Indiana 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Maximum Recovery

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life Forever

You’re driving along I-65 through Indianapolis on your way to work. Maybe you’re headed north toward Fort Wayne, or west on I-70 toward Terre Haute. Suddenly, an 18-wheeler crosses the center line. Or a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel on the endless stretch of I-80 toward the Illinois border. The impact is devastating. Your car weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you weighs up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight—and now you’re paying the price.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Indiana—from the busy corridors of Gary to the agricultural routes near Evansville—you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who knows how to hold trucking companies accountable under federal law and Indiana’s specific legal framework.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years representing 18-wheeler accident victims across the Hoosier State. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by commercial truck crashes. We’re admitted to federal court, which matters because trucking cases often involve interstate commerce and FMCSA regulations. And we have something most firms don’t: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who spent years working for insurance companies before joining our firm. He knows their playbook—and now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you.

Why Indiana 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Indiana calls itself the “Crossroads of America” for good reason. With Interstates 65, 70, 74, 80, 90, and 94 crisscrossing our state, we’re home to some of the busiest trucking corridors in the nation. The I-70/I-65 interchange in Indianapolis sees thousands of commercial trucks daily. The Port of Indiana connects Great Lakes shipping to the Mississippi River system. FedEx operates its second-largest hub at Indianapolis International Airport, generating massive freight traffic.

This density creates danger. When a truck driver violates federal safety regulations on Indiana’s highways, the consequences are catastrophic. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields to stop. That’s 525 feet—40% more distance than your passenger vehicle requires. When drivers are fatigued, distracted, or their brakes fail on these long Indiana hauls, they can’t stop in time.

The numbers tell a sobering story. Over 5,000 people die annually in trucking accidents nationwide, with approximately 76% of those deaths occurring to occupants of the smaller vehicle. In Indiana, our position at the crossroads means heavy truck traffic from Chicago to Louisville, Detroit to St. Louis, and everywhere in between. Our firm has represented victims from South Bend to Evansville, from Gary to Jeffersonville.

The Federal Regulations That Protect You

Every commercial truck on Indiana roads must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). These aren’t just bureaucratic rules—they’re lifelines. When trucking companies violate them, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic crashes.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to:

• Maximum 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Required 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days maximum

Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record this data automatically. We subpoena these records immediately because they prove whether the driver who hit you was too tired to be safely operating an 80,000-pound vehicle.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396)

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of truck accidents. Federal law requires:

• Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles
• Pre-trip inspections by drivers before every trip
• Annual comprehensive inspections covering 16+ systems
• Maintenance records retained for one year

When trucking companies defer brake repairs or push drivers to skip inspections to meet delivery deadlines in Indiana’s busy freight corridors, they violate federal law—and we prove it.

Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, jackknifes, and spill accidents. Federal regulations require cargo to withstand:

• 0.8 g deceleration forward (sudden stop forces)
• 0.5 g acceleration rearward
• 0.5 g lateral forces (side-to-side)

When loads shift on Indiana’s curved interchanges or spilled cargo blocks I-465 during rush hour, we investigate whether the loading company violated these specific securement requirements.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must verify their drivers are qualified before putting them behind the wheel. Required documentation includes:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical examiner’s certificate (renewed every 2 years maximum)
• Three-year driving history investigation
• Pre-employment drug testing
• Road test certification or equivalent

If a trucking company hired an unqualified driver—or failed to maintain proper Driver Qualification Files—we hold them liable for negligent hiring under Indiana law.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Indiana

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. On Indiana’s icy winter highways—particularly on I-65 through the snow belt or I-80 near the Michigan border—these accidents become deadly when trucks hit black ice and brake improperly.

These crashes often result from sudden braking on wet or slippery surfaces, speeding on curves, or improperly loaded trailers. We analyze ECM data to prove the driver applied brakes incorrectly and investigate whether the trucking company failed to train the driver on winter weather handling specific to Indiana’s lake-effect snow regions.

Rollover Accidents

When an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof, the results are catastrophic. Indiana’s highway system includes numerous curved interchanges—like the I-465 loop around Indianapolis or the elevated sections of I-80 through Gary—where speeding trucks can roll over due to improper cargo distribution or excessive speed.

Rollovers frequently involve liquid cargo “slosh” that shifts the center of gravity, or unbalanced loads from Indiana’s manufacturing plants and agricultural facilities. We examine cargo manifests and securement procedures to prove FMCSA violations caused the instability.

Underride Collisions

Among the most fatal truck accidents, underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a trailer. Rear underrides happen when trucks stop suddenly on Indiana’s busy interstates; side underrides occur during lane changes or wide turns in urban areas like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne.

While federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998 (49 CFR § 393.86), many trucks still lack side underride protection. When these guards fail or are missing, we pursue wrongful death claims against manufacturers and trucking companies for defective design and negligent maintenance.

Rear-End Collisions

A fully loaded truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely on I-69 through Evansville or I-74 through Indianapolis, they cause devastating rear-end crashes.

We prove liability by analyzing ECM data showing following distances, ELD records proving driver fatigue, and cell phone records documenting distracted driving. The violation of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) establishes negligence per se.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making right turns in Indiana’s urban centers—like the tight intersections of downtown Indianapolis or the industrial districts of Gary—often swing wide left before turning right. Passenger vehicles entering the gap get crushed when the truck completes its turn.

These accidents involve failure to signal properly, inadequate mirror checks, and driver inexperience with trailer tracking. We investigate whether the trucking company provided proper training on Indiana’s specific urban traffic patterns.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots: 20 feet directly in front, 30 feet behind, and significant areas alongside the cab. When truckers change lanes on I-65 without checking these “No-Zones,” they strike vehicles they never saw.

Federal regulations require proper mirror adjustment and blind spot awareness. We prove violations by analyzing lane change data from ECM records and driver training documentation.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Indiana’s extreme temperature variations—hot summers and frigid winters—stress commercial tires. When tires blow out on I-70 or I-80, drivers lose control, causing jackknifes or rollovers. We examine tire maintenance records to prove violations of 49 CFR § 393.75 (minimum tread depth requirements) and § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection duties).

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures cause multi-vehicle pileups on Indiana’s long interstate stretches. Whether it’s a runaway truck on the hills of southern Indiana or brake fade on I-74, these accidents trace back to deferred maintenance. We subpoena maintenance records and inspection reports to prove the trucking company violated 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic maintenance requirements).

Every Party Who May Owe You Compensation

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

The Truck Driver

The operator may be personally liable for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. We obtain cell phone records, drug test results, and driving histories to prove direct negligence.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under Indiana’s respondeat superior doctrine, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify CDL status or driving history
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction for Indiana’s specific conditions
• Negligent Supervision: Ignoring hours-of-service violations or safety complaints
• Negligent Maintenance: Skipping required inspections to save money

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies shipping pharmaceuticals from Indianapolis, auto parts from Indiana’s manufacturing plants, or agricultural products from Hoosier farms may be liable for improper loading instructions, overweight loads, or pressuring carriers to expedite deliveries unsafely.

The Loading Company

Third-party loaders at Indiana’s distribution centers—like those serving the FedEx hub or the Port of Indiana—must secure cargo properly under 49 CFR § 393.100-136. When they fail, causing rollovers or spills on I-465, we hold them accountable.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or tire blowouts caused by manufacturing defects generate product liability claims. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and review recall histories.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs or miss critical safety issues during inspections may be liable for resulting crashes.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring companies with poor safety ratings or inadequate insurance to move freight through Indiana.

Government Entities

When poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain Indiana’s highways contributes to accidents, we pursue claims against responsible government agencies—though these cases involve shorter deadlines and sovereign immunity limitations.

Evidence Disappears Fast: The 48-Hour Rule

Critical evidence in Indiana trucking accidents vanishes quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Dashcam footage may be deleted within days. Witness memories fade. The trucking company has already deployed rapid-response investigators to the scene—they’re building their defense while you’re still in the hospital.

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we act immediately. Within 24-48 hours, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These formal legal notices demand preservation of:

• ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, throttle position)
• ELD records (hours of service compliance)
• Driver Qualification Files (employment history, medical certifications, drug tests)
• Maintenance and inspection records (brake adjustments, tire replacements)
• Dispatch records and communications (pressure to violate HOS rules)
• Dashcam and surveillance footage from nearby Indiana businesses
• Cell phone records (proving distracted driving)
• GPS and telematics data (route history, speed)

Once they receive our spoliation letter, destroying evidence constitutes spoliation—a serious legal violation that can result in adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), monetary sanctions, or even default judgment.

As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency it deserves because we know what’s at stake.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Resources

The physics of 80,000 pounds against 4,000 pounds doesn’t leave room for minor injuries. We specialize in catastrophic cases that change lives forever:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

From concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs cause memory loss, personality changes, and permanent cognitive impairment. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, including a $5+ million settlement for a worker struck by a falling object. Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million, which is why we fight for full compensation covering future medical needs, not just current bills.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Paralysis—whether paraplegia or quadriplegia—requires lifetime care costing $1.1 million to $5 million or more. We work with life-care planners to calculate these future expenses and ensure your settlement covers home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 care.

Amputations

Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (required due to crush injuries), amputations necessitate prosthetics, rehabilitation, and career retraining. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, including a $3.8+ million settlement for a client who lost a limb after a car accident led to complications.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills on Indiana’s interstates cause devastating burns requiring multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and long-term pain management.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives on Indiana’s highways, surviving spouses, children, and parents may recover damages for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families in wrongful death cases.

As Glenda Walker said after we resolved her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every client.

Indiana Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. This sounds like plenty of time, but building a complex trucking case takes months. We need time to:

• Preserve electronic evidence before it’s overwritten
• Investigate the accident scene before conditions change
• Obtain and analyze medical records
• Calculate full damages including future care needs

Waiting even a few weeks can mean losing critical evidence. Don’t risk your case—call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Comparative Negligence

Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault for the accident, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing.

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you. They’ll claim you were speeding, distracted, or following too closely. We counter these tactics with objective evidence—ECM data, ELD records, and accident reconstruction—to prove the truck driver’s fault and minimize any attributed fault to you.

Punitive Damages

Indiana law allows punitive damages when defendants act with “malice, fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.” In trucking cases, this might mean:

• Knowingly hiring a driver with a history of safety violations
• Falsifying logbooks to hide hours-of-service violations
• Destroying evidence (spoliation)
• Operating with severely defective equipment

Indiana caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000, though we pursue these damages vigorously when egregious conduct is proved.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Different

Unlike car accidents where insurance might cover $30,000, federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability coverage of:

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

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. Additionally, multiple policies may apply—motor carrier liability, trailer interchange coverage, cargo insurance, and umbrella policies.

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills. But accessing these policies requires understanding complex commercial insurance structures and federal regulations. That’s why experience matters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Indiana?

You have two years from the accident date. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies are building their defense right now. Contact us within days, not months.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule reduces your recovery by your fault percentage but doesn’t bar recovery unless you’re primarily responsible. We work to disprove allegations of fault against you.

What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer. It’s designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. As Donald Wilcox discovered after another firm rejected his case, “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check”—but only after we fought for proper valuation.

How much is my Indiana trucking accident case worth?

Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. With federal minimums of $750,000 and many policies at $1-5 million, trucking cases often settle for significantly more than car accidents. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but 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 lawyers. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of courtroom experience and federal court admission, we have the resources to take your case all the way if necessary.

What if I don’t have health insurance to pay for treatment?

We can help arrange medical care under a Letter of Protection (LOP), where doctors agree to treat you now and get paid when your case settles. We also help clients access Indiana’s trauma centers and rehabilitation facilities without upfront costs.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients?

Absolutely. Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe—he’ll explain the process in your native language.

What if other law firms rejected my case?

We specialize in complex trucking cases other firms won’t touch. Greg Garcia came to us after another attorney dropped his case—we won. Beth Bonds had been trying for over two years to get results; Ralph had her bogus case dismissed within a week. Don’t give up until you’ve talked to us.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Indiana Trucking Accident?

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas) and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, including involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry settlements.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Lupe Peña worked for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate trucking claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and pressure victims to accept lowball offers. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. As he told ABC13 Houston in a recent interview regarding a major case, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light.”

Multi-Million Dollar Track Record

We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including:

• $5+ million for traumatic brain injury victims
• $3.8+ million for amputation cases
• $2.5+ million for trucking accidents
• $2+ million for maritime injuries
• Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston (featured on KHOU 11, ABC13, and the Houston Chronicle)

Three Office Locations

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve Indiana clients through remote consultations and travel as needed. Ralph’s dual licensure in Texas and New York provides additional capabilities for complex interstate cases.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses, expert witness fees, and court costs. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if we go to trial—meaning we only get paid when you do.

4.9-Star Client Satisfaction

With 251+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, our clients consistently praise our family-like treatment. As Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them.” Angel Walle noted, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Your Next Steps: Call Attorney911 Today

You’ve been through enough. The medical bills are mounting. You’re missing work. The pain won’t stop. And now the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is calling, trying to get you to settle for pennies on the dollar before you even know the full extent of your injuries.

You need someone in your corner who knows Indiana law, federal trucking regulations, and how to beat big insurance companies. You need Attorney911.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. We answer 24/7 because we know legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and if you hire us, we’ll send spoliation letters today to preserve critical evidence.

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is ready to help Spanish-speaking clients throughout Indiana. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let evidence disappear. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it.