Elk Grove Village, Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers

Attorneys Helping Victims of Commercial Truck Accidents in Elk Grove Village

Collisions involving commercial trucks are among the most dangerous on local Elk Grove Village roads and highways, and they often lead to severe injuries or a tragic loss of life. The massive size and weight of semi-trucks can make these accidents particularly destructive, resulting in life-changing injuries and financial hardships for victims.

Schwartz Injury Law has a proven track record of success representing clients who have suffered serious injuries. We are committed to holding all negligent parties accountable, ensuring that personal injury victims will have the financial resources they need. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless we recover compensation.

Potential Causes of Truck Accidents and Responsible Parties

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who may have played a role in causing the crash. Identifying the liable parties is crucial to ensuring that victims can recover full and fair compensation for their injuries and damages. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include:

• The Truck Driver – If the driver was fatigued, impaired, distracted, or driving recklessly, they may be held liable for the accident.
• The Trucking Company – Companies that fail to enforce safety regulations, hire unqualified drivers, or pressure employees to meet unrealistic deadlines may be responsible.
• The Cargo Loading Company – If improperly loaded cargo contributed to the crash, the party responsible for securing the truck's load may be liable.
• The Truck Manufacturer – If a mechanical failure or defective truck part caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable.

Negligence on the part of any of these parties can lead to a catastrophic accident. Some key factors that may lead to truck accidents include:

Driver Fatigue

Hours of Service (HOS) regulations apply to truck drivers, limiting how long they can drive before taking a mandatory break. However, many drivers exceed these limits in order to meet their time-sensitive delivery schedules. Fatigue reduces reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of a driver falling asleep at the wheel.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Drug Use

Operating a truck while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Some truck drivers use stimulants to stay awake during long shifts, but these substances can impair coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Federal regulations require trucking companies to conduct regular drug and alcohol testing, but not all companies comply, putting people's lives at risk.

Shifting or Lost Cargo

When cargo is not properly secured or loaded, it may shift during transit, causing a truck to become unbalanced and potentially leading to a rollover accident, jackknife, or cargo spilling onto the roadway. Cargo-loading companies and truck operators are responsible for ensuring that all freight is safely secured.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Trucking companies and drivers must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles so that they are safe for the road. However, when companies neglect routine maintenance to save time or money, critical components such as brakes, tires, and steering systems can fail, leading to serious accidents. If poor maintenance played a role in a crash, the trucking company or third-party maintenance provider may be held accountable.

Severe Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents

Multiple Fractures

The impact of a truck crash can cause multiple broken bones, some of which may require surgeries, implants such as screws or rods, and prolonged rehabilitation. In severe cases, fractures may lead to permanent mobility issues.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Truck accidents frequently cause spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Victims may lose mobility, require assistive devices, and need significant home modifications.

Internal Injuries

Blunt force trauma from a truck accident can cause internal bleeding and damage to vital organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal injuries can be difficult to detect immediately after an accident, making it critical for victims to receive medical care right away.

Contact Our Elk Grove Village, IL 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

The long-term health effects of a truck accident can be devastating, but you do not have to face them alone—we are here for you. Our experienced legal team will fight to hold the negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Contact Schwartz Injury Law at 708-888-2160 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.