A truck driver was seriously injured early Tuesday, September 8, when his semi sideswiped another tractor-trailer stopped near the Burr Street exit on I-80/94 in Gary. Crashes like this one raise questions about where a commercial vehicle stopped and what its driver did to warn approaching traffic. The answers often decide fault.
What Happened Near the Burr Street Exit
The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. in the eastbound lanes. A semi hauling Amazon packages had pulled into the gore area, the wedge of pavement between the exit ramp and the travel lanes, so its driver could use the restroom. A second semi then sideswiped it.
The 33-year-old Chicago driver was ejected and taken to a hospital with severe injuries. The other driver, from Dearborn, Michigan, was not hurt. Eastbound lanes stayed restricted for roughly eight hours, according to Indiana State Police, as reported by ABC7 Chicago.
Federal Rules for Stopped Commercial Trucks
Truck drivers cannot pull over wherever it’s convenient. Underfederal motor carrier regulations, a driver who stops on the traveled portion or shoulder of a highway, for anything other than a necessary traffic stop, must:
- Turn on hazard flashers immediately
- Place warning devices within 10 minutes
- Set them at 10, 100, and 200 feet on divided highways
Whether a gore area counts as a shoulder is a fair question. So is visibility at 3:30 in the morning. Investigators will likely examine whether the flashers were on, whether triangles were out, and how long the truck had been sitting there.
None of that removes responsibility from the driver who struck it, though. Every motorist has a duty to stay in their lane and keep a proper lookout. Fault can be shared.
Why Truck Crash Claims Take More Work
A collision between two commercial vehicles involves more parties than a typical car wreck. Each driver may have a motor carrier behind him, and shippers, logistics contractors, and insurers often enter the picture within hours. Each of them has an interest in how the story gets told.
Evidence That Can Disappear
Some of the most useful records are also the easiest to lose:
- Electronic logging device data showing hours on duty
- Engine control module data on speed and braking
- Dashcam footage from either truck
- Dispatch messages and delivery schedules
Carriers are not required to keep every record indefinitely. A prompt preservation letter can keep that evidence intact. An Indiana truck accident lawyer can send those demands early and review the logs for warning signs, such as a driver pushed by a tight schedule into stopping somewhere unsafe.
Talk With Our Team
If you or a loved one was hurt in a semi crash in Northwest Indiana, Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers can review what happened and explain your options. Reach out to speak with an Indiana truck accident lawyer about your case.
