Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Illinois

 Posted on December 07, 2020 in Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks and other large trucks carry everything from building supplies to groceries across the country. It is safe to say that our modern way of life would be nearly impossible without the services that trucking companies and truck drivers provide. However, large trucks can also cause horrific traffic accidents. If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation for damages through a personal injury claim. However, before you can successfully recover compensation, you and your attorney will need to identify the cause of the accident and determine who is liable for your damages.

Loose, Shifting, or Fallen Truck Cargo

Rigorous safety policies regulate the way that truck cargo must be loaded and secured. Truck cargo that is inside of a trailer must be loaded in such a way that the weight is evenly distributed. The cargo must be properly secured so that it does not move around the trailer during transit. When cargo is not loaded and secured correctly, it can cause the truck to become off balanced and even tip over. Cargo that is improperly loaded on a flatbed truck may fall out of the truck and onto the road. Other vehicles may collide with the fallen cargo or generate another accident trying to avoid a collision.

Driver Fatigue and Distracted Driving

Truckers often have grueling work expectations. They must drive thousands of miles a week – often on little sleep. Truck drivers are required to take breaks per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Hours of Service rules and other legislation. However, some truck drivers do not take the mandatory rest breaks and falsify their logbooks to show breaks that never actually happened. Falling asleep at the wheel and drowsy driving can cause severe truck accidents. Distracted driving such as texting while driving is another common cause of truck accidents.

Trucking Company Negligence

Sometimes, liability for a truck accident lies with a trucking company that acted negligently. A trucking company may hire truck drivers who are unqualified for the position, encourage drivers to lie about rest breaks, or take other actions that increase the chances of an accident. Trucking companies may neglect important vehicle maintenance and inspections or fail to recognize when a vehicle is unsafe to drive. If a trucking company’s negligence leads to an accident, the company may be liable for damages.

Contact an Elmhurst Truck Accident Lawyer  

If you or a loved one were involved in a serious truck accident, contact a Joliet truck accident injury attorney from Schwartz Injury Law. Call our office at 630-415-0500 today for a free consultation and case review.

Sources:

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/trucks-vs-cars-why-not-all-vehicle-crashes-are-same

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules