Cargo Van Accident Lawyers

There are over two million vehicles currently registered in Indiana. These vehicles come in a variety of forms, though more and more businesses in the state are relying on cargo vans, which can provide greater security and protection from the elements than pickups and flatbed trucks. Unfortunately, cargo vans also have notable drawbacks that can increase the likelihood of serious accidents.

If you have been injured in a collision with a cargo van, you might be able to improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve by getting in touch with the cargo van accident attorneys at Hensley Legal Group, who have been fighting for the everyday people of Indiana for more than 25 years.

Please call or text us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Indiana cargo van accident lawyer today.

Common Risks of Cargo Vans

Similar in design to passenger vans, cargo vans offer ample interior space that can be easily accessed by their drivers, making them appealing to businesses looking to transport workers, tools, and supplies. Moreover, the substantial surface space on the sides and back of a cargo van can allow it to serve as a billboard on wheels for a company wishing to advertise to the public.

But the advantages that cargo vans offer can sometimes be disadvantages that could lead to an accident. Common risks associated with cargo vans include:

· Pronounced blind spots – All vehicles have blind spots, which are areas beyond a driver’s normal field of vision. Blind spots are usually located behind and to the sides of a vehicle and are caused in part by fixtures and objects blocking the driver’s view, including windshield pillars, mirrors, headrests, passengers, and cargo. Drivers need to check their blind spots before attempting to merge, pass, or turn. Cargo vans may have more pronounced blind spots than the typical passenger vehicle, especially vans without rear or passenger windows, which can obscure cars, pedestrians, and barriers and make a cargo van accident more probable.

· Higher center of gravity – A cargo van has a higher center of gravity, making it less stable and more susceptible to tipping or rolling over when speeding, taking an overly sharp turn, or bearing too much weight.

· Bigger dimensions – Cargo vans are bigger and heavier than sedans, so they may be harder to handle and take more time to stop. This combination can make cargo van accidents more likely to occur and more destructive when they do, leaving significant vehicular and bodily harm in their wake.

· Limited overhead clearance – Cargo vans are taller than most passenger vehicles and may have trouble clearing certain obstacles above them, such as low-hanging branches and wires, especially when they are towing cargo on the roof. Cargo van drivers who do not take this limited overhead clearance into account could suffer sudden collisions, which may force them into other vehicles or send debris flying onto the road.

· Inadequate training – Like trucks and semi-trailers, cargo vans are frequently deployed commercially. But while most truck drivers in Indiana are required to carry Commercial Driver’s Licenses, for which they must undergo rigorous testing, cargo van drivers are only required to carry standard driver’s licenses. Consequently, they may have less adequate training than might otherwise be needed to safely operate larger, less maneuverable vehicles capable of causing major damage in a crash.

Hazards of this nature could result in catastrophic cargo van accidents that could put families on the path to ruin if they do not have dedicated Indiana car accident attorneys at their side.

What to Do After an Indiana Cargo Van Accident

A collision with something as huge as a cargo van can leave you in a daze. Nevertheless, there are crucial steps that you should take in the immediate aftermath of a cargo van accident to protect yourself and any case that you may have. Once you have moved to safety, remember to:

· Alert the authorities – Dial 911 so that police and emergency personnel arrive to document the cargo van accident and attend to the injured. Be sure to convey a complete version of events to the responding officer, since an inaccurate police report could be detrimental to your claim.

· Seek medical attention – Your health is of the utmost importance, so seek medical attention as soon as possible, ideally from paramedics at the scene. Any delays in treatment could hinder your recovery and cast doubt on the extent and relevance of your injuries.

· Get driver and witness information – Exchange information with the cargo van’s driver and anyone else who may be involved in the accident, including:

o Name

o Address

o Phone number

o Email

o Driver’s license

o Insurance company and policy number

o Vehicle make, model, and year

o License plate

Cargo vans are often utilized for business purposes, so try to find out the owner of the van and any company that was making use it at the time of the crash. Additionally, take down the names and numbers of anyone else present who saw the incident, since eyewitnesses could provide independent confirmation of what took place.

· Shoot pictures and videos – A visual record of the accident can be invaluable in detailing damages and establishing liability, so take out you phone and shoot pictures and videos of your surroundings, and do not forget to capture any logos or text painted or printed on the cargo van itself.

· Notify your auto insurance company – To remain in compliance with the terms of your policy and enjoy any of the benefits that might be available, notify your auto insurance company right away about the cargo van accident.

· Talk to a lawyer – A seasoned Indiana cargo van accident lawyer can answer your questions and educate you about what to expect if you are contemplating a case.

How Our Indiana Cargo Van Accident Attorneys Can Help

A cargo van accident can inflict severe injuries that could overwhelm you with astronomical medical costs and curtail your ability to earn a living. Very quickly, it could become difficult simply to make ends meet, much less satisfy the new demands on your finances.

You need attorneys with the compassion to support you through your struggles and the skill to help you overcome them. You need the cargo van accident attorneys at Hensley Legal Group. No task is too challenging or adversary too intimidating to prevent us from getting justice for our clients.

If you hire Hensley, we will launch a far-reaching investigation into your cargo van accident and everyone who may be responsible for it within the time permitted by law, taking prompt action to secure all the evidence necessary for your claim, including:

· Tickets and dispositions

· Witness statements

· Dash cam, traffic light, and surveillance footage

· Black box data

· Phone records

· Driving histories

· Maintenance logs

· Forensic analysis and accident reconstruction

After putting together an airtight case against every defendant, we will endeavor to negotiate a settlement that reflects the totality of your losses, including:

· Medical expenses

· Lost income

· Pain and suffering

· Mental and emotional trauma

· Diminished quality of life

· Loss of consortium

· Punitive and wrongful death damages (if applicable)

And if we do not receive an offer that is worthy of your case, we are not afraid to proceed to trial for a verdict that is, unlike many of our competitors, who rarely, if ever, set foot inside of a courtroom.

Every case is different, but our Indiana cargo van accident lawyers will always strive to maximize the value of yours.

You Won’t Have to Pay Until We Win

If you are worried about spending more money when you can least afford it, you should know that our firm works on a contingency basis, so you won’t have to pay us anything until our Indiana cargo van accident attorneys win your case.

You may still be reeling from the effects of your cargo van accident, but Hensley will do whatever it takes to make you whole again.

Reach Out to Our Indiana Cargo Van Accident Lawyers

Hensley Legal Group has been standing up for the average Hoosier since 1998. If you have been hurt through no fault of your own, reach out to our Indiana cargo van accident lawyers to explore your legal remedies.

You can arrange a complimentary case review with an accomplished cargo van accident attorney now by calling or texting us at (317) 472-3333, chatting with us online, or filling out our contact form.