Merrillville Truck Accident Attorney Get your
Free Consultation
Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers

Merrillville Truck Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a truck accident because of someone else’s actions or inactions, you might be entitled to compensation. Truck accidents are common because of how many trucks are on the road and how long truck drivers drive within a week. In addition, these collisions can be fatal because of the weight and size of the semi-truck. As a result, there are specific laws that truck drivers and trucking companies must follow to ensure that they are safely transporting goods.

Failing to abide by the rules of the road and the laws and regulations specifically applied to trucks may result in a severe accident for which the at-fault party may be liable. If you sustained an injury in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have a right to pursue compensation. The attorneys of Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers are ready to use their knowledge and experience to fight for you to receive maximum compensation. If you want to meet with one of our Merrillville personal injury attorneys to discuss your truck accident case, call (219) 286-7361 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Trucks are large vehicles with many blind spots and a decreased ability to react quickly because of their size and weight. Because of the size and weight discrepancy between commercial trucks and a typical car, a collision can result in severe injuries. The most common causes of semi-truck accidents are:

  • Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours. While some laws and regulations require drivers to take breaks and not drive more than a set number of hours within a specific timeframe, some drivers and companies ignore these laws, which can result in accidents.
  • Distracted driving: Truck drivers are in their vehicles for long periods and are incredibly vulnerable to the temptation of texting and talking on their phones while driving. Some trucks have computers to log their route, hours, and breaks. These devices may distract the driver resulting in crashes.
  • Poor truck maintenance: Trucks are on the road a lot and, as a result, require regular maintenance checks. In most cases, the driver is required to check their vehicle regularly and log their findings. Failing to properly maintain the vehicle can result in blowouts, brake failure, and other issues that can cause serious collisions.
  • Unsafe cargo loading: Semi-trucks’ purposes are to transport goods across the country. Ensuring the cargo is properly loaded and tied down is essential for safety because shifting cargo can cause a truck to tip over.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

The weight and size of a semi-truck require drivers with skill, focus, and knowledge of the vehicle because even the slightest error can lead to a devastating crash. The most common types of truck accidents include:

  • Rollover crashes: Rollovers can be caused by the driver making sharp turns or cargo shifting unnaturally, making the truck more top-heavy than it can handle.
  • Jackknife accidents: A jackknife accident means the truck folds in on itself. Usually, this will occur when a driver overcorrects, causing the cab and the trailer to fold at the hitch.
  • Rear-end collisions: The weight of trucks makes it difficult to stop quickly, so rear-end collisions are common when trucks follow too closely to the vehicle in front of them or are speeding.
  • Head-on collisions: Truck drivers are on the road a lot, resulting in fatigue which may cause them to drift into oncoming traffic.
  • Overpass collisions: Trucks are taller than the average car, and sometimes an overpass may not be high enough for the truck to clear it safely. Failing to recognize that the overpass is not tall enough can result in the truck colliding with the overpass causing further collisions.

Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents?

Like any car crash, various things can cause a truck collision. However, more parties may be liable in truck accidents, including:

  • The driver: If the truck driver’s actions or inactions were the primary cause of the collision, they would be at fault. If the driver were an independent contractor, they could be liable.
  • The trucking company: If the trucking company allows a driver to break the rules, knowingly hires an unqualified driver, or fails to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, the company can be found liable. If the driver was their employee, the trucking company could be held liable for their agent’s actions.
  • The cargo company or loading company: Sometimes, companies hire third parties to load their vehicles to ensure safety standards are met. If these cargo companies fail to properly load the truck, which results in a collision, the cargo company can be held liable for compensation.
  • The mechanic: Generally, trucking companies will hire other companies to maintain their vehicles. If the mechanic fails to properly repair and maintain the vehicle, they may be liable.

Available Compensation for Injuries in Truck Accidents

When you’ve been injured because of someone else’s wrongdoing, you are entitled to pursue compensation for your losses resulting from the incident. You may be able to pursue compensation for the following:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Past and future lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Cost of repair or replacement of your vehicle
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish

The compensation you receive in Indiana may be affected by your contribution to the truck accident. Indiana is a comparative fault state, meaning that if you are found to be 51 percent or more at fault for the collision, you will be barred from receiving compensation. However, if you contributed to the collision but are not found to be 51 percent or more at fault, you can receive compensation, which your assigned fault will reduce. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in compensation and are found to be 20 percent at fault for the collision, the maximum amount you can receive from the other liable parties is $80,000.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents

The Indiana statute of limitations allows a two-year timeframe to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This means that you have two years from the date of the collision to file your personal injury lawsuit. If you file after that, your case may be dismissed because the statutory period has expired.

Contact Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers

You are entitled to pursue compensation if you were injured in a truck accident because of another person’s wrongdoing. The experienced attorneys of Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers have helped recover millions of dollars in compensation for injured parties. We are ready to put our knowledge to work for you.

Contact one of our Merrillville truck accident attorneys at (219) 286-7361 to discuss your legal options and to get your free consultation.

In The News

Dec 01
The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

While some car accidents may be unavoidable and not any driver’s fault, such as a deer jumping into the road, most car accidents are preventable. There are many reasons or… Read More

VIEW ALL NEWS
Why Is the Black Box Important in Truck Accidents?
Nov 01

The roads and highways of Indiana are full of large commercial trucks that transport goods across the state and country. The value of any given truck’s cargo is incredibly high,… Read More

What You Need to Know About Minors and Indiana Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Oct 01

Motorcycles are unique vehicles. They are a source of fun, entertainment, and convenient transportation. They’re particularly popular with young riders and passengers under 18. However, if you want to let… Read More

How Will I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Claim?
Sep 01

Unfortunately, many Americans are hurt in accidents each year. The National Safety Council estimates that there were more than 55 million injuries in 2020. If you were injured in an… Read More

Why Posting on Social Media After an Accident Can Hurt Your Case
Aug 28

You may have heard of “oversharing.” The term refers to sharing pictures or ideas too often or posting too much personal information online. Typically, oversharing is simply an annoying habit.… Read More

Testimonials

Custy Law Firm has redeemed the reputation lawyers face in the legal field. I’m so grateful for their professionalism, their communication skills as well as their knowledge of the law.… Read More

- Yolonda M

Brian and his team were extremely helpful to us in resolving our case (related to personal injury from a traffic accident).  Brian listened to what our goals were for the… Read More

- Saroj S.

As a medical professional, I would like to testify that Mr. Brian Custy is the best attorney I met in Indiana. I trust his knowledge, experience, and professionalism. The firm… Read More

- Fei L.

From the first visit at Custy Law , I felt completely comfortable that my Auto accident would be taken care of. It was as if a huge weight was lifted… Read More

- Glenn H.

I am extremely happy with the quality of service and guidance I have received with Custy. His staff are amazing and he is very professional and down to earth. He… Read More

- Erin C.

Custy Law Firm provides the highest level of professional and ethical services to its clients. Brian Custy and staff are deeply committed to obtaining justice for those harmed by the… Read More

- Lisa C.

My experience with The Custy Law Firm has been nothing short of fantastic. I knew very little after PA school regarding the reading, understanding, and negotiating of contracts when accepting… Read More

- Monica B.

We’ve known Brian for a long time and he’s excellent on many levels. He has always focused on learning, achieving his goals, and operating ethically. He’s friendly, hard-working, very professional,… Read More

- Jenne C.

Brian Custy helped me at a time I needed someone I could trust.  He was attentive, positive, thorough, knowledgeable, and professional in every exchange.

- Judy M.

To some they would think my case as minimal. Custy Law Firm treated me with the most respect and consideration. Thank you CLF.

- William C.

I originally tried to use our legal counsel from my union. I was getting lowball offers, and after I refused to accept their offer, I was fired by my very… Read More

- RYAN D.

Since day one i have received the best service that anybody can ask for. Mr. Custy and Melissa have been such caring and trustworthy people. They really make you feel… Read More

- Joel Marquart

“Mr. Custy is an excellent lawyer that not only takes care of business but actually takes the time to listen to his clients. Mr. Custy cares and that is why… Read More

- CARLOS G

I have had the pleasure of working with Attorney Custy for the past two years on two cases at the same time. This has been the hardest thing I have… Read More

- ANGIE R.

“Brian Custy is a terrific lawyer that takes the time to walk you through the entire process, explaining all of the details that often times get overlooked. His follow-up was… Read More

- COREY O.

“Mr. Custy is a very good lawyer. He goes out of his way to make sure he is doing the best he can for your case. He is always there… Read More

- ALICE B.

“ Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers has gone above and beyond while working on my case. I was injured on the job and Brian has given me… Read More

- TIFFANY G.
View All Testimonials
American Association for Justice Logo
Illinois State Bar Association Logo
Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
National Trial Lawyers top 100 Attorneys Logo
NTL Top 10 for Trucking Litigation
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Indiana Trial Lawyers Assocation
Trial Lawyer's College Thunderhead Ranch Logo
American Association for Justice Logo
National Association of Distinguished Counsels
American Association for Justice Logo

GET YOUR FREE

CASE EVALUATION