Trucks play a crucial role in keeping our economy running, and transporting goods across the country. However, these large vehicles also pose significant risks on the road.
As an example, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, 5,788 people died in crashes involving heavy trucks (vehicles with a gross weight over 10,000 pounds), a 17 percent increase over 2020. Further, 72 percent of people killed in heavy truck accidents in 2021 were occupants of other vehicles.
Of course, Illinois is by no means immune to trucking accidents. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were over 11,000 accidents involving heavy trucks in 2021, often leading to severe injuries caused by the size and weight of these vehicles.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents can happen for various reasons, many of which involve negligence or unsafe practices. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, and fatigue can impair their judgment and reaction time.
- Distracted Driving: Just like other drivers, truck drivers may be distracted by phones, GPS devices, or even food and drink while driving.
- Improper Maintenance: Trucks need regular maintenance to ensure they’re safe to operate. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to accidents.
- Speeding: Truck drivers in a hurry to meet deadlines may exceed speed limits, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Overloaded Trucks: Trucks carrying more weight than they’re designed for can cause handling problems and make it harder to stop or turn safely.
Types of Compensation You Might Receive After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. These may include:
- Medical Bills: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other medical expenses related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost if your injuries make you unable to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional toll the accident has had on your life.
- Property Damage: Coverage for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
What to Do After Being Involved in a Trucking Accident
If you’re involved in a truck accident, the steps you take afterward are important.
- First, seek medical attention, even if you feel fine initially—some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Second, carefully preserve all medical bills and records.
- Third, if possible, document the scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and filing a police report.
- Fourth and finally, it’s also crucial to contact an Illinois truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and to help you navigate the claims process.
Factors That Might Make It Difficult to Get Compensation
Several factors can complicate the process of getting compensation in truck accident cases:
- Disputed Liability: The trucking company or driver may try to deny responsibility for the accident, claiming you were at fault.
- Insurance Companies: Insurers may offer you a settlement far less than what you deserve, hoping to resolve the case quickly and cheaply.
- Multiple Parties Involved: Trucking accidents often involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. Determining who is responsible can be challenging without legal help.
How an Experienced Illinois Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
An experienced Illinois truck accident attorney can make a huge difference in your case. They will:
- Investigate the Accident: Your attorney will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with accident reconstruction experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, but an attorney knows how to negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Handle Legal Paperwork: Legal documents and deadlines can be overwhelming. Your attorney will take care of the paperwork, allowing you to focus on recovering from your injuries.
- Represent You in Court: If necessary, your attorney will represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
