Truck accidents are often blamed on driver negligence, such as speeding. However, many crashes in Illinois can also be traced back to unsafe roadway design. When highways and other roadways are poorly planned and maintained, it can be easier for truck drivers to lose control of these especially large vehicles. As a result, design flaws can potentially create dangerous conditions that lead to severe injuries and complex legal claims. Make sure to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Chicago if you’ve been injured.
How Poor Roadway Design Contributes to Truck Accidents
Truck drivers rely on safe, predictable roadways to maneuver commercial vehicles. When road engineers fail to account for truck size, weight, and visibility limitations, the risk of accidents increases dramatically. Common examples of roadway design flaws include:
- Sharp curves making it difficult for truck drivers to stay within their lanes
- Inadequate shoulder space preventing trucks from pulling over safely during emergencies
- Uneven pavement or potholes that can destabilize heavy cargo loads
- Improper banking on turns, causing trucks to roll over
- Poor drainage systems that create slick surfaces during rainstorms
- Confusing signage that prevents drivers from reacting in time to sudden changes in traffic flow
In these cases, a seemingly minor misjudgment by a truck driver can lead to a catastrophic accident involving multiple vehicles. Speak with a catastrophic injury lawyer in Chicago for legal guidance.
Determining Liability for a Roadway Defect Truck Accident
Determining who is responsible for a truck accident caused by poor roadway design can be challenging. Unlike typical collisions between private drivers, these cases may involve government agencies, engineering firms, and road maintenance contractors.
Under Illinois law, public entities can be held liable for dangerous road conditions if they were aware (or should have been aware) of a hazard and failed to correct it within a reasonable time. This might include:
- The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for causes such as defective highway design and inadequate signage
- Municipalities responsible for unsafe intersections
- Private contractors who performed negligent road construction
Note that suing a government entity in Illinois requires following strict procedural rules. Victims typically must generally file a notice of claim within one year, which is shorter than the usual time limit for personal injury cases. Missing the applicable deadline can prevent recovering compensation altogether, which makes early legal assistance essential.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Truck Accident Caused by a Roadway Design Flaw?
Victims injured in a truck accident caused by roadway design flaws may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages under Illinois law. These may include:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
While most cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, taking a claim to court (and potentially all the way to trial) may be necessary in some circumstances.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Truck Accident Lawyer at Meyers & Flowers
Roadway design flaws can turn an ordinary trip into a life-altering disaster. If you were injured in a truck accident in Chicago, Illinois, and believe unsafe road conditions played a role, contact an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney with Meyers & Flowers right away by calling (630) 232-6333. We offer a free consultation and have secured billions of dollars for our clients to date. Our law firm also works on contingency, so we only get paid if we win compensation for you.