Lake County Trucking Accident Lawyer
Last updated on May 11, 2026
Truck accidents are among the most devastating incidents on the road. The sheer size and weight of trucks contribute to the severity of these crashes, especially in collisions with smaller vehicles. The legal aspects of truck accidents are also highly complicated. They require a deep understanding of trucking laws and regulations and the complexities of commercial insurance policies and personal injury law. A trucking accident lawyer will be able to best help you gain compensation after a wreck.
At Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, we have extensive experience representing truck accident victims across Northwest Indiana. We are one of the oldest law firms in the area, and our thoughtful, caring approach sets us apart. Our trucking accident lawyers have consistently earned awards and recognition for their high-quality work. You can benefit from our team’s 100-plus years of collective experience handling challenging cases.
Getting The Compensation You Need To Recover After A Truck Accident
There is rarely such a thing as a minor truck accident. When a truck collides with a car, another truck, a motorcycle, a bicyclist, a pedestrian, a bus or a train, the result is usually serious injury for the other party to the crash. This is the case because of a truck’s size and momentum, compared to other vehicles or people on the road. Even if you are fortunate enough to be reading this after a truck accident, you may be dealing with serious injuries that will take a long time to recover from. Or you may be a family member of someone injured or killed after a truck accident, wondering how to pursue the compensation your family needs to move forward after this terrible blow.
Who Will Be Your Advocate? We Can Provide A Skilled Trucking Accident Lawyer
Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, is well-prepared to impart the knowledge you need at this time. After years in the practice of law, we have heard many stories and helped many people cope with the aftermath of serious accidents. We are efficient at identifying all liable parties after a truck accident, as well as determining the seriousness of injuries, which will, in turn, help determine the dollar amount a claim or lawsuit should aim for.
From our law offices near the intersection of Highway 41 and U.S. 30 in Northwestern Indiana, we are continually aware of the hazards of truck accidents. Except for in-town delivery trucks and service trucks like garbage trucks, many trucks used for shipping goods spend a great deal of time traveling at high speeds on highways like the ones near our office. We are ready to begin an investigation into the causes of any truck accident or another type of traffic accident and work to bring maximum compensation to injured parties.
Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for many reasons. Common causes include:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI)
- Speeding
- Improper loading
- Mechanical failures
- Poor road conditions
Identifying the contributing factors is crucial in building a strong truck accident case. Our team will work diligently to investigate the accident and collect strong evidence.
How Truck Accident Claims Differ From Car Accidents
Truck accident claims are more complex than car accident claims. They often involve multiple parties such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, and sometimes even the loading company. Multiple commercial insurance policies as well as federal and state trucking regulations also come into play, making these cases more challenging. Our attorneys understand these nuances and how to skillfully address them.
Steps To Take Following A Truck Accident
Getting into a collision with a truck is every driver’s worst nightmare. If you are involved in a truck accident, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Get help: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911.
- Gather evidence: If you’re able to safely do so, gather insurance information, collect contact details of witnesses and take photos of the scene.
- Seek medical attention: Get medical care as soon as possible, and follow up on all medical treatment plans.
- Contact a trucking accident lawyer: While legal considerations may be the furthest thing from your mind in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, the sooner you get legal help, the better.
We are here to help you. Our lawyers can protect you from insurance tactics, help you build a strong case and work quickly to pursue compensation for you.
Potentially Liable Parties In A Trucking Accident
Multiple parties could be liable in a trucking accident, including:
- The truck driver: The driver could be legally responsible if their actions contributed to the accident – for example if they were speeding, driving under the influence, fatigued or violating traffic laws.
- The trucking company: The company that owns the truck or employs the driver may also be liable. This liability can arise from failing to properly train or supervise their drivers, failing to conduct adequate background checks or pushing drivers to meet unrealistic schedules that lead to tired or overworked drivers. Additionally, employers are liable for the actions of their employees during the scope of employment, which means even a nonnegligent employer can be on the hook.
- The truck manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure that can be traced back to the design or manufacturing of the truck, the manufacturer might be held liable under product liability principles. This includes issues like defective brakes, engine problems or safety features that did not work as intended.
- The loading company: Companies responsible for loading the truck’s cargo can be liable if an improper load contributed to the accident. This can include situations where the load was not secured properly, was not properly balanced or exceeded weight limits, all of which can affect the truck’s handling and safety on the road.
- Maintenance providers: If the accident was caused by a failure to maintain the truck properly, the service providers tasked with its maintenance could be held responsible. This includes failures to perform routine checks, repairs and replacements of crucial parts like brakes, tires, and lights.
Failure to pursue the right parties in a trucking accident can lead to incomplete or unsuccessful claims for compensation. We conduct detailed investigations to pinpoint all parties who may be liable.
Types Of Compensation In Truck Crash Cases
As with other types of personal injury cases, after a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
If you tragically lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you can pursue other types of damages through a wrongful death claim. We work tirelessly to build a well-supported case for damages that accounts for
How A Trucking Accident Lawyer Can Help
Wherever and however the truck accident happened that left you with injuries or the loss of a loved one, you should have a trucking accident lawyer advising you as soon as possible. Miller Sachs & Hess, PC, can be a valuable resource for you.
You may have a long road ahead of therapy and personal care needs. Or you may be a surviving family member struggling to recover a sense of equilibrium after the loss of a loved one in a truck accident. A funeral, burial, the expenses of settling the affairs of a deceased person, and adjustment to a restructured family are all pressing emotional and financial needs. Recovering from a serious injury or the death of a loved one can take much longer than you may imagine. Getting the compensation you need requires skillful legal advocacy.
FAQ: Indiana Trucking Accidents
Truck accident cases in Indiana are often more complex than many expect, but the right information can clear away confusion. Here are answers to common questions that arise after a truck accident.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Indiana?
Most truck accident lawsuits in Indiana must be filed within two years of the crash. This deadline applies to claims for injuries, property damage and wrongful death. It is crucial to have an attorney begin an investigation as early as possible to protect your rights and preserve vital evidence such as black box and other electronic data.
What if the truck driver is from another state or the trucking company is based outside Indiana?
You may still pursue a claim in Indiana if the collision occurred within the state or if the defendant has sufficient business ties here. Since trucking companies often operate across state lines, they can be held accountable in the jurisdiction where the crash happened. A lawyer can determine the proper venue and guide you through the involved legal requirements.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Possibly. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule that allows recovery if your share of blame is not greater than 50%. However, any compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. A swift evaluation of the facts can help challenge unfair fault assessments and protect the value of your claim.
Should I speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster before hiring a lawyer?
No. It generally does not serve your best interest to speak with the adjuster before obtaining legal representation. Insurers often seek statements that minimize the trucking company’s liability or shift blame to the injured person. An attorney can manage all communication, safeguard your rights and prevent the insurer from using your words against you.
How is the value of a truck accident claim determined?
Indiana truck accident claim values depend on medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and the degree of fault. Injury severity and available insurance coverage strongly influence the final amount. Catastrophic injuries may lead to settlements reaching several hundred thousand dollars or more. Claims involving minor injuries often resolve for significantly less, but can still result in a settlement within a lower five‑figure or mid‑five‑figure range.
Getting The Compensation You Need Can Restore Hope | Contact a Trucking Accident Lawyer
Covering the financial realities can go a long way toward helping you and your family truly recover after a truck accident. For decades, our firm has helped people in the Lake County area confront and overcome legal challenges like truck accident injuries. Schedule an initial consultation with a trusted trucking accident lawyer by calling 219-227-4259 or completing our online intake form. We look forward to hearing from you.