Des Plaines Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck Accident Injury Lawyers Helping Victims in Des Plaines, Illinois

U.S. Route 14 in Des Plaines is a major highway for commercial truck traffic. While 18-wheelers and other large trucks play an essential role in transporting goods, their size and weight make them a significant hazard to other motorists. Truck accidents on Route 14 and other local roads and highways can lead to devastating injuries and lasting emotional trauma for victims and their loved ones.

The attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law understand the nuances of truck accident cases, and we are dedicated to holding all negligent parties accountable for their actions. With a dedication to achieving justice and compensation for all clients, we ensure that victims can focus on recovery while their legal needs are addressed.

Most Frequent Causes of Truck Accidents

Tire Blowouts

Blowouts can cause truck drivers to lose control, leading to collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects. Accidents from tire blowouts often occur due to poor vehicle maintenance, defective parts, or overloading.

Rollover Accidents

Trucks are prone to rollovers due to their high center of gravity, especially during sharp turns or sudden braking. Uneven cargo distribution may also contribute to these accidents. Rollover accidents frequently block multiple lanes, causing widespread damage and injuries to all parties involved.

Wide Turn Accidents

Large commercial trucks require significant space to complete turns. For truck drivers, misjudging the amount of space required or failing to signal properly can lead to collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes. These crashes could potentially lead to catastrophic injuries.

Underride Accidents

In some collisions with 18-wheelers, smaller vehicles may slide beneath the rear or sides of a truck. These crashes often occur when a truck stops suddenly or when it does not have the proper underride guards. Because of the damage to smaller cars, these accidents may result in fatalities.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have large areas that are out of the sight of drivers. These blind spots are often referred to as "no-zones." Truck drivers who fail to check these areas before changing lanes or merging can cause serious accidents.

Jackknife Accidents

This type of accident occurs when the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings sideways, forming an acute angle with the truck's cab. Sudden braking, slippery roads, or improper weight distribution may result in jackknife accidents. A truck driver who loses control and causes an accident is likely to create a hazard that will affect all nearby drivers.

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances than smaller vehicles. Tailgating or distracted driving can lead to rear-end accidents, which are especially dangerous due to the force exerted by large commercial vehicles and the damage they can do when they strike another vehicle from behind.

Determining Potential At-Fault Parties in Truck Accident Cases

The Truck Driver

Driver negligence is a leading cause of truck accidents. Common forms include:

• Fatigue due to hours-of-service violations
• Distracted driving, such as using a phone or eating while operating the truck
• Speeding or reckless driving, which increases the risk of losing control
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The Trucking Company

Employers may share liability if they:

• Fail to enforce federal safety regulations, such as limits on driving hours
• Neglect proper driver training or background checks
• Pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, encouraging unsafe practices

Maintenance Providers

Neglected maintenance can result in mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. Maintenance companies may be held accountable if poor upkeep contributed to a truck accident.

Cargo Loaders

Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can destabilize a truck, causing rollovers, jackknifes, or lost loads. Liability may extend to third-party cargo loading companies.

Manufacturers

Defective parts, such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms, can cause truck accidents. Manufacturers of defective components may share responsibility for the resulting damages.

Government Entities

If poor road conditions such as potholes, inadequate signage, malfunctioning signals, or improperly maintained construction zones contributed to a truck crash, local or state governments may be held liable.

Contact Our Des Plaines, IL Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents on U.S. Route 14 or other roads in and around Des Plaines can lead to serious injuries. We are committed to helping victims recover the compensation they need, backed by a proven record of success and strong client advocacy. Contact Schwartz Injury Law at 708-888-2160 or online to schedule your free consultation.