After A Devastating Crash, Turn To Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers For Help
Due to the size and nature of trucks, accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. After a crash, many people simply don’t know what their rights are and find themselves facing a mountain of medical bills. Regardless of the size of your case, you need to talk to an attorney in Chicago who will analyze the facts and help you understand your legal options. Berg & Berg Attorneys at Law has been helping injured clients throughout Illinois since 1991.
When you work with our firm, you can expect open and honest communication throughout the process. You are not just another client to us. We want to see you treated fairly, and we will aggressively advocate for you, whether it is in a negotiation or a courtroom. We are a family-owned law firm, and we understand the impact a trucking accident can have on your loved ones.
How Do The Attorneys At Berg & Berg Investigate Truck Accident Cases?
Truck accident cases are high stakes for you as the victim, but they are also high stakes for insurance companies that provide expensive commercial policies. Insurers are much more aggressive about defending truck accident claims because they want to protect their bottom line. For this reason, insurance companies will often have an adjuster on the scene of a truck accident within hours, working to control the evidence and shape a narrative that is favorable to them and their clients.
As the victim, you won’t be able to respond that quickly, but you should nonetheless contact our office as soon as reasonably possible. When we take your case, we begin a thorough investigation immediately. This includes taking photographs and talking to witnesses. We also fight to prevent the insurance company from taking undue possession of evidence or finding legal yet unethical ways to make it disappear. In doing so, we will determine who to hold responsible for the accident. This will likely include the truck driver, the trucking company and the insurance company.
We can also coordinate with your medical providers to obtain important records and calculate the full costs of your injuries and other losses. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability and more, and we will work tirelessly to maximize compensation for you and your family.
If someone you love died as a result of their injuries, we can pursue a wrongful death claim to help you seek damages for funeral and burial expenses, a lifetime of lost wages and more.
Common Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents
For obvious reasons, commercial truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or deaths for occupants of the smaller vehicle. Truck accident victims who survive are likely to suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck, back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Paralysis (paraplegia and quadriplegia)
- Crushed limbs and amputations
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Because of how serious these injuries often are, the average settlement or jury award in a truck accident case is likely to be much higher than for other types of crashes. However, securing that compensation requires the skill and aggressive advocacy of an experienced truck accident attorney like those at our firm.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents?
There are dozens of potential causes of a crash, but most trucking accidents are the result of truck driver and trucking company negligence. Specific examples include:
- Truck driver drowsiness: Long hours on the road lead to fatigue, making it difficult for drivers to stay alert. Their reaction time slows, and their judgment suffers. Eventually, a crash becomes all but certain.
- Improper truck maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping trucks running safely. In fact, trucking industry regulations mandate frequent inspections and timely repairs. When this is neglected, problems such as brake failure or tire blowouts can occur, leading to dangerous situations.
- Negligence in loading and securing cargo: The way cargo is loaded and secured can greatly affect a truck’s balance and stability. If cargo shifts unexpectedly, it can cause the truck to tip over or veer into other lanes. Accidents sometimes also occur because cargo has fallen out or off of a truck and into traffic.
- Trucker blind spots: Trucks have much larger blind spots than smaller vehicles. Truck drivers must have the training, knowledge and good sense to compensate for their limited vision. If a truck driver fails to notice a car in one of these blind spots while changing lanes or turning, it can result in a collision.
- Defective truck parts: This is an example of negligence on the part of commercial truck manufacturers and parts suppliers. Just as they do in cars, defective parts can cause trucking accidents or make them more deadly.
After a serious truck accident, our attorneys will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation to determine the cause and identify all liable parties.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Chicago Semi-Truck Accident?
The most immediate potentially liable parties include the truck driver, the trucking company and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Additionally, other entities, such as cargo loaders or maintenance providers, could be responsible if their negligence played a role. Each accident is unique, so it’s important to thoroughly investigate the specific circumstances.
Can You Sue The Trucking Company After An Accident?
Yes, you may be able to sue the trucking company after an accident if it is found that the company’s actions or negligence were the cause or a contributing factor to your severe injuries. This could be the case if the company failed to follow safety regulations, did not properly maintain the truck or hired an unqualified driver, among other reasons.
How Long Do You Have To File A Chicago Truck Accident Claim?
In Illinois, individuals involved in a semi-truck accident have a two-year window to file a truck accident lawsuit. This period, known as the statute of limitations, begins on the date of the accident. You must take action within this time frame to enforce your rights. If you delay too long before filing your claim, you lose the right to seek compensation for damages such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Are The Federal And State Trucking Regulations?
There are numerous federal regulations for trucking that are comprehensive and designed to enhance safety on the roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the organization that oversees these rules. Under federal law, all commercial drivers must have at least one year of driving experience and must train with a registered training provider before receiving their permit or license. The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations mandates that vehicles meet rigorous safety standards depending on their category, weight and cargo. Operational rules, including the use of electronic logging devices to track drivers’ hours, ensure that drivers do not risk fatigue at the wheel.
Illinois has its own set of rules to keep truck operations safe. It mandates a minimum of 160 hours of training for a commercial truck driver. The state restricts the number of hours a truck driver can operate within a single day to 11 hours within a 14-hour period. Illinois also requires that truck companies conduct random, regular drug and alcohol testing for truck drivers. Commercial vehicles must receive inspections and servicing every six months. Moreover, there are specific rules on how to secure loads safely to prevent accidents caused by shifting or falling cargo.
How Much Does A Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Cost?
Retaining the Chicago truck accident lawyers at our firm does not require upfront fees. We offer completely free consultations to discuss your case and make sure you understand your options and rights. If you decide to hire our experienced truck accident lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that our payment is contingent upon securing a settlement or winning a judgment in your favor. You will not owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you. We believe that you deserve peace of mind and should not have to feel stressed about the cost of legal fees.
Learn More In A Free Consultation – Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been in an accident, it is important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. We understand that you may be suffering, and we want to help you find a positive solution. Our attorneys are fluent in Spanish, and for your convenience, we offer free consultations. Contact our Chicago office today at 773-596-6654 or fill out our contact form. Se habla español.