18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Indiana: Fighting for Your Rights After a Truck Crash

Every year, thousands of Hoosiers are injured in accidents involving large commercial trucks on Indiana’s highways and interstate corridors. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Indiana, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

At Attorney911, we understand the devastating impact a trucking accident can have on your life. Our team of Indiana 18-wheeler accident attorneys has over 25 years of experience fighting for victims of truck crashes across the state. We know Indiana’s trucking corridors, from I-65 and I-70 to the distribution centers in Indianapolis and Gary, and we understand how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different in Indiana

Trucking accidents aren’t like typical car accidents. The physics involved when an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle create catastrophic forces that often result in life-altering injuries or wrongful death. Indiana sees more than its share of these devastating crashes due to our state’s position as a major transportation hub.

Indiana’s Trucking Corridors: High-Risk Areas

Indiana’s strategic location at the crossroads of America makes it one of the busiest trucking states in the nation:

I-65: Running from Gary through Indianapolis to Louisville, this north-south corridor carries massive freight volumes between the Great Lakes and the South
I-70: The primary east-west route connecting Ohio to Illinois, passing through Indianapolis and serving as a critical link for transcontinental freight
I-69: Connecting Indianapolis to Fort Wayne and eventually to the Canadian border, this route serves northern Indiana’s manufacturing sector
I-80/90 (Indiana Toll Road): A vital transcontinental route carrying freight between Chicago and the East Coast
I-465: The loop around Indianapolis that handles local distribution traffic as well as through traffic
Ports of Indiana: Three ports (Burns Harbor, Jeffersonville, Mount Vernon) connecting to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River system

These corridors see heavy truck traffic from major carriers, local distribution operations, and owner-operators serving Indiana’s manufacturing, agricultural, and logistics industries.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Indiana

Our Indiana trucking accident attorneys handle all types of commercial vehicle crashes:

Jackknife Accidents on Indiana Highways

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly common on Indiana’s winter roads when sudden braking on icy surfaces causes the trailer to lose traction. We’ve seen numerous jackknife accidents on I-65 during winter storms, often resulting in multi-vehicle pileups.

Underride Collisions: Deadly Indiana Truck Crashes

Underride accidents are among the most deadly types of truck crashes in Indiana. These occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Indiana has seen several tragic underride accidents on I-70 and I-65, particularly at night when trailer visibility is poor.

Rollover Accidents on Indiana’s Rural Roads

Rollover accidents frequently occur when trucks take curves too fast or when cargo shifts during transit. Indiana’s rural highways and exit ramps see numerous rollover accidents, especially with tanker trucks carrying liquid cargo that can slosh and destabilize the vehicle.

Rear-End Collisions at Indiana Interchanges

Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Rear-end collisions are common at Indiana’s busy interchanges like I-65/I-465 in Indianapolis, where sudden traffic slowdowns catch truck drivers off guard. These crashes often cause severe whiplash injuries, spinal damage, and traumatic brain injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents in Indiana Cities

Trucks making wide right turns in Indiana’s urban areas often cut off other vehicles or pedestrians. We’ve handled numerous cases involving wide turn accidents in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend, where trucks turning at intersections have struck vehicles in adjacent lanes.

Blind Spot Accidents on Indiana’s Highways

Trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides, known as “No-Zones.” Indiana’s congested highways see many blind spot accidents when truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in their blind spots. The right side blind spot is particularly dangerous on multi-lane highways like I-465.

Tire Blowout Accidents on Indiana Roads

Tire blowouts are a significant hazard on Indiana’s highways, especially during summer months when heat causes tire failures. We’ve investigated numerous tire blowout accidents on I-70 and I-65, where failed tires have caused trucks to lose control and strike other vehicles.

Brake Failure Accidents in Indiana’s Hill Country

Brake failures are particularly dangerous on Indiana’s rolling hills and mountainous areas. We’ve seen brake failure accidents on routes like US-231 in southern Indiana, where long descents can cause brake systems to overheat and fail.

Indiana-Specific Factors in Trucking Accidents

Indiana’s unique geography, weather, and industry create specific risk factors for trucking accidents:

Indiana’s Winter Weather Challenges

Indiana’s harsh winters create treacherous driving conditions that contribute to trucking accidents:

Black ice on bridges and overpasses, particularly on I-65 and I-70
Lake-effect snow in northern Indiana near Gary and South Bend
Sudden snow squalls that reduce visibility to near zero
Freezing rain that creates slick road surfaces
Temperature swings that cause road surfaces to expand and contract, creating potholes

Truck drivers unfamiliar with Indiana’s winter driving conditions are at particular risk. We’ve seen numerous accidents caused by out-of-state drivers who fail to adjust their speed for Indiana’s winter road conditions.

Indiana’s Agricultural Trucking Season

Indiana’s agricultural industry creates seasonal trucking risks:

Harvest season (September-October) sees increased grain truck traffic
Fertilizer and pesticide shipments create hazmat risks
Livestock transportation requires specialized equipment
Seasonal weight limit exemptions can lead to overloaded trucks

We’ve handled numerous cases involving agricultural trucking accidents on Indiana’s rural roads, where local drivers may be unfamiliar with large truck operations.

Indiana’s Manufacturing and Distribution Hubs

Indiana’s manufacturing base creates unique trucking risks:

Just-in-time delivery pressures create time-sensitive freight
Automotive parts shipments to Indiana’s numerous auto plants
Steel industry traffic in northwest Indiana
Pharmaceutical shipments from Eli Lilly and other Indiana-based companies
Warehouse distribution centers in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Gary

These industries create heavy truck traffic in specific areas, increasing the risk of accidents.

Indiana’s Port Traffic

Indiana’s three ports create unique trucking risks:

Burns Harbor on Lake Michigan serves Great Lakes shipping
Jeffersonville on the Ohio River serves river traffic
Mount Vernon on the Ohio River serves barge traffic

Port traffic creates heavy truck volumes on specific routes, increasing accident risks near these facilities.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Indiana 18-Wheeler Accident?

In Indiana trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share liability:

The Truck Driver

Indiana truck drivers can be held personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, dispatch communications)
Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Traffic law violations

Indiana has seen numerous cases where truck driver negligence caused catastrophic accidents. We investigate driver records, hours of service logs, and cell phone records to prove driver negligence.

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Trucking companies are often the primary defendants in Indiana trucking accident cases due to:

Vicarious Liability: Under Indiana law, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:

Negligent hiring: Failing to check driver backgrounds or qualifications
Negligent training: Inadequate safety training
Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
Negligent maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
Negligent scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations

Indiana trucking companies must comply with both federal FMCSA regulations and Indiana state laws. We investigate company records to identify regulatory violations that contributed to your accident.

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The companies that own and ship cargo in Indiana may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight loading
Pressuring carriers to expedite shipments

Indiana’s agricultural and manufacturing industries create numerous opportunities for cargo-related liability. We investigate shipping contracts and loading procedures to identify cargo-related negligence.

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies in Indiana may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

We’ve seen numerous accidents in Indiana caused by improperly secured cargo, particularly on I-70 where sudden lane changes can cause cargo to shift.

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Indiana has seen numerous accidents caused by defective truck components. Manufacturers may be liable for:

Design defects in brake systems, stability control, or fuel tanks
Manufacturing defects in components
Failure to warn of known dangers

We work with engineering experts to investigate potential product defects that may have contributed to your accident.

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

Defective brake components
Defective tires causing blowouts
Defective steering mechanisms
Defective lighting components

Indiana’s highways see numerous tire blowout accidents, particularly during summer months when heat causes tire failures.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies servicing Indiana trucking fleets may be liable for:

Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
Failure to identify critical safety issues
Improper brake adjustments
Using substandard or wrong parts

We investigate maintenance records to identify negligent repairs that may have contributed to your accident.

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation in Indiana may be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Failure to check carrier CSA scores

Indiana’s position as a transportation hub means numerous freight brokers operate in the state. We investigate broker records to identify negligent carrier selection.

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, Indiana government entities may share liability:

Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
Inadequate signage for known hazards
Improper work zone setup

Indiana has specific notice requirements and immunity protections for government entities. We understand Indiana’s sovereign immunity laws and can help navigate these complex cases.

Indiana-Specific Laws That Affect Your Trucking Accident Case

Indiana has specific laws that impact trucking accident cases:

Indiana’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. This means:

If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages

For example, if you are found 20% at fault in an accident with $100,000 in damages, you would recover $80,000. If you are found 51% at fault, you recover nothing.

This makes it crucial to have experienced Indiana trucking accident attorneys who can thoroughly investigate the accident and minimize your assigned fault percentage.

Indiana’s Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 2 years from the date of death.

However, you should never wait to contact an attorney. Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve evidence before it’s lost.

Indiana’s Damage Caps

Indiana has specific rules regarding damages:

No cap on compensatory damages for personal injury cases
Punitive damages are capped at the greater of 3 times compensatory damages or $50,000
Government entities have damage caps of $700,000 per person and $5,000,000 per occurrence

Our Indiana trucking accident attorneys understand these limits and know how to maximize your recovery within Indiana’s legal framework.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Indiana Trucking Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles, trucking accidents in Indiana often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries in Indiana trucking accidents. The extreme forces involved can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in:

Mild TBI (Concussion): Confusion, headaches, brief loss of consciousness
Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
Severe TBI: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

We’ve seen numerous TBI cases from Indiana trucking accidents, particularly from rear-end collisions and underride accidents. These injuries often require lifelong care and can cost millions of dollars over a lifetime.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries from Indiana trucking accidents often result in permanent paralysis:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries: Some nerve function remains
Complete injuries: No nerve function below the injury

Indiana’s highways have seen numerous paralysis cases from trucking accidents. The lifetime care costs for these injuries can exceed $5 million.

Amputations

Amputations occur in Indiana trucking accidents due to:

Crushing forces from truck impacts
Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
Severe burns requiring surgical removal
Infections from open wounds

We’ve handled numerous amputation cases from Indiana trucking accidents, particularly from underride collisions and rollover accidents.

Severe Burns

Burns occur in Indiana trucking accidents from:

Fuel tank ruptures and fires
Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
Friction burns from road contact

Indiana’s petrochemical industry creates additional burn risks from hazmat cargo. Burn injuries often require multiple reconstructive surgeries and cause permanent scarring.

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries from Indiana trucking accidents include:

Liver laceration or rupture
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney damage
Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries can be life-threatening and may not show immediate symptoms. Prompt medical attention is crucial.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one in Indiana, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. Indiana allows recovery for:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses before death
Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

Indiana’s highways have seen numerous wrongful death cases from trucking accidents. We understand the emotional and financial toll these tragedies take on families.

How Indiana 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Build Your Case

Our Indiana trucking accident lawyers use a comprehensive approach to build strong cases:

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to all potentially liable parties
Demand preservation of ECM/black box data, ELD records, maintenance records
Secure physical evidence before repair or disposal
Photograph the scene before conditions change

Indiana trucking companies are required to preserve evidence once they receive notice of potential litigation. We ensure they comply with this obligation.

Comprehensive Investigation

Our Indiana trucking accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations:

Accident reconstruction to determine how the crash occurred
ECM/black box data analysis to prove speed, braking, and other factors
ELD data review to identify hours of service violations
Driver qualification file review to identify hiring negligence
Maintenance record analysis to identify deferred repairs
Cargo securement review to identify loading violations
Cell phone record analysis to identify distracted driving

We work with Indiana-based experts who understand the specific challenges of Indiana’s roads and weather conditions.

Identifying All Liable Parties

We investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery:

Truck drivers
Trucking companies
Cargo owners
Loading companies
Maintenance providers
Manufacturers
Freight brokers
Government entities

Indiana’s complex trucking industry creates multiple opportunities for liability. We identify all responsible parties to ensure full compensation.

Calculating Full Damages

We work with medical and financial experts to calculate:

Economic damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity
Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment
Punitive damages: When gross negligence is present

Indiana allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages. We ensure all your losses are properly documented and valued.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Indiana Trucking Accident Case?

When you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Indiana, you need attorneys with the experience, resources, and local knowledge to fight for your rights. Here’s why Indiana families choose Attorney911:

25+ Years of Indiana Trucking Accident Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims in Indiana and across the country since 1998. With 25+ years of experience, Ralph has handled hundreds of trucking accident cases and secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for Indiana families.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex federal cases that often arise in interstate trucking accidents. This federal court experience is crucial for Indiana cases involving interstate carriers.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for Indiana trucking accident victims, including:

$5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
$3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
$2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

These results demonstrate our ability to secure maximum compensation for catastrophic injuries.

Comprehensive Indiana Trucking Knowledge

We understand Indiana’s trucking industry:

Indiana’s major trucking corridors (I-65, I-70, I-69, etc.)
Indiana’s agricultural trucking season
Indiana’s manufacturing and distribution hubs
Indiana’s ports and their impact on truck traffic
Indiana’s winter weather challenges
Indiana’s specific laws and regulations

This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

Aggressive Litigation Approach

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. Our willingness to take cases to trial has resulted in numerous multi-million dollar verdicts.

Compassionate Client Service

We treat every client like family. Our Indiana trucking accident attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on families. We provide compassionate, personalized service while aggressively pursuing maximum compensation.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Indiana

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Indiana, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

Indiana law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or vehicles that cannot be safely driven. Call 911 immediately and request police and emergency medical services.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, seek medical attention immediately. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms for hours or days. Indiana hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case.

3. Document the Scene

If you’re able, document everything:

Take photos of all vehicle damage
Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Note weather and road conditions

4. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly after the accident. Do not give any recorded statements. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Refer all communications to your attorney.

5. Contact an Indiana 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days. Witness memories fade. Contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Indiana-Specific Trucking Accident Resources

Our Indiana trucking accident attorneys can connect you with local resources:

Indiana Trauma Centers

Riley Hospital for Children (Indianapolis)
IU Health Methodist Hospital (Indianapolis)
Eskenazi Health (Indianapolis)
Fort Wayne Trauma Center
South Bend Memorial Hospital Trauma Center

Indiana Rehabilitation Facilities

Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (Indianapolis)
Community Rehabilitation Hospital (Indianapolis, South Bend)
Parkview Rehabilitation Hospital (Fort Wayne)

Indiana Support Groups

Brain Injury Association of Indiana
Indiana Spinal Cord & Brain Injury Research Fund
Indiana Amputee Support Group
Indiana Burn Survivors Support Group

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Indiana?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Indiana, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
Document the scene with photos and video if possible
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Indiana hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Indiana?

Document everything possible:

Truck and trailer license plates
DOT number (on truck door)
Trucking company name and logo
Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
Photos of all vehicle damage
Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
Photos of your injuries
Witness names and phone numbers
Responding officer’s name and badge number
Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Indiana?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Indiana?

Multiple parties may be liable in Indiana trucking accidents:

The truck driver
The trucking company/motor carrier
The cargo owner or shipper
The company that loaded the cargo
Truck or parts manufacturers
Maintenance companies
Freight brokers
The truck owner (if different from carrier)
Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Indiana uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
Inspection history and out-of-service rates
Crash history
Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on Indiana’s roads.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes but for trucks. This data can show:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Engine RPM and throttle position
Whether cruise control was engaged
GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents in Indiana.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

ECM/Black box data
ELD records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance records
Inspection reports
Dispatch logs
Drug and alcohol test results
Training records
Cell phone records
Insurance policies
The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
Impose monetary sanctions
Enter default judgment in extreme cases
Award punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely on Indiana’s highways.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in Indiana accidents?

The top violations we find in Indiana trucking accidents:

Hours of service violations (driving too long)
False log entries (lying about driving time)
Brake system deficiencies
Cargo securement failures
Drug and alcohol violations
Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

Employment application
Driving record check
Previous employer verification
Medical certification
Drug test results
Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring, which is a common issue in Indiana trucking accident cases.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my Indiana accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence. We’ve seen numerous Indiana accidents caused by pre-trip inspection failures.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Indiana?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, Indiana trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Amputations
Severe burns
Internal organ damage
Multiple fractures
Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Indiana?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of defendant’s negligence
Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions in Indiana and across the country.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Indiana?

Indiana allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Indiana?

The statute of limitations in Indiana is 2 years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims and 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve in Indiana?

Timelines vary:

Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my Indiana trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry in Indiana?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

$750,000 for non-hazardous freight
$1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
$5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many Indiana carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, unlike typical car accidents where insurance may be limited.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my Indiana accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

Motor carrier’s liability policy
Trailer interchange coverage
Cargo insurance
Owner-operator’s policy
Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced Indiana trucking accident attorney first.

Contact Indiana’s Trusted 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Indiana, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Evidence disappears quickly, and Indiana’s statute of limitations applies.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation with our Indiana trucking accident attorneys. We offer:

Free case evaluation with no obligation
24/7 availability – we answer trucking accident calls immediately
No fee unless we win – you pay nothing upfront
Immediate evidence preservation – we send spoliation letters right away
Compassionate client service – we treat you like family

Our Indiana 18-wheeler accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and local knowledge to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. We know Indiana’s highways, Indiana’s laws, and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjusters push you around. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now to speak with an Indiana trucking accident lawyer who will fight for your rights.

“If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Indiana, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a fighter. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Indiana trucking accident victims for over 25 years. We know how to win. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.”

Let our Indiana 18-wheeler accident attorneys put our experience to work for you. We’ll handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.