Indiana Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Recovery Guide: The Powerful Advocates for Injured Victims
The impact was catastrophic. On a stretch of I-70 heading through Indianapolis, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into the back of a stopped passenger vehicle. In an instant, a standard commute turned into a fight for survival. This isn’t just a story; it is the daily reality on Indiana’s highways. When an 18-wheeler or a corporate delivery van changes your life forever, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter with a proven record.
Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has gone toe-to-toe with the largest trucking corporations in the country. With over 25 years of trial experience and admission to federal court, our managing partner has made a career out of holding negligent carriers accountable. At Attorney911, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families devastated by catastrophic injuries. We understand the unique dangers of driving in Indiana, from the high-traffic corridors of the “Crossroads of America” to the treacherous winter lake-effect snow on I-94 near Gary.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in Indiana, the clock is already ticking. The trucking company’s insurance team likely had investigators at the scene before the ambulance even arrived. We provide that same rapid, aggressive response for you.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.
The Indiana Advantage: Why Experience Matters at the “Crossroads of America”
Indiana is more than just a Midwestern state; it is the logistics pulse of the nation. With more pass-through interstates than any other state in the country, Indiana highways like I-65, I-70, I-80, and I-94 are constantly filled with heavy commercial traffic. This volume creates a high-risk environment for families.
When you hire Attorney911, you aren’t just getting a legal representative; you’re gaining an insider’s edge. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to defend insurance companies. He knows their playbook, he knows how they attempt to minimize your pain, and now he uses that knowledge to fight against them. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
We handle every type of commercial vehicle case in Indiana, including:
- 18-Wheelers and Semi-Trucks on major freight routes.
- Amazon Delivery Vans operating out of the massive fulfillment centers in Plainfield and Greenwood.
- FedEx Ground Trucks moving through the global hub in Indianapolis.
- Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers in Indiana’s constant construction zones.
- U-Haul and Rental Trucks driven by inexperienced operators on Indiana city streets.
If you’ve been hit by a corporate fleet vehicle, call us at (888) 288-9911.
Indiana Truck Accident Laws You Need to Know
Navigating the legal aftermath of a truck wreck in Indiana requires a precise understanding of state law. Unlike a simple car crash, commercial cases involve a complex interplay between Indiana statutes and federal regulations.
The Statute of Limitations in Indiana
In Indiana, you have just two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death. While two years might sound like a long time, in the world of trucking litigation, it is a blink of an eye. Evidence like Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data and “black box” records can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. If you wait, you lose your right to hold the company accountable.
Modified Comparative Negligence (The 51% Bar Rule)
Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, provided your fault is 50% or less. If a jury finds you recorded 51% of the blame, you recover nothing. We work tirelessly to shift the narrative back to the negligent trucker and the company that put them on the road.
We’ve seen how insurance adjusters try to trick victims into admitting fault. Don’t let them. With Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense, we see through their tactics. We fight to ensure Indiana juries understand that the 80,000-pound truck was the primary danger on the road.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Federal Laws Proving Trucking Negligence: 49 CFR Citations
Trucking companies in Indiana are not just governed by Indiana traffic laws; they must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When we investigate your crash, we look for violations of these laws to prove the company was negligent.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (The Fatigue Factor)
Fatigue is the quiet killer on Indiana interstates. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. However, we know that companies often pressure drivers to “push through” the Indiana Toll Road or I-70 stretches to meet deadlines. If a driver violated the 14-hour on-duty window or failed to take their mandatory 30-minute break, they were driving illegally. We subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove these violations.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification
Was the driver who hit you actually qualified to be behind the wheel? Under Part 391, carriers must maintain a thorough Driver Qualification File. This includes a valid CDL, medical examiner certificates, and a background check. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or serious safety violations, they are liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 396: Maintenance and Inspection
Brake failure and tire blowouts are rarely “accidents”—they are usually maintenance failures. Part 396 requires systematic inspection and repair. If a trucking company skipped its annual inspection or if the driver ignored a defect during their pre-trip report, that is negligence.
Trucking companies that cut corners cost lives. Hold them accountable by calling 1-888-ATTY-911.
18-Wheeler Accident Types on Indiana Highways
The way a truck crashes determines the evidence we need to win. In Indiana, we see specific accident patterns related to our geography and industry.
Jackknife Accidents on I-94 and I-80
The northern Indiana corridors are notorious for sudden lake-effect snow and ice. When a truck driver travels too fast for conditions and slams on their brakes, the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab. This jackknife sweeps across multiple lanes, causing multi-vehicle pileups. We use weather data and the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) to prove the driver failed to adjust for Indiana winter conditions.
Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Wrecks
An underride occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer. These are often fatal because the trailer height shears off the top of the car. Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trucks must have rear impact guards. If these guards were missing, damaged, or improperly maintained, the company is responsible for the catastrophic head and neck injuries that result.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” in Indianapolis
In congested areas like downtown Indy or the I-465 loops, trucks often make wide right turns. If they fail to check their mirrors or signal properly, they can “squeeze” a car or a cyclist between the trailer and the curb. This leads to devastating crush injuries and amputations.
Learn more about your rights in our video guide: The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries.
Investigating Corporate Giant Accidents: Amazon, Walmart, and FedEx
Indiana is a hub for corporate logistics. If your accident involved a branded vehicle, you aren’t just fighting a truck driver—you are fighting a multi-billion dollar corporation.
Amazon Delivery Van Accidents in Plainfield
Amazon uses Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) to shield itself from liability. They will tell you the driver wasn’t an Amazon employee. But here is the truth: Amazon sets the routes, monitors the driver with Netradyne AI cameras, and dictates the delivery quotas that lead to speeding. We know how to pierce that corporate shield and hold Amazon accountable.
Walmart Transportation and the Self-Insured Defense
Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world. They frequently travel the I-65 corridor between Chicago and Indianapolis. Walmart is self-insured, meaning they pay claims out of their own pocket. This makes them fight harder. You need a law firm that has litigated against Fortune 500 companies before. Ralph Manginello brings that experience to every case.
FedEx and UPS: High-Pressure Deliveries
Whether it’s a FedEx Ground contractor or a UPS hub driver, these operators are under extreme time pressure. This pressure leads to driver fatigue and reckless lane changes. We subpoena dispatch records to show the jury that the company prioritized delivery speed over Indiana families’ safety.
Don’t let a corporate giant push you around. Call 888-ATTY-911.
Identifying All Liable Parties: Who Really Pays?
Most lawyers only sue the driver. We dig deeper. In a serious Indiana truck crash, there are often up to 16 different parties who may share liability. Finding more defendants means finding more insurance coverage to pay for your recovery.
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
- The Trucking Company (Carrier): For vicarious liability and negligent training.
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If the load was inherently dangerous or improperly documented.
- The Loading Company: If an improperly secured load caused a rollover or spill.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect in the brakes or steering caused the crash.
- Parts Manufacturer: If a defective tire or component failed at highway speed.
- Maintenance Company: If a third-party mechanic performed negligent repairs.
- Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record.
- The Truck Owner: If the vehicle was leased to a carrier without proper safety oversight.
- Government Entities: If poor road design or a maintenance failure (like unplowed snow) contributed to the crash.
- Corporate Parent (Brand Owner): Like Amazon or Walmart, for exercising pervasive control over the driver.
- Staffing Company: If they provided an unqualified driver to a carrier.
- Rental Truck Companies (U-Haul/Penske): If they rented a heavy vehicle to an unqualified driver or failed to maintain the fleet.
- Public Transit Agencies: If a city bus in Indianapolis or Gary was negligent.
- The Federal Government: If the accident involved a USPS mail truck or a military vehicle (FTCA rules apply).
- Road Contractors: If a construction zone was set up dangerously.
Every party adds another layer of insurance. We find them all. Call (888) 288-9911.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency
The most critical moment in your case is right now. In Indiana, trucking companies deploy “Rapid Response” teams that include lawyers and accident reconstruction experts. Their goal is to control the narrative and “look for” evidence that blames you.
We counter this by sending Spoliation Letters immediately. This legal notice demands that the company preserve:
- ECM/Black Box Data: This records the truck’s speed and braking in the seconds before impact. This data can be overwritten in just 30 days.
- ELD Logs: To prove the driver was fatigued and violating hours-of-service rules.
- Netradyne/Dashcam Footage: Video that shows exactly what the driver was doing before the crash.
- Driver Qualification Files: To see if they hired a driver they knew was dangerous.
If they destroy this evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for an “adverse inference” instruction, telling the jury the evidence was destroyed because it proved the company’s guilt.
The clock is ticking. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before the evidence disappears.
Recovering from Catastrophic Injuries
A truck accident is not a minor event. At 20 times the weight of your car, a semi-truck causes injuries that change everything. We’ve recovered millions for victims facing:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A TBI can range from chronic headaches to permanent cognitive impairment. We’ve seen settlements for TBI victims reach the $1.5M to $9.8M range. As client Kiimarii Yup said, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return.” We ensure your settlement covers the cost of lifelong cognitive therapy.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When the force of an 80,000-pound truck snaps a vertebrae, the result is often paraplegia or quadriplegia. These cases require settlements in the $4.7M to $25.8M range to account for a lifetime of nursing care, home modifications, and adaptive equipment.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Whether it’s a limb lost at the scene or a surgical amputation due to non-salvageable crush damage, the impact is permanent. Settlements for amputation typically range from $1.9M to $8.6M. We work with vocational experts to calculate your lost earning capacity if you can no longer perform your job.
Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one, no amount of money can bring them back. But a wrongful death claim (ranging from $1.9M to $9.5M) provides your family with the security they need for the future. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Learn about compensation in our video: What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?.
Commercial Truck Insurance: Why These Cases Are High-Value
Trucking companies carry much higher insurance than ordinary drivers because they are much more dangerous.
- General Freight: $750,000 minimum.
- Oil and Large Equipment: $1,000,000 minimum.
- Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): $5,000,000 minimum.
Many large Indiana carriers carry $10M+ in umbrella or excess coverage. However, the insurance company will not volunteer this money. They employ adjusters trained to “lowball” you. Our insider knowledge, thanks to Lupe Peña’s background, allows us to push past those initial offers. We know their “maximum” before they even tell us.
Understand insurance endorsements in our guide: The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements.
Indiana Truck Accident FAQ
Q: Why do I need a lawyer specifically for a truck accident instead of a regular car accident lawyer?
A: A car accident involves state traffic laws. A truck accident involves 80,000-pound physics, federal FMCSA regulations, and massive corporate defendants. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of specific trucking litigation experience. You wouldn’t hire a general practitioner for brain surgery; don’t hire a general lawyer for a catastrophic truck wreck.
Q: What if the truck that hit me was from another state?
A: This happens constantly on I-70 and I-80/90. Our federal court experience and Ralph’s dual-state licensure allow us to handle complex jurisdictional issues. Whether the company is in Indiana, Texas, or New York, we hold them accountable in the proper venue.
Q: Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?
A: Yes. Psychological trauma is a real and compensable injury. If you have flashbacks, nightmares, or driving anxiety after a crash in Indiana, we work with psychiatric experts to document your damages. Learn more in our video: Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
A: Zero upfront. We work on a contingency fee. We only get paid if you win. We advance all the costs of the expensive trucking industry experts, accident reconstructionists, and investigators. You have enough to worry about; paying a lawyer shouldn’t be on the list.
Q: What if a city bus or school bus hit me in Indianapolis?
A: Cases against government entities (like IndyGo) involve sovereign immunity. You have a very short window—often only 180 days in Indiana—to file a formal Tort Claim Notice. If you miss this deadline, your case is barred forever. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Q: A U-Haul truck hit my car. Is U-Haul responsible?
A: Rental companies often hide behind the “Graves Amendment” to avoid liability for a renter’s driving. However, we look for negligent maintenance or negligent entrustment. If that rental truck had bad brakes or they rented it to someone without a license, they are on the hook.
The Fight for Your Future Starts with One Call
Trucking companies and their insurers want you to believe you are just a “claim number.” They want to settle your case for pennies on the dollar before you realize your back surgery didn’t work or your TBI is permanent.
Don’t let them win. Put 25+ years of experience in your corner. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have built a reputation for being the firm that insurers fear. We are tenacious, accessible, and determined. As Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
We serve clients across Indiana, from the industrial zones of Lake County and the distribution warehouses of Hendricks County to the busy corridors of Marion, Allen, and Vanderburgh Counties. Our experience litigating against giants like Walmart, Amazon, and BP means we aren’t intimidated by their fleet of lawyers.
Your fight. Your family. Your justice.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Available 24/7. Results that matter. No fee unless we win.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.
