Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyers

Last updated on January 26, 2026

If you have been involved in an accident with a semi truck or 18-wheeler, you most likely sustained severe, even life-altering injuries. The two most important things you can do right are get medical attention right away and seek a lawyer’s help as soon as possible.

Truck accidents in Indianapolis, Indiana, are complex cases that involve not only state traffic laws but federal trucking regulations as well. In order to receive the compensation you deserve for your physical injury, lost wages, and pain and suffering, it’s best that you talk to a truck accident lawyer in Indiana who has experience with these types of cases.

Have you been injured in a truck accident in Indiana? Call us at 888-229-1778 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Our Truck Accident Case Results

At Hovde Dassow + Deets, LLC, our Indianapolis truck accident attorneys have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered physical injury in accidents involving semi trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles. We are familiar with the federal rules and regulations that commercial drivers must follow, as well as any local laws that apply.

We have used our knowledge to our client’s advantage for more than five decades and have successfully recovered over $300 million in compensation on their behalf.

Our experience and dedication have led to results such as:

• $42 million settlement for families of two people killed in a trucking accident
• $6,475,000 wrongful death trucking settlement
• $3,475,000 child wrongful death trucking settlement

We are committed to pursuing full justice for each client we represent.

What To Do After A Truck Accident In Indianapolis

1. Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you should do after a truck accident is to seek medical attention. If you are severely injured, call 911 and wait for paramedics to arrive. If you were minorly injured, you should still see a doctor or physician as soon as possible. The shock of the accident could mask the severity of your injuries, and you may even have underlying trauma that can only be diagnosed by a medical professional.

2. Contact Law Enforcement

You should also call the police and have an officer come out to the scene of the accident. Indiana law requires that you report any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury, death or property damage of more than $1,000 to the police. If a law enforcement officer comes to the scene of the crash, they will file this report on your behalf.

If possible, you should also try to get the following information from the truck driver:

• Their name
• Contact information
• Employer information
• Driver’s license number

Note the name of the company that owns or leases the truck (if you can) and write down everything you can remember about the accident right away. Take pictures of the crash site, your injuries and any damage to your vehicle. If any witnesses saw what happened, get their names, contact information and a brief statement if possible.

3. Contact an Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorney

When you wish to seek compensation after a motor vehicle accident, especially one involving a large truck or commercial vehicle, it is important that you discuss your case with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis. An attorney will be able to investigate the truck driver, the trucking company and other details of the accident that led to your injury.

You may receive phone calls from the truck company’s insurance adjuster; we advise that you decline to speak with them without your attorney. Anything that you say to the adjuster will be used to determine the compensation they offer you – remember, their job is to have you settle for less than what you are entitled to. If you are offered a settlement in exchange for signing a release, you will want to have a lawyer review the legalities of the release. Never sign anything or give any statement to the insurance adjuster without first talking to your attorney.

We Recover Compensation For Serious Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries due to the size, weight and force involved in such collisions. Common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Broken Bones: The impact of a truck accident can lead to fractures in various bones, including arms, legs, ribs and even more serious injuries like spinal fractures.
• Head Injuries: Head injuries can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, potentially causing paralysis or partial loss of function in certain body parts.
• Internal Injuries: The force of impact can cause damage to internal organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs, leading to internal bleeding and other complications.
• Burns: If the accident involves a fire or explosion, burns can result from direct contact with flames, hot surfaces, or chemical exposure.

The severe injuries that result from a trucking collision can cost a fortune in medical treatment, cause you to miss weeks of work, and leave you with long-lasting pain and suffering. Our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers at Hovde Dassow + Deets, LLC, can put extensive experience to work for you, fighting for the compensation you deserve. Our team has recovered over $300 million for our clients throughout Indiana.

Common Causes Of Truck Accidents

The question of liability tends to be far less straightforward in truck accident claims than in standard motor vehicle accident cases. However, like other accident claims, liability can be determined by first identifying the cause of the crash.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Truck Driver Error/Negligence: Truck drivers may cause serious accidents when they are distracted, careless, reckless or otherwise negligent. Traffic law violations, such as speeding or running red lights, are a common cause of these accidents, as are reckless and aggressive driving behaviors like drunk driving, speeding, tailgating, and passing unlawfully.
• Hours-of-Service Violations: Federal regulations, known as “hours-of-service” laws, limit the number of hours a commercial driver may drive during a single driving period. When truck drivers violate these regulations, they run the risk of driving fatigued. Fatigued driving has been shown to be as dangerous as drunk driving and can lead to devastating accidents.
• Issues with Cargo/Truck Weight: Large trucks transport literal tons of materials, including hazardous items and substances. When cargo is loaded improperly, it can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Overloaded cargo can pose a similar problem and may even be in violation of state and/or federal regulations.
• Poor or Incomplete Truck Maintenance: Truck drivers and other entities are responsible for regularly inspecting and maintaining commercial vehicles. When they fail to do so, or fail to report issues, serious truck failures can occur. Similarly, improper or missing truck repairs may lead to a disastrous or even deadly accident.
• Negligent Trucking Company Practices: In some cases, trucking companies may engage in negligent practices, such as encouraging drivers to meet unrealistic quotas or deadlines, turning a blind eye to hours-of-service violations, or failing to conduct background checks or regular drug and alcohol screenings on drivers. This can indirectly lead to serious collisions.
• Defective Trucks and Roadways: Truck defects – such as faulty engine components, defective braking systems or poorly manufactured tires – can cause serious accidents. The same is true of defective or poorly maintained roadways, which may present significant hazards or dangerous conditions, leading to a crash.

Poor weather conditions, such as rain or snow, are another common factor in truck accidents. While no one can be blamed for the weather, truck drivers do have a responsibility to adjust accordingly to less-than-ideal conditions. This may mean driving slower than the speed limit or even staying off the road until conditions have cleared.

Federal Regulations For Commercial Drivers

Truck drivers and trucks are regulated by a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and they have special rules and regulations they must follow.

Some of these federal regulations include:

• Limitations on the number of hours drivers are allowed to drive in one driving period
• Weight limitations for trucks and other commercial vehicles
• Driver’s license regulations for commercial vehicle operators
• Rules regarding the proper security precautions and processes for certain types of cargo
• Regular alcohol and/or drug screenings for commercial vehicle drivers
• Violating any of these federal regulations is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous and a sure sign of liability.

What Sets Truck Accidents Apart From Other Accidents?

Truck accidents are more complex and often more serious than car crashes. They involve several distinct challenges:

• Severity of injuries: The size and weight of commercial trucks can cause devastating injuries.
• Multiple liable parties: Responsibility may lie with the driver, trucking company, maintenance provider or manufacturer.
• Federal regulations: Trucking companies must follow strict federal safety rules that do not apply to passenger vehicles.
• Insurance complications: Commercial trucking insurance policies are often much larger and more aggressively defended.

These factors make it critical to work with attorneys experienced in handling truck accident claims.

Indianapolis Truck Accident FAQs

What Is My Case Worth?

The value of your truck accident case depends on several factors. No two cases are exactly alike, and we evaluate each situation based on its unique details. Common elements that influence case value include:

• Medical expenses: This includes both current and projected future costs related to your injury.
• Lost wages: If you missed work or cannot return to work, this loss is factored in.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Liability and insurance limits: The parties involved and the coverage available affect potential recovery.

An attorney at Hovde Dassow + Deets, LLC, can review your claim and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to.

Should You Accept A Settlement From The Trucking Company’s Insurance?

When faced with the choice of whether to accept a settlement from a trucking company’s insurance, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons to make an informed choice that lines up with your best interests. Accepting a settlement can provide a quicker resolution to your case. However, this faster settlement should not overshadow the importance of thoroughly evaluating the offer.

One critical factor to consider is the adequacy of the settlement amount in relation to the damages incurred. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries and property damage, and accepting a settlement that falls short of covering medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and property repair or replacement costs can have lasting consequences. This is why it’s crucial to consult with an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer to accurately assess the full extent of the damages and future financial implications.

Additionally, accepting a settlement may require waiving the right to pursue further legal action against the trucking company. This is another reason why having an attorney is important as unforeseen complications or long-term effects of the accident may arise after the settlement is finalized.

Who Is Liable For A Truck Accident In Indiana?

After determining the cause of the crash, our Indianapolis truck accident attorneys can identify the liable party. The most common liable parties in a trucking collision are:

• The driver
• The trucking company
• The truck owner
• The truck manufacturer

Even if the truck driver was directly responsible, the trucking company may be legally liable for your damages. This is because most employers are generally liable for the conduct of their employees while those employees are “on the clock.”

However, if the truck driver was classified as an independent contractor or if another party was at fault, you could have a claim against the truck driver or another third party.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For A Truck Accident Case In Indiana?

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict. If you miss it, you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether. There are exceptions in rare cases, but it is always best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.

Get a Free Consultation with an Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was involved in a truck accident in Indianapolis, Indiana, we encourage you to reach out to Hovde Dassow + Deets, LLC, right away. We are committed to maximizing your recovery, allowing you to secure the financial resources you need to manage unexpected medical bills, future care costs, lost wages, and other physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Because we offer our legal services on a contingency fee basis, you do not owe anything upfront or out-of-pocket when you work with our firm. Instead, we only collect attorney fees if/when we recover a settlement or verdict for you.

Don’t hesitate to schedule your complimentary consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Indianapolis. Call 888-229-1778 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.