Interstate 65 Truck Accident Attorney

White truck on road

Did you know that I-65 is the deadliest road in Indiana? No other roadway in the state accounted for more of Indiana’s 4,183 fatal crashes over a recent five-year span, WSBT reported.

The news outlet also noted that the northwest section around Gary is among the deadliest stretches of any roadway in the state on a per-mile-driven basis. Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC’s investigation found that there were at least 192 truck crashes on I-65 in a single recent year.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident on I-65 or another dangerous roadway, contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC immediately. Our attorneys want to help you demand the full compensation you deserve.

What Makes I-65 So Dangerous for Drivers and Truck Traffic?

Several dangers on I-65 in Indiana make the major trucking route one of the state’s deadliest roadways. Examples include:

  • High speed limits of up to 70 mph for cars and 65 mph for trucks, which increases the force of a collision
  • High traffic volumes, particularly of commercial trucks, as the road connects the large population centers of Louisville, Indianapolis, and Chicago
  • Many construction zones, as workers repair the wear and tear caused by the traffic
  • Frequent merges as traffic enters and exits the interstate

Collectively, these and other hazards on I-65 lead to a high number of severe collisions.

Where Are the Most Dangerous Areas and Accident Hotspots on I-65 in Indiana?

The most dangerous part of I-65 in Indiana is the area around Gary, as it sees heavy traffic heading into and out of the Chicagoland area. Other I-65 crash hotspots in Indiana include the Indianapolis area and Clarksville, which is just across the river from Kentucky’s largest city.

To find data on where truck crashes have happened on I-65 in Indiana, check out Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC’s interactive map on SemiCrashMap.com.

Who Can Be Held Liable After an I-65 Truck Accident?

Depending on the specifics of the situation, many different parties could be at fault for a truck accident on I-65, including:

  • The truck driver whose mistake directly led to the collision
  • The trucking company that employed the driver, failed to train and supervise them effectively, or encouraged them to violate safety regulations
  • The cargo loading crews that loaded the truck improperly, making it more likely to lose control or overturn
  • The shipping broker that hired a trucking company with a history of accidents
  • Maintenance providers that did not identify and correct worn vehicle parts
  • The manufacturer of the truck or its components, if a defect contributed to the crash

When more parties are at fault for the accident, more sources of compensation may be available.

What Evidence Can Help Prove Fault After an I-65 Truck Accident?

To recover compensation after a truck accident on I-65 in Indiana, you need to establish that someone else is responsible for what happened. That will take strong evidence like:

  • Videos of the accident taken from traffic, security, or dashboard cameras
  • Eyewitness accounts of what happened
  • Photos of skid marks and debris fields
  • Electronic data from the truck’s engine control module (ECM) or electronic data recorder (EDR)
  • GPS and other telemetric data
  • Phone records, which might suggest distracted driving
  • Toxicology reports
  • Employment records 

Complex cases may require the help of accident reconstruction experts. These trained professionals use this evidence to reconstruct what happened and who is to blame.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Truck Accident on I-65?

If someone else caused the truck accident that injured you, you could be entitled to bring a personal injury claim for compensation for your:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional Distress
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Property damage, including repairing or replacing your vehicle

In the event of I-65 fatal accidents in Indiana, the deceased’s personal representative can file a wrongful death claim. A successful wrongful death claim can provide compensation for the deceased’s funeral and burial expenses, the cost of treating their injuries before death, and the surviving family members’ loss of income, guidance, and love.

What Qualifications and Safety Standards Apply to Truck Drivers on I-65?

Both state and federal laws require truck drivers in Indiana to meet certain qualifications. Some examples include:

  • Holding a valid CDL – Anyone operating a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000+ pounds, that is designed to carry at least 16 occupants, or is transporting hazardous materials must have a valid commercial driver’s license.
  • Submitting to annual medical testing – Anyone operating a vehicle with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds and engaged in interstate commerce must get a Medical Examiner’s Certificate establishing they are healthy enough to do so safely.
  • Undergoing drug and alcohol tests – Indiana conducts Department of Transportation-approved drug and alcohol tests prior to the beginning of employment, after certain types of accidents, and also randomly.

Operators of large commercial vehicles must also follow various safety standards, including:

  • Hours of service (HOS) rules, which tell them how long they can drive and when they need to take breaks
  • Cargo securement rules, which tell them how they must load and tie down their cargo
  • Inspection rules, which tell them what they need to check before and after a trip to ensure that their vehicle is safe to drive

How Our Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help I-65 Accident Victims

If you have been hurt in a car accident on one of the most dangerous highways in Indiana, turn to Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. Our firm has considerable experience handling cases involving semi-truck accidents on I-65, and we know what it takes to win them.

While you rest and recover, our personal injury attorneys can:

  • Investigate what happened to identify all at-fault parties
  • Communicate with the at-fault parties and their insurance companies for you
  • Work with experts to understand the full cost of the accident and how much compensation you’re entitled to
  • Negotiate for an out-of-court settlement or take your case to trial, whichever path will best help us pursue maximum compensation
  • Never charge you a fee unless and until we win your case

The auto accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are dedicated to helping victims of I-65 truck accidents in Indiana. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us pursue the compensation you deserve at no upfront or out-of-pocket cost.