18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Putnam County, Indiana

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything: Your Road to Recovery Starts Here

One moment, you’re driving home on I-70 through Putnam County, Indiana, on your way to Greencastle or heading toward the Terre Haute exit. The next, you’re facing a future completely altered by the crushing weight of an 18-wheeler. If a commercial truck accident has left you injured, unable to work, or grieving the loss of a loved one in Putnam County, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of federal trucking regulations, Indiana state law, and the specific hazards of west-central Indiana’s highways.

Attorney911 has spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across the United States, including right here in Indiana. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings federal court experience and a track record of multi-million dollar settlements to every case we accept. When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re gaining a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize your claim.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Evidence in truck accident cases disappears fast, and Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations means the clock is already ticking.

Why Putnam County, Indiana 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

The Physics of Devastation

There’s no such thing as a “minor” collision with an 80,000-pound commercial truck. When a fully loaded tractor-trailer collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle on Putnam County’s highways, the physics are brutal and unforgiving. An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 miles per hour on I-70 through Putnam County needs nearly 525 feet to stop—that’s almost two football fields. When traffic slows unexpectedly near the Greencastle exits or construction zones, truck drivers often don’t have the stopping distance to avoid disaster.

This massive weight disparity means that catastrophic injuries aren’t just possible—they’re likely. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death are common outcomes when Hoosier families encounter negligent trucking operations on Indiana’s highways.

Indiana’s “Crossroads of America” Risk

Putnam County sits at the heart of Indiana’s identity as the “Crossroads of America.” Interstate 70 cuts directly through the county, carrying freight from the East Coast to the West Coast, while nearby Interstate 65 and Interstate 74 create a spiderweb of commercial traffic. This constant flow of 18-wheelers creates unique dangers for Putnam County residents:

High-Risk Corridors:

• I-70 through Putnam County: Major east-west freight route connecting Indianapolis to Terre Haute and Illinois
• U.S. Highway 231: North-south commercial route connecting to Lafayette and Bloomington
• U.S. Highway 40: Historic National Road with heavy agricultural trucking
• State Road 46: Connecting Columbus to Terre Haute through rural Putnam County

Indiana Weather Hazards

Putnam County experiences the full range of Indiana weather, creating seasonal trucking hazards:

• Winter ice and snow: December through February bring black ice conditions on I-70 and rural roads
• Spring thunderstorms: March through May sees severe weather affecting visibility
• Agricultural seasons: Spring planting and fall harvest bring increased farm equipment and grain trucks to rural routes
• Fog conditions: River valleys in western Putnam County create dangerous low-visibility situations

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Putnam County We Handle

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifes occur when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On I-70 through Putnam County, a jackknifed truck can create chain-reaction pileups during rush hour or sudden winter storms. These accidents typically result from:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (common on Indiana’s winter highways)
• Equipment failure (brake violations under 49 CFR § 393.48)
• Improper cargo loading (violations of 49 CFR § 393.100)
• Driver inexperience with emergency procedures

The swinging trailer often sweeps across the median into oncoming traffic or creates an impassable barrier on the interstate, leaving approaching Putnam County drivers with no escape route.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers are among the most catastrophic trucking accidents, particularly on the curves and ramps of Putnam County’s highway system. When an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof, the result is often crushing injuries for anyone in the wrong place at the wrong time. Common causes include:

• Speeding on curves: The ramps connecting I-70 to U.S. 231 require careful speed management
• Improperly loaded cargo: Agricultural loads that shift during transport
• Fatigue-related overcorrection: Drivers pushing beyond the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.8
• Top-heavy loads: Improperly secured equipment or stacked cargo

Rollovers frequently result in multi-vehicle pileups and hazardous cargo spills on Putnam County highways.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrific type of truck accident, underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer height often shears off the top of the passenger compartment, resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Indiana has seen its share of these devastating accidents on I-70 and I-65.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.86 require rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, but guards can fail or be missing entirely. Side underride guards, which could prevent countless deaths, remain optional despite advocacy efforts.

Rear-End Collisions

When an 18-wheeler rear-ends a passenger vehicle on I-70 near Greencastle or Cloverdale, the results are devastating. The massive weight difference means the truck often rides up over the smaller vehicle, crushing the occupants. Causes include:

• Following too closely: Violation of 49 CFR § 392.11
• Distracted driving: Cell phone use prohibited under 49 CFR § 392.82
• Fatigue: Operating beyond the 14-hour duty window (49 CFR § 395.3)
• Brake failure: Lack of systematic maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3)

Cargo Spill and Load Shift Accidents

Putnam County’s agricultural heritage means sharing roads with grain trucks, equipment haulers, and livestock transports. When cargo shifts or spills onto Indiana highways, the results can be deadly. Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 set strict cargo securement standards, requiring:

• Proper tiedowns with adequate working load limits
• Blocking and bracing for heavy equipment
• Prevention of loose materials blowing onto roadways

When trucking companies violate these regulations—often to save time during the busy harvest season in Putnam County—innocent drivers pay the price.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Commercial truck tires endure extreme stress, particularly during Indiana’s hot summers. When a steer tire blows out at highway speed on I-70, the driver often loses control immediately, sending the 80,000-pound vehicle careening across lanes. 49 CFR § 393.75 mandates minimum tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires), but trucking companies sometimes defer maintenance to cut costs.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes nationwide, and Indiana’s varied terrain puts additional strain on braking systems. Federal law requires systematic inspection and maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3), including:

• Pre-trip inspections by drivers (49 CFR § 396.13)
• Post-trip written reports (49 CFR § 396.11)
• Annual comprehensive inspections (49 CFR § 396.17)

When trucking companies in Putnam County and throughout Indiana skip these requirements to save money, brake failures occur—with catastrophic results.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Putnam County Trucking Accident?

Unlike typical car accidents involving just two drivers, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential source of recovery to maximize your compensation under Indiana law.

1. The Truck Driver

The operator may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving on I-70 or U.S. 231
• Distracted driving (cell phone violations under 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Hours of Service violations (49 CFR § 395)
• Impaired driving (drug/alcohol violations under 49 CFR § 392.4-5)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections required by federal law

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Indiana follows the doctrine of respondeat superior, holding employers liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies face direct liability for:

• Negligent hiring: Failure to verify CDL status or check driving history (49 CFR § 391.51)
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety instruction on cargo securement or winter driving
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data for HOS violations
• Negligent maintenance: Deferring brake repairs or tire replacements (49 CFR § 396.3)

3. Cargo Owner and Loading Companies

In Indiana’s agricultural economy, grain elevators, farm cooperatives, and equipment dealers may share liability if:

• They provided improper loading instructions
• They overloaded vehicles beyond safe weight limits
• They failed to secure heavy machinery properly

4. Freight Brokers

Third-party brokers who arranged the shipment may be liable for negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance coverage.

5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brake systems, faulty tires, or poorly designed fuel tanks that explode on impact can create product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs on trucks operating in Putnam County may bear responsibility for subsequent accidents.

7. Government Entities

When poorly designed roads, inadequate signage, or lack of proper maintenance contribute to accidents on Putnam County roads, governmental liability may apply—though Indiana’s sovereign immunity laws create strict notice requirements and damage caps.

Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Critical Window

Why Immediate Action Saves Cases

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Putnam County—whether on I-70 near the Greencastle exit or on rural roads outside Bainbridge—evidence begins disappearing immediately. Indiana’s trucking companies have rapid-response teams, and their insurance adjusters often arrive at the scene before the victims reach the hospital.

Critical Evidence at Risk:

The Spoliation Letter

Within 24 hours of being retained, Attorney911 sends formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potential defendants. This legal notice creates a duty to preserve:

• Electronic control module data showing speed and braking
• ELD records proving hours of service violations
• Driver qualification files and medical certifications
• Maintenance and inspection logs
• Cell phone records indicating distracted driving
• GPS tracking data showing route history

Under Indiana law, destroying evidence after receiving a spoliation letter can result in adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable), monetary sanctions, or even default judgment.

Don’t wait. If you were injured in a Putnam County trucking accident, call 1-888-288-9911 today.

Indiana Law and Your Trucking Accident Case

Statute of Limitations

Indiana provides two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death claims, the limitation period is also generally two years from the date of death. This seems like a long time, but building a strong trucking case takes months of investigation. Waiting too long means lost evidence and fading memories.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar (Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6). This means:

• You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame to injured victims. Attorney911 fights back with objective ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove the truck driver or company was primarily responsible.

Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Indiana does not cap economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) in trucking accident cases. However, punitive damages are limited under Indiana law to the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (Indiana Code § 34-51-3-4). These caps make thorough case preparation essential to maximizing recovery within legal limits.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The forces involved in truck accidents often cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in:

• Concussions and post-concussion syndrome
• Cognitive impairment affecting memory and concentration
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Permanent disability requiring lifelong care

Settlement ranges: $1.5 Million – $9.8 Million+ (based on severity and long-term care needs)

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). Lifetime care costs for spinal cord injuries can exceed $5 million, including wheelchairs, home modifications, and personal care assistance.

Settlement ranges: $4.7 Million – $25.8 Million+

Amputations

Crushing injuries from truck accidents sometimes require surgical amputation of limbs. The lifetime costs include prosthetics (needing replacement every few years), rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.

Settlement ranges: $1.9 Million – $8.6 Million

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives on Putnam County roads, surviving family members may recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Settlement ranges: $1.9 Million – $9.5 Million+

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Putnam County Trucking Case?

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With admissions to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and dual licensure in Texas and New York, Ralph brings sophisticated federal court experience to complex trucking cases. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies, including involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation (2005), which resulted in over $2.1 billion in total settlements.

Ralph understands that Putnam County families need more than just a lawyer—they need a fighter who treats them like family, not case numbers.

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and fight legitimate claims.

As Lupe says: “I used to sit on their side of the table. I know their playbook. Now I use that knowledge to fight for you.”

This insider advantage means we anticipate every tactic the trucking company’s lawyers will use—and we know how to counter them.

Proven Results

Attorney911 has recovered over $50 million for clients across all practice areas, including:

• $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ Million for a client who lost a limb after a car accident with medical complications
• $2.5+ Million for truck crash victims
• $2+ Million for a Jones Act maritime back injury case
• $10 Million lawsuit currently pending against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity (2025)

Client Satisfaction

We’re proud of our 4.9-star rating on Google with over 251 reviews. But don’t take our word for it—here’s what our clients say:

Chad Harris says: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Glenda Walker shares: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Donald Wilcox explains: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Angel Walle notes: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

24/7 Availability and Spanish Services

Trucking accidents don’t happen during business hours. That’s why we answer calls 24/7 at 888-ATTY-911. And if you prefer to communicate in Spanish, hablamos español. Lupe Peña provides direct representation without interpreters, serving Putnam County’s Hispanic community with the same aggressive advocacy we provide all our clients.

Immediate Steps If You’ve Been in a Putnam County Truck Accident

1. Seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks injuries, and documentation is crucial.
2. Call the police—an official accident report is essential evidence.
3. Document everything—photos of the scene, truck DOT numbers, driver information, and witness contacts.
4. Do NOT speak to the trucking company’s insurance—they’re trained to minimize your claim.
5. Call Attorney911—we’ll send a preservation letter within 24 hours to protect critical evidence.

Common Questions About Putnam County Trucking Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?
A: Two years from the accident date. However, waiting risks lost evidence. Call immediately.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Indiana’s comparative negligence law allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault, but your damages are reduced by your percentage. Never assume you’re at fault without legal analysis.

Q: How much is my case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage (typically $750,000 to $5 million for commercial trucks).

Q: Do I need a lawyer if the trucking company is cooperating?
A: Absolutely. They have lawyers working to protect them. You need someone protecting you. Insurance adjusters are trained to pay you less than you deserve.

Q: Can I afford an attorney?
A: Yes. Attorney911 works on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs, and there are no upfront fees.

Call Now: Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

The trucking company is already building their defense. Their insurance adjusters are looking for ways to minimize your claim. Meanwhile, you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, and the pain of recovery.

Attorney911 serves Putnam County, Indiana, with the same dedication we’ve shown clients across the nation. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle cases throughout Indiana and beyond, bringing federal court experience and insider knowledge of insurance tactics to every case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. There’s no obligation, and we don’t get paid unless you do.

Hablamos Español. Llame a 1-888-288-9911 hoy.

Don’t wait—evidence disappears, and Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations means time is not on your side. Let Attorney911 fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.