$1.5 Million Truck Accident Settlement After Disputed Back Injury

How Our Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers Proved the Crash Caused the Need for Surgery

When a truck wreck changes your life, the aftermath isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, financial, and deeply personal. That was the case for our client, who faced intense back pain and ultimately required surgery after being hit by a commercial truck. The trucking company tried to downplay the damage. They argued our client’s injuries were due to a “pre-existing condition,” not the collision. They refused to take responsibility.

But at Boughter Sinak, LLC, our attorneys don’t let trucking companies off the hook when their negligence hurts someone. We fought for our client through years of litigation, challenged every excuse, and presented a clear picture of how the crash changed everything. This resulted in a $1.5 million settlement secured at mediation—one that delivers real financial support and closure after a long legal battle.

This case wasn’t easy. But it’s a clear example of why having an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer in your corner can make all the difference.

The Crash That Sparked Years of Pain

Our client was driving in Indiana when a commercial truck—operated by a large freight company—made a reckless maneuver and caused a violent collision. The impact may not have seemed catastrophic at first glance, but the force was enough to injure our client’s lower back. What followed was months of worsening pain, doctor’s visits, therapy, and ultimately a surgical procedure to repair the damage.

The trucking company didn’t want to pay. They claimed our client already had back problems and tried to deny any link between the crash and the injury.

But we knew the truth. And we had the evidence to prove it.

Why Truck Accident Back Injuries Are Often Disputed

Back injuries are some of the most common—and contested—injuries in truck accident cases. Insurance companies love to point to pre-existing conditions like herniated discs, arthritis, or old injuries and argue, “This isn’t new.” They try to minimize the connection between the crash and the treatment that follows.

Here’s what they don’t want juries to understand: a truck accident doesn’t need to cause a brand-new injury to result in legal responsibility. Under Indiana law, if a crash aggravates a pre-existing condition or accelerates the need for treatment (like surgery), the trucking company can still be held liable.

That’s exactly what happened here.

Building a Strong Case for Causation

The trucking company’s defense hinged on one idea: “This surgery had nothing to do with us.” So, we got to work proving the opposite.

Our legal team:

• Obtained detailed medical records showing the progression of our client’s symptoms after the crash.
• Presented before-and-after evidence documenting how our client’s daily life, work ability, and physical capabilities were dramatically affected by the crash.
• Challenged the defense’s argument that the injury was pre-existing, pointing out inconsistencies and biased assumptions in their reports.

We made it clear: before the crash, our client was living an active life. After the crash, that life was upended. The trucking company could try to shift blame—but the facts told a different story.

Understanding the Value of Back Injury Claims

Back injury settlements can vary widely in terms of value. Minor soft-tissue injuries may settle for smaller amounts, but cases involving invasive surgery—especially spinal procedures—can lead to substantial compensation. In this case, the $1.5 million settlement reflected several important factors:

• The severity of the injury and the surgery involved
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Permanent physical limitations
• Pain and suffering
• The cost of long-term care or future treatment

Our goal in any serious injury case is to look beyond today’s bills. We account for how the injury will affect a person’s future—physically, emotionally, and financially.

When Trucking Companies Deny Responsibility

This case dragged on for years. The trucking company’s insurer refused to make a reasonable offer for a long time, banking on the hope that our client would give up or settle for less.

That’s a common tactic in high-stakes truck accident cases. Big companies know that litigation is expensive and exhausting, especially for injury victims who are already struggling.

But at Boughter Sinak, LLC, we don’t back down. We prepared this case like it was going to trial and sent a clear message: we were ready to win in court if necessary.

At mediation, that preparation paid off. Facing a strong, well-supported claim and a legal team that wouldn’t quit, the defense agreed to a $1.5 million settlement.

Legal Challenges in Indiana Truck Accident Cases

In Indiana, truck accident victims can pursue compensation for their injuries through a personal injury claim—but that doesn’t mean the process is simple. These cases involve:

• Multiple liable parties: The driver, their employer, and sometimes third-party contractors or maintenance companies may all be involved.
• Complex insurance structures: Trucking companies often carry layered insurance coverage, which can make negotiation complicated.
• Federal regulations: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), and violations can impact liability.
• Comparative fault rules: Indiana follows modified comparative negligence. If the insurance company can convince a jury that the victim was more than 50% at fault, they can block recovery altogether.

This is why truck crash victims need legal representation from attorneys who understand the laws, know how to find the facts that matter, and have experience standing up to big-name insurers.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Truck Accident

Whether you’re in Fort Wayne, Warsaw, South Bend, or anywhere in Indiana, getting hurt in a truck accident is a life-altering event. And when the insurance company tries to tell you your pain is from the past, it’s easy to feel helpless.

Don’t accept that answer.

If you were injured in a crash caused by a commercial truck driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability or reduced mobility
• Emotional distress

But to protect your rights, you need to act quickly. Trucking companies start building their defense immediately—and so should you. That’s why it’s so important to contact an Indiana truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. We can dispatch a team right to the crash scene and secure evidence that may be critical to the outcome of your case.

Let Boughter Sinak, LLC Fight for You

This case result proves that perseverance pays off. Our client didn’t give up—and neither did we. Through years of litigation, aggressive defense tactics, and every attempt to dodge accountability, we stayed focused on one goal: justice.

At Boughter Sinak, LLC, we fight for truck accident victims because we know what’s at stake. You only get one shot at compensation. Let us help you make it count.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Indiana, contact our legal team today. We’ll review your case for free and let you know how we can help you move forward.

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