Indiana ranks among the more dangerous states for large truck crashes, with DOT.gov data showing between 126 and 178 fatalities a year from 2021 through 2024.

Victims should call 911, avoid discussing fault, document the scene, obtain a full medical evaluation, and speak with an attorney before speaking with the trucking company’s insurer.

Liability can extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, a cargo loader, or a parts manufacturer, and Indiana law sets a strict deadline for filing a claim.

Vaughn A. Wamsley, offers free case evaluations and works on a contingency fee basis, so victims pay nothing unless the firm recovers compensation.

Truck accidents are among the most severe collisions on Indiana roadways, and the moments after a crash often determine the outcome of a legal claim. Because a fully loaded semi truck can weigh far more than a passenger car, the injuries victims suffer are frequently catastrophic, and the process of pursuing compensation is far more complex than a standard car accident case. 

This guide from Vaughn A. Wamsley walks through what victims need to know after a semi truck accident in Indiana, including the latest crash data, the steps that protect your health and your claim, and how liability is determined in these cases.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous On Indiana Roads

Indiana sits at the crossroads of America, and Interstates 65, 70, 69, and 74 all converge in or near the Indianapolis metro area. That geography, combined with the state’s manufacturing and logistics industries, means tens of thousands of semi trucks and tractor trailers travel Indiana highways every day. This heavy freight traffic has made Indiana one of the more dangerous states in the country for truck collisions.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes that claimed 173 lives in 2021, 178 lives in 2022, 126 lives in 2023, and 135 lives in 2024. The chart below shows how these figures have trended over the past several years. 

Indiana large truck and bus crash fatalities by year. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT.gov).

Preliminary 2025 data from Indiana crash reporting sources shows more than 1,600 accidents involving semi tractor trailers and other heavy trucks across the state, with over 70 fatalities and more than 2,100 injuries reported. Unsafe lane movement was identified as the most common contributing factor, followed closely by failure to yield.

What To Do Immediately After A Semi-Truck Accident

The steps you take in the first hours and days after a truck accident can significantly affect both your recovery and your ability to pursue fair compensation.

• Call 911 and request medical help, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some of the most serious injuries, including internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries, do not show symptoms right away.
• Stay at the scene and avoid discussing fault. Give police an accurate account of what happened, but let the investigation determine liability rather than speculating in the moment.
• Document everything you can. Photograph vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information before they leave.
• Get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible, even after the scene has cleared. A documented diagnosis links your injuries directly to the crash and becomes an important part of your claim.
• Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without legal guidance. Insurance representatives often contact victims quickly, and early statements can be used to minimize a settlement offer.
• Contact an experienced Indianapolis truck accident lawyer before accepting any settlement. Trucking companies and their insurers typically begin building a defense within hours of a crash, so early legal representation levels the playing field.

Common Causes Of Indiana Truck Accidents

Truck accidents rarely happen for just one reason. Our firm has represented clients whose crashes were caused by speeding truck drivers under pressure to meet delivery schedules, unsafe passing maneuvers on Indiana’s narrower highways, and equipment failures, such as worn brakes or defective tires, that were left unaddressed by trucking companies. Distracted driving, whether from a phone, dispatch communications, or driver fatigue, remains one of the most common and preventable causes of serious truck collisions on Indiana roads.

Who Is Liable In A Truck Accident Claim

Determining liability after a semi truck accident is rarely as simple as identifying who was driving. Depending on the facts of the case, one or more parties may share responsibility, including the truck driver, the trucking company that employed or contracted them, the company responsible for loading the cargo, and even the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part. A thorough investigation, including electronic logging device data, maintenance records, and driver qualification files, is often necessary to identify every liable party and pursue the full compensation a victim deserves.

The consequences of these crashes fall heaviest on the people least equipped to absorb them. In Indiana’s fatal large truck crashes in 2023, the state recorded 143 total deaths, including 90 truck occupants, 36 occupants of other vehicles, and 17 non-occupants such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Who died in Indiana’s fatal large truck crashes in 2023. Source: Indiana crash data, 143 total deaths in 159 fatal crashes.

These figures make clear that everyone on the road, not just those inside the truck, faces real risk when a commercial vehicle crash occurs.

How Long Do You Have To File A Claim In Indiana

Indiana law generally gives injury victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim, and truck accident cases are no exception. Missing the filing deadline can permanently bar a victim from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong the underlying case may be. For a detailed breakdown of these deadlines and the exceptions that can apply, see our guide to Indiana’s personal injury statute of limitations. Because trucking cases often involve federal regulations, multiple insurance policies, and corporate defendants, victims benefit from starting the legal process as early as possible rather than waiting until a deadline approaches.

Attorney InsightVaughn Wamsley has spent his career representing Hoosiers who were hurt by someone else’s negligence, and truck accident cases are among the most demanding matters our firm handles. Commercial trucking litigation moves quickly, and trucking companies often send investigators to the crash scene within hours. Having an attorney in your corner from the beginning helps preserve evidence, protects you from lowball settlement offers, and ensures every liable party is held accountable.

What Happens When You CallWhen you contact Vaughn A. Wamsley, Attorney at Law, after a truck accident, you will speak with a member of our team who can schedule a free, no obligation case evaluation. We will listen to what happened, explain your legal options in plain language, and begin investigating your case immediately if you choose to move forward. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Indiana?

Our firm handles truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so there is no upfront cost. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you.

What if the truck driver was not at fault for the accident?

Liability can still extend to the trucking company, a cargo loader, or a parts manufacturer, even when the driver was not primarily at fault. An investigation determines who bears responsibility.

How long after a truck accident can I file a claim in Indiana?

Indiana generally gives injury victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Exceptions can apply, so it is important to speak with an attorney promptly to confirm your specific deadline.

Should I give a statement to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

It is best to avoid giving a recorded statement until you have spoken with an attorney. Adjusters represent the trucking company’s interests, not yours.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident anywhere in Indiana, the team at Vaughn A. Wamsley, Attorney at Law is ready to help. Call our office today for a free, confidential case evaluation, and let us fight to protect your rights while you focus on recovery. Learn more about our Indianapolis truck accident lawyer services, or visit our Indianapolis personal injury lawyer page to see the full range of cases we handle.

Sources

U.S. Department of Transportation, Fatality Analysis Reporting System (DOT.gov); Indiana large truck and commercial motor vehicle crash data, 2025 preliminary reporting; Indiana fatal crash data, 2023.