Truck accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle collisions, in part due to the massive weight and size of a fully loaded commercial truck, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When such a vehicle collides with a car, motorcycle, or pedestrian, the resulting damage and injuries can be catastrophic, often leading to life-altering consequences for the victims.

At Wagner Reese, LLP, our Fort Wayne truck crash lawyers have achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients since 1997. Recognized by prestigious organizations such as Super Lawyers®, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The Best Lawyers in America©, and U.S. News & World Report, our Fort Wayne personal injury lawyers bring a combination of skill, experience, and resources to every truck accident case we handle.

Commercial Truck Safety Laws in Indiana

Our Fort Wayne truck attorneys at Wagner Reese are well-versed with the federal trucking regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Indiana law. We’ll identify violations of these laws to bolster your claim for maximum damages.

Hours of Service (HOS)

Truck drivers must adhere to strict limits on driving hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Drivers are restricted to a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Violations of HOS rules are a common cause of trucking accidents.

Minimum Liability Insurance 

Commercial truck operators must carry significantly higher insurance coverage than private vehicles. Depending on the type of cargo, minimum coverage ranges from $750,000 to $5 million to ensure sufficient compensation is available for accident victims.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections 

Trucking companies are required to perform regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs on their fleet to ensure that trucks are safe for the road. Failure to comply with these standards can lead to catastrophic equipment failures, such as brake or tire malfunctions.

Drug and Alcohol Testing 

Truck drivers are subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing before employment, randomly during employment, and following any accident. This ensures that impaired drivers are kept off the road.

Weight Limits and Cargo Securement 

Trucks must comply with weight restrictions and proper cargo securement regulations to prevent rollovers, jackknifing, and spills. Overloaded or improperly secured cargo is a frequent factor in truck accidents.

Photo of Truck Accident

Steps Our Fort Wayne Truck Accident Attorneys Take to Prove Liability and Recover Compensation

At Wagner Reese, our dedicated Fort Wayne truck accident lawyers will take swift and strategic actions to build a compelling case to hold the negligent parties liable for maximum damages.

  • Crash Site Investigation: Our team visits the accident scene to document key evidence, such as vehicle positions, skid marks, debris, and road conditions.
  • Preservation of Evidence: We issue notices or obtain court orders to ensure that the trucking company preserves essential evidence, including electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and surveillance footage.
  • Eyewitness Testimonies: We locate and interview witnesses to strengthen your case with credible accounts of the accident.
  • Event Data Recorder (EDR) Analysis: We download and analyze the truck’s EDR data to determine speed, braking patterns, and other critical details leading up to the collision.
  • Driver and Company Records Review: Our attorneys obtain the driver’s logs, qualifications, HR reviews, drug and alcohol test results, and the company’s hiring practices to uncover negligence.
  • Cargo and Maintenance Inspections: If cargo loading or maintenance failures are suspected, we investigate whether the trucking company violated FMCSA regulations or industry standards.
  • Expert Witnesses: When necessary, we engage accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and financial experts to establish liability and calculate the full extent of your damages.
  • Shielding You from Insurance Tactics: Insurance companies often use aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. We handle all communications, negotiations, and legal strategies to protect your rights.
  • Aggressive Settlement Negotiations: Armed with extensive evidence, we send a strong demand letter to the insurance company and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
  • Trial Preparation from Day One: We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This proactive approach ensures we’re ready to fight in court if the trucking company or insurer refuses to offer adequate compensation.

Get High-Powered Truck Accident Legal Help Today

Our Fort Wayne truck accident attorneys are prepared to take on powerful truck companies and insurance carriers to recover maximum compensation for you.

  • Over $300 Million Recovered: Our proven track record includes multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients.
  • Nationally Recognized Attorneys: Our attorneys have been honored by The Best Lawyers in America© and Super Lawyers®. Founding partners Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese were named among Indiana’s Top 25 Super Lawyers®.
  • Client-Focused Representation: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we win your case.

To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.