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According to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute crash report, Indiana experienced 17,041 crashes involving large trucks (vehicles over 10,000 lbs gross weight), resulting in 871 fatal crashes statewide that year.
Unlike typical car accidents, crashes involving large commercial vehicles often mean complex regulations and powerful insurance companies working hard to protect their interests. If you’ve been involved in an unfortunate accident resulting in injuries, our truck accident attorneys at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell recommend avoiding these common mistakes to protect your legal rights.
What Makes Truck Accidents Legally Complex?
Truck accident claims often involve:
- Multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and insurance carriers.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) governing driver hours, maintenance logs, and safety protocols.
- Higher injury severity and potential for large settlements due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
All these factors make truck accident claims more complicated than ordinary car accidents, as there is more potential for disputes over who is at fault, extra legal layers that require specialized knowledge, and insurers fighting harder to minimize payouts. This is why having an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side is so important.
Common Injuries and Long-Term Impacts
Large trucks made up around 5% of all vehicles involved in Indiana collisions last year, but these frequently result in severe or catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis or lifelong mobility issues.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that impair memory, cognition, and daily function.
- Internal organ damage requiring emergency surgery.
- Complex fractures, crush injuries, and severe lacerations.
- Emotional trauma like PTSD or anxiety from the violent impact.
Attorney Insight from Lee Christie:
“In truck accident cases, the type and severity of your injuries often determine how much compensation you might recover. For example, traumatic brain injuries can significantly increase a claim’s value because they affect memory, decision-making, and your ability to work or care for yourself. In one of our recent cases, we recovered $18.5 million for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a truck collision. The settlement reflected not just medical bills, but also lifelong care costs and lost income potential. My advice is simple: don’t let an insurance company decide what your injuries are worth. We dig deep into medical records, hire life-care planners, and calculate how your injuries will impact every part of your future.”
Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500
Top Mistakes to Avoid After a Truck Accident in Indiana
After a truck crash, many victims are understandably overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed. Knowing what to do after a truck accident can strengthen your claim—but it’s equally crucial to know what NOT to do. To protect your right to compensation, avoid the following mistakes:
1. Not Calling Law Enforcement Immediately
Call the police after any truck accident, no matter how minor it seems. A police report provides an official record that details what happened, lists witnesses, and sometimes even documents fault. Without it, you could face challenges proving liability later on.
2. Delaying Medical Attention
You might feel fine initially but develop pain or serious symptoms days later, so make sure you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying medical care not only risks your health, but it also gives insurance companies an excuse to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
3. Talking to the Trucking Company or Insurer Without Legal Advice
Holding a trucking company accountable for an accident can be complicated because it involves facing trucking companies’ often aggressive legal teams and insurers, trained to protect their bottom line. To avoid them minimizing or harming your claim, it’s safer to let your attorney handle all communications.
4. Failing to Collect On-Scene Evidence
Indiana has strict laws on leaving the scene of an accident, so you must remain at the scene, if safe to do so, and gather critical evidence. Photograph the vehicles, any visible damage, skid marks, road conditions, and nearby traffic signs. Also, speak to witnesses and write down their names and contact details, as their accounts can support your version of events.
5. Admitting Fault or Speculating About the Cause
After a traumatic crash, it’s natural to feel shaken and want to explain what happened. However, even casual comments like “I didn’t see him” or “I might have been speeding” can be twisted into admissions of fault. Stick to the facts and leave conclusions about the cause of the accident to the investigation.
6. Posting on Social Media About the Accident
Insurance companies can monitor social media accounts looking for photos, comments, or posts they can use to downplay your injuries or suggest you’re less hurt than you claim. Avoid posting anything about the crash, your injuries, or activities until your claim is resolved.
7. Not Hiring an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Promptly
Truck accident claims demand swift legal action, as early representation allows attorneys to:
- Secure evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
- Preserve details like black box data and maintenance logs.
- Collaborate with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists.
- Handle all communication with insurers to avoid costly mistakes.
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How Indiana Law Affects Your Truck Accident Case
Indiana law shapes every truck accident claim, directly impacting your ability to recover damages after a crash. Consider the following:
Statute of Limitations in Indiana
You generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.
Comparative Fault Rule
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system. If you’re found more than 50% at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering damages. Even if your fault is less than 50%, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is another reason why a strong legal strategy is critical to protect your claim.
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Speak With a Trusted Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorney Today
After a truck accident in Indiana, Christie Farrell Lee & Bell offers free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options.
There’s no fee unless we win, so there’s no risk in seeking help. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer from our team.
Call 317-488-5500 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form