Experienced And Reputable Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers
Last updated on March 4, 2025
Were you involved in a truck accident? Truck accidents can leave your head spinning and unsure of your next move. First, you must know your legal rights and how you can obtain the compensation that you deserve. Next, you need to understand that several parties are potentially liable for the accident. Then you have to prove liability, a complex task. Eames Law Group is here to help you do just that.
How Eames Law Group Can Help After A Chicago Truck Accident
Accidents involving commercial trucks are highly complex. They differ greatly from standard car accidents involving private sedans or pickup trucks. It is not enough to handle a claim on your own; you need us. We can provide:
- Dedicated, one-on-one attention from your lawyer.
- Personable, caring client service.
- Skill backed by a list of favorable case results, including million-dollar settlements.
It is rare to find this combination of traits in a personal injury law firm. When you are looking for representation, look no further than us.
The Steps You Must Take After A Truck Accident
Experiencing a truck accident can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps to take can help ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here’s a guide to actions you should consider immediately following the incident:
- Contact the police and report the truck accident immediately: Promptly informing law enforcement is crucial, as they will document the incident and create an official report that may be important for insurance and legal purposes.
- Call an ambulance for any injured parties: Ensuring that medical assistance is provided quickly can help address any injuries and potentially save lives.
- Take photos and video of the accident scene: Capturing visual evidence of the scene, including vehicle positions and any visible damage, can be invaluable for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
- Make a note of any injuries, pains and aches: Documenting how you feel immediately after the accident can be useful for medical professionals and when filing a claim, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Wait for law enforcement: It is important to remain at the scene until the authorities arrive to ensure all necessary information is recorded and to cooperate with their investigation.
- Hire an experienced truck accident lawyer: Seeking legal advice from a professional with expertise in truck accidents can help you understand your rights and navigate any potential legal challenges.
Taking these steps can help ensure that you and others involved are safe and that you have the necessary documentation and support to handle the aftermath of the accident effectively. Always prioritize health and safety above all else.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
One common cause contributing to truck accidents is driver fatigue. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), driver fatigue is a factor in over 30% of truck accidents. Federal trucking laws restrict the amount of time truck drivers can operate their vehicles, the time they must be out of service between driving shifts and the number of hours they are allowed to log within a week. Often, drivers fabricate logs due to scheduling demands, resulting in sleep deprivation.
Failure to maintain or negligent maintenance is another cause of truck accidents. Our experts can determine if faulty equipment or negligent maintenance caused the truck accident. Tires, brakes, axles, hitches and other parts must be maintained and checked before driving.
Other causes include:
- Fatigued drivers
- Intoxicated drivers
- Inexperienced drivers
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Faulty tires and truck parts
- Negligent or improper maintenance
Common Injuries
Truck accidents often result in serious personal injuries resulting in permanent damage, disabilities and disfigurement. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken and fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Death and dismemberment
- Amputations
These injuries cause physical pain and emotional distress, and financial ruin. The responsible party should be forced to compensate you to cover your losses as well as ongoing pain and suffering.
Determining Liability In Illinois Truck Accident
There could be several parties responsible for covering your damages. Not only is the driver liable when they cause a collision, but other parties could also be liable, including the trucking company. Our truck and car accident team will research, investigate, and determine all parties and hold them accountable.
Other parties that can be held to account may include:
- Trucking companies
- Manufacturers and distributors of trucking products
- Shippers and loaders of cargo
The truck driver that caused your accident could work directly for the company or be contracted as an independent contractor hired only to haul goods. If the driver is an employee of the company, the company could be held liable for negligence that contributed to the accident. This is especially true when the driver hasn’t been adequately trained, is inexperienced or has a driving record that should have shown that they were a danger behind the wheel.
Independent truck drivers or owner-operators own their trucks and handle loads of cargo. Depending upon the amount of oversight they hold over the driver, they may also share responsibility in recovery.
Illinois Truck Accident Statistics
Truck accidents in Illinois, particularly in the Chicagoland area, present a significant safety concern. According to available data, these incidents are alarmingly frequent, contributing to a substantial number of injuries and fatalities each year. The state sees a high volume of commercial truck traffic, which is a factor in the prevalence of these accidents. On average, several fatalities occur weekly due to truck-related accidents. The combination of dense urban traffic, major interstate routes and challenging weather conditions contributes to the risk factors associated with truck accidents in the region. Understanding these statistics underscores the importance of safety measures and regulations to reduce the incidence of such accidents.
Talk To A Chicago Truck Accident Attorney For Free
Don’t go it alone; trust Eames Law Group truck accident attorneys to resolve your case. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, call us today, the experienced truck accident lawyers. We will meet with you, evaluate your case and fight for your compensation. Call us at 312-319-8350 or send us an email today for a free consultation.
