The Causes and Effects of Truck Accidents
Approximately 150,000 trucking accidents occur every year in the United States, and one out of every eight traffic fatalities involves a commercial truck. Semi truck accidents leave lasting physical and emotional scars on victims and their families. Frequent causes of trucking accidents include: truck driver fatigue due to the driver’s violation of federal regulations, reckless driving and speeding motivated by company deadlines, driver drug and alcohol use, defective equipment, excessive or improperly loaded cargo, lack of training, and sometimes even expired or fraudulently acquired commercial drivers’ licenses. Many cases involve a variety of these causes and multiple violations of state and federal law.
The weight difference between 18 wheeler semi trucks and cars, vans, and SUVs can result in catastrophic injuries to the passengers of the smaller vehicles. Victims may suffer from property damage, loss of property, hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, deformation, and emotional distress. The problems caused by truck crashes may quickly multiply because the trucking companies and insurance companies quickly begin working against the victims.
Determining Liability After the Truck Accident
Liability may ultimately rest on the driver for negligence or reckless disregard for the law, the trucking company for its negligent hiring practices or the irresponsible risks it has forced on its drivers, or the truck designer or manufacturer for defects in the truck itself. The various players involved in any semi truck collision will all try to avoid liability. Any statements you make or papers you sign could by used to reduce or even deny your compensation. You should always talk to an Illinois truck accident attorney before you sign anything or make any statements to insurance companies or trucking companies.
Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers
An experienced Illinois truck accident lawyer can gain an upper hand by getting involved early in a case. Semi truck accident cases often require extensive evidence collection including collecting medical records, photographing the scene, interviewing witnesses, and collecting forensic evidence for accident reconstruction experts. The truck accident lawyers at the Lavin Law Offices have extensive experience with this work, and are very familiar with the greater Chicagoland area. Our attorneys obtain the driver’s ICC log books and truck maintenance records, and conduct further investigations into the histories of the trucking company itself and its drivers. Only a thorough investigation can effectively determine liability and calculate just compensation.
Fighting Against Trucking Companies
Many truck drivers are pushed into negligent behavior by trucking companies that impose unreasonable demands on their drivers. The same companies will do anything possible to avoid liability and obscure the truth. The truck accident lawyers at Lavin Law Offices have the legal knowledge and practical experience to handle complicated litigation arising from truck accidents. These cases can require immediate collection and preservation of medical, forensic, and engineering evidence.
Contact the Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers at Lavin Law Offices
The truck accident lawyers at Lavin Law Offices are committed to collecting a fair and just compensation for your loss and injuries. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a truck accident, you should contact the truck accident attorneys at Lavin Law Offices. You can reach us online or at 312-849-2424.
