Suffering truck accident injuries can be life-altering. At The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers our dedicated Chicago truck accident lawyers understand the gravity of your situation. We’re committed to providing comprehensive legal assistance and fair settlement to truck accident victims in Wicker Park and across Illinois.
Our team investigates personal injury cases, identifying liable parties and working relentlessly to seek compensation that you deserve.
What State and Federal Regulations Oversee Trucks and Commercial Vehicles?
Regulations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prescribe safety measures within the trucking sector. These include standards for truck maintenance, driver rest periods, cargo loading, and more.
In Illinois, truck regulations are enforced by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and include specific rules for size, weight, and load.
What Are the Most Common Truck Accidents?
Common truck accidents include rollovers, jackknifing, rear-end collisions, and underride accidents.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Often, these accidents are a result of issues such as brake problems, driver fatigue, improper vehicle maintenance, overloaded trucks, and reckless driving. In addition to these, a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration identified traffic flow interruption and prescription drug use as common causes of truck accidents.
According to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) study, large truck crashes like semi-trucks, and other large trucks often involve multiple vehicles, and are influenced by various factors:
These include factors that occur long before a crash, like truck drivers’ experience and training, vehicle specifics, road conditions, traffic signals, and weather.
Emergency situations immediately preceding a truck crash may include sudden braking, swerving, loss of control, tire blowouts, engine malfunctions, or hazardous road conditions, such as ice or debris.
Crash factors rarely stand alone; common contributors include fatigue, alcohol, and speeding. These, along with other driver, vehicle, and environmental elements, escalate crash risks.
Why Are Accidents Involving Trucks So Serious?
Compared with auto accidents, trucking accidents are particularly dangerous due to the sheer size and weight of vehicles like a tractor trailer. A fully loaded semi trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, or 40 tons. The momentum involved when a large truck crashes can result in severe, often fatal, injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles.
Additionally, trucks often carry hazardous materials, which can cause additional damage and risk during an accident.
Common Places for Commercial Truck Accidents in Wicker Park, IL
In 2020 according to NHTSA 73% of fatal large-truck crashes occurred on non-interstate highways. 55% occurred in rural rather than urban areas. 76% of fatal crashes occurred on weekdays with 72% occurring during daytime hours between 6:00 AM and 5:59 PM
Commercial truck accidents in Wicker Park often occur on highways and interstates, due to their high speeds and heavy traffic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), intersection-related accidents are another significant concern.
Moreover, areas close to commercial or industrial zones, where commercial trucks most frequently load and unload goods, also see a high incidence of accidents.
Common Injuries from Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents, compared to car accidents, often result in severe injuries due to their sheer size and weight.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can have lifelong cognitive impacts.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These could result in long-term disability.
- Broken Bones: These injuries require extensive recovery time.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to organs can be life-threatening.
- Burns: Severe burns can lead to permanent scarring.
- Lacerations: Deep cuts can lead to excessive blood loss.
- Whiplash: A common injury from the abrupt impact.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Psychological impact of the accident.
What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Wicker Park
If you’re involved in a truck accident in Wicker Park, first ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 and do not leave the accident scene. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t initially feel injured – some injuries manifest later and require medical care.
Document the scene with photographs and gather witness information. Do not admit fault, post information on social media, or discuss the accident details with anyone but law enforcement. Contact your insurance company to report the accident.
Finally, consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer, at The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers to learn about your rights and potential compensation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Trucking Accident?
Hiring a Chicago truck accident attorney for truck accident claims can make a significant difference in your truck accident case.
Skilled attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers, take over the burden of legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on recovery. We meticulously investigate your case, gather evidence—including the police report, identify the at-fault party, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary.
Types of Compensation for Truck Crash Injuries
In a a truck accident claim case, accident victims may be entitled to multiple forms of compensation:
- Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, medication, therapy, ongoing care costs, and other medical bills.
- Lost Wages: Reimburses for income lost due to injury-induced absence.
- Lost Earning Capacity: Compensates for reduced ability to earn in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Addresses the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensates for diminished life quality post-accident.
- Wrongful Death: Provided to surviving family members if the victim does not survive.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Several parties can potentially be held liable in personal injury cases involving truck wrecks:
- Truck Driver: If the driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, caused the accident.
- Trucking Company: Trucking companies can be held liable if they failed to maintain their fleet, enforce safety guidelines, or properly train their truck drivers.
- Truck Manufacturer: If the accident resulted from a manufacturing defect or mechanical failure, the truck or parts manufacturer might be held responsible.
- Loading or Shipping Company: Parties responsible for improperly loading the truck’s cargo that led to the accident can also be held liable.
- Maintenance Companies: If poor maintenance led to the accident, the maintenance company could be held accountable.
What Is My Case Worth?
A Wicker Park, IL truck accident lawyer determines the value of your case based on several factors including economic and non-economic damages. These include the severity and duration of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, lost earnings and future earning capacity, extent of property damage, and the emotional distress experienced.
In fatal truck accident cases, similar to a car accident case, factors like lost companionship and funeral expenses are considered.
Contact a Wicker Park Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in an accident caused by a truck in Wicker Park, IL, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers, is committed to advocating for your rights and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Call Us for a Free Consultation
During a free case consultation, our experienced lawyers will review the details of your truck accident, answer your questions, and discuss your personal injury case and legal strategies to address it. This is a no-obligation opportunity to understand your rights and options.
Concerning payment, our personal injury accident attorneys operate on a contingent fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are only collected if and when we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
(312) 223-1700