist you in taking action during this incredibly difficult time. We know that no level of compensation can fully repair the tremendous losses that you have suffered. However, we aim to help you attain a settlement offer that will assist you during the recovery process and beyond. Contact our Indianapolis, Indiana truck accident attorney for the legal support and guidance you need.