Meet Daniel J. Buba: Your Experienced Indiana Personal Injury Lawyer

About Daniel J. Buba

Daniel J. Buba is an Indianapolis-based trial lawyer who has been representing clients in personal injury cases since 1994. Focusing on semi-truck crashes, automobile accidents, traumatic brain injuries, and nursing home negligence, Dan has built a distinguished career in both local and national legal communities. His extensive experience and commitment to his clients have made him a trusted advocate for those seeking justice and compensation.

Dan’s leadership roles in various legal associations, including past Chairman of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group and Executive Member of the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of Indiana, highlight his dedication to advancing the field of personal injury law. His frequent lectures at legal seminars and numerous authored legal papers reflect his deep knowledge and expertise, making him a sought-after speaker and mentor in the legal community.

Legal Background:

• Admitted to bar, 1994, Indiana and U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern District of Indiana; 1995, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.
• Education:  Siena Heights University (B.A. 1988); Indiana University Maurer School of Law; Chicago-Kent College of Law (J.D., with Honors, 1994).

Legal Seminar Lectures and Papers:

• Moderator, “Sudden Medical Emergencies in Commercial Motor Vehicle Cases Speaker,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, November 2024.
• Author and Lecturer, “Board Certification in Truck Accident Law – Overview on What You Need to Know and Workshop Through the Process and Qualifications,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium, Nashville, TN, September 2024.
• Lecturer, “10 Things You Should Do When Handling a Truck Crash Case,” Winning Truck Wreck Cases Seminar, Noblesville, IN, August 2024.
• Moderator, “Jury Bias Litigation Group CLE Program,” AAJ Annual Convention, Nashville, TN, July 2024.
• Moderator, “Human Factors in Trucking Litigation,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Advanced Program, Charlotte, NC, March 2024.
• Presenter, “Trucking Litigation Current Trends and Best Practices, NBI National Webinar, January 2024.
• Presenter, “So You Think You Know Trucking,” AAJ Trucking Litigation Group, Members Only Seminar, West Palm Beach, Florida, December 2023.
• Moderator, “Putting Science to Work in Your Case” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, Annual Symposium, Atlanta, GA, September 2023.
• Moderator, “Freedom of Trial: Methods to Identify and Overcome Various Forms of Jury Bias,”  AAJ Annual Convention Advocacy Track, Philadelphia, PA, July 2023.
• Presenter, “Learn the Lingo in Trucking,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys National Webinar, July 2023.
• Moderator, “Your Fraudulent Transfer Act: Because Insurance Limits Don’t Determine Your Clients Settlement,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, November 2022.
• Lecturer, “Venue Selection in a Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash Case,” American Association of Justice Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases, Denver, CO, November 2022.
• Moderator, “Commercial Driver Depositions—Recent Experiences and Approaches,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, September 2022.
• Lecturer, “Top 15 Mistakes Non-Trucking Attorneys Make in Semi-Crash Cases,” New Jersey Association of Justice, Boardwalk Seminar, Atlantic City, NJ, April 2022.
• Moderator, “Non-Emergency Transport Issues,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, March 2022.
• Lecturer, “Semi-Truck Wreck Cases: First Steps and Strategies,” Connectionology^®  National Webinar, January 2022.
• Lecturer, “Back to the Basics:  Using the CDL Manual in Semi-Truck Crash Cases,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, October 2021.
• Lecturer, “Video Settlement Demands,” 73rd Melvin M. Belli Society Annual Seminar, Atlanta, GA, October 2021.
• Author and Lecturer, “Video and Data Early in Semi-Truck Crash Cases,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium, Austin, TX, September 2021.
• Author and Lecturer, “Truck Accident Law Board Certification,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium (Breakout Session), Austin, TX, September 2021. 
• Lecturer, “What the Jury Must Hear in a Traumatic Brain Injury Case,” AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group Educational Seminar, AAJ Annual Convention, National Virtual Seminar, July 2020.
• Lecturer, “What You Should Know and Do in Semi-Truck Crash Cases,” Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 32nd Lifetime Achievement Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, May 2020
• Lecturer, “Hours of Service: Basics, Tips and Tricks,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, January 2020.
• Author and Lecturer, “Cross-Examination of the Safety Director in Semi Crash Cases,” New Jersey Association of Justice, Boardwalk Virtual Seminar, August 2020.
• Moderator, “Advanced Issues in Traumatic Brain Injury,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Virtual Annual Symposium, September 2020.
• Lecturer, “Breakout Session Presented by Board Certified Truck Accident Attorneys: Board Certification Specifications and Information,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Virtual Annual Symposium, September 2020.
• Author and Lecturer, “Effective Demand Packages: Best Practices,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Virtual Annual Symposium, September 2020.
• Author and Lecturer, “Drug and Alcohol Issues in Your Truck Crash Case,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium, Nashville, TN, 2019. 
• Author and Lecturer, “Truck Accident Law Board Certification,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium (Breakout Session), Nashville, TN, 2019. 
• Moderator, “How to Get Commercial Truck Driving Standards to Apply to Your Car Wreck Case,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, September 2019.
• Moderator, “Maximizing Damages in Truck and Bus Cases,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, December 2018.
• Lecturer, “Damages Presentation Ideas for your TBI Client,” AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, Members Only Seminar, Washington D.C., December 2018.
• Moderator, “Strategies for Trial by Deposition-Using Strategic Depositions to Win the Case Before Trial,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, November 2018.
• Author and Lecturer, “Truck Driver Rules in Cases Involving Turns, Parking, and Route Planning,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Annual Symposium, Nashville, TN, 2018. 
• Moderator, “Emergency Stops,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, 2018.
• Author and Lecturer, “Life Care Plan Damages in the Traumatic Brain Injury Case,” AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group Educational Seminar, AAJ Annual Convention, Denver, CO, 2018.
• Lecturer, “Proving Damages in a Traumatic Brain Injury Case”, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 30th Annual Lifetime Achievement Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2018.
• Faculty Member, “AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College:  Litigating Truck Collision Cases,” Scottsdale, AZ, 2018.
• Author and Lecturer, “The Role of a Life Care Planner in a Traumatic Brain Injury Case,” AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group Educational Seminar, AAJ Annual Convention, Boston, MA, 2017.
• Author and Lecturer, “Is your Elderly Client Suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury or Dementia?”, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 29^th Annual Lifetime Achievement Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2017.
• Lecturer, “Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Coverage – Advanced Issues,” NBI Auto Injuries:  Advanced Plaintiff Strategies Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2017.
• Lecturer, “Internet and Social Media Resources for your Truck Crash Case,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, National Webinar, 2017. 
• Author and Lecturer, “Overdriving the Headlights and Night Driving in Truck Crash Cases,” Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys 2016 Annual Symposium, Nashville, TN, 2016. 
• Author and Lecturer, “Federal and State Rules and Regulations in Trucking Cases,” National Business Institute, Advanced Trial Techniques, Indianapolis, IN, 2016.
• Lecturer, “Rules of the Road Strategies in a Big Truck Crash Case,” Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 28^th Annual Lifetime Achievement Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2016.
• Lecturer, “A Truck Case Walks in the Door,” AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases, Dallas, TX, 2015.
• Author and Lecturer, “The Latest Rules for Fatigue & Hours of Service,” AAJ Trucking Litigation Group Educational Seminar, AAJ Annual Convention, Montreal, Canada, 2015.
• Author and Lecturer, “Responding to Social Media Discovery Requests” Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 27^th Annual Lifetime Achievement Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2015.
• Lecturer, “Tractor-Trailer U-Turn Cases:  Approaches, Tools and Techniques,” Spotlight on the Safety Director Trucking Litigation Group Members Only Seminar, Jacksonville, FL, 2014.
• Author and Lecturer, “Advising Your Clients About Their Social Media Involvement and Dealing with Defense Requests,” 360 Advocacy, Auto Crash Litigation 3.0 Seminar, Chicago, IL, 2014.
• Lecturer, “Hours of Service and Driver Fatigue,” Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association Seminar:  How to Win Commercial Truck and Bus Cases and Get Your Clients the Help They Need, Minneapolis, MN, 2014.
• Author, “Liens in Auto Cases:  Subrogation Liens in Detail,” National Business Institute, Managing Liens and Subrogation in Auto Accident Litigation seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2013.
• Author, “Handling a Driver Fatigue Case,” Trial Magazine, Vol. 49, No. 2 – “Danger on the Road” (American Association of Justice, February 2013).
• Author and Lecturer, “What Exactly Can You Tell Your Clients About Facebook Now?  Tips on Surviving Social Media,” Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Association, Motor Vehicle Litigation Seminar, Las Vegas, NV, 2012.
• Author, “An Overview of the Current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations,” Truck Accident Litigation, 3^rd Edition (American Bar Association 2012).
• Chair/Moderator, AAJ Trucking Litigation Group Educational Seminar, AAJ Annual Convention, Chicago, IL, 2012.
• Author and Lecturer, “Issues and Strategies for Night Time Truck Crashes,” Kentucky Justice Association, Big Truck Seminar, Louisville, KY, 2012.
• Lecturer, “Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in Big Truck Crash Cases,” Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 24^th Annual Lifetime Achievement Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2012.
• Author and Lecturer, “Spoliation, Evidence Preservation, TROs, and Federal Court Removal in Interstate Trucking Cases,” New Jersey Association of Justice, Boardwalk Seminar, Atlantic City, NJ, 2012.
• Author and Lecturer, “Presenting Damages and Expert Testimony at Trial,” National Business Institute, Advanced Trial Techniques, Indianapolis, IN, 2012.
• Author and Lecturer, “The Trucking Industry and the Law,” National Business Institute, Truck Accident Litigation from Start to Finish Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2011.
• Author and Lecturer, “Initial Considerations for the Plaintiff in a Trucking Case,” National Business Institute, Truck Accident Litigation from Start to Finish Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2011.
• Lecturer, “Punitive Damages in Truck Cases,” AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College:  Litigating Truck Collision Cases, Kansas City, MO, 2011.
• Panel Lecturer, “Rules in Truck Cases,” AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College:  Litigating Truck Collision Cases, Kansas City, MO, 2011.
• Panel Lecturer, “Current Issues in Trucking Litigation,” AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College:  Litigating Truck Collision Cases, Kansas City, MO, 2011.
• Author and Lecturer, “Building a Strong Foundation for Your Case,” National Business Institute, Sophisticated Tips and Strategies for Handling the Personal Injury Case Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2011.
• Author and Lecturer, “Understanding the Law of Damages,” National Business Institute, Sophisticated Tips and Strategies for Handling the Personal Injury Case Seminar, Indianapolis, IN, 2011.
• Lecturer, “Stop Leaving Money on the Table:  Confessions of a Former Defense Lawyer,” Michigan Assoc. of Justice, How to Settle Cases for More Money Seminar, Novi, MI, 2010.
• Author and Lecturer, “Interstate Trucking Cases:  Equipment, Reconstruction, Spoliation, and TROs” AAJ Litigating Truck Collision Cases, New Orleans, LA, 2010.
• Lecturer, “SOP of the Defense Trucking Attorney,” AAJ Interstate Trucking Litigation Group Members Only Seminar, New Orleans, LA, Winter 2010.
• Author and Lecturer, “Overdriving the Headlights and Night Time Driving Issues for Interstate Trucking Cases,” AAJ Annual Convention, San Francisco, 2009.
• Lecturer, “Night Driving Issues in Interstate Trucking,” Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America, 2009.
• Author, “Tips for Handling a Tractor Trailer Inspection in a Truck Crash Case,” AAJ Interstate Trucking Litigation Group Newsletter (Fall), 2009.
• Author, “When Crafting Rules of the Road, Don’t Forget the CDL Manual,” AAJ Interstate Trucking Litigation Group Newsletter (Spring), 2009.
• Chair/Moderator, AAJ Interstate Trucking Litigation Group Members Only Seminar, Chicago, IL, Fall 2008.
• Lecturer, Insurance Coverage, IBA Bench-Bar Conference, Cincinnati, OH, 2007.
• Moderator/Lecturer, “Pre-Suit Settlement Techniques,” IBA Bench-Bar Conference, Bloomington, IN, 2000.

Bar/Professional Activity:

• Parliamentarian, Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, 2024-25
• Co-Chair, Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys Legal Education Committee, 2023-24.
• Board of Regents, Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, 2015-Present
• Board of Directors and  Executive Board Member, Brain Injury Association of Indiana, 2014-Present
• Board of Directors, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, 2014-Present
• Board of Directors, AAJ Trucking Litigation Group, 2007-Present.
• Chair, AAJ Trucking Litigation Group, 2012-13.
• Chair-Elect, AAJ Trucking Litigation Group, 2011-12.
• Secretary, AAJ Interstate Trucking Litigation Group, 2010-11.
• Immediate Past President, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2009.
• Treasurer, AAJ Interstate Trucking Litigation Group, 2009-10.
• Member, Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America, 2009.
• President, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2008.
• Special Projects Chair, AAJ Interstate Trucking Litigation Group, 2008.
• Co-Chair, AAJ Interstate Trucking Litigation Group Chicago Seminar, 2008.
• President-elect, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2007.
• First Vice President, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2006.
• Legislative Liaison Committee, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2006.
• Secretary, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2005.
• Board of Directors, Indianapolis Bar Foundation, 2005.
• Chair, Grants Committee, Indianapolis Bar Foundation, 2005.
• Board of Directors, Indianapolis Bar Foundation, 2004.
• Chair, Lawyer Referral Service, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2003.
• Board of Managers, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2003.
• Chair, Lawyer Referral Service, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2002.
• Board of Managers, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2002.
• Co-Chair, IBA Bench-Bar Conference, 2001.

Honors and Awards:

• Selected to Super Lawyers, Indiana Super Lawyer.
• Best Lawyers in America Selection, Personal Injury Litigation, Indianapolis.
• College of Fellows, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
• Distinguished Fellow, Indianapolis Bar Foundation, Inducted 2001.
• Athletic Hall of Fame (1985 Soccer Team), Siena Heights University, Inducted 2002.

Bar and Litigation Group Memberships:

• American Association for Justice (memberships in Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group and Trucking Litigation Group), Leaders Forum member and PAC Contributor
• Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
• Truck Accident Attorneys Roundtable
• Executive Committee Member, Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers Association
• Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Sustaining Member, PAC Contributor
• Indiana State Bar Association
• Indianapolis Bar Association

Community Involvement

Dan is actively involved in the Indianapolis community, volunteering for organizations such as Gleaners Food Bank, Second Helpings, and Families First. His commitment to community service underscores his dedication to making a positive impact both inside and outside the courtroom.

If you need experienced legal representation for semi-truck crashes, personal injury, or traumatic brain injury cases, contact Daniel J. Buba at Doehrman Buba Ring. Schedule your free consultation today by calling 317-669-9445 or emailing us.