Truck accidents in Valparaiso can change your life in an instant. When a semi-truck or 18-wheeler collides with your vehicle, the injuries are often severe. Recovery can be long and expensive. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you need a Valparaiso truck accident lawyer who understands these cases. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers has helped injured victims throughout Valparaiso and Northwest Indiana recover millions in damages. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact our Indiana truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Claim
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a serious truck accident, you need more than legal representation. You need a team that genuinely cares about your recovery. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers has been serving the Valparaiso community with compassionate, assertive legal representation for years. We maintain two convenient office locations in Valparaiso and Merrillville, Indiana. We also handle cases in Illinois.
What sets us apart is our commitment to preparing every case as if it will go to trial. We don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Our founder, Brian Custy, built this firm on the core belief that clients benefit from our willingness and ability to fight in court when necessary. Brian Custy has been recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Accident Lawyer in Indiana by The National Trial Lawyers. We’ve recovered millions for truck accident victims. One client received a $5,000,000 settlement after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Another client won a $3,700,000 jury verdict after a rear-end collision caused a traumatic brain injury that triggered dementia.
We offer free consultations. We work on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions. Our team takes time to understand how your accident has impacted your life. This allows us to advocate for the outcome that’s right for you, not what’s right for us.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Valparaiso
Truck accidents happen for many reasons. Understanding what caused yours is important to building a strong case. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue and Hours of Service violations – Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can work without rest. Some companies ignore these rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict Hours of Service regulations to prevent driver fatigue. Learn more about how truck accidents differ from other auto accidents. The top 5 causes of semi-truck wrecks often involve driver fatigue and regulatory violations.
- Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or adjusting equipment takes a driver’s attention off the road. Distracted truck drivers pose serious risks to other motorists on Indiana highways.
- Improper cargo loading and securement – Unsecured or overloaded cargo can shift during transit. This can make the truck unstable. Understanding weight limits and their impact on truck accident liability is critical to your case.
- Vehicle maintenance failures – Worn brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems can lead to accidents. Trucking companies have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles properly.
- Speeding and reckless driving – Large trucks need more time and distance to stop safely. Excessive speed significantly increases the severity of truck accident injuries.
- Weather conditions on Indiana highways – Rain, snow, and fog make it harder for truck drivers to control their vehicles. Winter driving conditions create additional hazards for truck accident victims.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Truck accidents come in many forms. Each type presents unique challenges. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers has experience handling all kinds of truck accident cases, including:
- Semi-truck collisions
- 18-wheeler accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
- Dump truck accidents
- Tanker truck accidents
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups
No matter what type of truck was involved in your accident, our team has the knowledge and resources to investigate what happened. We hold the responsible parties accountable. For more information about truck accident statistics and trends, review our latest research. Our Merrillville truck accident lawyers serve clients throughout Northwest Indiana with the same level of dedication and expertise.
Understanding Liability in Truck Accident Cases
Who Can Be Held Responsible
One of the most important aspects of a truck accident case is determining who is liable for your injuries. It’s not always just the truck driver. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on:
- The truck driver – If they were negligent, distracted, fatigued, or violated traffic laws
- The trucking company – If they failed to properly maintain the vehicle, enforce safety regulations, or hire qualified drivers
- Vehicle manufacturers – If a defect in the truck or its parts caused the accident
- Cargo loaders – If improper loading caused the truck to become unstable
- Maintenance providers – If they failed to properly repair or inspect the vehicle
How We Determine Liability
Determining who is responsible requires a thorough investigation. Our team uses multiple sources of evidence to build your case:
- Black box data analysis – Trucks have electronic logging devices that record speed, braking, and other critical information. The FMCSA requires electronic logging devices (ELDs) on most commercial trucks. Read our detailed guide on why the black box is important in truck accidents. Electronic logging devices provide crucial evidence in truck accident litigation.
- Dashcam and surveillance footage – Video evidence from the accident scene or nearby cameras. This evidence is often critical in establishing fault and liability.
- Witness statements – Accounts from people who saw the accident happen. Learn key witness questions to ask at the scene of a car accident. Witness testimony can significantly strengthen your truck accident claim.
- Police reports – Official documentation of the accident. Police reports provide an objective account of the accident scene and initial findings.
- Trucking company records and compliance documentation – Maintenance logs, driver records, and safety violations. Understanding how to prove fault in a truck accident is essential to your claim. These records often reveal patterns of negligence or regulatory violations.
Damages You May Recover
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses – Current and future treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Truck accident injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity – Income you’ve lost and future earnings if your injuries prevent you from working. Many truck accident victims face permanent disability.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. Learn how pain and suffering are calculated in Indiana. This compensation recognizes the non-economic impact of your injuries.
- Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects of the accident. Truck accidents often cause lasting psychological trauma.
- Property damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings. Your vehicle may be a total loss after a serious truck collision.
- Wrongful death damages – If a loved one was killed in the accident, family members may recover funeral costs and loss of companionship. Understand the difference between wrongful death vs. survival actions. Our Indiana wrongful death attorneys help families recover compensation for their losses.
The Truck Accident Claim Process
Understanding what to expect can help reduce stress during an already difficult time. Here’s how the truck accident claim process typically works:
- Initial consultation and case evaluation – We meet with you to discuss the details of your accident. We assess the strength of your case. During this free consultation, we explain your legal options and answer your questions.
- Evidence preservation and investigation – We gather evidence and interview witnesses. We work with experts to build your case. Quick action is critical to preserve evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.
- Demand letter and negotiation – We send a detailed demand to the insurance company. We negotiate for a fair settlement. Review our guide on how car accident settlements work. Our negotiation strategy is designed to maximize your recovery.
- Settlement or trial preparation – If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial. We’re prepared to take your case all the way to court if necessary.
- Court representation if necessary – If your case goes to trial, we represent you in court. We work to recover the compensation you’re owed. Our trial experience gives us confidence in the courtroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Indiana?
In Indiana, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. However, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear. Witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner we begin our investigation, the stronger your case will be. For more details, see our article on how long after an accident can you sue in Indiana. Don’t wait, contact our Valparaiso personal injury lawyers immediately.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
First, seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Call the police and get a copy of the accident report. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses. Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies or the truck driver’s representatives. Contact Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers as soon as possible. We can begin preserving evidence and protecting your rights. Our 24/7 availability means we’re here when you need us most.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on many factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical treatment you’ve received, your lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Some cases settle for thousands of dollars. Others result in settlements or verdicts worth millions. During your free consultation, we can provide an honest assessment of what your case may be worth. Review our case results to see what we’ve recovered for clients. Our track record speaks for itself.
Will my case go to trial?
Most truck accident cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to court. This approach gives us confidence in our case. It allows us to negotiate aggressively for a full and fair settlement. If the insurance company won’t offer adequate compensation, we’re ready to take your case to trial. We work to recover the compensation you’re owed. Our willingness to go to trial sets us apart from other firms.
Do I have to pay upfront legal fees?
No. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win your case. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or jury verdict. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about legal costs while you’re recovering from your injuries. Our contingency fee arrangement aligns our interests with yours.
What evidence is important in a truck accident case?
The most important evidence includes the truck’s black box data, dashcam footage, police reports, witness statements, and medical records documenting your injuries. We also work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to strengthen your case. The more evidence we have, the stronger your claim. Understanding soft tissue injuries after a crash is important for documenting your damages.
Contact Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Valparaiso or anywhere in Northwest Indiana, don’t wait to get experienced legal help. Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to help you recover the compensation you’re owed. Call (219) 286-7361 or contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and discuss your case. You can also reach out through our contact form or visit one of our convenient office locations in Valparaiso or Merrillville. Let our team of Valparaiso truck accident attorneys help you get back on your feet.
