Peoria, IL Truck Accident Lawyers

Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys Helping Clients in Peoria

Truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries that may change the course of a person's life. For those who have suffered harm in truck accidents, understanding the legal options available is essential to recovering compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Schwartz Injury Law has the experience, knowledge, and dedication needed to help victims of commercial truck accidents seek justice and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Understanding the Dangers of Truck Accidents in Peoria, Illinois

Truck accidents are often more severe than other types of collision due to several key factors:

• Size and Weight Disparity: Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles greatly increases the potential for catastrophic injuries in the event of a collision. Smaller vehicles may be severely damaged or crushed, often leaving the occupants with life-threatening injuries or permanent disabilities, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries.
• Longer Stopping Distances: When traffic suddenly slows or an emergency arises, truck drivers may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Rear-end accidents involving trucks can be especially devastating, and they can lead to serious injuries or death.
• Blind Spots: Also known as "no-zones," these are areas where a driver has a limited ability to see vehicles traveling alongside or behind them. When truck drivers fail to notice smaller vehicles that have entered these blind spots, they may cause collisions when changing lanes or making wide turns.
• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often on tight schedules, and they may spend long hours on the road to meet delivery deadlines. Tiredness, fatigue, or drowsiness can impair a driver's reaction time, decision-making, and their overall ability to operate their vehicle safely. Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road without rest, but violations of these regulations are not uncommon, and they can put everyone on the road at risk.
• Improper Maintenance: Some trucking companies or truck owners cut corners by neglecting necessary repairs or failing to properly maintain their vehicles. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to catastrophic accidents.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: This can make a truck unstable, increasing the likelihood of an accident. When cargo shifts or spills during transport, it can cause the truck to jackknife, roll over, or lose control, leading to an accident. Spilled cargo can also create hazardous conditions for other drivers on the road.

Catastrophic Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents

The force of a collision with a large commercial vehicle may cause:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) that can result in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and behavioral changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries that may lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
• Multiple Fractures that may require extended recovery periods or lead to permanent disabilities.

For victims of these catastrophic injuries, the physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be immense. Recovery may involve extensive medical treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care. Additionally, many truck accident victims are unable to return to work, further compounding the financial strain on them and their families.

Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims

You may be entitled to significant compensation for the injuries and damages suffered in a collision. Truck accident victims may be able to recover damages for:

• Pain and Suffering: You may be compensated for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident and the resulting injuries. This includes compensation for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation. In cases where the injury results in a long-term or permanent inability to work, you may also recover damages for lost earning capacity.
• Medical Expenses: All current and future medical costs related to the accident, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any required medical equipment, should be addressed in your compensation.

How Schwartz Injury Law Can Fight for Truck Accident Victims

We know what it takes to secure the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. We will provide personalized, hands-on representation to guide you through every step of the legal process via:

Thorough Investigation

Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and parts manufacturers or maintenance providers. Schwartz Injury Law will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence such as:

• Accident reports
• Truck maintenance records
• Driver log books and electronic data
• Eyewitness testimony
• Photographs and videos of the accident scene

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

We are experienced in dealing with insurance companies, and we will fight to secure a fair settlement that fully covers your damages. If the insurance company refuses to offer an adequate settlement, Schwartz Injury Law will not hesitate to take your case to court to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve.

Building a Strong Case

We understand the intricacies of these cases, and we will devise a strategy to maximize your chances of success. This includes identifying any violations of federal regulations, such as hours of service violations, improper maintenance, or inadequate driver training.

Contact Our Peoria, Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys Today

When a Peoria, Illinois truck accident has caused you and your family to suffer harm, Schwartz Injury Law is here to fight for you and your rights. We can provide the legal representation needed to recover full and fair compensation and help you rebuild your life. Call 309-650-8700 or reach out online to arrange your free consultation.