With the large number of major highways and commercial roads in the Wichita, Kansas, area, it’s no surprise that commercial trucking accidents are frequent. These collisions typically happen when truck drivers or trucking companies violate standard traffic laws or motor carrier regulations.
If you sustained injuries in a Wichita trucking accident, the skilled legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can handle every step of the process. We will aggressively fight for your rights and interests in pursuit of the financial compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation with an experienced Wichita truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.
Why choose Us?
When maximizing the compensation you receive in a Wichita trucking accident claim or lawsuit, you want a skilled legal team fighting for your rights at every stage of the proceedings. In that regard, you should look no further than the knowledgeable attorneys at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers. We have a strong track record of success and have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of individuals injured in crashes. We also understand how insurance companies work and are ready to fight aggressively for your rights.
You can review our most recent client testimonials to get an idea of the services we provide. Let us maximize your monetary compensation award as quickly as possible.
How Much Is a Third-Party Wichita Truck Accident Case Worth?
Victims of trucking accidents in Wichita should first turn to their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy to recover compensation. However, the compensation available under these policies is limited, and victims cannot receive compensation for pain and suffering under a PIP policy. In some situations, however, truck collision victims may file a third-party claim against the at-fault truck driver or trucking company’s policy.
In a third-party trucking accident claim or lawsuit, victims may recover additional compensation, depending on the specifics of their case. This compensation should cover economic damages, non-economic damages, and sometimes even punitive damages.
Economic damages cover the financial losses the victim incurred due to the accident. These damages can include medical expenses, which are often substantial in trucking accidents due to the severity of injuries. Compensation for medical expenses covers costs like hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care needed.
In addition, victims may recover lost income if the accident caused them to miss work. This category also includes lost earning capacity, compensating for the income the victim should have earned in the future if they had not suffered an injury.
Non-economic damages address the non-financial effects of the accident, which can be significant. Pain and suffering is a common type of non-economic damage that compensates the victim for the physical pain and emotional distress the accident caused.
Emotional distress may include anxiety, depression, or trauma that the victim experiences after the truck crash. Another non-economic damage is loss of life enjoyment. For instance, if victims can no longer participate in activities they once enjoyed, they may be compensated for that loss.
In some cases, the victim may also be eligible for punitive damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which aim to compensate the victim, punitive damages intend to punish the wrongdoer for particularly reckless or negligent behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. However, punitive damages are not awarded in every case and typically require evidence of egregious conduct by the trucking company or driver.
Where Do Trucking Accidents Most Frequently Occur in Wichita?
Trucking accidents in Wichita often occur in specific locations where traffic conditions, road design, and heavy commercial activity intersect. The city is a major transportation hub, and several areas within it are particularly prone to trucking accidents.
- One of the most common locations for trucking accidents in Wichita is along Interstate 35 (I-35), part of the Kansas Turnpike. This interstate is a major north-south route that sees a high volume of truck traffic, particularly because it connects Wichita with other significant cities in Kansas and neighboring states. The heavy traffic and high speeds make this stretch of road a common site for serious trucking accidents.
- Another critical area for trucking accidents in Wichita is Interstate 135 (I-135), which runs through the city from north to south and connects with I-35. This interstate is heavily used by trucks transporting goods to and from Wichita’s industrial areas. The interchanges along I-135, particularly those near downtown Wichita, can be dangerous due to complex merging patterns and the high volume of vehicles, including large commercial trucks.
- Kellogg Avenue (U.S. Route 54) is another major roadway in Wichita where truck collisions frequently occur. Kellogg Avenue is one of the city’s busiest east-west routes, with multiple lanes and interchanges. The stretch of Kellogg Avenue near downtown Wichita, where it intersects with other major roads, is especially prone to accidents involving trucks due to congestion and complex traffic patterns.
- Kansas State Highway 96 (K-96) is also a significant location for truck crashes in Wichita. This highway serves as a bypass around the northern and eastern parts of the city, connecting several industrial areas. Trucks often use K-96 to avoid the more congested city streets, but the high speeds and frequent lane changes make this highway a hotspot for accidents.
Types of Trucking Accidents in Wichita
Several types of trucking accidents often result from negligence by trucking companies or truck drivers. These accidents can all cause serious injuries and significant damage due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
One common category is rear-end collisions. These accidents occur when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front of it. Rear-end collisions often happen because truck drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance or are distracted while driving. Given a truck's weight, stopping quickly is difficult, and when a truck is following too closely, it may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Rollover crashes are also common in Wichita. These collisions happen when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often because the driver turns too fast or the load is improperly balanced. Rollovers can lead to catastrophic crashes, especially on highways or in areas with heavy traffic.
Jackknife accidents are another frequent type of trucking accident. A jackknife occurs when a truck trailer swings out to the side, forming a ninety-degree angle with the cab. Jackknifing can happen when a driver brakes suddenly or loses control of the vehicle, often due to speeding or failing to adjust to road conditions. Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous because the swinging trailer can hit multiple vehicles and block several lanes of traffic.
Underride accidents are among the deadliest. In these crashes, a smaller vehicle becomes trapped under a truck's trailer. This can occur if a truck suddenly stops or turns, and the driver behind does not have enough time to react. Underride guards are supposed to prevent these accidents, but they are not always effective.
Finally, fatigue-related accidents are a significant issue. Truck drivers often work long hours, and if they drive while fatigued, their reaction times slow, increasing the risk of accidents. Trucking companies may be negligent if they pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to fatigue.
Common Injuries in a Wichita Truck Accident
Victims of Wichita truck crashes often suffer a wide range of physical and mental injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life and may result from the negligence of truck drivers or trucking companies.
Physical injuries are typically severe in trucking accidents. One of the most common is traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI can occur when the victim’s head strikes a hard surface during the collision or when the brain is jolted inside the skull. TBIs can involve concussions and severe cognitive impairments, and recovery may take years, if it happens at all.
Spinal cord injuries are another serious consequence of trucking accidents. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the damage. Even if the spinal cord is not severed, victims may experience chronic pain, loss of mobility, or other long-term complications.
Broken bones are also common – particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs. The impact of a trucking accident can be so forceful that bones shatter, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. In some cases, the injuries may lead to permanent disability.
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs, are also frequent. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening without prompt medical attention. Victims may suffer from internal bleeding or organ failure, requiring emergency surgery and long-term medical care.
In addition to physical injuries, mental injuries are also prevalent. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among victims of severe trucking collisions. PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, significantly affecting a person’s daily life.
Depression and anxiety are other mental health issues that victims may experience. The trauma of the crash, combined with the stress of recovery and financial concerns, can lead to long-term emotional struggles. Victims may require therapy and medication to manage these mental health challenges.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Trucking Accident in Wichita
Fighting an insurance company after a trucking accident in Wichita can be overwhelming – especially when you are dealing with injuries in the aftermath of a crash. However, at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can take on the insurance company for you, protecting your rights to the compensation you deserve. We can also determine whether you can file a third-party claim beyond your PIP insurance coverage. If so, we can handle every part of the claim for you and aggressively fight for your rights.
- First, we will gather and preserve evidence. Insurance companies often try to downplay or deny claims, so it is crucial to have strong evidence. We will collect police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
- Next, we will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, but we have extensive experience handling these negotiations. We know their tactics and how to counter them effectively. We will present a compelling case to demonstrate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
- If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. Litigation can be a powerful tool in compelling the insurance company to pay what you are owed. We will handle all aspects of the legal process, from filing the lawsuit to representing you in court. Our goal is to ensure your voice is heard and the insurance company is held accountable.
Throughout the process, we will keep you informed and involved in every decision. You will not have to face the insurance company alone—we will be by your side, fighting for your best interests every step of the way.
Steps To Take After a Truck Accident in Wichita
Following a truck accident, you must take specific steps to protect your health and legal rights.
- First, obtain a copy of the police report. This evidence can be vital in proving liability and securing compensation.
- Next, complete your medical treatment. Even if you do not feel severely injured, it is essential to seek ongoing medical attention. Some injuries may not be apparent right away but can worsen over time. Follow your doctor’s advice and complete all prescribed treatments. Completing treatments ensures your recovery and documents the extent of your injuries, which is critical for your claim.
- Finally, speak with one of our Wichita truck accident attorneys at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers as quickly as possible. It’s important not to speak with the insurance company without first consulting one of our lawyers. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to settle quickly or say something that can harm your case. Remember, they are primarily interested in minimizing payouts.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will guide you through the legal process, handle communications with the insurance company, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Prompt legal action can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Consult with an Experienced Wichita Trucking Accident Lawyer Today
If you recently suffered injuries in a Wichita trucking accident, the legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers is here to help. We will aggressively fight for your interests and take the steps necessary to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Wichita truck accident lawyer, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.