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Lake County, Indiana has some of the most traffic collisions of any county in Indiana as of 2019 and 2020. Whether on the county’s many interstates, state roads, or US routes, the high volume of semis, box trucks, and other commercial vehicles present a serious risk to the residents of Lake County as well as those just driving through. Here’s what you need to know if you or a loved one is injured in a semi accident in Lake County or other parts of the Region.
What is the Busiest Interstates in Lake County for Trucks?
Part of what makes Lake County, Indiana a common location for truck accidents is that Interstate 80, and Interstate 90 are merged as the Indiana Toll Road. Both I-80 and I-90 are considered part of the top 5 busiest interstates for trucks, so having the two as part of the same road means double the traffic.
I-94, the Borman Expressway, runs parallel to the Toll Road until it curves around Lake Michigan and leaves Indiana just over the county line into LaPorte County.
Another busy section of interstate is the I-65 interchange that allows north-south traffic to merge onto both the Toll Road and the Borman. US 30, US 41, and US 20 are some of the other busy roadways that form a box in Lake County.
How Many Commercial Vehicle Accidents a Year in Indiana?
In 2017, the last year data was available, there were 14,877 large truck accidents in Indiana. Indiana does not provide county-specific reporting about large truck accidents. However, the statewide numbers from the 2017 report are still useful for Lake County drivers to know.
- 7% of all statewide traffic collisions involve a large truck.
- 15% of fatal collisions in Indiana involve a large truck.
- 87% of fatal accidents with a commercial vehicle occur on interstates, US routes, and state roads.
- Collisions with commercial vehicles peak around 3 pm on weekdays and decrease significantly on weekends.
What are Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents in Lake County, Indiana?
There are common causes of commercial vehicle accidents across Indiana. The most common behaviors by truck drivers that cause accidents include:
- Unsafe lane movement
- Unsafe backing
- Improper turning
- Distracted or fatigued driving
- Overcorrecting
Of the commercial vehicle collisions in Indiana in 2017, the commercial vehicle drivers were attributed with causing the accident in 51% of cases. Passenger vehicle drivers were attributed with a cause in 47% of cases. In 3% of cases, environmental factors like animals on the roadway, potholes, an obstructed view, or wind were found to be the cause of the collision.
While the circumstances of each accident are unique, commercial vehicle drivers receive special training and education to match the excess danger associated with the vehicles they drive. It is always the job of a commercial driver to be aware, alert, and follow the rules of the road and best practices.
What Cities in Lake County Indiana Have the Most Vehicle Accidents?
Here are the collisions by the municipality that were reported in Lake County, Indiana in 2019:
Gary, Indiana Accidents: 3,397
Hammond, Indiana Accidents: 3,247
Merrillville, Indiana Accidents: 1,872
Rural Lake County, Indiana Accidents: 1,667
Schererville, Indiana Accidents: 1,336
While these numbers include car accidents as well as truck accidents, it is significant that the main cities with the most accidents are also home to the interstates we mentioned earlier. An article from The Times of Northwest Indiana describes the devastating local impact of highway and interstate accidents in the Region. This article highlights other dangerous roadways in the Region like US-30, US-20, and US-41.
Contact a Lake County Indiana Truck Accident Attorney
When you are involved in a truck accident in Lake County, Indiana, you want to know there is an experienced attorney on your side. Collecting evidence from the scene, requesting driver logs and maintenance records, and helping you document the experiences of injury, recovery, or wrongful death are just part of the work Christie Farrell Lee & Bell does in building your case. From listening to your story to fighting for you in court, we’re your advocates. Contact us today for a free consultation with a specialized truck accident lawyer and get a trusted team on your side.