Experienced Legal Representation For Complex Truck Accident Cases
Last updated on February 25, 2026
Many times, truck accidents occur because negligent truck drivers are exhausted and sleep-deprived. In some cases, their vehicles haven’t been appropriately maintained. These issues form the basis of some of the personal injury and wrongful death cases we handle in the courts of Indiana and Illinois.
Indiana’s Major Trucking Corridors
Indiana is at the crossroads of America’s freight network. Major interstates like I-65, I-70 and I-465 carry thousands of commercial trucks every day, connecting Indianapolis, Bloomington and distribution hubs across the Midwest. These highways serve warehouses, fulfillment centers and national carriers operating on tight delivery schedules.
The concentration of trucking activity along the I-65/I-70/I-465 corridor increases the risk of serious crashes involving tractor-trailers, tankers and other commercial vehicles. Heavy congestion near distribution centers, merging traffic and constant construction zones create conditions where even a small mistake can cause catastrophic harm.
Truck accident cases in Indiana demand knowledge of federal trucking regulations, corporate safety practices and commercial insurance structures. Our firm brings more than 40 years of combined experience and proven trial skills to these complex cases.
If you were injured in Indianapolis, Bloomington or anywhere along I-65, I-70 or I-465, early legal intervention is critical. We offer a free consultation that allows us to immediately begin preserving evidence and protecting your claim.
Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations
Commercial trucking is governed by strict federal regulations, primarily enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules are designed to protect the public. When violated, they can help build a very strong injury claim. Some of the federal regulations affecting Indiana truck accident cases include:
- Hours of Service rules limit how long drivers may operate without rest
- Driver qualification requirements, including licensing and medical certification
- Mandatory vehicle inspection and maintenance standards
- Electronic logging devices that track driving time and compliance
Electronic control modules, often called black boxes, record critical data such as speed, braking patterns, throttle position and engine performance before impact. Preserving this data quickly is essential. Trucking companies are not required to keep certain records indefinitely, which makes early legal intervention critical.
A thorough truck accident investigation usually involves:
- Sending preservation letters to prevent the destruction of evidence
- Obtaining black box and electronic logging device data
- Reviewing driver logs for hours of service violations
- Examining maintenance and inspection records
- Analyzing company safety policies and training procedures
Without immediate action, evidence can disappear. Our experienced Indiana motor vehicle accident lawyer understands how to secure and interpret this technical information. From our office in Bloomington, our firm focuses on building cases backed by data, regulatory knowledge and strategic litigation planning.
How Multiple Parties May Be Liable
One of the most important differences between truck crashes and standard car accidents is the number of potentially liable parties. Responsibility extends far beyond the driver. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- The trucking company that employed or contracted the driver
- A parent corporation that oversees operations
- Maintenance contractors responsible for inspections and repairs
- Cargo loading companies that improperly secured freight
- Parts manufacturers, if mechanical defects contributed to the crash
- Third-party logistics providers that coordinate transportation services
Identifying all responsible entities is essential because each may carry separate insurance coverage. Federal law requires interstate trucking companies to maintain higher minimum liability limits than private motorists. However, these policies are layered with excess or umbrella coverage. Commercial insurance claims frequently involve:
- Primary commercial liability policies
- Excess or umbrella policies
- Self-insured retentions
- Interstate regulatory distinctions affecting coverage
- Coverage exclusions and disputes over policy interpretation
Insurance carriers deploy rapid-response teams immediately after serious truck crashes. Their goal is to limit financial exposure.
We analyze policy structures, identify additional coverage sources and help ensure no responsible party is overlooked. With decades of combined experience and a strong trial background, our attorneys position cases for maximum leverage in negotiation or court.
Holding Irresponsible Truck Companies Accountable For Injuries
At Greene & Schultz, our truck accident lawyers hold irresponsible trucking companies and negligent drivers accountable for their actions and any injuries caused in a crash. We can help you resolve your case if it involves:
- An 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer wreck
- A municipal vehicle such as a bus, fire truck or law enforcement vehicle
- An accident on Interstate 69, 65 or 70
- A delivery vehicle such as a UPS truck, or FedEx truck, or another commercial truck
- Catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
It’s troubling to realize that when a semi-truck accident occurs, the negligent party’s insurance company often arrives on the scene right away, not to help victims or take responsibility, but to gather evidence to build their case against the injured person or people’s claim.
It is also important to understand that truck accident cases are much more complex than car accident cases. With competing parties (the truck driver, his or her direct employer, the trucking company, the shipper, their insurers, and more), multiple sources of liability, and a myriad of local, state, and federal laws, rules and regulations, truck accident cases can be incredibly difficult to litigate – and not something you want to entrust to an attorney who only handles car accident cases.
Truck Blind Spots: The “No-Zones”
Semi trucks have four major blind spots where passenger vehicles become virtually invisible to truck drivers. These include directly in front of the cab (up to 20 feet), directly behind the trailer (up to 30 feet), along the driver’s side (especially the mid-cab area) and the right-side blind spot, which extends across multiple lanes.
These blind spots are particularly dangerous because the massive semi-truck weight (often exceeding 80,000 pounds when fully loaded) makes quick maneuvers impossible. To avoid accidents, drivers should never linger in these areas and should ensure they can see the truck driver in their side mirrors. When passing a truck, do so quickly and safely, and always signal your intentions well in advance.
Truck Accidents FAQs
The answers below come from years of representing people in Bloomington and Indianapolis after truck accidents.
What is the first, most important legal step I should take after a collision with a commercial vehicle?
The single most critical step is to quickly protect the evidence, as the law in Indiana takes the preservation of accident data very seriously. Commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers create complex cases involving federal rules. Key evidence, such as electronic logging device (ELD) data and driver logbooks, can be lost or destroyed if not requested immediately. A formal, immediate request is often required to stop the destruction of this electronic information, which is central to proving negligence.
Therefore, act fast by calling 812-558-0198 to secure this critical proof before it is too late.
How long does a commercial truck accident case usually take to resolve?
These cases can take more time than standard car accident claims because they involve multiple defendants and complex discovery. Discovery is the process of gathering facts and documents. In truck cases, this means requesting federal safety records (FMCSA documents), load manifests and maintenance logs from the trucking company, the shipper and the broker.
Because the injuries are often severe, the full extent of your future medical and long-term care needs must be carefully determined before a resolution can be reached. These steps reinforce the complex nature of serious commercial vehicle claims.
Compensation for all losses caused by the crash falls into these two main categories:
- Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, such as past and future medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of long-term care.
- Noneconomic damages are meant to compensate you for the loss of quality of life, including physical pain and suffering.
Regardless of your situation, you deserve to recover for both the physical and financial losses you have incurred. Call 812-558-0198 today for a successful case evaluation.
How are the legal costs handled for a truck accident claim?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning legal fees come from the recovery amount only if the case succeeds. The firm advances litigation expenses during the case. Payment comes from settlement proceeds or jury awards, so there are no upfront costs to clients. This arrangement allows people to pursue justice regardless of their financial situation.
To learn more about how the process works, our contact form page can help.
What federal regulations apply to commercial truck drivers in Indiana?
Commercial truck drivers operating in Indiana must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, including:
- Hours of service limits
- Electronic logging device requirements
- Driver qualification standards
- Drug and alcohol testing rules
- Mandatory vehicle inspection protocols
Violations of these regulations are usually key evidence in injury litigation.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident besides the driver?
Liability frequently extends beyond the driver to include the:
- Trucking company
- Maintenance contractors
- Cargo loaders
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers
- Third-party logistics providers
Indiana truck accident cases require corporate-level investigation to uncover negligent hiring practices, inadequate training or unsafe operational policies.
How is black box data used in truck accident cases?
Black box or electronic control module data provides objective insight into a truck’s operation before impact.
This data may reveal speed, braking patterns, throttle position and whether the driver attempted evasive action. It can also corroborate or contradict driver statements.
How Many Hours Can A Truck Driver Drive?
Federal regulations limit truck drivers to a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a 14-hour total on-duty limit. These hours-of-service regulations, established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are designed to prevent driver fatigue, which is a leading cause of semi-truck accidents.
Truck drivers must also comply with the 60/70-hour limit, which prohibits driving after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. In Indiana, state law generally follows these federal guidelines, but Indiana also implements additional safety checkpoints and inspection stations to monitor compliance with these regulations.
If you’ve been injured in a collision where driver fatigue may have played a role, consulting with an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer can help determine if hours-of-service violations contributed to your accident. These violations often provide critical evidence in establishing liability in commercial vehicle accident cases.
What Causes A Truck To Jackknife?
A jackknife occurs when a semi-truck’s trailer swings outward at an angle to the cab, resembling a folding pocketknife. This dangerous situation typically happens when the trailer wheels lose traction and slide sideways while the cab continues moving forward.
Common causes of jackknife accidents include:
- Improper braking (especially sudden or hard braking on slippery surfaces)
- Excessive speed, particularly when navigating curves or ramps
- Poor weather conditions like ice, snow or rain
- Improper loading or unbalanced cargo distribution affecting the semi truck’s weight
- Equipment failures, especially in the braking system
- Driver inexperience or improper training
These types of accidents can be catastrophic and result in severe injuries. We can help you navigate the steps and hold negligent drivers responsible.
What Are Runaway Trucks?
A runaway truck is a vehicle that is no longer under the control of the driver, often due to brake failure or other mechanical issues. The semi-truck’s weight can contribute to the severity of a runaway truck accident, as the massive vehicle can gain speed quickly and be difficult to stop. Runaway trucks can be caused by a combination of factors, including worn-out brakes, improper maintenance and driver error. The semi-truck’s weight and size make it essential for drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good working condition to prevent such accidents. If you’ve been involved in a runaway truck accident, it’s crucial to consult with a semi-truck accident lawyer to understand your rights and options.
Talk To A Truck Accident Attorney Today | The Consultation Is Free
You need a tough, experienced litigator to handle your case – a truck accident attorney who understands truck accident cases and insurance company tactics. At Greene & Schultz, we know how to win tough cases against liable parties because we have been representing injured people and their families for many years. If a fair settlement is not possible, our personal injury attorneys have taken more than 100 cases to jury trial.
Sadly, motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Sometimes, because of the variety of factors involved in an accident, it can be difficult to determine the liable parties. If your family has experienced a serious injury, it is important to be informed and aware of the choices you have. Contact our experienced lawyers today at 812-558-0198 to find out how we can help you.
We have offices in Indianapolis and Bloomington, Indiana, and we provide free initial consultations.