18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Lake County, Indiana

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything: Your Fight Starts Today

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you’re driving past the steel mills on the Borman Expressway near Hammond. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is jackknifing across three lanes of ice-slicked interstate. In Lake County, where the industrial might of the Midwest meets the brutal winter weather of Lake Michigan, these accidents aren’t just statistics—they’re life-altering events that happen far too often.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Lake County, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands that the trucking company already called their lawyers before the ambulance arrived. You need someone who knows that black box data can be overwritten in 30 days and that evidence disappears the moment the wreckage is cleared from I-80 or I-94.

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking cases—we specialize in them. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. He’s admitted to federal court, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours in Lake County and across Indiana. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for trucking insurers before joining our side. He knows their playbook—their tactics to minimize claims, their strategies to hide evidence, their formulas for lowball settlements. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And if you speak Spanish, call and ask for Lupe Peña directly. Hablamos Español.

Why Lake County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Lake County sits at the crossroads of American freight. The intersection of I-80 and I-94 brings thousands of trucks daily through the Hammond-Gary corridor, hauling steel from the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor, manufactured goods from Chicago’s industrial belt, and hazardous materials across the Midwest. The Borman Expressway alone sees some of the heaviest truck traffic in the state, with drivers navigating through lake-effect snow, sudden Indiana squalls, and the congestion of the Chicago metropolitan area.

But geography isn’t the only factor that makes trucking accidents in Lake County unique. Indiana’s legal landscape creates specific challenges—and opportunities—for accident victims. In Indiana, you have just two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. Wait longer, and you lose your right to compensation forever. Indiana also uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means if you’re found 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, but they’ll be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This makes immediate evidence preservation absolutely critical.

The trucking companies know this. They’ve already dispatched rapid-response teams to the scene. They’ve already begun building their defense. You need someone moving just as fast on your behalf.

The Physics of Devastation: Why Trucking Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. The kinetic energy in an 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph is approximately 80 times that of a passenger car. When these forces collide, the results are devastating.

In Lake County, where trucks navigate the steep grades of the Interstate 80/94 interchange and contend with sudden stops in heavy traffic near the Port of Burns Harbor, the physics become deadly. An 18-wheeler needs nearly 525 feet to stop from 65 mph on dry pavement—that’s almost two football fields. On wet or icy roads common in Northwest Indiana winters, that distance can double. When a truck driver is fatigued, distracted, or speeding, there’s simply no margin for error.

We’ve seen the results firsthand. Traumatic brain injuries from violent impacts. Spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis. Amputations required when vehicles are crushed. Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures. Wrongful death leaving families shattered. These aren’t “accidents” in the sense of random misfortune—they’re often predictable outcomes of trucking companies cutting corners on safety to maximize profits.

The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Lake County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. In Lake County, these are particularly common during winter storms on I-65 and I-94, where sudden braking on ice causes the trailer to swing across multiple lanes.

These accidents often indicate violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system maintenance) or § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). The trucking company may have failed to properly maintain the braking system, or the driver may have been traveling too fast for the lake-effect snow conditions that blanket the Hammond and Gary areas. When a truck jackknifes on the Borman Expressway during rush hour, it creates multi-vehicle pileups with devastating consequences.

Evidence is crucial here. We immediately subpoena ECM data to show braking patterns, maintenance records to prove brake neglect, and weather reports to establish unsafe speeds for conditions.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof. Given Lake County’s industrial landscape, these often happen on ramps connecting I-80 to industrial parks, or on sharp curves near the steel mills. A truck carrying steel coils or heavy manufacturing equipment has a high center of gravity. Combined with improper cargo securement violations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, these trucks become deadly rolling hazards.

We investigate cargo manifests, loading procedures at the Port of Burns Harbor or area warehouses, and driver training records. Rollovers frequently result from cargo “slosh”—liquid or unsecured heavy loads shifting during turns. The driver may have taken the curve too fast, but often the trucking company failed to properly train the driver on cargo securement or overloaded the trailer beyond safe limits.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrific trucking accident type, underrides occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level. Rear underrides happen when trucks stop suddenly on I-94 or US-41; side underrides occur during lane changes or turns at intersections in East Chicago or Gary.

Federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trucks have inadequate or damaged guards. Side underride guards are not federally mandated—a dangerous gap in regulations. We inspect the underride guards immediately, document their condition, and often bring in accident reconstruction experts to prove how proper guards would have prevented the catastrophic injuries or death.

Rear-End Collisions

Following too closely is a violation of 49 CFR § 392.11, yet it happens constantly on the congested stretches of I-80 through Lake County. A truck driver distracted by cell phone use (violating § 392.82) or fatigued from hours-of-service violations (§ 395) fails to notice traffic slowing near the Cline Avenue exit or the US-12 interchange.

The physics are brutal. An 80,000-pound truck hitting a 3,000-pound car creates forces that cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ destruction. We immediately secure ECM data showing speed at impact, ELD records proving hours-of-service violations, and cell phone records documenting distraction.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making right turns in Lake County’s industrial areas—near the mills in Gary or the warehouses in Merrillville—often swing left before turning right to accommodate trailer tracking. This creates a deadly gap that passenger vehicles enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

These accidents indicate driver inexperience or failure to follow proper turning procedures under 49 CFR § 392.2. We examine driver training records, often finding that the trucking company hired an inexperienced driver and failed to provide adequate training on wide-turn safety procedures.

Blind Spot Accidents

The “No-Zones” around trucks are massive. The right-side blind spot—particularly dangerous on multi-lane highways like I-65 through Crown Point—is large enough to hide an entire vehicle. When truck drivers fail to check mirrors or use turn signals before changing lanes, they sideswipe or crush vehicles in these blind spots.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.80 require proper mirrors, but many drivers fail to adjust them properly or check them before maneuvers. We analyze dashcam footage, ECM data showing lane changes, and driver logbooks to prove negligence.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Lake County’s extreme temperature swings—brutal winters and hot summers—cause tire degradation. Underinflated tires on long hauls overheat and explode, causing the driver to lose control. “Road gators”—tire debris left on I-80 or I-94—create secondary hazards for other vehicles.

Tire blowouts indicate violations of 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire inspection requirements) and § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection obligations). We examine tire maintenance records, age of tires, and pressure check logs. Often trucking companies defer tire replacement to save costs, putting profit over safety.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Lake County’s stop-and-go industrial traffic or on steep highway grades, brake failure is catastrophic. Worn brake pads, improper adjustments, or deferred maintenance under 49 CFR § 396.3 create deadly conditions.

We subpoena maintenance records, inspection reports, and brake adjustment logs. Often we find a pattern of out-of-service violations that the company ignored, or evidence that drivers were pressured to continue driving despite reporting brake problems.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

With the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor handling millions of tons of cargo annually, and the steel industry trucking heavy coils and materials, cargo securement is critical. When loads shift or spill onto highways like US-30 or US-41, they cause rollovers, multi-car pileups, and secondary accidents.

Federal cargo securement rules under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 require specific tiedown strengths and loading procedures. We investigate loading docks, examine bills of lading, and analyze whether the trucking company followed proper securement protocols or sacrificed safety for speed.

Head-On Collisions

Fatigued drivers crossing centerlines on two-lane roads in rural Lake County, or wrong-way entries onto I-65, create head-on impacts with devastating force. These often indicate hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR § 395, or drug/alcohol violations under §§ 392.4 and 392.5.

We immediately secure ELD data to prove fatigue, drug test results, and route assignments showing unrealistic scheduling that forced the driver to operate while impaired.

T-Bone and Intersection Accidents

Running red lights or failing to yield at intersections in Hammond, East Chicago, or Crown Point causes broadside impacts. These often result from distracted driving or fatigue causing delayed reaction times. We examine ECM data, traffic camera footage from intersections, and cell phone records.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipes occur when trucks drift into adjacent lanes on I-80 or I-94, often due to driver inattention or improper lane changes. These can force vehicles off the road into the ditches common along Northwest Indiana highways or into guardrails.

Override Accidents

When a truck drives over a smaller vehicle in front, often due to brake failure or following too closely, it’s called an override. The passenger vehicle becomes trapped under the truck’s front end. These are frequently fatal or result in catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Runaway Truck Accidents

On the grades approaching Lake County from the east or west, brake fade can cause trucks to lose control. Runaway truck ramps exist for this reason, but inexperienced drivers may not know how to use them or may have ignored warning signs due to fatigue.

Lost Wheel Accidents

Improper maintenance can cause wheels to detach from trucks, sending heavy metal components flying into traffic. These maintenance failures under 49 CFR § 396 create deadly projectiles on high-speed interstates.

The 10 Liable Parties We Pursue in Lake County Trucking Cases

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties. We investigate every single one to maximize your recovery.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver is personally liable for negligent acts: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or failure to inspect. We examine their driving record, training history, and compliance with federal regulations. In Indiana, we can pursue the driver directly, though they often lack sufficient insurance.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

This is usually the primary defendant. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies are directly liable for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify CDL status, medical certifications, or running background checks
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training or failure to train on specific equipment
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or address safety violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferred brake repairs, ignored tire wear, or skipped inspections
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations to meet deadlines

We subpoena the Driver Qualification File required under 49 CFR § 391.51, which must contain employment applications, driving records, medical certificates, and drug test results. Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies shipping steel from the Port of Burns Harbor or manufactured goods to Chicago may be liable if they demanded overweight loading, provided improper loading instructions, or pressured carriers to expedite shipments unsafely. We examine shipping contracts and loading instructions.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses or port workers who loaded the cargo may have failed to secure it properly under 49 CFR § 393.100-136. We investigate loading procedures, securement equipment used, and weight distribution documentation.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Defective brake systems, fuel tank placement causing fires, or stability control failures can create product liability claims. We research recall notices, technical service bulletins, and similar defect complaints.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms can cause accidents independent of driver error. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and examine recall histories.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party shops that serviced the truck may have performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues. We examine work orders, mechanic qualifications, and parts used.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arranged transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing a trucking company with poor safety records or inadequate insurance. We examine broker-carrier agreements and due diligence procedures.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment. We examine lease agreements and maintenance responsibility allocations.

10. Government Entities

Indiana’s Department of Transportation or local municipalities may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage on steep grades, or failure to maintain safe road surfaces. However, Indiana’s Tort Claims Act imposes damage caps of $700,000 per person and strict notice requirements (usually within 180 days for state claims).

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) creates strict safety standards under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Violations of these rules are not just administrative issues—they’re powerful evidence of negligence in your case.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can operate a commercial vehicle, they must meet strict qualifications:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical examiner’s certificate proving physical fitness (renewed every 2 years maximum)
• Clean driving record
• Passed drug and alcohol testing
• Completed entry-level driver training

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing all this documentation. When we find incomplete files, drivers operating without current medical certificates, or falsified records, we prove the company was negligent from day one.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules

These rules govern safe operation:

• § 392.3: No operating while fatigued, ill, or impaired
• § 392.4: NoSchedule I substance use
• § 392.5: No alcohol within 4 hours of driving, no operation with BAC above .04%
• § 392.6: No scheduling that requires speeding to meet deadlines
• § 392.11: Following too closely violations
• § 392.82: No hand-held mobile phone use while driving

Violations of these rules create automatic liability. When we prove a driver was texting while crossing from Illinois into Indiana on I-80, or had been driving for 14 hours straight, we establish clear negligence.

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

This section mandates:

• Proper cargo securement capable of withstanding specific force thresholds (0.8g forward, 0.5g rearward and lateral)
• Minimum tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others)
• Proper lighting and reflectors
• Rear underride guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998

Steel loads from Lake County mills require specific securement protocols. When companies cut corners to get trucks moving faster, they violate these sacred safety standards.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (The Most Violated Rules)

These regulations prevent driver fatigue:

• 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour limits: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-hour restart: Required to reset the weekly clock

Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. These devices create tamper-resistant evidence of violations. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve ELD data, which can show exactly when the driver exceeded legal limits—often proving they were fatigued when they crashed on I-65 near Crown Point or US-30 through Merrillville.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Motor carriers must:

• Systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles
• Conduct pre-trip inspections before every trip
• Complete written post-trip reports noting any defects
• Maintain records for 14 months
• Pass annual comprehensive inspections

Brake failures account for 29% of truck accidents. When we find deferred maintenance records showing the company ignored reported brake problems or skipped inspections to keep trucks moving, we prove systemic negligence.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Immediate Action is Critical

In 18-wheeler cases, evidence disappears faster than you think. The clock started ticking the moment the truck hit you.

Critical Timelines

The Spoliation Letter

Within 24 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This legal notice demands preservation of:

Electronic Data: ECM/EDR downloads, ELD records, GPS tracking, dashcam footage, cell phone records, dispatch communications

Driver Records: Complete Driver Qualification File, drug and alcohol test results, training records, previous accident history, performance reviews

Vehicle Records: Maintenance logs, inspection reports, tire replacement history, brake adjustment records, parts purchase receipts

Company Records: Hours of service logs for 6 months prior, safety policies, CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores, insurance policies

Once they receive our letter, destroying evidence constitutes “spoliation,” which allows courts to instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company. In some cases, courts award default judgment or punitive damages for intentional destruction.

Catastrophic Injuries: The True Cost of Trucking Negligence

We don’t handle minor fender-benders. We handle cases where lives are shattered. The settlements we pursue aren’t windfalls—they’re the financial resources necessary for survivors to rebuild.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of an 80,000-pound truck impact causes the brain to collide with the skull, resulting in:

• Concussions and post-concussion syndrome
• Cognitive impairment affecting memory and concentration
• Personality changes and emotional dysregulation
• Post-traumatic epilepsy
• Long-term risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

TBI victims often cannot work, require ongoing rehabilitation, and need 24/7 supervision. Our cases involving TBI settlements range from $1,548,000 to $9,838,000 depending on severity.

Client Chad Harris said it best about working with us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat TBI victims—because they need family-level support.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of lower body function) or quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs). These injuries require:

• Wheelchairs and adaptive vehicles ($50,000+)
• Home modifications (ramps, widened doorways, roll-in showers)
• Personal care assistance ($50,000-$150,000 annually)
• Lost lifetime earnings

Spinal cord injury settlements range from $4,770,000 to $25,880,000 to cover these lifelong costs.

Amputation

When crushing injuries require surgical amputation or traumatic amputation occurs at the scene, victims face:

• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 per prosthetic, replaced every 3-5 years)
• Phantom limb pain
• Psychological trauma and body image issues
• Career limitations

Our amputation cases have settled for $1,945,000 to $8,630,000.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills can cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and permanent scarring. These cases often involve punitive damages in Indiana, though state law caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000.

Wrongful Death

When Indiana families lose loved ones in Lake County trucking accidents, we pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, care)
• Mental anguish of surviving family members
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills incurred before death

Wrongful death settlements range from $1,910,000 to $9,520,000 depending on the decedent’s age, earning capacity, and family circumstances.

Indiana Insurance Requirements and Damage Caps

Federal Minimum Insurance

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for petroleum products
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage, with excess policies providing additional layers. This availability of substantial insurance coverage is why trucking cases differ fundamentally from car accidents—there’s actually money available to pay for catastrophic injuries.

Indiana Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Indiana does not cap economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in trucking cases against private companies. However:

• Punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000
• Claims against government entities are capped at $700,000 per person under Indiana’s Tort Claims Act
• Wrongful death claims have specific statutory limitations on who can file and what damages are available

Indiana’s Comparative Fault System

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

• If you are 0-50% at fault, you can recover, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything
• The trucking company will try to blame you—this is why immediate evidence preservation is crucial to prove they were 100% at fault

Lake County Trucking Accident FAQ

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

You have two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears within days. Witnesses forget. Black box data overwrites. We recommend contacting an attorney within 24-48 hours to protect your rights.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Lake County?

1. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention
2. Document the scene with photos (vehicles, road conditions, weather, injuries)
3. Get the truck’s DOT number, company name, and driver information
4. Collect witness contact information
5. Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies
6. Call Attorney911 immediately

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, in Indiana you can recover as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages are $1 million, you would recover $800,000.

Who can be held liable besides the truck driver?

Potentially: the trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, truck owner (if different), and government entities responsible for road design.

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

Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain files containing driver applications, background checks, medical certificates, and drug test results. In complete or missing files prove negligent hiring.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and insurance coverage. Trucking cases often settle for higher amounts than car accidents due to available insurance ($750K-$5M minimums) and catastrophic injuries. Our traumatic brain injury cases have settled for $1.5M-$9.8M; amputations for $1.9M-$8.6M; wrongful death for $1.9M-$9.5M.

What if the trucking company offers a quick settlement?

Never accept without consulting an attorney. First offers are always lowball attempts to pay you pennies on the dollar before you know the full extent of your injuries. They may offer $50,000 when your case is worth $500,000 or more.

How long do these cases take?

Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or disputed liability can take 1-3 years. We prepare every case as if going to trial, which often forces better settlement offers.

Do I need money to hire Attorney911?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. We only get paid if we win your case. The standard fee is 33.33% if settled before trial, 40% if trial is necessary.

What makes Attorney911 different from other firms?

• 25+ years of experience specifically in trucking litigation
• Former insurance defense attorney (Lupe Peña) who knows their tactics
• Federal court admission for complex interstate cases
• Multi-million dollar track record against Fortune 500 trucking companies
• Spanish language services available through Lupe Peña
• Personal attention—we treat you like family, not a case number

As client Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

What if I was rejected by another law firm?

Call us anyway. Client Donald Wilcox was told by one firm they wouldn’t accept his case. We took it and won. We evaluate cases based on merit and our ability to help, not just easy wins.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims in Indiana?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation. We protect your confidentiality while pursuing your claim.

What if the trucking company is based out of state?

We can still pursue them. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and can handle interstate cases. Trucking companies operating in Indiana are subject to Indiana jurisdiction when their trucks cause accidents here.

How do I prove the driver was fatigued?

Through ELD data showing violations of 49 CFR § 395 (Hours of Service), dispatch records showing unrealistic scheduling, and expert testimony on fatigue indicators. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence before it’s deleted.

What are punitive damages and can I get them in Indiana?

Punitive damages punish gross negligence or willful misconduct. Indiana caps them at three times compensatory damages or $50,000, whichever is greater. They apply when trucking companies knowingly violate safety regulations or destroy evidence.

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

No. They are trained to minimize your claim. Anything you say can be used against you. Refer them to your attorney immediately. Our associate Lupe Peña used to train these adjusters—he knows exactly how they work to deny claims.

What if my loved one died in the accident?

We are deeply sorry for your loss. In Indiana, wrongful death claims can be filed by the personal representative of the estate for the benefit of the surviving spouse and dependents. You have two years from the date of death. We will handle the legal complexities with compassion while fighting for justice for your family.

How do I get started?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now. Available 24/7. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Lake County Families Choose Attorney911

When Ernest Cano needed someone to fight for him, he said we were “first class” and that we would “fight tooth and nail” for him. That’s what we do.

We’re not a billboard firm with 500 cases per attorney. We’re a focused litigation practice where Ralph Manginello personally oversees your case. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP in the Texas City Refinery litigation. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across Texas and Indiana.

We know the trucking corridors of Lake County—the I-80/I-94 split, the steep grades near the state line, the industrial traffic around the Port of Burns Harbor. We understand how lake-effect snow creates black ice on the Borman Expressway. We know how the steel mills’ just-in-time delivery schedules pressure truckers to drive fatigued.

Most importantly, we know how to win. We preservation evidence before it disappears. We understand the FMCSA regulations that trucking companies violate. We have the financial resources to hire the best accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists. And we have the trial experience to take your case to verdict if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation.

Your Next Step: Call Now Before Evidence Disappears

The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already working to minimize your claim. Their rapid-response team has already documented the scene to protect them—not you.

You need someone fighting just as hard for you. Someone who will send preservation letters within 24 hours. Someone who knows that ECM data can be overwritten in 30 days. Someone who will treat you like family while aggressively pursuing every dollar you deserve.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Available 24/7. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

If you speak Spanish, ask for Lupe Peña. Hablamos Español.

Don’t wait. Every hour that passes, evidence fades. Witnesses forget. The trucking company strengthens their defense. Your fight for justice starts with one phone call.

1-888-ATTY-911

Because in Lake County, when an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you need a legal team that hits back harder. We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims. Let us fight for you.