Fort Wayne, IN, Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

A collision with a large truck can turn a routine drive into a life-altering event. These massive commercial vehicles, including dump trucks and large trucks, carry enough force to leave behind shattered lives. Truck accidents are a growing danger on Indiana roads, putting everyday drivers in harm’s way with little warning. At Crossen Law Firm, our Fort Wayne truck accident lawyers help truck crash victims seek justice, rebuild what was lost, and fight for the maximum compensation needed to move forward with support. Contact us at 317-401-8626.

Why You Need a Fort Wayne Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer on Your Case

Filing a truck accident claim involves layers of liability when a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle is involved. The truck driver’s employer, the trucking company, and even third-party contractors may all share responsibility. These cases often depend on understanding complicated state and federal regulations, reviewing technical documents, and uncovering any signs of a violation. Proving who was truly at fault can take time, persistence, and the skill of an experienced lawyer who knows how these investigations unfold.

By reviewing medical records, analyzing crash reports, and working closely with accident reconstruction experts, our legal team builds a case designed to withstand pressure from the insurance company. Victims may be entitled to compensation that covers lost income, medical care, and the lasting effects of their injuries. Choosing an experienced Fort Wayne truck accident attorney can be the difference between settling for less and reaching an outcome that genuinely helps you move forward.

Types of Distracted Driving That Cause the Most Semi-Truck Accidents

Driving while distracted is a leading factor in many commercial truck accident cases. Of all the distractions, cell phone use is the most common. Despite federal regulations banning handheld devices, some truck drivers still text, make calls, or use apps while driving, which can cause a driver to lose control. These large vehicles require more time to stop and have larger blind spots. When a truck driver is focused on a screen rather than the road, everyone around them is at risk.

While cell phones are the primary concern, distractions can also include eating, adjusting GPS devices, reaching for objects, falling asleep, or interacting with in-cab technology. These seemingly minor behaviors can become deadly in a matter of seconds when operating a vehicle of that size.

Penalties for Distracted Driving

The federal government has clear rules to reduce distracted truck crashes. Using a handheld phone while operating a commercial truck is illegal and comes with serious penalties. Drivers may face fines, license suspension, or even job loss. A trucking company that fails to enforce these rules can also be held accountable.

In the aftermath of a crash, proof of distraction can serve as critical evidence in your case. It shows a clear example of negligence in a truck accident claim. An experienced attorney can obtain phone records, analyze logs, and help demonstrate how distraction contributed to the collision. This can be key to the negligent party being held liable and securing compensation for victims from the trucking company or driver.

What Is an Underride Semi-Truck Accident?

An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the body of a tractor-trailer during a crash. Since commercial trucks are so much taller than most passenger vehicles, the impact often bypasses standard safety features like bumpers and airbags. The top of the smaller vehicle can be sheared off, leading to devastating or fatal injuries, making these types of collisions among the most dangerous on the road.

What Causes Underride Semi-Truck Accidents?

Rear underride truck accidents often happen when a truck driver brakes suddenly, parks without adequate warning lights, or drives a trailer lacking visible reflective markings. In many cases, commercial trucks are stopped or moving slowly in areas with low visibility, leaving other motorists little time to react.

While the federal government has established requirements for rear underride guards on newer trailers, many older models still lack these safety features. In some cases, guards are present but poorly maintained, failing to meet minimum safety standards. If a trailer lacks proper safety protections, legal responsibility for an underride crash may fall on the trucking company, the at-fault truck driver’s employer, or both, depending on the circumstances.

How Side Underride Accidents Are Different

Side underride truck accidents occur when a commercial truck turns or crosses into traffic and a vehicle strikes the trailer from the side. These crashes often happen at intersections or during wide turns where the truck blocks a lane unexpectedly. When trailers do not have side guards or reflective tape, smaller vehicles may not see them in time to avoid a collision.

Unlike rear underride truck accidents, which can often be addressed with guards or lighting, side underride crashes are more difficult to prevent. Safety regulations are limited, and standards for side protection remain inconsistent. This can often lead to severe truck accident injuries and raise concerns about trailer visibility, truck driver negligence, and the quality of safety training provided.

How Semi-Truck Accidents Can Cause Burn Injuries

Truck accidents pose a serious risk of fire. Tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles carry large quantities of fuel, and a high-impact collision can result in tank damage or leakage that may lead to a fire. In these situations, people in nearby vehicles can suffer serious injuries, including burns that require immediate medical attention and ongoing care. Victims may need specialized attention from trauma and burn care teams, sometimes for an extended period. These injuries frequently become the focus of complex personal injury cases.

Complications Severe Burn Injuries Can Cause

Many truck accident burn victims face long-term health challenges such as infections, nerve damage, and emotional stress that affect earning ability and independence. The financial toll of these injuries can be overwhelming. Between medical expenses, extended treatment, and time away from work, the costs add up quickly.

Our Crossen lawyers can help secure compensation that reflects both your immediate and future needs. Our firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay legal fees unless we win your case. With the help of our experienced truck accident attorneys, you can focus on recovery while we focus on holding the responsible parties accountable.

How a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Negotiates With the Insurance Company

After a truck crash, it’s common for the insurance company to make contact quickly with a settlement offer. While these offers may appear helpful, they’re often made before the full extent of your injuries or losses is understood. The goal is to resolve the claim fast and limit their financial responsibility.

Our Fort Wayne truck accident attorneys approach each case with precision. This includes examining maintenance records, driver logs, and any signs of safety violations, such as improperly loaded cargo or a failure to follow mandatory regulations.

Our team handles all communication with the insurance company, building leverage based on facts, not assumptions. We stand between you and a system built to minimize payouts, ensuring your recovery isn’t undervalued.

Why You Shouldn’t Take the Insurance Company’s Initial Settlement Offer

Quick offers may feel like a solution, but they rarely account for what comes next. They are usually made to settle the claim before long-term costs come into focus, leaving you responsible for future medical bills, lost wages, or worsening conditions. Truck accident victims are sometimes unaware of how much their injuries will cost over time, and once you accept a settlement, there’s no going back.

Speaking with a truck accident lawyer before making any decisions gives you clarity. Your attorney can assess the full picture and protect your right to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why Going to Trial After a Semi-Truck Accident May Be More Beneficial for the Victim

In some personal injury cases, taking the claim to court is the most effective way to pursue justice. When a commercial vehicle collision happens, a trial creates space for every detail to be examined under oath. Presented evidence, like electronic logging devices and weather conditions, can play a key role in proving what went wrong. It allows the facts to speak for themselves, especially when who should be held liable is contested or unclear. Trials also allow victims to show how the accident has affected their lives, which is something that’s often minimized during settlement negotiations. The courtroom gives equal weight to emotional, physical, and financial damages.

While a trial may take more time, it can lead to stronger outcomes. A jury has the power to award full and fair compensation, especially when unsafe driving, ignored mandatory rest breaks, or failure to properly load cargo contributed to the accident. For many victims, it is the only way to secure a resolution that truly reflects the seriousness of what they’ve endured.

Why Waiting To File a Semi-Truck Accident Claim Is Risky

Delaying legal action after a truck crash can weaken your claim in ways you might not expect. In Indiana, the statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing, and once that window closes, so does your right to pursue compensation. Acting quickly helps preserve key evidence related to dump trucks, tractor trailers, or other large trucks involved in the crash. Witnesses can forget details, and crash scenes are cleared fast.

If you’re dealing with serious injuries, reaching out to a Fort Wayne truck accident lawyer early allows your case to move forward before critical proof disappears, ensuring a strong foundation for your case. You’ll also be given access to resources that can support your recovery while the investigation is underway.

FAQS

Who Investigates Semi-Truck Accidents?

Throughout Indiana, law enforcement agencies and private investigators examine crash scenes, review truck driver logs, and inspect commercial vehicles for compliance with federal regulations. These investigations often involve more than one party, including insurance companies and specialized accident reconstruction experts who analyze complex scenarios like jackknife accidents. Medical records may also be reviewed to establish the full extent of injuries sustained by victims.

How Do I Report a Semi-Truck Driver?

To report dangerous or unsafe behavior, file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT. Reporting reckless driving can help protect other motorists and improve road safety.

What Are Electronic Logging Devices in Semi-Trucks?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track hours of service and mandatory rest breaks, ensuring that truck drivers follow legal limits. These records are often used as evidence when proving negligence in a truck accident case.

Contact Crossen Law Firm Fort Wayne Truck Accident Lawyers

We understand the trauma and uncertainty that follows a truck crash. Our team has years of experience guiding clients throughout Fort Wayne, Allen County, and across Indiana as they rebuild their lives. We are committed to helping Fort Wayne accident victims pursue justice and recover the compensation from the driver or trucking company they need to move forward.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

Call 317-401-8626 today to schedule a free consultation.