Big Rig Accidents in South Bend | South Bend Big Rig Injury Lawyer

A big rig is another name for a semi truck, tractor-trailer or 18 wheeler truck, which is a heavy commercial vehicle used in interstate commerce for hauling freight. A big rig is a type of truck with a semi tractor / semi trailer combination and is primarily used for long haul transport of cargo over the interstate highway system such as South Bend’s freeway system, which is made up of 739.3 miles of freeways and expressways in a ten-county metropolitan area, which uses a hub-and-spoke freeway structure serviced by multiple loops.

Unlike a small truck, a big rig is a large, heavy and complex piece of equipment and requires special attention and maintenance. It is not uncommon for improper big rig maintenance to be the cause of an accident or major wreck on the roads and highways in South Bend, Indiana such as the I-80, I-90 and US-20.

Big rigs are very heavy – weighing up to 70,000 lbs. to 80,000 lbs. fully loaded. For this reason, a big rig can easily become a killing machine if it gets out of control and become involved in a truck crash on the highway. A big rig can do a lot of damage whether in a wreck by itself or with other vehicles – especially smaller, lighter passenger cars. A commercial big rig truck can become involved in a head-on, rear-end or jackknife crash when driving down South Bend roads and freeways such as the I-80, I-90, US-20, SH-2 or SH-23.

South Bend Big Rig Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one becomes involved in a big rig truck accident on a South Bend highway, road or interstate, it is advisable to retain an attorney who specializes in South Bend truck accident law. There are special laws and regulations that govern commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs. that require the expertise of a lawyer or attorney who is experienced in this type of law practice and who knows how to protect your rights. Make sure to contact one of the qualified South Bend big rig accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified South Bend big rig accident attorney to help protect your rights.

Head-On Big Rig Accidents in South Bend

Oftentimes multiple cars will become involved in a potentially deadly collision with a big rig truck or tractor trailer in South Bend because of heavy traffic and congestion along major highways in South Bend such as the I-80, I-90, US-20, SH-2, and SH-23. Even though only a fraction of the number of South Bend truck accidents are head-on collisions, they often involve a fatality when they do occur, especially where there is a concrete median in the road. When a heavily loaded truck crashes head-on with a passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a South Bend head-on collision, contact a qualified South Bend truck accident lawyer immediately.

South Bend Rear-End Big Rig Crashes

A big rig rear-end collision occurs when the truck strikes another vehicle in the rear. Rear-end truck accidents in South Bend can easily happen because of the sheer volume of traffic along South Bend freeways, streets and roads. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), about 18 percent of all large truck accidents are rear-end collisions. In all rear-end truck crashes, about 50 percent more happen when the truck strikes another vehicle than when the crash results from another vehicle striking the truck from behind. Contact a South Bend truck accident lawyer to learn about victim’s rights and get your lawsuit started.

South Bend Big Rig Jackknife Wrecks

A “jackknife” truck accident is when a large big rig truck towing a trailer folds over into an acute angle similar to that of a folding pocket knife. A big rig or semi truck is an articulated vehicle - the trailer is coupled to the tractor and is essentially “hinged”. If a semi tractor towing a trailer crashes or skids, the trailer can spin around and face backwards and, in some instances, the accident can be so severe that the truck and trailer may roll over.

What if a South Bend company like Fulton Industries Inc or Kay Industries Mfr had a semi truck jackknife accident on the South Bend I-80? Severe injuries and in the worst case scenario, even death could result from a big rig accident of this nature. A big rig truck accident on South Bend roads and highways can be so severe that the injured victim or victims need to be rushed - sometimes even airlifted - to a nearby South Bend hospital such as Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center - South Bend, or SCCI Hospitals of America, Inc for treatment and emergency medical care.

South Bend Truck Repair Shops

South Bend truck drivers are required, under both federal law and Indiana truck regulations, to properly maintain their commercial vehicles. If the big rig driver fails to properly maintain his truck and an accident occurs as a result, then the trucker and the trucking company will be found legally negligent. South Bend truck drivers should have their vehicles inspected at a truck repair facility like the ones listed below, which specialize in semi truck repairs in South Bend.

Big Rig Accident Attorneys Serve South Bend and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Northern Indiana, including Albion, Columbia City, Elkhart, Gary, Goshen, Hobart, Kendallville, La Porte, Logansport, Lowell, Merrillville, Michigan City, Nappanee, North Judson, North Manchester, Pleasant Lake, Plymouth, Portage, South Bend, Warsaw, areas in the vicinity of Michiana Regional Transportation Center Airport, and other communities in St. Joseph County.

South Bend big rig accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a South Bend big rig accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.