Trucking accidents in Fort Wayne are common when truck drivers and trucking companies violate traffic laws, as well as motor carrier regulations. If you suffered injuries in a trucking accident that a negligent driver or company caused, you may be eligible to recover compensation.
The knowledgeable Fort Wayne truck accident attorneys at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can promptly evaluate your case, determine your options, and set you on course to recover the fair compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Fort Wayne truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.
Why select Us?
In a truck accident claim or lawsuit, you want the best possible legal team to advocate for your rights and interests. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have a strong track record of success when it comes to maximizing compensation for victims of truck collisions. In fact, our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our accident victim clients over the years.
You can see our most recent client testimonials by clicking here. Let us secure the compensation you deserve for your Fort Wayne truck accident injuries.
How Much Is My Fort Wayne Trucking Accident Case Worth?
If you are involved in a truck crash in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the amount of compensation you may receive depends on several factors. These factors include the severity of your injuries, the effects on your life, and how the accident occurred. Typically, trucking collision cases can result in significant compensation, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars – especially if the injuries are severe or life-altering. However, every case is unique, so it’s important to understand what losses you can recover compensation for.
There are two main categories of compensation: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are meant to cover the actual financial costs associated with the accident. They include:
- Medical Expenses – This compensation covers the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other healthcare-related expenses. It also includes future medical costs if you need ongoing treatment.
- Lost income – If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you can recover the income you have lost. If your ability to earn a living is affected long-term, you can also receive compensation for future lost earnings.
Non-economic damages compensate you for the intangible repercussions of the accident, such as:0
- Pain and Suffering – Pain and suffering covers the physical pain and emotional distress the accident and your injuries caused.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries prevent you from enjoying life as you did before the accident, you may be compensated for that loss.
- Emotional Distress – Severe accidents can lead to mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, which are also compensable.
The final amount of compensation you receive depends on the strength of your case and the quality of the evidence presented. A skilled Fort Wayne truck accident attorney at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can maximize your compensation by proving the full extent of your damages.
Where Do Trucking Accidents Occur in Fort Wayne?
Truck crashes in Fort Wayne, Indiana, often occur in areas with heavy traffic, complex road designs, and busy intersections.
- One of the most common places for truck accidents in Fort Wayne is along Interstate 69. This major highway runs north-south through the city, carrying a high volume of commercial trucks daily. Crashes are more likely to occur at exits and interchanges where trucks merge on and off the highway. The stretch near the interchanges for Dupont Road, Illinois Road (State Road 14), and Lima Road (U.S. Route 27) is particularly prone to collisions due to heavy traffic and complex roadway designs.
- U.S. Route 30 is another major road where truck accidents often occur. This east-west highway runs just south of downtown Fort Wayne and is a key route for commercial vehicles. The areas near the intersections with Interstate 69 and State Road 3 (Lima Road) are hotspots for collisions. The frequent merging of trucks with regular traffic and the high speeds on this route contribute to the likelihood of accidents.
- Coliseum Boulevard (State Road 930) is a heavily trafficked roadway that sees its share of truck crashes. This road runs around the northern edge of downtown Fort Wayne and connects several major commercial areas. Truck accidents are common near the intersection of Coliseum Boulevard and Coldwater Road, where traffic is dense and lane changes are frequent.
- Within the downtown area, intersections like Clinton Street and Jefferson Boulevard see plenty of traffic congestion, leading to potential accidents, especially involving trucks. The narrow roads, combined with sharp turns and frequent stops, make it challenging for large trucks to navigate safely.
Types of Fort Wayne Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents in Fort Wayne, Indiana, can have serious consequences, especially when they result from negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies. Negligence can take many forms, and it often leads to specific types of accidents that put everyone on the road at risk. These types of accidents include the following:
- Rear-end Collisions – Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of trucking accidents. They often occur when a truck driver is distracted or following too closely to the vehicle in front. Trucks take much longer to stop due to their size and weight, so if a driver is not paying attention, they may not brake in time, leading to a crash. Negligence, such as speeding or not maintaining a safe following distance, is often a factor in these accidents.
- Wide-turn Accidents – Wide-turn accidents happen when a truck driver swings wide to the left before making a right turn, or vice versa, causing them to collide with vehicles in adjacent lanes. Inadequate training, failure to check blind spots, and improper signaling are common causes of these crashes.
- Rollovers – Rollover accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. Rollovers can happen if a driver takes a turn too quickly, overcorrects their steering, or drives on uneven surfaces. Trucks with improperly secured cargo are more likely to roll over, as the shifting weight can destabilize the vehicle. Rollover accidents can be catastrophic, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities for the truck driver and other motorists.
- Jackknife Accidents – Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a ninety-degree angle with the cab. These usually occur when the truck driver brakes suddenly, especially on slippery roads, causing the trailer to lose traction. Jackknifing can block multiple lanes of traffic and often leads to multi-vehicle collisions. Poor driver training, speeding, and improper loading can contribute to these dangerous accidents.
- Underride Accidents – Underride collisions are among the deadliest types of trucking accidents. They occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck trailer, often because the truck stops suddenly or turns without signaling. These accidents are often fatal for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Lack of proper reflective tape on trailers, poor visibility, and failure to use lights are examples of negligence that can lead to underride accidents.
Common Injuries in a Fort Wayne Truck Crash
Trucking accidents in Fort Wayne can cause a wide range of injuries, both physical and mental. The size and weight of trucks make these accidents particularly dangerous, often leading to severe or life-threatening injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
- Head and Brain Injuries – Head injuries are common in truck collisions and can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). A TBI occurs when the brain is damaged due to a violent impact or jolt. These injuries can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. In severe cases, brain injuries may require surgery, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care to manage the effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious outcomes of a trucking accident. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Victims may lose the ability to move or feel parts of their body below the injury site. Treatment for spinal cord injuries often involves emergency surgery, physical therapy, and, in some cases, lifelong care and the use of mobility aids like wheelchairs.
- Broken Bones – The force of a truck collision can easily cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Some fractures may require surgery to repair, including the placement of metal rods or plates to stabilize the bone. Recovery can take weeks to months, and victims may need physical therapy to regain full use of the affected limbs.
- Internal Injuries – Internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs, are also common in truck crashes. These injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Surgery may be necessary to repair damaged organs, and ongoing treatment may be needed to manage the effects of these injuries.
- Psychological Injuries – The trauma of a trucking accident can also lead to mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Victims may experience flashbacks, nightmares, or intense fear of driving. Treatment for psychological injuries often involves counseling, therapy, and, in some cases, medication to help manage symptoms.
Both physical and mental injuries from trucking accidents can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life, making proper medical care and treatment essential.
Fighting the Insurance Company Following a Fort Wayne Trucking Accident
When you are involved in a truck collision in Fort Wayne, dealing with the insurance company can be a daunting and overwhelming task. Insurance companies often aim to minimize the amount they pay out in claims, which can leave you with far less than you deserve. That is where we come in.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, our experienced legal team is prepared to fight the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation to which you are entitled. We start by thoroughly investigating your case and gathering all necessary evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. We also scrutinize the truck driver’s logs, maintenance records, and any other documentation that can prove negligence on the part of the driver or the trucking company.
Armed with this comprehensive evidence, we will negotiate aggressively with the insurance company. Our goal is to hold them accountable and secure a fair settlement that fully covers your medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. We are well-versed in the tactics insurance companies use to devalue claims, and we will counter these tactics with strong legal arguments backed by solid evidence.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have extensive experience in litigating trucking accident cases, and we will present a compelling case to the jury aimed at maximizing your compensation.
Throughout the entire process, we will keep you informed and involved, ensuring that you understand your options and that your voice is heard. You do not have to face the insurance company alone. We will stand by your side, fighting for your rights and your future every step of the way.
Steps To Take After a Truck Accident in Fort Wayne
Following a truck crash in Fort Wayne, Indiana, taking the right steps is crucial to protecting your health and legal rights. Here are the most important actions you should take:
- Retain Documentation – Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Keep all related documents, such as police reports and medical records. This documentation will be vital in building your case.
- Complete Your Medical Treatment – Follow through with all prescribed treatments and attend follow-up appointments. Not only is completing your treatment essential for your recovery, but it also shows the extent of your injuries, which can affect your compensation.
- Speak with a Fort Wayne Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away – At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers; we can guide you throughout the legal process, handle all insurance company negotiations, and secure the financial compensation you need. We will ensure that your rights remain protected and that you have the best chance of a successful outcome.
Consult with an Experienced Fort Wayne Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you recently sustained injuries in a Fort Wayne trucking collision, the legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers is prepared to help. We will aggressively fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve for your losses. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Fort Wayne truck accident lawyer, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.