An average commercial truck typically weighs at least 25 times more than a standard passenger vehicle. Oftentimes, these commercial trucks or “big rigs” can also be transporting flammable, hazardous or other dangerous materials. Due to the significant contrast in weight between big rig trucks and personal-use vehicles, collisions involving a commercial truck can often result in severe, life-changing injuries or death.
The experienced Chicago truck accident lawyers at Gill Ports Hoste LLC, are proficient litigators who understand the severity of your situation, can help you determine the type of compensation you will need, as well as effectively guide you through the personal injury claims process. We take on many complex motor vehicle and Illinois commercial truck accident cases, including those involving vehicle occupant ejection and motor vehicle defects. We have a proven track record. Below are questions our Chicago truck accident lawyers often receive regarding semi-truck accident cases.
What Are Common Causes Of Commercial Truck Accidents in Chicago?
The sheer size of trucks are a fundamental problem. Commercial trucking accidents can occur for any number of reasons. Unfortunately, driver negligence is often a contributing factor to these devastating crashes. Examples of truck driver negligence and truck driver error that can lead to trucking accidents include:
- Fatigued driving (violation of federal regulations for hours of service)
- Distracted driving (cellphone, GPS, changing the radio station, etc.)
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Road rage
- Overloaded truck & unsecured loads
- Equipment failure; for example, brake failure
- Improper breaking or jackknifing
- Maintenance negligence
- Drunk driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Truck manufacturer negligence
Commercial trucks have specific characteristics and limited performance capabilities, which create larger blind spots and makes it more difficult for drivers to respond quickly in risky situations. If you or a loved one was involved in a commercial vehicle truck crash, no matter who is at fault, it is essential to seek the immediate help of a skilled personal injury lawyer.
The Chicago accident lawyers at our law firm routinely works with law enforcement, physicians and engineers who help us understand how and why your accident happened. Taking these extra steps can be crucial to proving your case.
What percentage of auto accidents involve tractor-trailer trucks?
Nearly 400,000 truck accidents happen every year, comprising of about 7% of all car accidents. While this figure may be small, the likelihood of a fatal truck accident is far greater than in a car accident.
What should I do after a truck accident in Chicago, Illinois?
If you are able to move after the scene of the crash safely, gather photographic and video evidence of the crash, and collect the insurance company and contact information of the driver. Call the police to help document the crash, contact your insurance company to start their claims process, and call a truck accident attorney to help you. Seek medical attention.
How long does it take to resolve a semi-truck accident?
Truck accidents often take more time to resolve than car accidents, typically because of the trucking company and insurance carriers. Truck company insurance and legal teams often slow down the process to the point that takes around a year or more to settle. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help reduce the time it takes to earn fair compensation.
What are the most common truck accident injuries?
Some of the most common injuries in a semi-truck accident are head and brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury can come from a swift blow to the head, causing concussions, paralysis, spinal cord injuries and nerve damage. Fatal injuries also can occur.
What should I look for in a trucking accident attorney in Chicago?
The personal injury attorneys you choose to represent you through your truck accident claim should have experience in Chicago personal injury claims, compassion for their clients’ needs, and a commitment to help you secure the best possible outcome in their compensation claim.
Compensation for truck accident victims and their families can be for loss of income; loss of companionship; loss of enjoyment; severe injuries; property damage; and medical expenses. Financial compensation also can include punitive damages from the negligent party.
Don’t Wait To Get Legal Representation From a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer
Medical costs are only the beginning after this type of catastrophic accident. The physical, emotional and financial ramifications can be difficult to measure and hard to plan for. At Gill Ports Hoste LLC, our legal team works hard on your behalf to pursue maximum compensation so you can focus on the most important thing, your recovery.
Call (312) 372-8893 now to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Chicago truck accident lawyer or send us a message online. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis.