18-Wheeler Collision on Interstate 90 Claim in Indiana

Interstate 90 is an east-west highway that extends from Boston to Seattle. Known as the Indiana Toll Road, the interstate runs 156 miles across the top of Indiana connecting the Ohio Turnpike to the Chicago Skyway. A crucial transportation corridor, I-90 sees its share of heavy traffic from travelers and commercial drivers transporting goods. Many of the accidents on I-90 involve tractor-trailers and semis.

When a semi-truck is involved in an interstate crash, the consequences can be life-altering. A truck accident victim may suffer devastating injuries and significant financial hardships as a result. Most trucking companies and their insurers will deny liability or attempt to pay as little as possible to settle an injury claim. It can take the help of a strong personal injury attorney to help accident victims stand up to insurers and demand a fair outcome.

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, our truck accident attorneys have extensive experience investigating truck accidents and representing people injured in these collisions in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. Attorney David W. Craig has pursued hundreds of truck accident cases on behalf of injured clients. We know the lengths that trucking companies will go to avoid liability. We aggressively protect accident victims and work to help them recover compensation for their injuries.

If you have been injured in a truck accident on I-90, contact a seasoned attorney with Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC as soon as possible. We can conduct an investigation and work to secure valuable evidence before it’s lost or destroyed. Reach out to one of our Indiana offices today to set up a free case evaluation.

Truck Accidents Statistics

Truck accidents can be devastating incidents. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 71 percent of the individuals killed in collisions with large trucks are the occupants of the other vehicles. In just one year, 5,005 people lost their lives in semi-truck crashes on U.S. roadways.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that 62 percent of fatal truck collisions are between two vehicles, while 21 percent of fatal truck accidents are single-vehicle crashes. The agency estimates that 2 percent of fatal truck crashes on U.S. roads involve trucks carrying hazardous materials.

While the national statistics are sobering, so are the local statistics. One news report indicates that commercial vehicles were involved in 16,910 crashes on Indiana roadways in one year. More than 150 people died in accidents involving large trucks in Indiana in a recent year, according to NHTSA statistics. The majority of those killed were occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents usually come down to a root cause, an error on the part of a trucker or an automobile driver. This may result from poor decision-making, inexperience, or negligent behavior. Many accidents result from drivers acting irresponsibly behind the wheel.

Some of the most common causes of I-90 truck accidents include:

Distracted driving – Distractions include anything that takes a truck driver’s eyes, hands, or attention away from the operation of the truck. Some of the most common distractions are cell phones, GPS systems, daydreaming, eating, or drinking.
Drowsy driving – Truck drivers spend many hours behind the wheel, and drowsy driving is a serious problem in the industry. Unfortunately, some drivers will push their physical limits and drive while dangerously drowsy or fatigued to meet delivery deadlines. Many studies indicate that driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
Speeding – It takes a much greater distance to slow down a truck traveling at interstate speeds. Speed increases the distance required to stop safely. Truck drivers who are speeding may not have enough room to stop safely and avoid an accident. Speeding also can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle.
Blind-spot accidents – Commercial trucks have extensive blind spots on all sides. Truck drivers cannot see vehicles located in trucks’ blind spots. A truck can easily hit a car if the truck driver tries to change lanes without realizing a vehicle is located in a blind spot and already occupies the lane.
Unsafe passing or lane changes – It is difficult to maneuver a large vehicle. Making unsafe lane changes or passing recklessly can cause a driver to collide with another vehicle or lose control of their truck.
Intoxicated driving – The NHTSA estimates that at least two percent of drivers involved in fatal truck collisions had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Truck drivers can lose their commercial drivers’ license and ability to earn a living if they are convicted of driving while impaired.
Cargo issues – Improperly loaded cargo can fall into the road and cause serious accidents. When cargo is not secured correctly, it can shift in transit and change the truck’s center of gravity. It can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. The company responsible for loading the cargo may be legally liable for accidents caused by improperly loaded cargo.
Mechanical defects – Defects in the truck itself or mechanical parts can also be a source of collisions. Sometimes, as a result, an auto or truck parts manufacturer may bear responsibility for compensating accident victims.

Where and When Do the Majority of Truck Accidents Happen

Interstates like I-90 are prime spots for semi-truck accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that at least 25 percent of fatal collisions happen on interstates. Another 13 percent of fatal crashes take place on rural stretches of interstates.

Although a fatal collision with a truck can happen at any time, 77 percent take place on weekdays, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On weekdays, fatal truck crashes tend to occur during daytime hours between 6 a.m. and 5:59 p.m., accounting for 72 percent of these weekday collisions.

Weekend fatal truck crashes happen predominately at night between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Close to 61 percent of fatal weekend crashes occur between these hours.

About Interstate 90

Interstate 90 stretches more than 3,000 miles from the Pacific Northwest all the way to Massachusetts. It is the longest interstate in the United States. In the most active stretches of I-90, hundreds of thousands of vehicles travel the road daily.

Since I-90 is a primary east-west route, the section of I-90 in Indiana is heavily used by commercial truckers, and travelers. The highway passes through Hammond, Gary, and South Bend, Indiana.

Road construction is common along sections of the route. Construction zones can be notoriously dangerous areas for large trucks and passenger cars.

Some of the major cities that I-90 passes through include: volvo trucks on highway

Seattle, WA
Spokane, WA
Kellogg, ID
Missoula, MT
Bozeman, MT
Billings, MT
Sheridan, WY
Buffalo, WY
Gillette, WY
Spearfish, SD
Rapid City, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Fairmont, MN
Rochester, MN
Madison, WI
Rockford, IL
Chicago, IL
Hammond, IN
Gary, IN
South Bend, IN
Elkhart, IN
Toledo, OH
Cleveland, OH
Erie, PA
Dunkirk, NY
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
Albany, NY
Springfield, MA
Boston, MA

Over the years, the route has undergone several construction projects, including lane expansions and work on tunnels and bridges.

I-90 Truck Accident Reports

Since I-90 crosses nearly the entire country, accidents occur frequently on the route. Unfortunately, accidents involving large trucks on I-90 make the news frequently. Some of the most recent reports of truck accidents on this interstate include:

Talk to a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer If You Had an Accident on I-90

Jackknifes, rollovers, cargo spills, and multicar pileups are among the types of semi-truck accidents that can happen on I-90. Being involved in a semi-truck accident can cause irreparable harm to a victim, both physically and financially.

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, our attorneys have experience investigating truck accidents. Our law firm has the resources it takes to hold trucking companies accountable and pursue full compensation for accident victims.

We know you may have a stack of medical bills and be experiencing financial stress after a serious accident if you are unable to work. At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we handle truck accident claims in Indiana on a contingency fee basis. You are not charged any legal fee unless our attorneys are successful in securing compensation for you. In other words, we don’t get paid unless you get paid. To discuss your case, contact us online or call (888) 937-3862. The initial consultation is free.

Testimonial

“I can’t say enough about these people. They went above and beyond for me. Was real quick and professional about everything. I had a separate case and they even helped push for that as well. I would definitely recommend and come back to this firm. Jeremiah thank you so much it’s been a really good experience and I appreciate everything you’ve done.”

Review by: Chad T.

Date published: June, 2022
Rating: ★★★★★ 5 / 5 stars