Urbana Truck Accident Lawyers

Attorneys for People Injured in Commercial Truck Accidents in Urbana, IL

With the busy nature of US Route 150 and the Urbana region as a whole, the risks of serious accidents involving commercial vehicles are ever-present. For people injured in truck accidents, it is crucial to secure experienced legal representation. A skilled lawyer can help victims navigate these complex cases, which often involve multiple parties and large insurance companies. If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident, choosing a trusted firm with a proven track record of success like Schwartz Injury Law can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Urbana

18-wheeler accidents and other collisions involving large trucks may occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are tied to negligence by truck drivers, trucking companies, or others involved in the transport process. Some of the most common reasons for truck accidents include:

• Improper Maintenance: Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to ensure that all components, including brakes, tires, and lights, are functioning properly. When trucking companies or maintenance providers fail to conduct necessary inspections or repair faulty parts, the risk of accidents increases.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Truck drivers who speed or engage in reckless behaviors endanger everyone on the road. High speeds make it difficult for large trucks to stop quickly, especially on busy roads like US Route 150 in Urbana. Schwartz Injury Law will work to collect evidence, including black box data and eyewitness accounts, to show whether reckless driving or excessive speed was a factor in causing an accident.
• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers may feel pressure to deliver goods as quickly as possible, and since they are often paid by the mile, they may spend excessive hours behind the wheel. Although there are federal regulations limiting the number of hours a driver can work, these rules are not always followed. Fatigued driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence, and it can lead to issues such as delayed reaction times and poor decision-making. Schwartz Injury Law can investigate to determine whether federal hours-of-service rules were violated, taking steps to establish liability for a truck crash.
• Distracted Driving: Like other drivers, truck drivers can become distracted. Activities such as cell phone use, eating, or using a GPS device while driving can divert a driver's attention away from the road, which can lead to devastating accidents. Given the size of commercial trucks, even a brief lapse in concentration can result in significant destruction and harm.

Potential Negligent Parties in a Truck Accident Case

Truck accidents often involve more than just the truck driver. Determining liability can be complicated, as multiple parties may have contributed to the crash. Parties who could potentially be held responsible may include:

• The Truck Driver: The driver may be directly at fault for the accident if they were driving recklessly, were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or otherwise violated traffic laws or federal regulations. Schwartz Injury Law will thoroughly investigate the driver’s behavior and history, including looking into prior incidents or violations.
• The Trucking Company: These companies may be held responsible for the actions of their drivers or for failing to ensure that a vehicle was safe to operate. If a trucking company failed to properly vet a driver, enforce hours-of-service requirements, or keep up with regular maintenance, it may be held liable for the accident. We will scrutinize the company’s practices to determine if negligent hiring, supervision, or management was involved.
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can lead to accidents even if the driver and trucking company did everything correctly. In these cases, the manufacturer of the defective part may be liable for the accident. Schwartz Injury Law will work with engineering experts to determine if a vehicle defect was to blame for a truck accident.

Contact Our Urbana, Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Urbana, Illinois, it is important to work with an experienced law firm that can effectively handle the complexities of your case. With the right legal team on your side, you can navigate the process of recovering compensation with confidence. Contact Schwartz Injury Law at 708-888-2160 today to arrange your complimentary consultation and learn more about how our lawyers can assist you in the aftermath of a truck accident.