Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Nation’s Top Rated Truck Accident Lawyers – Munley Law® / Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck accident can change your life in an instant. If you or someone you love has been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, you need an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer who understands both the impact of your injuries and the unique challenges these cases present. You’re likely facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future during this difficult time.

Truck accident cases are far more complicated than typical car crashes. When a commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the injuries are often severe, and the legal issues are anything but straightforward. These cases involve federal regulations, multiple insurance companies, and sophisticated evidence that requires specialized knowledge to handle effectively.

At Munley Law, our Indiana truck accident attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping victims like you recover from devastating truck crashes. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships you’re experiencing, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

If you or a family member has been hurt in an Indiana truck wreck, contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at Munley Law for a free consultation.

Our Truck Accident Lawyers

Marion Munley and Daniel Munley lead our truck accident practice with nationally recognized expertise. Both attorneys are triple board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in Civil Trial Law, Civil Practice Advocacy, and Truck Accident Law—a rare achievement that places them among the most specialized trucking attorneys in the country.

Their leadership extends beyond the courtroom. Marion Munley was the first female Chair of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Trucking Litigation Group in 2018, while Daniel Munley also served as Chair of this prestigious organization. Both attorneys regularly educate other lawyers on trucking law and are active members of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

The results speak for themselves. Daniel Munley secured a $26 million settlement and a $20 million settlement in 2024 alone for clients who suffered catastrophic trucking injuries. He has an additional certification from the Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America.

Indiana’s High-Risk Trucking Corridors

Indiana’s position as a major transportation hub puts our state at the center of heavy commercial traffic. Interstate 65 runs north-south through Indianapolis, connecting traffic from Chicago to Louisville, while I-70 crosses east-west, linking traffic from Illinois to Ohio. The Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90) across northern Indiana carries enormous volumes of freight between the Chicago and Detroit markets.

These busy corridors create dangerous conditions for all drivers. The congested truck routes around Indianapolis on I-465, the heavy traffic on US-31 through South Bend and Fort Wayne, and the industrial trucking zones in Gary and Evansville see thousands of commercial vehicles daily. When accidents occur on these high-traffic routes, they often involve multiple vehicles and result in serious injuries.

Our attorneys understand the challenges of accidents occurring on Indiana’s major trucking corridors. We know how to investigate crashes involving vehicles traveling between distribution centers, the specific hazards of Indiana’s weather conditions on truck safety, and the federal and state regulations that govern commercial vehicles operating in our state.

Types of Commercial Trucks Involved in Indiana Accidents

A wide variety of commercial vehicles travel Indiana’s streets and highways, each presenting unique risks and legal considerations in the event of an accident. The different types of trucks involved in crashes help explain why these accidents are so complex and often result in severe injuries.

Semi-Trucks and Tractor-Trailers

The most common commercial vehicles on Indiana’s interstates are semi-trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers. These vehicles consist of a tractor unit (the cab) and a trailer, and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The combination of their size, weight, and length makes them particularly dangerous in collisions with passenger vehicles.

Delivery Trucks

With the growth of e-commerce, delivery trucks have become increasingly common on Indiana roads. These include box trucks used by companies like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon, as well as smaller delivery vans. While not as large as semi-trucks, these vehicles still pose significant risks due to frequent stops, backing maneuvers, and operation in residential areas.

Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks carry liquid cargo such as fuel, chemicals, or food products. These vehicles present unique hazards because liquid cargo can shift during transport, affecting the truck’s stability and braking ability. Accidents involving tanker trucks can also result in hazardous material spills, creating additional dangers for other motorists and emergency responders.

Flatbed Trucks

Flatbed trucks transport construction materials, machinery, and other large items that are secured with chains, straps, or tarps. Improperly secured cargo on flatbed trucks can shift or fall off, creating road hazards and causing serious accidents.
Garbage and Recycling Trucks
These vehicles operate throughout Indiana’s communities, making frequent stops and using hydraulic systems to lift and empty containers. Their frequent stopping, backing, and turning movements in residential areas create risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.

Construction and Dump Trucks

Indiana’s ongoing construction projects involve heavy trucks carrying materials like gravel, sand, and asphalt. These vehicles often have limited visibility, make frequent turns on and off work sites, and may track debris onto roadways.

Refrigerated Trucks (Reefers)

These trucks transport temperature-sensitive goods and are equipped with refrigeration units that can affect the vehicle’s weight distribution and handling characteristics. They’re common on routes serving Indiana’s agricultural and food processing industries.

Each type of commercial vehicle presents distinct challenges in accident investigation and liability determination. Our experienced truck accident attorneys understand these differences and how they impact your case.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Indiana

Last year in Indiana, there were more than 5,000 crashes involving large trucks, resulting in more than 1600 injuries and 130 deaths.

Driver Fatigue

Insufficient rest before or during long road trips can lead to fatigue in truck drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Truckers typically drive for extended hours and experience exhaustion, which can impair their driving capability. Fatigue can hamper their responsiveness to road variations, decrease their ability to make sound judgments, and substantially increase the likelihood of accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented Hours-of-Service Regulations to reduce accidents and deaths resulting from driver fatigue. Nevertheless, due to tight shipping and delivery deadlines, truck drivers continue to drive despite federal regulations and the associated risks.

Speeding

When truck drivers exceed speed limits or drive too fast for the road conditions, accidents can occur due to the reduced ability to control the vehicle. With longer stopping distances and decreased capacity to respond to unexpected hazards on the road, drivers may lose control. To prevent truck accidents caused by speeding, drivers must adhere to posted speed limits and adjust their speed according to the environment, weather, and other factors that may compromise their ability to operate their vehicles safely.

Distracted Driving

Due to their extensive time on the road, truck drivers may be prone to multitasking as they balance handling traffic and various weather conditions, focusing on remaining alert, and meeting schedule demands. Some common causes of distracted driving include texting and other phone use, eating, adjusting vehicle controls, and reaching for objects. Operating any type of motor vehicle safely is a great responsibility. It takes alertness, focus, and good judgment. Operating a truck that is 72 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 13.5 feet tall, weighing up to 80,000 pounds, requires extensive training and a commitment to safety. Any distraction can cause disastrous results.

Mechanical Failure

Truck mechanical failure occurs when a breakdown or malfunction prevents the truck from functioning properly. Mechanical failures occur for various reasons, including worn-out parts, inadequate maintenance, overloading, or driver error. Common mechanical failures in trucks include engine failure, brake failure, tire blowouts, transmission problems, and electrical faults. These failures can result in accidents, injuries, and even fatalities, especially when they occur while the truck is in motion.

Bad Weather

Poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog, can reduce visibility and make it more difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles. Trucks are especially vulnerable in inclement weather because of their size. Because trucks are more difficult to turn, slow down, speed up, and stop than the average-sized car, overloading cargo only amplifies the difficulty of these maneuvers, often leading to deadly accidents.

Impaired Driving

Operating a commercial truck while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious and dangerous violation that significantly increases the risk of a fatal crash. Due to the sheer size and weight of large trucks, even a slight lapse in judgment or reaction time caused by impairment can lead to catastrophic consequences. Truck drivers have a heightened responsibility to ensure they are sober, alert, and fully capable of safely operating their vehicles at all times. Driving under the influence not only endangers their own lives, but also puts everyone else on the road at extreme risk.

A truck accident attorney will perform a thorough investigation of your truck accident claim to determine and prove the cause of your accident.

Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident in Indiana

A collision with a commercial truck can be overwhelming and traumatic. When you’re dealing with serious injuries and the shock of what just happened, it’s hard to think clearly about what comes next. However, the actions you take in the hours and days following your accident can significantly impact your recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation. Here are the key steps to follow:

Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away but could become serious over time.

Contact Law Enforcement

A police report is essential for documenting the accident. When officers arrive, provide an honest account of what happened but avoid speculating about fault. The report will include important details such as driver information, witness statements, and initial assessments of the crash.

Document the Scene

If it’s safe to do so, gather evidence. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, the surrounding area, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.

Exchange Information

Collect contact and insurance information from the truck driver and any other parties involved. Be sure to get the name of the trucking company and details about the vehicle, such as the license plate and DOT number.

Avoid Discussing Fault

Do not admit fault or make statements that could be used against you later. Even an offhand comment could affect your ability to recover compensation.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly, but do not give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer before speaking to a truck accident attorney.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident claims often involve large trucking companies with teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize their liability. While you’re focused on healing from your injuries, these companies are already building their defense. An experienced truck accident attorney levels the playing field, protecting your rights and pursuing the full compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain you’re enduring.

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Liability in Indiana Trucking Accident Cases

Determining liability in a trucking accident case in Indiana requires a thorough investigation into all the factors that contributed to the crash. Unlike a typical car accident, truck collisions often involve multiple parties, each of whom could bear responsibility. Indiana follows an “at-fault” or comparative fault system, meaning the party found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident is liable for damages, and the plaintiff’s compensation may be reduced if they are found partially at fault.

In many cases, liability can extend beyond the negligent truck driver. The trucking company may be held accountable if it failed to follow federal safety regulations, such as hours-of-service rules, or if it was negligent in hiring or training drivers. If the truck was improperly loaded or the cargo shifted during transit, the party responsible for loading the vehicle may share blame. Truck or parts manufacturers could be liable if a mechanical defect—such as brake failure or a tire blowout—played a role in the crash. Additionally, maintenance contractors could be named in a lawsuit if poor or negligent maintenance led to the vehicle’s failure.

Establishing liability requires access to evidence like driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and more. That’s why working with an Indiana truck accident attorney is essential—they know how to gather and preserve this critical evidence and identify all potentially liable parties to build the strongest case possible.

How an Attorney Helps Establish Liability in a Truck Accident Case

Determining who is legally responsible for a truck accident in Indiana requires a thorough investigation and knowledge of both state and federal trucking regulations.

Here are several key ways Munley Law will help prove liability in a truck accident case:

• Accident Scene Investigation: Your attorney will begin by examining the scene of the crash. This includes collecting photographs, skid mark measurements, vehicle damage assessments, and witness statements. Preserving this evidence from the accident scene early is essential to constructing a clear picture of what happened.
• Driver Logbook Analysis: Commercial drivers must maintain detailed logbooks that track driving hours and rest breaks to comply with federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. An attorney will scrutinize these records for signs of fatigue or logbook violations that may have contributed to the crash.
• Vehicle Maintenance Review: Trucking companies are legally obligated to keep their fleets in safe working order. Your lawyer will review maintenance and inspection records to determine if mechanical failure or neglected upkeep—such as worn brakes or bald tires—played a role in the truck accident.
• Video and Electronic Evidence: Many commercial trucks are equipped with dashcams and electronic data recorders (black boxes). These tools can offer critical insights into the vehicle’s speed, braking, steering, and driver behavior moments before the crash. Your attorney will secure and analyze this data before it is lost or overwritten.
• Expert Testimony: To strengthen your case, your legal team may work with accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, medical professionals, or vocational experts who can explain technical details and offer professional opinions on causation, liability, and damages.
• Police Reports: The official crash report filed by law enforcement can provide valuable information, including a preliminary assessment of fault, documented injuries, vehicle positions, and the names of potential witnesses.

Indiana Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents often cause serious injuries because of the size and weight of these large vehicles. Here are some of the most common types of injuries people suffer in truck crashes:

Whiplash

This occurs when the head and neck are forcefully and suddenly jerked forward and then backward. It can cause damage to the soft tissues in the neck and upper back, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Back and Spine Injuries

Truck accidents can cause a variety of injuries to the back, including sprains, strains, herniated discs, and fractures of the spine. Back injuries can be extremely painful and may require long-term treatment and rehabilitation.

Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are common in truck accidents and can range from minor concussions to severe or permanent brain damage. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.

Broken Bones

Truck accidents can cause a variety of fractures, including broken arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery, casting, or other forms of treatment.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma from a truck accident can also cause internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not be immediately evident and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Cuts and Bruises

Truck accidents often cause cuts and bruises to the head, face, arms, and legs. These injuries are generally not severe but may require medical attention and could cause scarring or disfigurement.

Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Indiana

Truck accidents cause severe, life-changing injuries that bring mounting medical bills, lost income, and financial uncertainty. Indiana law allows you to pursue compensation for both immediate and long-term needs, including:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and long-term medical treatment.
• Lost income: Wages lost due to time away from work, as well as diminished earning capacity if the injuries prevent a return to previous employment.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident and its results.
• Wrongful death damages: covered in detail below

With high stakes and powerful insurance companies involved, having an experienced truck accident lawyer is essential to securing the compensation you deserve.

Wrongful Death Claims

When a truck accident results in the tragic loss of a loved one, surviving family members face not only overwhelming grief but also serious financial concerns. The person who provided for your family is gone, and you’re left wondering how you’ll manage without their income and support. Indiana law recognizes these hardships and provides a legal pathway for families to seek justice and recover financial compensation for their devastating loss.

Truck accidents often involve immense force and can cause catastrophic injuries, particularly to occupants of smaller vehicles. When negligence—whether by the truck driver, trucking company, or another party—leads to a fatal crash, those responsible must be held accountable.

A wrongful death claim can help cover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support that the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members

In Indiana, wrongful death claims must generally be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate, often on behalf of a surviving spouse, children, or dependents. The laws governing these claims can vary depending on the age of the victim and the relationship to the surviving family members, so it’s important to consult an attorney experienced in Indiana wrongful death cases.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Indiana

Each state has laws regulating the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit in a personal injury matter. This deadline is commonly referred to as the statute of limitations. Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4 states that you have two years from the day of your accident to file a lawsuit.

An experienced Indiana truck accident attorney at Munley Law can help identify all liable parties and file any insurance claims and legal actions before the time limit expires.

In some cases, there are exceptions to the statute of limitations that are best discussed with your lawyer.

Lawyers for Injured Truck Drivers in Indiana

At Munley Law, we understand that in many cases, it’s the trucker who suffers serious injuries due to the negligence of another motorist, employer, or third party. Whether you were injured in a multi-vehicle crash, due to improperly loaded cargo, or as a result of unsafe working conditions, you deserve strong legal representation to protect your rights.

As a truck driver, your job is demanding and dangerous. Long hours on the road, pressure to meet deadlines, and the use of heavy-duty equipment all increase the risk of serious injury. When an accident occurs, the consequences can be physically and financially devastating. Our team has decades of experience handling truck accident cases, including those involving injured drivers. We know how to investigate the cause of your crash, determine liability, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, disability, and pain and suffering.

Munley Law’s truck accident attorneys are nationally recognized leaders in trucking litigation. We are well-versed in FMCSA regulations, employer responsibilities, and the unique legal challenges injured drivers face. If you were hurt while operating a commercial vehicle in Indiana, contact us today for a free consultation. You’ve spent your career looking out for others on the road—now let us look out for you.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

Our truck accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, and is agreed upon at the beginning of your case, so you know what to expect.

At Munley Law, your initial consultation is completely free, and there are no out-of-pocket costs while your case is being investigated or litigated. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

This contingency fee structure allows anyone, regardless of financial situation, access to high-quality legal representation when facing off against large trucking companies and insurance carriers.

Contact an Indiana Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you deserve experienced attorneys who will fight tirelessly for your rights. At Munley Law, we’ve recovered millions for truck accident victims and understand the challenges you’re facing. We’re ready to apply our knowledge and resources to your case. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

 

Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on June 26, 2025.