Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers

As anyone who has been involved in or witnessed one, truck accidents can be much more serious and complicated than regular car accidents:

• There are often more than two parties involved and potentially at-fault (owners, drivers, manufacturers, etc.).
• The injuries can be more severe—particularly if a truck hits a regular, small car.
• The trucking companies often have many resources (including insurance companies) available to fight potential claims.
• Trucks record more sophisticated computer data regarding crash conditions and the truck’s systems at the time of the crash.
• There are separate state and federal regulations that apply to trucks and corresponding employee requirements which, if violated, must be taken into account in any related legal claim.
• The bottom line is that these cases can be more stressful and more challenging to obtain justice in court. Speaking with an experienced truck accident attorney is the right place to start.

With truck accidents, liability is based on negligence, as it is with all motor vehicle accident cases. However, with commercial trucks, additional regulations from the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also apply. Truck drivers are required to operate under strict rules regarding how many hours they can be on the road. And trucking companies also have to perform certain background and drug tests for drivers in addition to training. Specifically, truck accident laws apply to:

• Hours of service for drivers
• Commercial driver licensing and commercial motor vehicles licensing
• Who ensures the safe operation of commercial vehicles on Illinois’ roadways
• Commercial vehicle size, length and weight standards
• Regulations surrounding the transport of hazardous materials
• Standards that apply to trucks and trailers equipped with air brake systems
• Regulations for the condition and maintenance of the tractor and the trailer

Truck accident litigation will often involve the use of expert witnesses. In addition to medical reports concerning any injuries and harm suffered from the accident, additional experts may be relied upon. These witnesses can help to provide information as to the exact cause of the accident, who exactly was at fault, and what kinds of damages are involved as a result. Our lawyers engage trucking engineers and other experts right away to secure vital information like photographs of the damage and the computer recording systems that trucks carry.

Here is an example of a truck accident case that Coogan Gallagher worked on:

Our firm represented a driver who was driving Northbound on I-294 in a passenger car in traffic that stopped because of toll and traffic conditions. He was rear-ended by a 18-wheel truck with a tractor and trailer, causing the two vehicles to skid across all lanes of traffic, with each vehicle slamming into the divider median. The injured driver was unconscious at the scene and had to be pried from his vehicle and taken to the local Emergency Department where he was left in a coma. He remained in a coma for several days until he regained consciousness. His rehabilitation treatment included re-training to walk, use utensils, write, and speak. He made a fair recovery. The case was settled for all of the available insurance funds, which was $2 million dollars.
Read more about this case here.

Our team has drafted several blog posts to provide further insight into the issue of truck accidents. Explore the posts below, and get in touch with any questions.

Truck Accident Statistics

Approximately half a million truck accidents occur on U.S. roads in any given year.  In this post, we present some truck accident statistics as well as some information on what to do in the event of an accident. Read post.

Illinois Truck Weight Laws

In addition to federal trucking regulations, Illinois truckers are bound by state laws. Trucking regulations are put in place to protect both the driver and other individuals on the road. Read post.

Average Settlement For A Truck Accident

We have successfully helped countless victims and their loved ones navigate the complex claims process, negotiate with insurers, and, when necessary, fight their cases in court. Learn more about the average settlement for a truck accident and what factors can impact your case. Read post.

One of the most important things our Chicago truck accident attorneys can do for you is to level the playing field. We can do this by assembling a legal team to protect your interests in the same way that the defendant parties have likely already disseminated teams of investigators in an attempt to mitigate the companies’ liability in the accident.

We know how injuries can impact both you and your family. Our primary purpose is to obtain justice for you and your loved ones. We can help you get the compensation you deserve and help see that your rights are protected. We welcome the opportunity to consult with you and discuss your options. Contact our accident attorneys today.