18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Lake County
18-wheeler accidents are among the most catastrophic crashes on roads in Indiana. With major highways like I-65, I-80, I-94, and U.S. Route 30 connecting our communities to Chicago and beyond, the risk of being involved in a collision with a massive truck is far too real. When these wrecks happen, whether in Hammond, Gary, Crown Point, or Schererville, the results can be life-altering.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., we understand the devastation families face after a serious trucking accident. Our 18-wheeler accident lawyer firm in Lake County are here to investigate what went wrong, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are So Dangerous
An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The sheer size and mass of these commercial trucks make even low-speed crashes extremely dangerous. Collisions involving big rigs can often result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Severe burns or crush injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
These wrecks also tend to involve multiple vehicles and complicated scenes. Highways like I-65 or US-41 are common sites for multi-car pileups. When a commercial truck barrels into a line of cars, the aftermath can be overwhelming.
Trucking companies are well aware of these risks. This is why they’re subject to strict federal and state safety regulations. When they cut corners, people get hurt, and that’s where our team comes in.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lake County
Lake County’s proximity to Chicago, combined with high truck traffic on major corridors like I-80/I-94, I-65, and US-30, creates hazardous conditions. These are some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents we see.
Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Truckers are under pressure to meet delivery deadlines, causing many of them to drive longer than allowed under federal law. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep behind the wheel. Hours-of-Service (HOS) violations are a frequent factor in late-night or early morning crashes on I-65 or Route 20.
Distracted or Impaired Driving
Using a cell phone, checking GPS, eating, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol are all dangerous behaviors, especially for commercial drivers controlling a massive vehicle. Distracted and impaired driving is often common among out-of-state truckers unfamiliar with Lake County’s roads.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Speeding trucks have a much longer stopping distance. On roads like US-41 or through the industrial zones of Hammond and Gary, speeding or unsafe lane changes by 18-wheelers often result in T-bone or rear-end collisions.
Poorly Secured Cargo
Overloaded or improperly secured freight can shift in transit, making the truck unstable. When cargo spills onto the road or causes a rollover, the consequences can be deadly.
Mechanical Failures or Poor Maintenance
Bald tires, faulty brakes, broken lights; these issues are avoidable with regular inspections. Unfortunately, some trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money.
Weather-Related Conditions
Lake-effect snow, fog, and icy overpasses, especially near Crown Point, create treacherous conditions. Truckers who fail to adjust to weather and road hazards often cause devastating crashes.
No matter the cause, if negligence played a role, you have the right to pursue legal action.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
One of the most challenging aspects of an 18-wheeler accident case is determining liability. Unlike a typical car crash, where fault usually lies with one or two individuals, truck accidents often involve several layers of responsibility. Each party in the commercial trucking chain has specific duties under both Indiana law and federal regulations, and when those duties are breached, they may be held legally accountable.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our Lake County 18-wheeler accident lawyers leave no stone unturned when investigating your case. Here are the most common parties who may be liable.
The Truck Driver
The driver is often the first place to look when determining fault. Commercial drivers are held to high standards of safety and professionalism, but not all live up to that responsibility. Even one moment of inattention behind the wheel of a fully-loaded 18-wheeler can cause catastrophic damage. If the driver’s actions led to the crash, we’ll fight to hold them fully accountable.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies may try to shift all the blame to the individual driver, but in many cases, their own practices are equally, or more, responsible. Trucking companies can be liable for:
- Failing to train or supervise their drivers properly
- Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules
- Encouraging or ignoring hours-of-service violations
- Neglecting to perform regular maintenance
- Hiring drivers with a poor safety record or prior violations
Under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability, a company can also be held responsible for the negligent actions of its employee while the driver is acting within the scope of their employment.
Cargo Loading Contractors
In many cases, the truck’s cargo is loaded by a third-party logistics provider or warehouse team. These entities must follow strict loading protocols, including:
- Properly balancing the load
- Securing cargo to prevent shifting
- Not exceeding weight limits for axles or total truck weight
Improperly loaded trailers can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or loss of control, especially at highway speeds. If load issues contributed to your crash, our 18-wheeler accident attorneys will pursue claims against the company that performed the loading.
Fleet Maintenance Providers
Trucking companies sometimes contract out the responsibility for vehicle inspections and maintenance. These providers must ensure that all parts, such as brakes, tires, lights, and steering components, are roadworthy.
If a maintenance crew failed to catch or fix a known mechanical issue, and that failure contributed to the crash, they may be liable. We often work with vehicle mechanics and engineers to evaluate repair records and uncover signs of negligence.
Truck or Parts Manufacturers
Sometimes, the accident wasn’t caused by human error at all, but by a defective product. When a key component of the truck fails due to poor design or faulty manufacturing, the part’s maker may be held accountable under Indiana’s product liability laws.
Examples include:
- Brake system failures
- Tire blowouts due to manufacturing defects
- Steering system malfunctions
- Trailer hitch or coupling failures
In these cases, our team will bring in technical experts to analyze the part and determine whether it was unreasonably dangerous or failed prematurely under normal use.
Government Entities
In some situations, the crash is caused or worsened by dangerous road conditions. This can include:
- Potholes or uneven pavement on state or county roads
- Poor road design (e.g., sharp curves or blind intersections)
- Inadequate or missing signage
- Faulty traffic signals
- Lack of guardrails or drainage
When local or state government agencies fail to maintain safe roadways, they can be held liable. These cases involve unique procedures and tight notice deadlines, so it’s critical to act quickly if a government entity may be involved.
Our job is to uncover every contributing factor and pursue the maximum recovery from all available sources. In 18-wheeler cases, that means identifying and holding accountable every individual or company whose negligence played a role. At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our Lake County 18-wheeler accident lawyers are committed to fighting for full accountability and for the justice our clients deserve.
What Compensation Is Available in an 18-Wheeler Injury Claim?
The damages in a truck accident case can be substantial. Depending on your injuries and the circumstances of the crash, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Wrongful death benefits, if a loved one was killed
- Punitive damages, in cases of extreme recklessness or criminal conduct
Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys work with medical experts, economists, and life-care planners to fully document your losses and demand the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Proving Negligence in Indiana Truck Accident Claims
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can still recover damages if you’re partially at fault, as long as you are less than 51% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
To win your case, we must prove four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The truck driver and their employer owed you a legal duty to operate the vehicle safely and follow all applicable traffic laws and safety regulations.
- Breach of Duty: They violated that duty through careless, reckless, or illegal actions, such as texting while driving, skipping required inspections, or overloading the trailer.
- Causation: We must show that their breach directly caused the crash and your injuries, not some unrelated factor.
- Damages: You must have suffered actual harm, such as physical injury, lost wages, or emotional suffering.
Our 18-wheeler accident attorneys use evidence like driver logs, vehicle “black box” data, surveillance footage, expert reconstruction, and medical records to build a compelling case.
Indiana’s Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims
In Indiana, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to recover anything at all.
As such, it’s imperative to speak with one of our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Lake County, Indiana, as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and insurance companies get to work right away to protect themselves, not you.
Why Choose Theodoros & Rooth, P.C.?
Since 1988, Theodoros & Rooth has been helping injury victims across Northwest Indiana get justice. We’re known throughout the state for our:
- 75+ years of combined experience
- Strong trial reputation and negotiation skills
- 24/7 availability and prompt communication
- Record of high-value verdicts and settlements
- Team-based approach to each case
- AV Preeminent rating and Best Lawyers recognition
Our 18-wheeler accident lawyers treat every client like a member of our community, because they are.
18-Wheeler Accident Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I really need a lawyer for an 18-wheeler accident?
Trucking companies and their insurers have deep pockets and highly trained legal teams working to minimize their liability from the moment a crash occurs. These cases often involve federal regulations, black box data, and layers of corporate responsibility that make them far more complicated than typical car accidents.
Having an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer ensures you have someone who knows how to uncover hidden evidence, push back against blame-shifting, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Can I sue the trucking company directly?
Indiana law allows you to hold the trucking company accountable if its employee caused the accident while on the job. Additionally, you can sue the company directly if they were negligent in any way, such as by hiring an unqualified driver, failing to enforce safety protocols, or neglecting truck maintenance. In many cases, the trucking company bears the lion’s share of responsibility and is the primary source of financial recovery.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
If the crash occurred in Lake County, your claim will be governed by Indiana law, regardless of where the driver or trucking company is based. We frequently represent clients in cases involving out-of-state drivers traveling through the Northwest Indiana corridor, including I-80/I-94, US-30, and US-41.
Our firm knows how to handle interstate trucking litigation and bring the case to court in the proper jurisdiction.
Will I have to go to court after an 18-wheeler crash?
Many trucking accident cases settle through negotiations or mediation before trial. However, the best way to secure a substantial settlement is to prepare your case as if it will go to trial. Insurance companies take your claim more seriously when they know your legal team is ready and willing to litigate.
At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our 18-wheeler accident lawyers build every case for trial from day one, because preparation leads to results, whether in the courtroom or at the negotiation table.
Contact Our 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Law Firm in Lake County, Indiana
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, don’t face the legal process alone. At Theodoros & Rooth, P.C., our 18-wheeler accident attorneys are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations and handle all cases on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win for you. Contact us online to schedule your free consultation today with one of our 18-wheeler accident lawyers. Let us be your guardians of justice.