$4.1 Million Verdict in Semi-Truck Brain Injury Case: How Experience Made the Difference

At Schafer & Schafer LLP, our team of Indiana personal injury attorneys recently secured a $4.1 million verdict for a client who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) after being struck by a semi-truck that ran a red light. What made this case stand out wasn’t just the serious injuries — it was the complexity of proving the long-term impact of a brain injury that initially appeared “mild.”

Understanding the Challenge: When a “Mild” Brain Injury Isn’t So Mild

Our client was hit by a semi-truck whose actions were caught on video — clear evidence that the truck driver ran a red light. After the crash, she went to the emergency room and underwent an MRI. The imaging showed abnormal areas of susceptibility, but the radiologist’s report stated that there were no findings suggesting acute injury and even hinted at a possible prior head trauma — something with no basis in her medical history.

This is where experience truly matters. To many, the records might have looked routine or unremarkable. But our attorneys understood that brain injuries often don’t show up clearly on early tests, and symptoms can persist long after medical imaging appears normal.

How We Proved the Brain Injury and Secured Justice

Recognizing the inconsistencies, our team referred the client to a neurologist for a deeper evaluation. Although she passed most assessments, subtle deficits — particularly in verbal fluency — supported what we already knew: she had sustained a real and life-altering brain injury.

Through persistence, consultations, and a deep understanding of MTBI litigation, we demonstrated the true impact of her injury — not just in medical terms, but in her daily life and future well-being. The result: a $4.1 million verdict that reflects the lifelong effects of her injury and holds the negligent party accountable.

Why Experienced Brain Injury Lawyers Matter in Truck Accident Cases

Brain injury cases require more than surface-level review — they demand insight, medical understanding, and persistence. At Schafer & Schafer LLP, we’ve built our reputation on identifying what others might overlook.

When other lawyers might have accepted a quick settlement, we kept fighting. Our decades of experience in brain injury and truck accident litigation allowed us to connect the medical evidence, expert testimony, and client experience into a compelling case for full compensation. When the insurance company isn't willing to pay, Schafer & Schafer will take the case to trial to secure justice for clients.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Over 100 years of combined legal experience serving Indiana and Illinois
Proven success in complex brain and catastrophic injury cases
Recognized by Best Lawyers for excellence in personal injury litigation
A personal, compassionate approach to every client’s story

Get Help from Indiana’s Trusted Brain Injury Attorneys

A traumatic brain injury can change your life in ways that aren’t always visible — but your pain, struggles, and future matter. If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury in a truck or vehicle accident, you need a law firm that understands how to uncover and prove the full extent of your losses.

Contact Schafer & Schafer LLP today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you secure the justice, accountability, and compensation you deserve.

Who to Sue After a Commercial Vehicle Accident Injury

If you have suffered injuries in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, such as a delivery truck, you don’t just have the right to demand accountability; you deserve it. Commercial vehicle accidents often involve more than just the driver. Liability can fall to the trucking company, third parties involved in loading or maintaining the trucks, and even manufacturers if a defect contributed to the accident.

The insurance policies carried by trucking companies are usually much larger than those for personal vehicles, but accessing those funds requires proving who is at fault and what rules were broken. At Schafer and Schafer LLP, we commonly hear from injured clients who don’t know where to turn after a commercial vehicle accident. By working with us, you’ll have a clear understanding of your accident, your rights, and how we can secure the compensation you need.

Understanding Commercial Vehicle Accidents

A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes, and it goes far beyond just 18-wheelers. Because these vehicles are tied to businesses and corporations, liability after a crash is rarely straightforward.

What Counts as a Commercial Vehicle?

Commercial vehicles are not limited to just the big 18-wheelers. This category includes any vehicle used for business purposes such as delivery vans, box trucks, company cars, rideshare vehicles, and utility trucks. Because these vehicles operate on behalf of businesses or corporations, they are required to follow specific regulations and often involve more complex liability issues than private passenger vehicles.

Why Liability Can Be Complicated

Determining who is liable often requires a thorough investigation of driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, accident scene evidence, and compliance with safety regulations.

It matters whether the driver is an employee or an independent contractor and whether the company owning the vehicle followed proper maintenance and safety protocols. Other parties, such as third-party contractors handling loading or maintenance, or manufacturers responsible for defective parts, can also share responsibility.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Commercial Vehicle Accident Injury?

In Indiana, liability after a commercial vehicle accident is based on fault. This means the at fault party or parties can be held financially responsible for your injuries. Unlike standard car accidents, commercial vehicle crashes often involve several potentially liable parties.

Depending on the facts of your case, any of the following may be held accountable:

The Driver: If they were speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise careless behind the wheel.
The Trucking or Delivery Company: If they failed to train drivers properly, enforced unsafe schedules, or neglected vehicle upkeep.
Third-Party Contractors: Including companies that loaded cargo incorrectly or handled logistics that contributed to the accident.
Vehicle Manufacturers or Maintenance Providers: If a mechanical defect or poor maintenance led to the crash.
Government Entities: If unsafe road conditions, poor signage, or inadequate road maintenance played a role.

Insurance Coverage in Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims

After a commercial vehicle accident, knowing who to sue is just as important as understanding the insurance coverage involved. When multiple parties share liability, each may have separate insurance policies that need to be addressed. By hiring a dedicated commercial vehicle accident attorney, we will handle all communication with the insurers on your behalf. Your own insurance may also play a role, especially if gaps exist in the at-fault party’s coverage.

Types of Insurance That May Apply

Commercial Auto Insurance: Covers the vehicles owned by trucking or delivery companies and may pay for property damage and bodily injury caused by their drivers.
Liability Insurance: Protects the company or driver if they are found legally responsible for the accident.
Cargo Insurance: Covers damage to goods being transported, which can sometimes intersect with claims if improperly loaded cargo contributed to the crash.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Applies if the driver was on the job and injured during the accident, and can also affect claims involving employer liability.
Manufacturer or Product Liability Insurance: Protects vehicle or part manufacturers if a defect played a role in the accident.
Your Personal Auto Insurance: May provide supplemental coverage if there are gaps in the at-fault party’s policies, including uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Umbrella or Excess Liability Policies: Additional coverage that large companies often carry, which can extend beyond standard liability limits to ensure full compensation.

Insurance Companies Often Involved

When a commercial vehicle accident occurs, multiple insurance companies may become involved, and this can complicate the claims process. Each insurer has its own policies, limits, and strategies, and they often work to minimize the amount they pay out.

Some of the insurance companies commonly involved in commercial vehicle accident claims include:

Great West Casualty Company
Progressive Commercial
GEICO
Northland Insurance
Reliance Partners
NITIC (National Independent Truckers Insurance Company)
Thomas Wilson Group, LLC
The Insurance Store
Wexford Insurance

Challenges Victims Face

When pursuing compensation after a commercial vehicle accident, victims and their families often encounter a series of common challenges and pitfalls. Identifying all responsible parties can be difficult, especially when liability is shared between drivers, trucking companies, contractors, or manufacturers. Insurance companies may dispute fault, delay payments, or attempt to minimize settlements, leaving the injured parties unsure of how they will recover.

Specific Types of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Delivery Truck Accidents

Delivery truck accidents often happen in residential neighborhoods. Drivers tend to make frequent stops on their routes, often full of unfamiliar streets. Delivery truck accidents are often the result from the pressures of tight delivery schedules, heavy cargo loads, and repeated stopping.

Because delivery trucks are operated under company policies, pursuing compensation often requires holding both the driver and the employer accountable. This means investigating company training practices, vehicle maintenance, and delivery route assignments. An experienced personal injury attorney will build a strong case for you, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Amazon Truck Accidents

Accidents involving Amazon delivery trucks can be particularly complex due to the company’s use of contractors, third-party drivers, and logistics networks. Establishing liability may require examining the employment relationship, the driver's background, and the company’s policies on package delivery and driver safety. These factors can impact which parties you can sue and how you access the insurance coverage responsible for compensating your injuries.

Garbage Truck Accidents

Garbage truck accidents often involve heavy, specialized vehicles that operate in residential areas, creating unique risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. These claims may require a detailed investigation into municipal or private waste management company protocols, driver work schedules, and equipment maintenance records. Compensation strategies may differ depending on whether the truck is publicly or privately operated.

Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first, and medical records are critical for documenting injuries.
Contact Law Enforcement: A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can support your claim.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant signage or signals.
Collect Witness Information: Names and contact details of witnesses can strengthen your case.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Statements to insurers can be used against you; wait until you have legal guidance.
Gather Evidence: Keep any damaged property, medical bills, and correspondence related to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident promptly while coordinating with your attorney.
Contact an Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney: Early legal support ensures your rights are protected and that all liable parties and insurance coverage are properly pursued.

Why Choosing a Personal Injury Law Firm Like Schafer and Schafer LLP Makes a Difference

At Schafer and Schafer LLP, we have a track record of securing life-changing commercial vehicle injury settlements for our clients, including:

$60 million for a 19-year-old girl paralyzed in a trucking accident
$32.5 million for a 31-year-old woman who suffered brain damage
$30 million for a husband seriously injured by a semi-truck.

These outcomes demonstrate our ability to take on large trucking companies and insurance providers, holding them accountable and securing the compensation our clients deserve. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact Schafer and Schafer LLP today for a free consultation with our commercial vehicle injury attorneys.

Tragic Electrical Shock Incident at Marina Shores: Schafer & Schafer LLP Files Wrongful Death Complaint

A heartbreaking incident occurred recently at Marina Shores in Portage, Indiana, where two people suffered electrical shocks while in the water. Despite courageous rescue efforts by bystanders and first responders, one victim suffered serious injuries, while the second victim lost his life, leaving behind grieving family members. Schafer & Schafer LLP extends heartfelt condolences to the Gonzalez family during this unimaginably difficult time. Our firm has filed a wrongful death and personal injury complaint on behalf of the Gonzalez family, seeking justice and accountability.

Details of the Marina Shores Electrical Shock Incident in Portage, Indiana

On July 10, 2025, Gabriel Gonzalez and his brother Francis Gonzalez, III were at Marina Shores, cleaning a boat. When a fellow boater dropped an item in the water, Gabriel courageously jumped in to retrieve it. Suddenly, Gabriel experienced a tingling sensation before mysteriously going underwater and not resurfacing. Francis jumped in to save his brother but faced the same electrical shock symptoms, resulting in paralysis and other catastrophic injuries. While Francis was rescued, Gabriel’s lifeless body was later recovered. Local authorities confirmed the fatality, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is investigating the circumstances.

This tragic incident was not isolated; four days earlier, a similar electrical shock event occurred at the same marina. The marina had knowledge of this prior event and yet failed to warn patrons or address the hazard, violating required safety codes.

Negligence and Liability in Marina Shores Case

Schafer & Schafer LLP filed a complaint against the Marina Shores owners and operators, citing their failure to maintain a safe environment and warn visitors. The defendants neglected to post mandated warnings as required by National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 555.24, which obligates marinas to display signs alerting of potential electric shock hazards in the water. The marina’s failure to act on prior incidents and lapses in electrical system maintenance were recklessly indifferent to human safety, directly leading to Gabriel Gonzalez’s death and Francis Gonzalez’s injuries.

Attorney Todd Schafer stated, “This tragedy was entirely preventable. The marina knew of a similar incident a few days before and had a duty—not only under industry standards but basic human decency—to warn the public. But they did nothing, and a good family paid the price.”

What This Case Means for Victims of Personal Injury and Wrongful Death in Indiana

This lawsuit highlights the legal obligations of property owners and marina operators to protect visitors from known dangers. Victims of electrical shock incidents and their families deserve justice and compensation for pain, suffering, and losses. Punitive damages are also sought to punish the defendants’ willful and reckless disregard for safety and to deter such negligence industry-wide.

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims

It is important for families affected by wrongful death or personal injury to be aware of Indiana’s legal time limits for filing claims. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of the victim’s death.

For personal injury claims, the statute of limitations is also typically two years from the date of the injury. These deadlines are strictly enforced, so it is crucial to consult with experienced attorneys like Schafer & Schafer LLP promptly to preserve your rights and begin the legal process without delay.

How Schafer & Schafer LLP Supports Families Facing Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

With a legacy spanning over a century, Schafer & Schafer LLP combines compassionate care with aggressive legal advocacy. We have successfully represented numerous injury victims and families seeking rightful compensation in wrongful death and personal injury cases. Our approach ensures families understand their rights while navigating complex legal processes during difficult times.

Contact Schafer & Schafer LLP for Skilled Legal Representation in Personal Injury Cases

If you or a loved one has been affected by a personal injury or wrongful death caused by negligence, contact Schafer & Schafer LLP for a free consultation. Our experienced team is dedicated to pursuing justice and securing compensation to help victims and families rebuild their lives.

Schafer & Schafer LLP stand ready to protect your rights with the knowledge, experience, and commitment that cases like the Marina Shores tragedy demand.

$1 Million Secured After Fatal Indiana Tractor Crash

At Schafer & Schafer, we fight for families when they need it most. In a recent wrongful death case, our firm recovered $1 million in policy limits for the family of a young Indiana girl killed in a crash with a farm tractor — a result the insurance company refused to offer before we got involved.

When the family first came to us, they were facing a painful situation without any support from the insurance company. Despite their loss, the insurance company had refused to offer any meaningful compensation. Once we took over the case, we began a thorough investigation to uncover what really happened.

Our Investigation Uncovered a Key Legal Violation

Through our investigation, we found that the tractor was being operated on a public roadway without a slow-moving vehicle emblem, which is required by Indiana law. This important detail created a significant liability issue for the operator and their insurance company.

After presenting this evidence and showing that we were prepared to move forward in court if necessary, the insurance company changed its position. They ultimately agreed to pay the full $1 million policy limits available under the insurance policy.

Holding Negligent Parties Accountable

This outcome reflects the importance of strong legal advocacy and careful investigation. At Schafer & Schafer, we are committed to helping families find answers and holding responsible parties accountable. We take pride in the results we achieve and the trust our clients place in us.

What Indiana Law Says About Tractors and Farm Equipment on the Road

In Indiana, farm equipment like tractors is allowed on public roads, but there are important safety regulations that must be followed. These vehicles are not permitted on interstates, and when traveling on local or state roads, they must display a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblem to warn other drivers. Failure to display this emblem is a violation of state law — and a contributing factor in many preventable crashes.

Who Can Drive Farm Equipment on Indiana Roads?

Unlike commercial truck drivers, farm equipment operators in Indiana are subject to fewer restrictions:

They can be as young as 16-and-a-half
They are not required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
There are no limits on driving hours
Use of hand-held phones (aside from texting) is allowed
Inspections and emergency equipment are often not required

This means large vehicles may be operated by relatively inexperienced drivers, without the oversight required in other transportation industries.

Common Causes of Tractor Accidents

Every year, hundreds of Indiana crashes involve farm equipment. Common causes include:

Lack of required signage or lighting
Inexperienced or distracted operators
Poorly maintained equipment
Failure to yield or allow passing traffic

When farm equipment is parked improperly, driven without warning signs, or operated carelessly, serious accidents can occur. In these cases, the operator, vehicle owner, or another party may be held legally responsible.

Have You Lost a Loved One in a Tractor or Farm Equipment Crash?

If you or someone you know has experienced a serious injury or loss involving a tractor or other farm equipment, we are here to help. These cases can be complex, especially when an insurance company refuses to take responsibility.

Contact Schafer & Schafer today for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options.

Understanding Your Rights After a Semi-Truck Underride Accident

There are few crashes more devastating than a semi-truck underride accident. When a passenger vehicle gets lodged beneath the massive trailer of a semi-truck, the results are often catastrophic, and lives are forever changed in an instant. At Schafer & Schafer, we don’t back down from these brutal cases. We’ve seen the aftermath firsthand, and we’ve made it our mission to fight relentlessly for the victims and families left behind. Trucking companies cut corners. Drivers speed through fatigue. Manufacturers fail to install simple safety guards. And when their negligence causes destruction, they must be held accountable.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a semi-truck underride accident, it’s critical to understand your legal options. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you every step of the way, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers and taking your case to court if needed. The road to recovery starts with one call. Contact Schafer & Schafer today. We’re not just attorneys, we’re your voice, your shield, and your fiercest advocate in the pursuit of justice.

What Is a Semi-Truck Underride Accident?

Semi-truck underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle collides with a semi and ends up sliding beneath the trailer. There are many causes behind these devastating accidents. In some cases, it's poor visibility or inadequate lighting on the trailer that leaves drivers unable to see the truck in time. In others, it’s a sudden stop by the truck, giving the following vehicle no time to avoid impact. A lack of underride guards, careless lane changes, or even deteriorating road conditions can also play a major role in causing these crashes.

Types of Underride Accidents

Underride accidents generally fall into three categories:

Rear underride accidents: Occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back of a semi truck and slides underneath the trailer.
Side underride accidents: Happen when a vehicle moves beneath the side of a truck trailer, often during a turn or lane change.
Front underride accidents: Take place when a semi truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, pushing the truck over the smaller car.

Each type presents unique legal and investigative challenges, but all share one thing in common: they are incredibly serious and often preventable. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of underride crash, understanding what happened and who may be responsible is the first step toward seeking justice and fair compensation.

Why Are Underride Accidents So Dangerous?

What makes them so deadly is the way they bypass the safety systems built into most passenger vehicles. When a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a semi-truck, the impact often crushes or shears off the upper portion of the car, in many cases, seat belts, airbags, and crumple zones offer little to no protection.

These crashes are even more dangerous when trailers lack properly installed or maintained underride guards, safety features designed to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath. The danger escalates further when the truck carries heavy or hazardous cargo, which can increase the force of impact or introduce fire, chemical exposure, or other serious risks.

Typical Injuries from Underride Collisions

Injuries from underride accidents are often severe, life-altering, or fatal. Common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from direct head impact
Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis or reduced mobility
Severe lacerations and amputations caused by metal intrusion
Internal injuries, such as crushed organs or broken ribs
Fatalities, often at the scene or shortly after

Preventing underride crashes requires action on both sides. Drivers of passenger vehicles must stay alert around trucks, keeping safe distances, avoiding blind spots, and using extra caution when trucks stop suddenly or make wide turns. Trucking companies are also responsible for ensuring that underride guards are installed, properly maintained, and combined with visibility features like reflectors and trailer lighting.

Legal Options After a Semi-Truck Underride Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck underride accident, taking immediate legal action is critical. These accidents often lead to devastating injuries, and pursuing a personal injury claim can help you recover the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost income, and the pain and trauma you’ve endured.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

When determining liability, several parties may share responsibility for an underride accident. These can include:

The truck driver if they were negligent in driving or failing to follow safety protocols, which caused the crash
Trucking company, if improper training, overloading, or poor vehicle maintenance played a role
Trailer or truck manufacturer for defects in design, such as faulty underride guards
Maintenance providers who failed to maintain or repair the truck or its trailer properly
Other drivers, if their actions contributed to the accident

Understanding who may be responsible is a key part of pursuing your claim. An attorney can investigate the details of the accident, identify all liable parties, and help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

How to Sue After a Truck Underride Accident

Suing after a semi-truck underride accident involves a meticulous legal process. It begins with a thorough investigation to gather crucial evidence, including police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, medical records, and the truck's maintenance logs and driver's records. Identifying all potentially liable parties, which can include the truck driver, trucking company, trailer or truck manufacturer, and even maintenance providers, is a critical step.

Your attorney will then help you file a formal personal injury lawsuit within the state's statute of limitations – in Indiana, this is typically two years from the accident date. This lawsuit outlines your claims and the damages you seek, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.

Once filed, the legal process usually involves a "discovery" phase where both sides exchange information and evidence. While many cases are resolved through negotiations and settlements outside of court, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. Throughout this complex journey, having experienced legal representation is essential to protect your rights, build a strong case, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Time Limits to File in Indiana

Under Indiana law, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing that deadline could mean losing your right to seek justice. Consulting an experienced attorney is a vital step to understanding your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. They can guide you through building a strong case and negotiating with insurance companies or at-fault parties.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in an Underride Truck Crash in Indiana

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck underride crash in Indiana, protecting your rights starts with informed, decisive action. After seeking medical care, the next most important step is understanding your legal options. These cases are often complex, with multiple parties potentially at fault, from negligent drivers to poorly maintained trucks or defective trailer equipment. Navigating that landscape alone can be overwhelming.

How Schafer & Schafer LLP Can Help

At Schafer & Schafer, our team is committed to helping injury victims uncover the truth, build a strong case, and pursue the full compensation they’re entitled to. We handle the details, investigate every angle, and stand up to the powerful trucking companies and insurers so you can focus on healing. Contact Schafer & Schafer today and receive a free consultation.