Fort Wayne Truck Accidents Lawyers

Every year, nearly 500,000 crashes involving large trucks occur in the U.S., leading to thousands of severe injuries and tragic deaths. Indiana, with its busy interstates and heavy trucking traffic, sees more than its share of these devastating collisions.

At Crell Law, we understand the unique challenges of truck accident claims. Multiple parties—from the truck driver to the trucking company or even the manufacturer—may share responsibility, making these cases complex. Our experienced Fort Wayne truck accident attorneys are here to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

What Leads to Truck Collisions in Indiana?

Commercial truck accidents often stem from a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and company negligence. A thorough investigation is required to identify all contributing factors. Common causes include:

Driver Fatigue: Federal hours-of-service regulations exist to prevent tired drivers from being on the road, but violations are common.
Reckless and Aggressive Driving: Speeding, unsafe lane changes, and tailgating are incredibly dangerous when operating a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds.
Distracted Driving: Using a phone, adjusting in-cab equipment, or other distractions can have catastrophic consequences.
Improperly Secured or Overloaded Cargo: Unsecured or overweight loads can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control.
Equipment and Maintenance Failures: Worn brakes, bald tires, and steering system failures point to negligent maintenance by the trucking company.
Defective Truck Parts: Sometimes, the fault lies with the manufacturer of a defective component that failed under normal operating conditions.
Poor Vehicle Inspections: Failure to conduct routine pre-trip inspections can allow unsafe vehicles to operate on public roads.
Dangerous Road or Weather Conditions: While not always a cause for liability, truck drivers are expected to adjust their driving for adverse conditions.

Why Do Truck Accident Injuries Tend to Be Catastrophic?

The sheer size, mass, and momentum of a fully loaded commercial truck create an immense and destructive force in a crash. When a large truck collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the occupants of the car almost always suffer the most severe consequences.

Injuries from these collisions are frequently life-altering and may include:

Spinal cord damage and paralysis
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Internal organ trauma
Amputations
Severe fractures and crush injuries
Long-term disabilities
Wrongful death

The risk is magnified by the potential for multiple impact points, such as in underride accidents, rollovers, and secondary collisions. Beyond the physical harm, the violence of the impact often leads to significant emotional and psychological trauma for survivors. The road to recovery can be long, with high medical costs and the potential for permanent impairments.

Who Might Be Responsible—and Why Proving Fault Is Tricky

Unlike a typical car accident case, a truck wreck often involves multiple potentially liable parties. Identifying every responsible entity is a critical part of building a strong claim. Liable parties may include:

The Truck Driver: For negligent actions like speeding or distracted driving.
The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, poor training, or pressuring drivers to violate safety rules.
The Owner of the Truck or Trailer: If different from the trucking company.
The Maintenance Company: For faulty repairs or inadequate service.
Parts or Tire Manufacturers: If a defective component caused the crash.
Cargo Loading Companies: For improper loading or securing of freight.
Shippers or Freight Brokers: For creating unrealistic schedules that encourage unsafe driving.
Government Entities: If poor road design or a lack of proper signage contributed to the accident.

Proving fault requires a deep and immediate investigation into every aspect of the incident. This includes securing critical evidence, like:

The truck’s “black box” or electronic data recorder (EDR)
The driver’s logbooks and hours-of-service records
Maintenance and repair histories
Post-crash inspection reports
Cargo manifests and weight records
Witness statements and available surveillance footage
Cellular, GPS, and other telematics data

Insurers and corporate defendants will fight to protect their interests, making it vital to have a legal team ready to counter their tactics.

Let Our Fort Wayne Truck Accident Attorneys Stand By Your Side

At Crell Law, we combine decades of experience, substantial resources, and deep local knowledge to fight for you after a serious truck accident. With a client-centered approach and personalized attention, we’re here to handle the tough work so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.