Indiana Truck & Bus Accident Statistics

The Indiana University Public Policy Institute publishes accident statistics annually, and the most recent 2016 report revealed that large trucks were involved in 4.2% of all crashes in Indiana, and accounts for a 1.3% increase from 2012 – 2016. Additionally, large trucks accounted for 10.4% of fatal accidents in Indiana in 2016. Large trucks (semi-truck, 18 wheeler, tractor-trailers), were involved in 16,550 total collisions in 2016 – a 26.2% increase compared to 2012; 126 of those accidents were fatal.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that Indiana is currently one of the top 10 states in the country that represents over 50% of fatal crashes involving a large truck or bus in a report published (see snapshot below) in November of 2017. This same FMCSA report concluded that speeding was a factor in 17% of fatal truck accidents and that 6% of fatal accidents were attributed to driver distraction (16% of those involved distraction were caused by a mobile device).

While semi-trucks & buses have generally gotten safer over time, there will always be dangers when a 30 ton 18 wheeler is sharing the road with other cars, motorcycles and pedestrians. Due to the size & weight differences of a big rig versus a small car or SUV, the injuries that result from a collisions are often very serious or fatal. If you or a family member was seriously injured in a trucking collision, you need to talk to a truck accident lawyer in Indiana with the experience and qualifications to secure the compensation your family needs to move forward.

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Indiana

A “statute of limitation” is defined as the reasonable length of time that a plaintiff has to bring an action against a defendant. This varies based on state, and the type of incident: civil or criminal. Generally, the statute of limitations for truck accident injury lawsuits in Indiana is 2 years, this is inclusive of nearly all personal injury claims involving drivers, passengers, pedestrians, etc. Source: Indiana Code 34-11-2-4. This statute is extended up to 7 years in cases of sexual abuse.Also, if the party allegedly responsible for the injury has hidden their liability the “clock” on this statute likely won’t begin until their liability is discovered or proven. In regards to claims against Indiana government entities, the local firm of Sweeney Julian, P.C. has been outspoken about the complexities and unfairness in bringing such a claim against the state, or local county or city government.

In some cases, you may not even know all of the parties in a truck accident lawsuit if it involves a government entity because the claim might involve defective road design, a government vehicle, or a city that fails to replace road safety signs. For this reason and many others you should seek the advice of a qualified truck accident lawyer in Indiana.

Pursuing a Truck Accident Injury or Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Indiana

If you or a family member was seriously injured, or if a family member was killed in a truck accident you should seek the advice and representation of a skilled and experienced Indiana truck accident attorney. Truck Accident Attorney Network has organized a database of law firms who focus their practice on Motor Vehicle Vehicle collisions, with significant experience litigating trucking accidents.