Evansville Truck Accident Lawyers

How Our Evansville, IN Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help Your Case

Unlike standard motor vehicle claims, trucking cases involve commercial regulations, black box data, multiple layers of liability, and national carriers with teams of corporate lawyers ready to minimize their exposure. That’s why our firm commits substantial resources right from the start to protect your claim and your recovery.

Our Evansville truck accident lawyers have decades of experience holding negligent trucking companies accountable, even in the most complex cases involving fatigue, faulty truck maintenance, and cargo loading failures. We know these cases inside and out, and we know how insurance companies try to downplay your injuries or blame you for a wreck that wasn’t your fault.

How We Can Assist You After a Truck Accident

When you trust Christie Farrell Lee & Bell to handle your truck accident claim, here’s how we work to maximize your results:

• Pinpointing liability through intensive investigation: We don’t rely on surface-level evidence. Our team digs into the black box data, dashcam footage, GPS logs, and driver rest logs, and we bring in experts in accident reconstruction to paint a full picture of what went wrong.
• Building a case that includes every dollar you’re owed: A truck accident often leads to lifelong impacts. We consult medical professionals to document long-term care needs, rehabilitation costs, and pain and suffering damages that insurers conveniently ignore.
• Dealing directly with national trucking insurers: These are not friendly neighborhood adjusters. They’re backed by billion-dollar companies. We’ve spent decades learning how to deal with them and how to beat them at their own game.
• Holding all parties accountable: Whether the crash was caused by a poorly maintained fleet vehicle, improperly secured cargo, or a trucking company pushing drivers to ignore federal limits, we identify every party responsible and pursue every angle for recovery.

We’ve seen first-hand how trucking accidents can devastate a family—physically, emotionally, and financially. But we’ve also seen how strategic legal representation can make a real difference. If you were injured in a semi-truck collision in Evansville or anywhere in Indiana, a dedicated attorney is here to fight for full justice, not just the lowball number insurance offers. Let’s talk. The consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless we win.

Who You Can Sue for a Truck Accident in Evansville, IN?

Determining liability in a truck accident case can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Indiana follows an at-fault system and applies a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be affected if you are found partially at fault for the accident.

1. The Truck Driver

If the driver was negligent—by speeding, driving under the influence, texting while driving, or violating federal hours-of-service regulations—they may be held responsible for the crash.

2. The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions if the driver was acting within the scope of their employment. They may also be directly negligent if they failed to:

• Conduct proper background checks and driver training.
• Maintain safe working conditions.
• Enforce compliance with federal safety regulations.

3. The Truck Owner

If the truck is owned by a party separate from the trucking company, they may be liable for poor maintenance or failure to conduct necessary inspections.

4. The Truck’s Maintenance Provider

If mechanical failure contributed to the accident and was due to faulty repairs or inadequate maintenance, the company responsible for servicing the truck may be held accountable.

5. The Cargo Loader or Shipping Company

Improperly loaded cargo can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or cargo spills. If unsecured or overloaded freight contributed to the crash, the cargo loading company could be found liable.

6. The Manufacturer of the Truck or Truck Parts

If a defective truck component, such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or steering system failures, played a role in the accident, the manufacturer may be responsible under product liability laws.

7. Other Potentially Responsible Parties

• Third-party contractors involved in truck operations.
• Government agencies responsible for hazardous road conditions.

Our Evansville truck accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the accident to ensure liability is correctly assigned and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Evansville

Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, and identifying the cause of the accident is crucial in determining liability and pursuing compensation. Some common causes include:

• Driver fatigue: According to Indiana trucking laws, hours of service regulations are in place to prevent driver fatigue, but violations are still a common cause of truck accidents.
• Distracted driving: Distractions such as cell phone use, eating, adjusting controls, or reaching for objects can take a driver’s attention away from the road.
• Speeding
• Improper loading: Incorrectly loaded or overloaded trucks can cause instability and imbalance, leading to truck accidents.
• Mechanical failures
• Intoxicated driving
• Poor weather conditions
• Negligent hiring or training

These are just some of the common causes of truck accidents, but determining the causes that affected your case requires a thorough investigation by experienced personal injury attorneys. Properly identifying the cause of the accident is essential in proving negligence and pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.

Types of Injuries Related to Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. The aftermath of a truck accident can leave victims with life-altering injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Some of the common types of injuries related to truck accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burns and lacerations
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal organ injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Emotional and psychological injuries

The severity of injuries sustained in truck accidents can vary widely, but even minor injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

We have seen how truck accidents can take many forms, each with unique causes and potential outcomes. Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents that occur on Evansville’s roads and throughout Indiana:

• Jackknife Accidents: Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer of a big rig swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the truck’s cab.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents happen when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often due to excessive speed, improper turns, or uneven cargo distribution.
• Rear-End Collisions: These accidents often occur in stop-and-go traffic or when the truck driver fails to maintain a safe following distance.
• Underride Accidents: An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a truck, often shearing off the top of the vehicle.
• Tire Blowouts: A tire blowout is when a truck’s tire bursts, causing the driver to lose control.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks need extra space to make turns, and accidents can occur if the truck driver misjudges the distance or doesn’t account for nearby vehicles.
• Head-On Collisions: These accidents can happen if a truck driver drifts into oncoming traffic or when other vehicles make unsafe passing maneuvers.
• T-Bone/Side-Impact Collisions: T-bone accidents occur when the front of a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, often at intersections.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, and accidents occur when a truck driver changes lanes or turns without seeing a smaller vehicle.

Are Truck Accident Cases Different from Other Types of Crashes?

Truck accidents are a whole different beast compared to your typical car crash. If you’ve been involved in one, you’ve likely already felt the weight of that difference. From the sheer size and force of these massive vehicles to the complex web of regulations and parties involved, a truck accident requires a legal strategy tailored to your needs. Here’s why:

Size and Severity of the Accident

Commercial trucks are vastly larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles, sometimes weighing up to 30 times more. This size disparity means that when a collision occurs, the potential for severe injuries or fatalities is much higher, especially for occupants of smaller vehicles.

Complexity of Liability

One of the major differences between truck accidents and other vehicle crashes is the complexity of determining liability. In a typical car accident, liability usually rests with one or more drivers involved. However, in a truck accident, multiple parties may be held accountable, including:

• The Trucking Company
• Cargo Loading Companies
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
• Maintenance Providers

Industry Regulations

The trucking industry is governed by strict federal and state regulations, making truck accident cases more complex. Violations of these regulations can play a critical role in proving liability.

Higher Potential Damages

Due to the serious nature of truck accidents, victims often face substantial medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation, and extensive lost wages. Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and permanent disability are also common damages in truck accident cases in Indiana. As a result, truck accident cases tend to involve higher compensation amounts than other types of motor vehicle accidents.

Why Do You Need a Specialized Truck Accident Lawyer to Claim for Your Damages and Injuries

Truck accident cases can be complex and challenging to navigate without the expertise of an attorney who can help you claim what’s yours according to the law.

Hiring a local lawyer can be crucial in protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of obtaining fair compensation for all your damages and injuries because a professional can help you understand what type of injuries and losses you can claim. 

In-depth Knowledge of Federal Regulations

A specialized truck accident attorney will have a thorough understanding of these regulations and how they apply to your case, allowing them to build a strong legal argument and hold the trucking company and driver accountable.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Your attorney will have the resources and expertise to investigate the accident scene, obtain relevant records, collect witness statements, and analyze data from the truck’s black box or electronic logging devices to gather critical evidence.

Identification of All Liable Parties

A specialized personal injury attorney will have the experience to identify all the potentially liable parties and hold them accountable for their negligence.

In fact, Indiana Code § 34-51-2 establishes the principles of comparative fault, which means that multiple parties can be held liable for a truck accident, including the trucking company, truck driver, truck owner, maintenance provider, and others.

Legal Strategy and Negotiation

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we can help you develop a strong legal strategy tailored to your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages and injuries.

Litigation Experience

While most truck accident cases are settled out of court through negotiations, some cases may require litigation to resolve disputes and obtain fair compensation. In some cases, you’ll need the help of an attorney to litigate your case in court.

What to Do if You’ve Been in a Truck Accident

Your actions in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident can make or break your case, so it’s important to take strategic steps to protect yourself and your future.

Here’s what our truck accident lawyers in Evansville recommend:

• Ensure your safety and seek medical attention: Some injuries, like internal trauma or concussions, may not be obvious right away but can become serious without proper treatment. Documenting your injuries from the start is essential for your case.
• Call the police and file an accident report: Having the accident officially documented by law enforcement is key. The report from the Evansville Police Department will be an important piece of evidence in your claim and can help establish liability. Make sure you get a copy for your records.
• Document the scene: If you’re able, take photos or videos of everything—your injuries, the vehicles involved, the road conditions, skid marks, and any debris. This visual evidence can help show what really happened when it’s time to prove your case.
• Exchange information: Get the contact information of the truck driver, including their insurance and employer details.
• Avoid admitting fault: In moments of shock, it’s common for people to say things like “I’m sorry” or take the blame, even when they aren’t at fault. Don’t make any statements about what caused the accident or share information on social media until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. Insurance companies can twist your words to reduce your claim.

Seek Assistance from an Evansville Truck Accident Attorney

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we understand how overwhelming a truck accident case can be. Our experienced legal team offers comprehensive support that goes beyond basic representation:

• We quickly dispatch our team to secure critical evidence, interview witnesses, and document the accident scene before valuable information is lost.
• From handling insurance communications to filing court documents, we manage every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.
• We collaborate with accident reconstructionists, medical specialists, and trucking industry experts to build the strongest possible case.
• With over 40 years of experience and millions recovered for truck accident victims, we know how to win these complex cases.

Time is critical in truck accident cases – evidence can disappear, and Indiana law limits how long you have to file. Contact our experienced truck accident attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain all your options, and help you understand the best path forward for your situation.

Our lawyers that handle these types of cases

Lee C. Christie

Katherine M. Marshall