In the trucking industry, injuries suffered by drivers tend to be severe. In the US, approximately 3.5 million employed truck drivers put their lives on the line each day to transport goods across the nation. Unfortunately, trucking accidents have become prevalent in Chicago and other major cities in America.
Statistically, the number of people who died in truck accidents was 31 percent higher in 2019 than in 2009. Should you or someone you care about deeply have been injured in a truck accident, it would be beneficial to hire a Chicago truck accident attorney. The Horwitz Law Group has the necessary knowledge and experience needed to evaluate your case and guide you on what you should do.
The Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Chicago
According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, statistically, big rig accidents have a higher fatality rate than regular motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, the data stated that commercial truck accidents accounted for around 3.8 percent of all crashes in Illinois Chicago in 2015, with the number increasing each year.
To understand these statistics, it’s first important to learn the common causes of truck accidents. Often the first step in a truck accident case is uncovering the cause of the accident to determine who the at-fault party is. Below are a few of the common causes of trucking accidents in Chicago.
Truck driver fatigue.
Driver error, negligence, or distracted driving.
Rear-end accidents.
Head-on collisions.
Poor vehicle maintenance.
Jackknives and rollovers.
Left-hand turn accidents.
Incorrect intersection impacts.
Equipment malfunctions.
Improperly or illegally loaded cargo.
Commercial trucking rule violations.
How Is Liability Actually Determined In A Truck Accident Case?
In most instances, a trucking company is held liable for trucking accidents when their drivers’ negligent actions cause accidents. Additionally, truck companies are also responsible when their drivers have been involved in accidents due to a truck company not following correct procedures during hiring and training.
When a truck driver is found to be at fault, the Chicago courts will, in most cases, determine that the trucking company is at fault even if the driver is not technically an employee of theirs or even if they do not own the truck. However, sometimes liability will fall on third-party drivers, cargo companies, and even the city of Chicago if the accident happened because of an unsafe roadway.
What to Do If You Have Been Involved In a Truck Accident
If you want to ensure that your Chicago-based truck attorney can help you with your case, you need to follow the five steps we have briefly listed below. By following these five steps, your lawsuit will have a higher likelihood of achieving a positive outcome.
Call your local police department and immediately alert them to the accident. This will ensure you have a police accident report.
Seek emergency medical attention as it will be important to have medical records proving your injuries were sustained during the time of the accident. Even if you do not feel injured, you need to seek medical attention as it would be beneficial to your case.
Get in contact with your personal insurance company and report the accident but be careful what you tell them. Don’t leave any important details out, but don’t speak to an adjuster immediately.
Document the accident scene by taking witness statements, driver’s license information, pictures of the scene, and insurance details. These details will be important when you are determining fault and working out the logistics of the accident with your attorney.
Get in contact with a trustworthy truck accident attorney as soon as you are able so that you can determine the extent to which you need legal counsel. An attorney will help you determine fault, look into settlement amounts, and represent you in court should your case go to trial.
Contact a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Today
Trucking accidents are often incredibly complex, and you likely require comprehensive legal counsel. A Chicago truck accident attorney can help you determine the prospects of your case and the likelihood of its success. At The Horwitz Law Group, we have a team of qualified attorneys well versed in the nuanced laws and procedures surrounding truck accident cases. Don’t be afraid to contact us for assistance at your earliest convenience for a consultation.
