18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Lake County
When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger car, the outcome is rarely minor. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean that even a “routine” crash can cause catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or death. Victims often face lengthy hospital stays, costly rehabilitation, and the overwhelming challenge of taking on a trucking company’s insurance carrier. Our 18-wheeler accident attorney Lake County IN law firm is here to help.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our lawyers have been protecting injured people in Northwest Indiana since 1988. With over 75 years of combined legal experience, we understand what it takes to investigate complex truck crashes, establish liability, and hold negligent companies accountable. We proudly represent clients in every corner of Lake County.
The Unique Dangers of 18-Wheelers
18-wheelers, also known as semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, dominate the highways around Lake County. They haul freight along major routes like I-80/94 (Borman Expressway), I-65, U.S. 30, and U.S. 41. While these trucks are essential to commerce, they also pose serious risks to smaller vehicles.
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s more than 20 times the weight of an average passenger car. That massive difference in size and momentum means accidents often leave devastating consequences for those in the smaller vehicle. Injuries are typically severe, property damage is extensive, and fatalities are tragically common.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lake County
Every accident is unique, but many 18-wheeler crashes stem from preventable negligence.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, despite federal rules limiting driving time. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making drowsy truckers as dangerous as drunk drivers.
Distracted Driving
Whether checking a GPS, eating, or using a cellphone, truck drivers who take their eyes off the road put everyone at risk. With an 18-wheeler, even a moment’s distraction can cause a deadly collision.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Because of their size, 18-wheelers require much longer stopping distances. Truckers who speed on I-94 or tailgate on U.S. 30 create dangerous conditions that often lead to rear-end or jackknife crashes.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications, impair truck drivers’ ability to operate safely. An impaired trucker behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler is a recipe for disaster.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Federal regulations require regular inspection and maintenance of commercial trucks. Faulty brakes, worn tires, or neglected mechanical systems can easily cause a crash.
Improper Loading
An 18-wheeler must be balanced and adequately secured. Overloaded or unevenly distributed cargo increases the risk of rollovers or cargo spills, which can endanger nearby drivers.
Weather Conditions
Lake County winters bring snow, ice, and fog. Truckers who fail to reduce speed or increase following distance in poor conditions often cause multi-vehicle pileups.
Different Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents
18-wheeler accidents can occur in many ways. Each type of collision poses unique dangers.
Jackknife Accidents
When the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out at an angle to the cab, the truck can skid uncontrollably across multiple lanes. These accidents often block highways, such as I-65, and cause chain-reaction collisions.
Rollover Crashes
Top-heavy trailers or sharp turns at high speed can cause an 18-wheeler to roll over. Vehicles in adjacent lanes may be crushed beneath the weight of the truck.
Rear-End Collisions
An 18-wheeler traveling at highway speeds requires hundreds of feet to stop. When truckers follow too closely, rear-end crashes often cause catastrophic injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles.
Underride Accidents
One of the deadliest types of crashes occurs when a car slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. Even at moderate speeds, these accidents are often fatal.
Blind Spot Accidents
Because of their size, 18-wheelers have significant blind spots on all four sides. Drivers in passenger vehicles who linger in these zones are at risk if the trucker makes an unsafe lane change.
Tire Blowouts
Improperly maintained tires can explode, sending the 18-wheeler swerving into other lanes. Debris from blowouts can also strike other vehicles.
Severe Injuries Caused by 18-Wheeler Accidents
The consequences of a collision with an 18-wheeler are often life-changing. Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions, cognitive impairment, and permanent brain damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Partial or complete paralysis requiring lifelong care.
- Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures in the arms, legs, pelvis, and ribs.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent.
- Severe Burns and Lacerations: From fires, explosions, or contact with hazardous cargo.
- Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after catastrophic crashes.
Many victims face years of rehabilitation, permanent disability, or the inability to return to work. An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney in Lake County ensures these long-term effects are reflected in any compensation claim.
Federal and State Trucking Regulations
Trucking companies and drivers are subject to strict regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state law in Indiana. These rules govern:
- Hours of service (to prevent truck driver fatigue)
- Vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements
- Driver qualifications and licensing
- Cargo securement standards
- Alcohol and drug testing
When truck drivers or companies fail to comply with these regulations, they put the public at risk. Violations of FMCSA rules often play a critical role in proving negligence in 18-wheeler accident cases. Our lawyers can note these federal laws as we build your case.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Large truck accidents are rarely straightforward. Unlike a standard car crash involving two drivers, collisions with 18-wheelers often involve multiple layers of responsibility. A single mistake on the road may trace back to a negligent driver, but it can also expose dangerous practices by trucking companies, contractors, or manufacturers. To ensure that every possible avenue of recovery is pursued, our experienced Lake County 18-wheeler accident attorneys will investigate every angle of the case.
The Truck Driver
Truck drivers can be held directly responsible for crashes caused by their actions. This may include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or operating while fatigued. Federal hours-of-service regulations are supposed to limit the number of consecutive hours a driver can spend behind the wheel, but violations are common. If a driver falsifies logbooks, ignores safety rules, or makes poor decisions that lead to an accident on I-65, U.S. 30, or the Borman Expressway, they can be named as a liable party.
The Trucking Company
Carriers and trucking companies often share liability for accidents. These businesses are legally responsible for hiring qualified drivers, properly training them, and maintaining safe schedules. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners by putting inexperienced drivers on the road, ignoring background checks, or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines. If a company’s policies or negligence contribute to a crash, they may be held accountable alongside the driver. In many cases, trucking companies carry large commercial insurance policies, making them an important target for recovery.
Maintenance Contractors
Many trucking companies outsource maintenance to third-party contractors. If brakes fail, tires blow out, or steering systems malfunction due to poor inspection or faulty repairs, the maintenance provider may be held legally responsible. Mechanical failure is particularly dangerous on congested Lake County, IN, highways, where a disabled 18-wheeler can trigger multi-vehicle pileups. Investigating service records and maintenance contracts is essential to determining whether a contractor’s negligence played a role.
Cargo Loaders
The safe loading of freight is critical to preventing accidents. Cargo that is overloaded, unbalanced, or improperly secured can shift during transit, causing the truck to jackknife or roll over. Hazardous materials that spill onto highways can also create life-threatening dangers for other motorists. In these cases, the shipping company or warehouse responsible for loading the trailer may share liability.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective components are another potential source of liability. Faulty brakes, defective tires, or malfunctioning coupling systems can all lead to catastrophic crashes. When design or manufacturing flaws cause or contribute to an accident, the company that produced or distributed the defective part can be held accountable under product liability laws.
How Our 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Assess Liability
Because so many different parties may share responsibility, these cases require a thorough and methodical approach. A skilled Lake County 18-wheeler accident lawyer works to uncover every layer of liability, ensuring that victims are not left dependent on just one insurance policy for compensation.
By pursuing all available claims—against drivers, trucking companies, contractors, and manufacturers—our 18-wheeler accident attorneys maximize the chances of full recovery for injured clients and grieving families.
Compensation in 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
Victims of truck crashes may be entitled to substantial compensation, reflecting the severity of their injuries. Damages often include:
- Medical expenses (emergency treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future care)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage, including vehicle replacement
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support
- In cases of egregious misconduct, punitive damages are used to punish reckless behavior
Because 18-wheeler accidents often involve catastrophic harm, settlements and verdicts can reach six or seven figures.
Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for 18-Wheeler Accidents
In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the claim involves a government vehicle or unsafe road conditions maintained by a public entity, the deadline to file a notice of claim may be as short as 180 days. Acting quickly ensures your attorney can preserve evidence and file within the proper time limits.
How Theodoros & Rooth, P.C. Can Help
When you hire our firm, you gain a dedicated team with decades of experience handling truck accident litigation. Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers:
- Conduct thorough investigations using accident reconstruction experts.
- Obtain driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records.
- Pursue all liable parties, from drivers to corporations.
- Work with medical and financial experts to calculate damages.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers while preparing every case for trial.
Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys have earned recognition from Best Lawyers, Indiana Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting our commitment to excellence. With more than 75 years of combined experience, we are trusted advocates for truck accident victims throughout Lake County.
Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
How are 18-wheeler accident cases different from car accident cases?
18-wheeler accident cases are more complicated because they often involve multiple liable parties, federal regulations, and commercial insurance policies with higher limits. Investigations typically require knowledge of trucking industry standards and regulations.
Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault in an 18-wheeler crash?
Yes. Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, you can recover damages if you are less than 51% responsible for the crash. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. Our lawyers can review the details of the 18-wheeler accident and help you understand the value of your claim and how partial fault can affect compensation.
What evidence is essential in an 18-wheeler accident case?
Key evidence includes driver logs, the truck’s black box data, maintenance records, police reports, witness statements, and photos of the crash scene. Prompt action by your 18-wheeler accident attorney helps ensure this evidence is preserved.
What damages can my family recover if a loved one is killed in an 18-wheeler accident?
After a fatal 18-wheeler accident, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death damages. These damages include funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and compensation for the loss of love, care, and companionship.
Contact Our 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Lake County IN Law Firm
An 18-wheeler accident can leave victims facing devastating injuries, financial hardship, and an uncertain future. You don’t have to face this battle alone. At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our 18-wheeler accident attorney Lake County law firm is here to fight for your rights, uncover the truth, and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
For a free, confidential consultation with experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney Lake County IN law firm, contact our law firm online. At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we proudly serve clients in Lake County communities like Gary, Hammond, Crown Point, Merrillville, and Schererville.