Trucking accidents are happening far too often today. Driver error is the most common cause of trucking accidents. The United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that 87% of the most critical reasons for accidents with trucks were due to the driver.
Trucking accidents are normally more dangerous than a typical automobile accident due to the vehicle weight and it’s cargo.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2011 Crash Data report, there were over 10,000 truck-tractors with semi-trailer accidents alone.
There are many different consumer-friendly laws apply that apply to truck accidents. The trucking company usually will carry sufficient insurance to cover even the most serious of injuries, unlike a normal automobile policy.
If it can be proven that the person who caused the accident was negligent or careless, and contributed to the cause of injury, in Illinois the person injured is entitled to receive compensation. In the case of truck accidents, there could be several parties included that may be responsible for a victim’s injuries. The truck driver, truck owner, leasing party of the truck, the manufacture of the truck and the shipper or loader of the truck’s cargo could also be held accountable for the accident depending on what occurred.
Retain an attorney as quickly as possible to be sure the physical evidence is preserved. A witness may not be able to recall details or information vital to your case that may get lost. You may not feel there are any problems when the accident first occurs, but only time tells. Keeping good records of the incident will make all the difference.
Be sure to take photos of all damages at the scene to include property and injuries. Date everything clearly and list the context of the any conversations with insurance companies or it’s representatives (do not speak to them unless you have an attorney present and do not let them record any statements). Be sure to get emergency treatment and follow-up with your doctor as soon as possible.
Get a free consultation with our firm right away to help you get a good understanding of the information you need to protect yourself and discuss questions you may have. If you don’t want to retain us right away, at least we can give you directions to follow that will make your decision to retain an attorney an easy one.
Our law firm has experience in helping clients fight to help you obtain fair compensation for the full extent of your losses.
To arrange a free consultation about your case, please contact The Horwitz Law Group by e-mail or call 312-641-9200.
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