Your Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyers

Commercial trucks play a vital role in keeping our nation’s economy moving, carrying the vast majority of goods across the country. However, their size and weight mean that accidents involving these vehicles can be catastrophic for other drivers on the road. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, our team of Indianapolis truck accident attorneys is here to help you seek justice. We are dedicated to supporting injured individuals and their families as they navigate the aftermath of a serious truck collision. Trucking companies are often protected by sizable insurance policies designed to limit their financial responsibility after an accident. That’s why it’s essential to have knowledgeable legal advocates on your side—ones who have experience standing up to powerful trucking companies and their insurers. We will carefully review the facts of your accident, explain your legal options, and help you make informed decisions about your next steps. If you have a valid claim for compensation, we will work tirelessly to ensure you’re treated fairly and receive what you deserve.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which involve either driver error, mechanical issues, or failures within the trucking company’s processes. Understanding the typical causes can help you protect yourself—and your legal rights—if you’re ever involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle. Some of the most frequent causes of trucking accidents include:
  • Brake failures or problems
  • Traffic congestion and sudden stops
  • Driver distraction (including cell phone usage)
  • Fatigue or drowsy driving
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Tailgating/Following too closely
  • Lack of familiarity with local roads
  • Improper use of prescription or over-the-counter medication
  • Negligent hiring or insufficient driver training
  • Poor or incomplete truck maintenance
  • Violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
While these are among the most common factors, trucking crashes can happen for many other reasons as well. Every situation is unique, and determining the exact cause of a commercial truck accident is critical for establishing liability. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, knowing the primary causes can help you understand your next steps and protect your legal rights going forward.

Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident

What you do immediately after a truck accident can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Here are some important steps to follow if you’re involved in a collision with a commercial truck:
  1. Stay at the Scene and Call for Help Remain at the accident scene and contact emergency services right away. Leaving the scene could have serious legal consequences. Emergency personnel can ensure that anyone injured receives prompt medical attention. When law enforcement arrives, they will create an official accident report, which can serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
  2. Seek Prompt Medical Attention Due to the size and force of commercial trucks, injuries from these accidents are often serious—even if they aren’t immediately obvious. Even if you feel fine, it’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible. Prompt medical treatment can protect your health and document your injuries for your case.
  3. Gather and Preserve Evidence Evidence is key to supporting your truck accident claim. If you can, collect as much information as possible at the scene. This may include:
    • Photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries
    • Contact information for witnesses
    • Copies of your medical records and expenses
    • The police report
  4. Consult an Experienced Attorney Truck accident cases are complex and often involve multiple parties and large insurance companies. Speaking with a skilled Indianapolis truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and build a strong case while you focus on your recovery.
Taking these steps can help safeguard your rights and improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Remember, every truck accident is different, and the best actions for your case may depend on its unique circumstances.

The Differences Between Truck Accidents and Regular Motor Vehicle Accidents

While any motor vehicle accident can cause significant harm, collisions involving large trucks are often much more severe and complex than typical car accidents. Understanding these differences is key if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck crash.

Key Differences Include:

  • Severity of Injuries Due to the immense size and weight of commercial trucks—often weighing up to 80,000 pounds—accidents with these vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, severe burns, permanent impairments, and a higher risk of fatality compared to most car accidents.
  • Higher Medical Expenses The seriousness of injuries from truck accidents usually means long-term medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. This often results in overwhelming medical bills, both now and in the future.
  • Larger Insurance Policies Trucking companies generally carry much higher insurance coverage than individual drivers, often worth millions of dollars. While this means more compensation may be available, it also means insurance companies fight harder to minimize payouts.
  • Strict Regulations The trucking industry is heavily regulated by agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover everything from driver training and hours of service to vehicle maintenance and record-keeping. Violations of these rules can play a crucial role in determining liability for an accident.
  • Extensive Property Damage Given their size, trucks can cause significant and costly damage to other vehicles and property in a collision.
Because of these differences, pursuing a truck accident claim is often a more challenging and involved process than a standard car accident case. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can make all the difference in handling these complexities and securing the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Held Legally Responsible in a Truck Accident?

Determining who is at fault in a truck accident is often more complicated than in regular car accidents. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and proving negligence is essential in order to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

Potentially Liable Parties May Include:

  • The Truck Driver The individual operating the truck may be at fault if they were speeding, driving distracted, fatigued, or violating traffic or safety laws.
  • The Trucking Company The company employing the driver could be held accountable for improper hiring practices, inadequate training, failure to maintain vehicles, or encouraging unsafe driving practices.
  • The Truck Owner If the truck is owned by someone other than the driver or company, the owner may bear responsibility for maintenance issues or mechanical failures.
  • The Manufacturer If a defective truck part or system contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor could be liable.
  • Cargo Shippers or Loaders If cargo was improperly loaded or secured and contributed to the crash, the company responsible for shipping or loading can also be held accountable.
Assigning fault requires a thorough investigation of the accident’s circumstances. This can include reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, cargo information, and the accident scene itself. Because of the many potential parties and complexities involved, working with an experienced attorney can be crucial to ensure all responsible parties are identified and your claim is as strong as possible.

Statute of Limitations Laws in Indiana

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Indiana, it’s important to act quickly. The law sets a strict deadline—known as the statute of limitations—for filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you do not take legal action within this time frame, you could lose your right to pursue any compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses related to the accident. There are some exceptions, but missing this deadline can seriously affect your case. That’s why it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable Indianapolis truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can make sure your claim is filed on time and help protect your rights throughout the process. Don’t risk missing your opportunity for justice and compensation—understanding and adhering to the statute of limitations is a crucial step after any truck accident in Indiana.

What Can Compensation Cover?

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages. The amount and type of compensation you can receive will depend on the unique details of your case and the impact the accident has had on your life.

Compensation may include:

  • Lost Wages If your injuries force you to miss work, you may be able to recover compensation for the income you lost during your recovery.
  • Current and Future Medical Expenses Medical costs can add up quickly after a truck accident. Compensation can help cover emergency care, ongoing treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other necessary healthcare expenses.
  • Loss of Earning Capacity If your injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work and earn a living, you may be eligible for compensation for the reduction in your earning capacity.
  • Wrongful Death If you have lost a loved one in a trucking accident, compensation may be available to cover the loss of financial support, funeral costs, and other damages suffered by surviving family members.
Every truck accident case is unique, and the potential compensation will vary based on the circumstances and severity of your injuries or losses. Consulting an experienced lawyer can help ensure you pursue all the damages you are rightfully owed. After a truck accident, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect your rights and maximize your chances of a successful claim. The evidence you need to support your case can fade or disappear quickly—acting promptly can make all the difference. Contacting a skilled Indiana truck accident lawyer as soon as possible allows for a thorough investigation while the details are still fresh and crucial information can be collected. Waiting too long may result in lost evidence and missed opportunities to hold the responsible parties accountable. We are dedicated to standing up for individuals—not large trucking companies or their insurers. Our primary goal is to secure the maximum compensation available to help cover your medical bills, repair costs, lost income, and any pain and suffering you’ve endured due to the accident. You deserve peace of mind while you recover. When you work with our team, you’ll have a committed advocate fighting for your best interests every step of the way. If you have questions about your rights or the claims process, don’t hesitate to reach out. We offer a free initial consultation, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Take the first step toward protecting your rights and future—contact us today.