Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Indiana

Understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Indiana can help drivers stay safe on the road, and can also be crucial in the event of a legal dispute to claim recoverable losses in a lawsuit. In fact, according to data from the Indiana Department of Transportation, in 2019 alone, there were 5,329 accidents involving large trucks, with 87 of those accidents resulting in at least one fatality. 

Here are some of the most common causes of these accidents according to state records:

Driver fatigue

One of the leading causes of these accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours, and they may be under pressure to meet tight deadlines. This can lead to drivers pushing themselves to stay on the road for longer than is safe. 

But Indiana law requires that truck drivers take regular breaks to prevent driver fatigue. However, some drivers may ignore these regulations, putting themselves and others at risk.

Poor vehicle maintenance

Another common cause is poor vehicle maintenance. Commercial trucks are subjected to a lot of wear and tear on the roads, and they must be properly maintained. If a truck is not regularly inspected and repaired, it may suffer from equipment failure while on the road. 

State law requires that all commercial vehicles be maintained in safe and operational condition. Specifically, Indiana Code § 9-20-2-2 requires motor carriers to regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their commercial vehicles. 

Faulty brakes, worn tires, and other maintenance issues can all contribute to accidents.

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is a major problem on Indiana’s roads, and truck drivers are not immune to this issue. Distractions like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can all take a driver’s attention away from the road. When a truck driver is distracted, they may not be able to react in time to prevent an accident.

Speeding

Speeding is another common cause of truck accidents in Fort Wayne. In the state, the maximum speed limit for trucks on interstates and rural highways is 65 miles per hour, and on urban interstates and highways, it is 55 miles per hour. These speed limits are in place to ensure the safety of all motorists on the road.

However, some truck drivers may feel pressured to deliver their cargo on time and may exceed the speed limit to meet their deadlines. This can lead to dangerous situations where the driver loses control of the vehicle or collides with other vehicles on the road.

If this is your case and you’ve been involved in an accident due to the negligence of others, you’re entitled to claim compensation according to the injuries caused by the accident.

Overloading

When a truck is overloaded, it can be difficult to control, especially in emergency situations. Overloading can also cause tire blowouts and other equipment failures, leading to accidents. Indiana law sets weight limits for commercial trucks to prevent overloading, but some companies may ignore these regulations to transport more goods at once.

truck accident statistic

How Do Truck Accidents Differ From Other Motor Accidents?

Truck accidents are not like other motor accidents because the size and weight of commercial trucks make them much more dangerous than passenger vehicles. In fact, a typical commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a passenger vehicle usually weighs around 4,000 pounds. As a result, when a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results can be terrible, causing catastrophic injuries and even death in the worst scenarios.

In addition to their size and weight, commercial trucks have different driving characteristics than passenger vehicles. They require a longer stopping distance and have a larger turning radius. Maneuvering a truck through traffic and narrow streets can be challenging, even for experienced drivers. 

Also, truck accidents are different from other motor accidents in that they involve different legal and regulatory frameworks. Commercial trucks are subject to federal and state regulations that govern everything from their maintenance to the amount of time a driver can spend on the road. These regulations can be complex and difficult to navigate, which is why it’s important to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer if you suffered an injury due to a collision.

Injuries Related to Truck Accidents

Although there are many types of injuries you might suffer after a collision, here are some of the most common injuries associated with truck accidents:

These injuries can have a significant impact on a victim’s life, both physically and emotionally. They may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. That’s why it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to get assistance on the legal procedure to claim your rights.

Compensation You Might Be Entitled in a Truck Accident Claim

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our experienced legal team is dedicated to ensuring that victims of truck accidents in Fort Wayne and beyond are fully aware of their rights to compensation. Whether it’s covering medical expenses, recuperating lost wages, or addressing pain and suffering, we’re here to guide you through the process, advocating for the full compensation you deserve to support your journey to recovery.

Understanding Your Entitlements

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, reflecting the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of the incident. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and, in some cases, punitive damages intended to punish egregious negligence.

Factors Influencing Compensation

Several factors can influence the amount of compensation you may receive from a truck accident claim. These include the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, the clarity of fault in the accident, and the limits of coverage stated by the insurance companies. Additionally, your own role in the accident, if any, can affect compensation due to Indiana’s comparative fault rules and other trucking laws applicable.

Legal Steps to Maximize Your Claim

Maximizing your compensation after a truck accident involves several critical legal steps:

  1. Gather comprehensive evidence: Collect all available evidence from the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and reports related to truck safety violations.
  2. Seek medical attention: Document all injuries and treatments to establish the full extent of your medical expenses.
  3. Consult with a truck accident lawyer: An experienced attorney at Christie Farrell & Lee Bell can navigate the complexities of truck accident claims, ensuring that all potential sources of compensation are pursued.
  4. Negotiate with insurance companies: Skilled legal representation is crucial in negotiations to avoid settling for less than the full value of your claim. In some other cases, you may also need to sue your insurance company (even if the other driver was at fault).
  5. File a lawsuit if necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may be the next step to secure the compensation you deserve.

As your legal representatives in personal injury, we’re dedicated to walking you through the required steps to accurately value your truck accident claim and secure the compensation you are owed.

Recoverable Damages for Truck Accident Victims in Fort Wayne

Victims of truck accidents in Fort Wayne may be entitled to recover various types of damages. These damages are intended to compensate victims for their losses and expenses resulting from the accident. Some of the recoverable damages for truck accident victims may include:

  1. Medical expenses: Victims may incur significant medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. These expenses can be included in a victim’s claim for damages.
  2. Lost wages: If you suffered a truck accident, you may be forced to take time off work due to your injuries, resulting in lost wages. They may be able to recover compensation for these lost wages.
  3. Property damage: If a victim’s vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, they may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing that property.
  4. Pain and suffering: Truck accident victims may experience physical pain and emotional distress as a result of their injuries. They may be able to recover compensation for these types of damages.
  5. Loss of consortium: In cases where a victim’s injuries have a significant impact on their relationship with their spouse or partner, they may be able to recover damages for loss of consortium.
  6. Punitive damages: In some cases, a victim may be entitled to recover punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party for particularly reckless or egregious conduct.

Recovering damages for a truck accident in Fort Wayne can be a complex process, requiring a thorough understanding of the law and the legal process. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us today and let us help you demand what’s yours. Get a free consultation to know how to proceed in your personal injury case.

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Truck Accidents

According to Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, in Indiana is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if a minor child has been injured in a truck accident in Indiana, the two-year limit starts on his or her eighteenth birthday. If you are physically or mentally disabled, the time for filing begins on the date your legal disability status is removed.

Can You Sue a Trucking Company in a Fort Wayne Truck Accident Case?

In Indiana, pursuing legal action against a trucking company following a truck accident is a viable option under certain conditions. The law allows for trucking companies to be held accountable for accidents involving their vehicles and drivers, recognizing both direct and indirect liabilities. According to Indiana trucking laws, direct liability pertains to the company’s own negligence, such as failing to maintain vehicles or properly train drivers. Indirect liability, or vicarious liability, applies when a trucking company is held responsible for the actions of its drivers while they are performing their job duties.

To successfully sue a trucking company, it’s essential to demonstrate that the company’s or driver’s negligence directly contributed to the accident. This involves showing that the company failed to meet its duty of care and that this failure was a significant factor in causing the accident and the resulting damages

How a Fort Wayne Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You Get Justice

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we have decades of experience representing victims of truck accidents, and we know how to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape to ensure our clients receive the compensation they are entitled to. We have handled a large number of truck accident cases and have won multi-million dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. If you or a family member has been involved in a truck accident in Fort Wayne, hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.

Our lawyers that handle these types of cases

Lee C. Christie

Lee C. Christie

Katherine M. Marshall

Katherine M. Marshall