Lafayette Truck Accident Attorneys Help Injury Victims
Our law firm represents those hurt in tractor-trailer wrecks
Trucks are the largest vehicles on the road, so when they are involved in an accident, the results can be catastrophic. At Cooke Law Firm, we represent drivers, passengers and pedestrians who have been injured, often severely, in truck accidents caused by negligence. Our Lafayette attorneys represent victims of truck accidents including tractor-trailer wrecks and 18-wheeler crashes. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident on the roads of Indiana, our experienced commercial vehicle accident attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you need and the justice you deserve.
Understanding the causes of trucking accidents
Accidents involving tractor-trailers and other types of trucks occur for a variety of reasons. We strive to hold the responsible parties accountable for injuries caused by:
- Driver fatigue
- Overworked drivers
- Improper loading
- Defective equipment
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Poor training
- Inexperience
- Intoxication
- Defective roadways
- Speeding
When a truck causes an accident, our attorneys fight for the rights of victims to recover any compensation available under the law.
Underride and override accidents
The height of 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks makes them susceptible to certain types of accidents. These accidents are known as override and underride accidents. An override accident occurs when a truck driver fails to stop and hits the vehicle in front of him. Because of the height of a truck’s bumper, the truck may ride over the trunk of the car and collide directly with the passenger cabin. Conversely, when a truck stops short, a car may actually drive under a truck’s bumper or side. The first point of contact with the truck in an underride could be the car’s windshield or passenger cabin. Understandably, underride and override are common causes of truck accident fatalities.
Responsible parties in Indiana truck accident cases
Depending on the cause of an accident, the law may hold different parties responsible. Our attorneys bring claims against:
- Truck drivers. When drivers are negligent in operating, loading or inspecting their vehicle, it may be possible to hold them liable.
- Trucking companies. When a company fails to maintain its trucks or forces a driver to work too many hours, it may be possible to hold the trucking company responsible for your injuries.
- Equipment manufacturers. If a defect in a tire, truck part or other equipment causes the accident that led to your injury, we may be able to pursue a claim against the manufacturer.
- Government entities. In some cases, it is possible to hold a government agency liable for their failure to fix known defects in the roadway.
When a truck wreck is caused by the actions of another driver, we pursue claims against that driver or their insurance company.
Unique truck laws that apply in Lafayette personal injury claims
At Cooke Law Firm, our attorneys have a strong grasp of the special laws governing commercial transportation. Truckers are required to log their hours to demonstrate that they have complied with labor and safety standards intended to prevent fatigued driving. Our attorneys scour these logs (referred to disparagingly as “comic books” by law enforcement personnel skeptical of the logs’ accuracy) for inconsistencies, overages and signs of tampering. We also review the hiring and training procedures of the trucking company to make sure that all regulations were complied with and due care has been taken.
Trust our experienced Indiana truck accident attorneys to help you
If you have been involved in a wreck with any type of commercial vehicle, you need an attorney with the skill and resources to take on even the biggest trucking companies to get you justice. At Cooke Law Firm, we do everything possible under the law to obtain fair and complete compensation for the damage caused by your accident. To schedule a free initial consultation at our Lafayette office, call 765-423-5628 or contact us online. We serve clients in Tippecanoe County and throughout Indiana.
