Were you or a loved one hurt in an oversize load truck accident in Indianapolis, Indiana? Contact Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers at (317) 916-0000 for a free consultation. Our experienced Indianapolis oversize load truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you pursue maximum compensation.
How Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers Can Help After an Oversize Load Truck Accident in Indianapolis, IN
At Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers, we know the devastating impact an oversize load truck crash can have on your life. With decades of combined experience representing injured clients across Indiana, our award-winning attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. We are recognized for our dedication, trial skill, and compassionate client service.
When you choose our firm, here’s how our Indianapolis truck accident attorneys can help you:
- Conducting thorough investigations to gather critical evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Ensuring all legal documents are correctly filed and deadlines met
- Consulting with experts to build a robust case
- Representing you aggressively in court if necessary
Our team is based in Indianapolis, IN, and we know the unique challenges that come with accidents involving oversize load trucks. We are committed to fighting for the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Contact our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers today.
What Is an Oversize Load Truck?
An oversize load truck is a commercial vehicle that carries cargo larger than the legal limits set by the state.
In Indiana, these limits are usually:
- Width: more than 8 feet, 6 inches
- Height: more than 13 feet, 6 inches
- Length: more than 40 feet for single vehicles or 65 feet for combinations
- Weight: over 80,000 pounds total weight
When a truck goes beyond any of these limits, it needs a special permit to operate. These trucks also must follow specific routes and sometimes require escort vehicles (also known as pilot cars). Because of their size and weight, oversize load trucks are harder to control and stop, making accidents more likely and more severe.
Common Causes of Oversize Load Truck Accidents
Accidents involving oversize load trucks can happen for many reasons. These trucks are more complex to drive than regular vehicles, and they require extra care on the road.
One major cause is driver error. If a truck driver misjudges a turn or cannot stop in time, the truck may crash into other vehicles. Even a small mistake can lead to a serious wreck.
Another factor is improper loading. If the load is not properly secured, it can shift or fall off during transit. This can cause the truck to become unbalanced, tip over, or drop cargo into traffic, creating major hazards.
Weather and road conditions can also increase the risk. Rain, snow, and ice make it harder for trucks to brake or keep control. Narrow roads, low bridges, or tight turns are especially dangerous for oversize loads.
Sometimes, the trucking company may be at fault. If the company fails to train drivers properly, ignores safety rules, or pushes drivers to meet deadlines, it can lead to preventable accidents. In every case, the size and weight of the truck make it more dangerous than other vehicles on the road.
Types of Injuries Caused by Oversize Load Accidents
Oversize load truck accidents are often more serious than regular crashes. Because of the large size and force involved, people in smaller vehicles are at a much higher risk of injury.
Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal injuries
- Burns and cuts
In the worst cases, these accidents can lead to death. Survivors may face long-term health problems, physical therapy, or permanent disability. The medical bills can be overwhelming, and victims may be unable to work for weeks, months, or even longer. That’s why getting legal help after such an accident is so important.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
After an oversize load accident in Indianapolis, more than one party may be at fault. Determining who is responsible is key to filing a successful injury claim. In some cases, the truck driver may be at fault for speeding, distracted driving, or other careless actions. But the driver is not always the only one to blame.
The trucking company could be held responsible if they failed to maintain the vehicle, hired an unqualified driver, or didn’t follow safety rules. Companies must make sure their drivers are trained and rested, and their vehicles are safe to drive.
The load company may also share blame if they did not secure the cargo properly or gave false information about the size or weight. Even the escort vehicle drivers or government agencies that approved unsafe routes may be responsible in some cases.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help investigate the crash and find out who should be held accountable.
Indiana Laws and Time Limits for Filing a Claim
In Indiana, you have a limited time to file a personal injury claim after a truck accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
Also, Indiana follows the comparative fault rule. This means if you were partly at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced. But even if you were partly to blame, you may still be able to recover damages—as long as you were less than 51% at fault. A skilled attorney will help you understand these laws and how they apply to your case.
Contact Our Indianapolis Oversize Load Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Indianapolis, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At Rob King & Associates, Trial Lawyers, our experienced attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call today to schedule your free consultation with a trusted Indianapolis oversize load truck accident attorney.
