Truck Accident Lawyers Chicago

Semi-truck involved in a crash awith a mini-van.

Seeking Justice After Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be devastating and life-changing events. They often result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Meyers & Flowers is dedicated to helping truck accident victims and their families get the justice they deserve. Our team of skilled truck accident attorneys has the knowledge and resources necessary to investigate your case, identify liable parties, and fight for your rights in court.

Facing the Odds: Legal Dynamics in Commercial Trucking Accidents

Commercial trucking accidents are complex and involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially other entities. State and federal regulations further complicate matters. Passengers in other vehicles involved in these accidents are at a higher risk of fatalities. The trucking industry is monitored for safety, with regulations such as limiting driving hours and requiring breaks.

Meyers & Flowers has experience navigating these cases and works closely with clients to hold all responsible parties accountable and obtain fair compensation. Our goal is to promote safer practices in the commercial trucking industry.

Truck Accident Statistics for Illinois

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 12,260 crashes involving large trucks in Illinois in 2019. These crashes resulted in 2,758 injuries and 92 fatalities. Most of these crashes occurred on interstate highways, with I-55 and I-80 being Illinois's most common locations for truck accidents.

The leading causes of truck accidents in Illinois include speeding, following too closely, driver fatigue, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is important to note that these statistics only represent reported truck accidents in Illinois, and the actual number of truck accidents may be higher.

Semi-truck reared ended into another truck.

Causes Of Truck Accidents

In Chicago, driver error is the most common cause of truck accidents, which can result from negligent behavior such as:

Fatigue: Failing to take required breaks and driving beyond regulated hours per day or week
Drugs & Alcohol: Taking drugs to sustain energy or consuming even one drink, which is illegal for commercial drivers
Speeding: Violating posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions
Improper training: Driving a commercial vehicle without proper training or licensing

Other causes may include:

Inadequate maintenance of the truck and trailer
Manufacturer negligence
Corporate timetables that violate the Department of Transport "Hours of Safety Regulations"

Rollover Crashes

Rollover crashes are a significant cause of truck accidents in Chicago, caused by factors such as:

Collision with other vehicles
Miscalculated ramp speed
Road conditions
Sudden steering maneuvers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) has recently implemented a rule requiring electronic stability control (ESC) systems on heavy trucks and buses weighing over 26,000 pounds. ESC systems use automatic computer-controlled braking to prevent rollovers when drivers cannot react quickly enough. This technology has already proven successful in passenger vehicles and light trucks since 2012. The rule is expected to prevent 40 to 56% of rollover crashes and 14% of loss of control crashes, resulting in approximately 1,600 crashes, 575 injuries, and 45 deaths prevented.

If you are involved in a rollover accident, it is crucial to have a relentless truck accident attorney to handle future expenses beyond immediate medical costs. Meyers & Flowers has a highly respected Chicago truck accident lawyer preparation team with a successful track record.

What To Do If You Have Been Involved In A Truck Accident

In Illinois, local traffic rules can apply if they do not conflict with state regulations. Interstate trucking companies must register with the Illinois Commerce Commission and obtain valid permits to drive on interstate highways. If you are involved in a collision with a commercial truck, it is essential to take the following steps:

Seek medical attention: If you or anyone involved in the accident is injured, seek medical attention immediately.
Contact the police: Call 911 and report the accident to the police. They will investigate the accident and create an accident report.
Gather information: Collect information from all parties involved in the accident, including their names, contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
Document the scene: Take photos of the accident, including any vehicle damage and injuries sustained.
Contact an attorney: It is essential to contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the legal process and pursue your deserved compensation.
Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company and provide them with all relevant information.
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters: Consult with your attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents.

By following these steps, you can protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve after a truck accident in Illinois.

The Statute Of Limitations To File In The State Of Illinois

In Illinois, a plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit related to a truck accident must file their claim two years from the collision date. If the claim is not filed within this timeframe, the case will be dismissed, and the opportunity to collect damages will be lost. Therefore, it is crucial to contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer as soon as possible and begin working on your case immediately.

Fighting For Compensation After A Truck Accident

After a truck accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the damages you have suffered. Some types of compensation that you may be able to recover include:

Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages and future earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Punitive damages: In some cases, you may recover punitive damages if the truck driver or trucking company acted recklessly or intentionally.

It's essential to consider factors such as injury severity, property damage, and liability to recover compensation after a truck accident. Meyers & Flowers Law Firm has skilled and experienced attorneys to help. The trucking company's attorneys aim to limit their financial responsibility, which is not in the victim's best interest. We prepare a highly detailed list of expenses, supported by expert research, to ensure our clients receive total compensation.

Meyers & Flowers is a top-rated Chicago law firm with experienced attorneys who handle the trucking company's crash response team and insurance companies. We preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and employ respected experts to reconstruct the accident and prevent blame-shifting to our clients.

Schedule A Consultation

Importance Of Having A Top Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident litigation is complex as there may be multiple negligent parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, or a government agency that failed to mark a road hazard. At Meyers & Flowers, we efficiently and aggressively manage all aspects of this type of litigation to obtain millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. Our goal is to remove the stress from the process, allowing you to focus on recovery and getting your life back. When losing a loved one, we seek total damages for surviving family members to ease the financial burden. Contact us for an initial consultation with one of our top Chicago truck accident lawyers at no charge, and we only collect legal fees if we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions on Truck Accident Law

What should I do if I'm involved in a truck accident in Illinois?

If you're involved in a truck accident in Illinois, you should first call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention if needed. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved and take photos of the accident scene and any damages.

Who is responsible for a truck accident in Illinois?

The responsibility for a truck accident in Illinois depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. It could be the truck driver, the trucking company, or other parties involved in the accident.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Illinois?

Illinois's statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a truck accident is two years from the accident date.

What damages can I recover in a truck accident lawsuit in Illinois?

The damages you can recover in a truck accident lawsuit in Illinois may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

What evidence do I need to prove my truck accident case in Illinois?

To prove your truck accident case in Illinois, you may need evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photos or videos of the accident scene.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the truck accident in Illinois?

Yes, you may still be able to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the truck accident in Illinois. Illinois follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that damages are reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party.

What is the average settlement for a truck accident in Illinois?

The average settlement for a truck accident in Illinois varies widely depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, but it can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.

What are the common causes of truck accidents in Illinois?

Common causes of truck accidents in Illinois include driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, improper maintenance, and overloaded or improperly loaded cargo.

Should I hire a lawyer for my truck accident case in Illinois?

Hiring a lawyer for your truck accident case in Illinois is recommended, especially if you've suffered severe injuries or significant damages. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.