Normal Truck Accident Attorneys
Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Clients in Normal, IL
When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the results are often catastrophic, leaving victims to deal with severe injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost income. Truck accident cases are often more complex than other types of motor vehicle collisions due to the involvement of commercial entities, federal regulations, and multiple insurance policies. Victims may have to deal with trucking companies and their insurers, both of whom will try to minimize liability and limit compensation. Schwartz Injury Law is dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.
How Schwartz Injury Law Can Help After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can often lead to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even fatalities. After a truck accident, it is essential to understand your legal options and take action to protect your rights. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence such as truck logs, maintenance records, and eyewitness statements. We will work to determine liability, which may involve multiple parties such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or truck manufacturer. We will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Common Causes of Truck Collisions
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, and despite federal regulations that limit driving time, many drivers push their limits to meet tight deadlines. Driver fatigue can impair reaction times, decision-making abilities, and overall awareness. When a fatigued truck driver causes an accident, the trucking company may also be held liable if they failed to enforce proper rest breaks.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Drug Use: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and highly dangerous, particularly for truck drivers who operate large vehicles. In some cases, truck drivers may use stimulants or other substances to stay awake for long shifts, which can impair their judgment and reaction times.
- Speeding: Driving a large semi-truck at high speeds increases the likelihood of losing control, especially in poor weather conditions or on uneven roads. Speeding can also increase the severity of an accident, leading to more serious injuries or fatalities.
- Shifting or Lost Cargo Loads: Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing a truck to become unstable or lose control. In some cases, cargo may even fall off the truck and create hazards for other vehicles on the road. Trucking companies and cargo loaders are responsible for ensuring that cargo is properly secured, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any accidents caused by shifting or lost loads.
- Improperly Loaded or Maintained Trucks: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that vehicles are properly maintained and safe to operate. This includes regularly inspecting brakes, tires, and other mechanical components. Additionally, trucks must be loaded according to specific weight and balance guidelines to ensure safe operation. When a truck is overloaded or improperly maintained, brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical problems may lead to an accident.
Truck Accident FAQs
Answer: Multiple parties may be held liable for a truck accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck’s owner, the cargo loader, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Schwartz Injury Law will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all potentially liable parties and ensure that they are held accountable for their role in the accident.
Answer: In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident. However, it is important to contact an attorney immediately following the accident to ensure that evidence is preserved and your case is properly prepared. We can help you file your claim within the required timeframe and guide you through the legal process.
Answer: Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and loss of future earning capacity. Schwartz Injury Law works to ensure that all damages are accounted for and that clients receive the maximum compensation available under the law.
Contact Our Normal, Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Normal, Illinois, do not wait to seek legal representation. Schwartz Injury Law is dedicated to helping victims hold the parties responsible for truck accidents accountable and recover the compensation they deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities of your claim while you focus on recovery. Contact us at 708-888-2160 today to arrange your free consultation.