Accidents involving semi-trucks can be incredibly dangerous for those in smaller personal vehicles. Cars and even SUVs or pickup trucks offer limited protection against the force of a collision with a large commercial truck. Serious and even catastrophic injuries are relatively common when a truck driver carelessly causes an accident. Rarely is there a situation where a truck accident could not have been prevented had the driver and their employer both acted with due caution. Most truck accidents are the result of negligence either on the part of the driver themselves or the company they work for. The trucking industry is highly regulated for a reason. Semi-trucks can cause pile-ups in which many people are injured when truck drivers make careless mistakes. Safety should be paramount to the trucking industry, but sadly, this is not always the case.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, Rathbun, Cservenyak & Kozol LLC may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages while you cannot work, pain and suffering, and more. You should not lose income or have to pay substantial medical bills yourself after an accident you did not cause. We will aggressively pursue fair and complete compensation for your injuries.
Explore the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents That Every Truck Driver, Fleet Operator, and Road User Should Be Aware Of Today
Truck accidents can have many different causes. One of the more common ones is driver fatigue caused by the driver’s failure to take necessary rest breaks or receive enough sleep. Federal hours of service laws dictate how long a truck driver can continuously drive, as well as when they must take a break and for how long. Failure to follow these laws can cause a driver to become overly tired and begin making serious mistakes. Being exhausted has been proven to be just as dangerous as driving drunk.
We will investigate to determine whether an hours of service violation contributed to your accident, and we will work to ensure that a trucking company is held liable for failing to ensure that drivers followed the applicable rules and regulations.
Another common type of negligence that causes truck accidents is failing to properly secure the truck’s cargo. Improperly secured cargo can fall off the truck or shift within the shipping container, causing the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. Nearby drivers may be unable to avoid fallen cargo, or a vehicle could even be struck by falling cargo as it flies off the truck. A truck that loses control is likely to cause a collision involving multiple other vehicles.
Our Joliet truck accident attorneys will conduct a complete investigation in order to seek out proof that improperly loaded cargo was the cause of the crash. We are skilled in investigating truck accidents to identify and preserve the evidence that may be used to prove your case and secure compensation for your damages.
Distracted driving is a major factor in many truck accidents. Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and distractions such as texting, using a GPS, eating, or adjusting in-cab controls can easily divert their attention from the road. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can have devastating consequences when a vehicle as large as a commercial truck is involved.
A Joliet truck accident attorney from our team will carefully examine driver logs, phone records, and onboard systems to determine whether distracted driving played a role in your accident. We will use this evidence to pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries and damages.
Speeding and aggressive driving are particularly dangerous behaviors when committed by truck drivers operating massive commercial vehicles. Because of their weight and size, trucks require much more distance to stop and are harder to maneuver at high speeds. When drivers exceed safe speeds or weave through traffic aggressively, the risk of a serious accident greatly increases.
Our truck accident lawyer in Joliet IL will examine black box data and accident reports to identify whether speeding or reckless driving was a contributing factor. We are committed to holding negligent drivers and their employers accountable when their actions endanger others on the road.
Commercial trucks must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are safe to operate. Mechanical issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can cause a driver to lose control and result in catastrophic crashes. In some cases, trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money.
Our attorneys will investigate whether poor maintenance or defective parts caused the accident. A seasoned Joliet truck accident lawyer from our firm will work with industry experts to expose negligence and aggressively pursue justice on your behalf.
Explore the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents That Every Truck Driver, Fleet Operator, and Road User Should Be Aware Of Today
Contact emergency services right away to report the accident and request medical assistance. A police report will be essential for documenting the scene and establishing fault.
Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation. Some serious injuries may not show symptoms immediately and need professional diagnosis.
If possible, take photos of the vehicles, roadway, and any visible injuries. Get contact details from witnesses and involved parties for future reference.
Avoid admitting fault or making statements to insurance companies at the scene. Anything you say can be used against you later in the claims process.
Report the accident to your insurer promptly and provide only basic facts. Let your attorney handle detailed communication with insurers and other parties.
Speak with a Joliet truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. A trusted truck accident lawyer in Joliet IL can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
A truck accident can leave you facing serious injuries, financial stress, and uncertainty about what comes next. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team is ready to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Joliet IL today. Contact RCK Law Firm for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
Truck accidents are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries than typical car accidents, although any motor vehicle accident can be serious. People who have been hurt in truck accidents may suffer major, life-altering injuries such as back or spinal cord injuries or severe brain injuries. Loss of limbs or eye injuries that impair vision are also generally considered catastrophic, and they may result from a collision with a tractor-trailer truck
These cases call for aggressive representation. If you have suffered a life-altering injury in a truck accident, we can help. We may be able to recover economic damages such as the income you will lose and the cost of your healthcare in addition to noneconomic damages.
Discover How RCK Law Firm Can Help You Navigate Truck Accident Claims and Pursue Maximum Compensation Successfully
We collect critical evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records. Our team works quickly to preserve proof before it’s lost or altered.
Truck accident cases often involve multiple responsible parties. We’ll uncover everyone who contributed to your crash to pursue full accountability.
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. As your Joliet truck accident attorney, we build strong courtroom strategies from day one.
We handle all communication with insurers, so you don’t have to. Our attorneys push back against lowball offers and fight for fair compensation.
We assess your current and future medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. This ensures no aspect of your recovery is left out of your claim.
You’ll work directly with a dedicated Joliet truck accident lawyer who knows how to navigate complex trucking laws. We keep you informed and involved every step of the way.
Parties That Can Be Held Legally Liable in a Truck Accident and What Determines Their Responsibility
The driver may be held liable for negligent behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or violating hours of service laws. Their conduct behind the wheel is often a central factor in causing a crash.
Trucking companies can be responsible for negligent hiring, poor training, or failure to enforce safety regulations. They may also be liable for pushing drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines.
If cargo was improperly loaded or secured, the company or personnel responsible for loading may be held accountable. Shifting or falling cargo can cause serious accidents.
Defective brakes, tires, or steering components can lead to catastrophic failure on the road. Manufacturers or suppliers of faulty parts may be liable for contributing to the crash.
Third-party companies that fail to properly inspect or repair trucks can be held liable for accidents caused by mechanical failure. Maintenance records often reveal critical evidence in these cases.
You should reach out to a Joliet truck accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights. Early legal intervention can make a major difference in your outcome.
In Illinois, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.
Our Joliet truck accident lawyer handles cases involving spinal injuries, brain trauma, broken bones, and more. We fight for compensation to cover long-term medical care and recovery.
You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical care.
During your free consultation, our Joliet truck accident lawyer will review the facts, explain your options, and answer all your questions. There’s no pressure—just honest, experienced guidance.
Yes, we can investigate hit-and-run accidents using surveillance footage, witness statements, and crash reconstruction experts.
Our truck accident lawyer in Joliet IL works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. You can get skilled legal help without upfront costs.
No, you should not give any statements without legal advice. Let us handle communication with insurance companies to protect your claim.
Each case is different, but a Joliet truck accident lawyer at our firm will work efficiently while never compromising your compensation. Timelines vary based on the complexity and cooperation of the opposing side.
Liable parties can include the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and even truck manufacturers.
