317-488-5500 Evansville 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers
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Since 1993
According to Indiana’s most recent crash data, there were thousands of collisions involving large trucks in a year alone, and they account for a disproportionately high number of deaths and catastrophic injuries. For families in Evansville, that often means emergency surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and financial strain that can last a lifetime.
At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we’ve handled these cases for decades, and we know the difference aggressive representation makes. Our Evansville personal injury lawyers have recovered millions for victims of truck collisions, including an $18.5 million settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a semi-truck accident. We invite you to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your options with our expert 18-wheeler accident lawyers.
The Unique Severity of Semi Truck Crashes
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Guide spells out strict requirements for inspections, cargo loading, and driver rest breaks. In practice, however, we frequently find that companies cut corners: failing to schedule brake service, pushing drivers beyond legal hours, or loading freight in ways that destabilize the trailer.
For victims, these violations can make the difference between proving liability and walking away uncompensated. Our attorneys know how fast trucking companies mobilize after a crash, which is why we act immediately to level the playing field for our clients.
How a TBI Lawyer at CFLB Will Help in Evansville
When you trust Christie Farrell Lee & Bell with a trucking case, we approach it with the same depth and rigor that has defined our results across Indiana:
- Evidence secured from day one: We send preservation demands to stop companies from destroying or altering driver logs, GPS records, and electronic control module data.
- Expert collaboration: Our lawyers work with accident reconstructionists, mechanical engineers, and medical professionals to reconstruct the crash and document the full scope of injury.
- Exposing regulatory breaches: We’ve successfully shown in past cases that companies violated federal Hours-of-Service rules and Indiana’s truck weight limits, which directly contributed to catastrophic wrecks.
- Pursuing full compensation: Beyond medical costs, we build claims for lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life, ensuring clients don’t settle short.
In one case, our attorneys proved a company ignored multiple brake defect warnings over months, a decision that directly caused a highway collision. That investigation, combined with medical testimony, secured a settlement that covered not only past expenses but also lifetime care for the injured victim.
Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500
Liability: Who Can Be Responsible After an 18-Wheeler Wreck
Unlike a two-car crash, where liability often rests with one driver, 18-wheeler cases typically involve multiple parties—each with distinct duties under Indiana and federal law. Determining fault requires tracing the chain of responsibility from the driver to the company that owns the truck, and in some cases, even the manufacturer or government agencies responsible for safe roadways.
The Trucking Company and Employers
Most victims first think of the truck driver when a crash happens, but the deeper liability often lies with the employer. Under Indiana’s trucking laws, companies are obligated to maintain their fleets, enforce driver rest breaks, and ensure proper cargo loading. Yet, we frequently uncover that corporations put profit ahead of safety.
In prior cases, our attorneys discovered logs showing companies pushed drivers well past federal Hours-of-Service limits, ignored routine brake service, and loaded trailers beyond legal weight. One case revealed that a trucking company instructed drivers to falsify rest logs to meet delivery schedules—a violation that directly led to a catastrophic highway collision. When we presented that evidence in court, it proved not just driver negligence, but a systemic failure at the corporate level.
Your attorney can help you understand how Indiana trucking laws interact with federal regulations in a free initial consultation. These overlapping rules often create leverage: if a company violates either standard, it strengthens the victim’s claim for damages.
Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider
Sometimes the crash is less about driver error and more about mechanical failure. Faulty brakes, defective tires, or steering system malfunctions can turn a truck into a deadly weapon. When parts fail, responsibility may fall on the manufacturer or the third-party maintenance provider who failed to properly inspect and repair the vehicle.
Our team has pursued claims against out-of-state manufacturers in federal court when evidence showed defective components were at the root of a semi-truck wreck. These cases require specialized engineering testimony, but they can substantially increase available compensation for Evansville families by bringing another liable party into the claim.
Other Drivers, Road Conditions, and Government Negligence
Not all collisions are caused solely by the truck or its operator. At times, another motorist’s reckless driving forces the truck into a crash, or hazardous infrastructure becomes a contributing factor. Poor signage, unlit intersections, and pothole-ridden stretches are familiar dangers in Evansville.
When road defects play a role, claims may extend to government entities responsible for design and maintenance. These cases come with unique deadlines and notice requirements under Indiana law, which is why victims need lawyers who understand both the liability theories and procedural hurdles involved.
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Injuries That Are Eligible for Compensation After an 18-Wheeler Crash
Not every injury from a semi-truck collision is treated the same way under Indiana law. For a claim to move forward, the injury must meet the threshold of causing measurable damages—medical costs, lost wages, or long-term impairment.
In Evansville, the most common injuries that qualify for compensation include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Even mild TBIs can lead to cognitive issues, memory problems, and behavioral changes. Severe cases often require lifetime care, making them eligible for substantial recovery.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Victims facing partial or complete paralysis often need home modifications, mobility equipment, and long-term medical treatment. These costs are compensable.
- Multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries: Crush injuries or compound fractures from the force of an 18-wheeler impact can prevent victims from working for months, supporting claims for both medical and wage loss damages.
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding: Surgeries, intensive care, and permanent health complications make these injuries eligible for significant economic and non-economic damages.
- Severe burns and disfigurement: Fires and chemical spills from trucks can leave victims permanently scarred. Indiana courts recognize not only the medical expenses but also the lasting psychological trauma tied to these injuries.
Our attorneys also explain to clients that compensation is not limited to hospital bills. If an injury affects the ability to work, provide for a family, or enjoy life as before, Indiana law allows claims for those losses as well. As discussed in our truck accident settlement blog, settlement values can reach into the millions when injuries are life-changing or permanent.
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Contact Us for a Free Consultation If You’ve Been Injured by a 18-Wheeler in Evansville
If you are coping with injuries from an 18-wheeler collision, don’t assume insurance companies will fairly recognize your losses. Your attorney at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell will investigate the cause of the crash, document the full scope of injury, and ensure your claim reflects both immediate and future needs.
We provide free consultations, and you won’t pay any fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our Evansville office is dedicated to helping victims across southwestern Indiana hold negligent truck drivers and corporations accountable.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a strong claim for eligible injuries and begin the path to financial recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Evansville
What should I do immediately after a semi-truck crash in Evansville?
The most important step is to seek emergency medical treatment, even if injuries are not obvious right away. After stabilizing, victims should contact law enforcement so an official crash report is filed with the Indiana State Police. Because trucking companies often send their own investigators to the scene, it’s also critical to reach out to an attorney early so evidence like black box data and driver logs can be preserved.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Indiana?
Most personal injury lawsuits in Indiana must be filed within two years of the crash under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. This deadline applies to both injury and wrongful death claims. Missing this statute of limitations usually means forfeiting your right to compensation, which is why early legal consultation is so important.
Who can be held responsible in an Evansville semi-truck accident?
Liability may extend far beyond the driver. Employers who pushed drivers past legal rest limits, companies that failed to maintain trucks, manufacturers of defective parts, and even government agencies that neglected unsafe roads can all be held accountable. Our attorneys review corporate records, maintenance files, and crash data to identify every responsible party.
How can Christie Farrell Lee & Bell help me with my case?
Our attorneys bring decades of trial-tested experience in trucking cases across Indiana. We’ve secured life-changing results, including an $18.5 million settlement for a client with a traumatic brain injury from a semi-truck crash. We investigate crashes immediately, partner with reconstruction experts, and ensure your damages are fully documented for negotiation or trial. Most importantly, we provide personal support to families during the process, keeping communication open and ensuring clients know where their case stands at all times.
Professional, very knowledgeable, and realistic.
“From my first telephone conference with Mr. Christie to the settlement of my case, I found Lee and his office staff to be professional, courteous, and extremely helpful. Mr. Christie is professional, very knowledgeable, thorough, and realistic.”
Simply the best.
“Tina Bell is the best. She continued to pursue the case resulting in an agreeable settlement.”
Truly kind and had best interest at heart.
“Lee Christie represented my parents after an auto accident and he was wonderful! He always answered any questions or concerns we had and I would recommend him to anyone!”
Very compassionate & caring in a stressful situation.
“Lee Christie and Jill DuVall were very compassionate and caring in a stressful situation. They always answered our questions promptly, sometimes very late in the evening.”
I felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulder.
“They were professional, yet very personally involved in our case. After hiring them, I felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulder so I concentrate on taking care of my husband.”
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