Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys

Many factors could lead to a tractor-trailer accident. The sheer bulk of the truck can limit visibility and make it harder for the driver to slow down or stop. It can also be harder to maneuver in harsh weather, such as when strong wind gusts push against the broad side of the trailer. 

However, most large truck accidents—like most regular car accidents—have one thing in common: they tend to result from the negligent or wrongful conduct of one or more parties.  

Examples include: 

• Violating hours-of-service regulations, leading to fatigue and drowsy driving
• Truck driver inattention, distraction, and error
• Unsafe and reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding or road rage
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Overloading or improperly loaded trucks, leading to loss of vehicle control
• Poor or incomplete truck/trailer maintenance or repairs
• Defective truck or trailer parts, including non-mechanical components like tires
• Insufficient or improper roadway maintenance
• Trucking company negligence, including negligent hiring practices and inadequate training

When someone else is to blame for an accident that causes you injury, you have the right to take legal action. At Hart David Carson, we work with accident reconstructionists and other industry experts to identify the cause of the collision. This allows us to determine who is liable for your resulting damages and provides us with the evidence needed to aggressively pursue your case. 

How is Liability for Your Truck Accident Established?

Determining the liable party in a truck accident is a challenge, requiring a thorough examination of the various factors at play in the crash and careful analysis of evidence. Thus, you need to be sure you get as much evidence as possible as soon as you can after an accident. This will help establish the details of the crash and give some information on how it occurred.

If possible, you should try to get the following evidence: 

• Pictures of your vehicle, your injuries, and the scene of the crash 
• Copies of the police report and your medical records 
• Written or recorded statements from any witnesses to the accident 

You should avoid talking to the trucking company or its insurance provider without first speaking to an attorney. Either party may attempt to get you to agree to a settlement very soon after the accident. However, these initial offers are usually far below what victims really need—and are entitled to receive—for their damages. 

It is also important to remember that multiple parties may be liable for a crash, including the driver, the company that owns the truck, the manufacturer of the vehicle, manufacturers of replacement parts, vendors, or even those who designed parts used in the vehicle. If it is found that someone along the line did not comply with regulations and standards of safety, and if that mistake resulted in your accident, they can be held responsible for your injuries.

At Hart David Carson, our Chicago truck accident attorneys aggressively pursue all avenues of compensation on behalf of our clients. We leave no stone unturned when it comes to maximizing the value of your claim and are prepared to fight for every penny you deserve. 

Complications & Challenges with Truck Accident Cases

Personal injury and wrongful death cases involving truck accidents tend to be much more complex than standard motor vehicle accident claims. This is due to many factors, including the ones outlined here. 

Can My Chicago Truck Accident Have Multiple Defendants?

Unlike most car accident claims, there is the potential for multiple defendants in large truck and trailer accident cases. While the driver may be directly responsible in some situations, such as when they fail to obey certain traffic laws or exercise adequate caution when driving, there may be situations where other parties are partially or entirely responsible. 

These parties include:

• The owner of the truck 
• The company that leased the truck 
• The party that hired the driver
• The vehicle’s manufacturer
• Manufacturers of components used on the vehicle
• The party who loaded the vehicle for shipment

Faulty vehicle components, improper loading practices, and other factors may contribute to these accidents, and in cases where the driver was hired by someone else (i.e., in virtually any case involving a commercial truck/trailer), the company is often considered responsible for the actual damages from the accident. 

Can Truck Insurance Policy Limits Affect My Compensation?

Upon pinning down the party who should be held responsible for your injuries, another complication arises—that of insurance policy limits.

Even if your case is technically worth a large amount, the responsible party’s insurance will only pay out up to its policy limit. Fortunately, federal regulations exact higher insurance requirements for semi-truck owners and employers, meaning your settlement will not likely be cut short—assuming the employer and not the driver is held responsible.

Will Legal Rules & Limitations Affect My Tractor-Trailer Accident Case?

As stated above, those who employ semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles must meet exacting requirements when it comes to insurance. If you weren’t at fault for the accident, it was likely due to the driver’s failure to meet legal rules and requirements, which increases the viability of your case and makes it easier to secure a favorable settlement.

Finally, federal regulations prevent employers from shifting responsibility onto their drivers alone (which they typically do by claiming they’re independent contractors). If the employer owns or is using the truck, they should be held responsible.

Taking Legal Action

If you or someone you love has been involved in a large truck or trailer accident, it is important that you seek legal counsel right away. You have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit; if the statute of limitations expires, you will lose your right to seek compensation for your damages. 

The first step in pursuing your case is scheduling a free consultation and case review with the Chicago truck accident attorneys at Hart David Carson. We can assess your case and determine whether it is viable. From there, we can develop an innovative legal strategy using the evidence available to solidify your position during negotiations. Our attorneys work tirelessly to maximize our clients’ recoveries, providing them with the resources they need to heal and move forward with their lives. 

We can help you work to settle with the responsible party; however, in the event that your case goes to court, we are prepared to represent you and do everything possible to ensure you recover damages. Our team never backs down from a fight; learn how we can help you with your truck or trailer accident case today. 

For a free, confidential consultation, contact Hart David Carson today at (630) 931-0379.