Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers
Some of the most devastating Illinois accidents involve large trucks. The size and weight of trucks makes them a serious threat to all motorists. When dangerous or negligent truck drivers cause injury accidents, they should be held accountable for the injuries and damages. The Chicago truck accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm have decades of experience representing victims of Illinois truck crashes.
Illinois Truck Accident Statistics
According to statistics reported by the Illinois Division of Traffic Safety:
- 9,767 Illinois large truck accidents occurred in 2009.
- 67 people were killed in tractor-trailer accidents during the same year
- 1,673 people were injured in 2009 Illinois truck accidents
Victims of Illinois truck accidents may seek compensation for their injuries, damages and losses by filing a personal injury claim. The family of someone killed in a truck accident may be able to recover funeral costs, medical expenses and lost future income by filing a Chicago traffic accident wrongful death claim.
Common Causes Of Illinois Truck Accidents
There are many causes which could potentially contribute to truck accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has enacted strict restrictions on the number of hours a truck driver may work without rest. Despite these regulations, some drivers continue to push their limits in order to meet unrealistic deadlines. Recent studies have shown fatigued driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. An experienced truck accident attorney can review work logs to determine if the at-fault driver was operating the truck while fatigued.
- Imbalanced Or Unsecured Loads: Trailers that are unbalanced may lead to a loss of control or jackknifing. Unsecured loads may result in debris flying off the back of the trailer and injuring others on the roadway.
- Poor Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain and repair a truck may result in a dangerous collision. Depending upon the situation, a truck driver, owner, trucking company or maintenance contractor may be held liable for an accident caused by maintenance failures.
- Driving under the Influence: Truck drivers are held to a higher standard with regard to driving under the influence. While .08 percent is the legal blood alcohol content limit for passenger vehicle drivers, commercial truck drivers with a BAC of .04 percent may be arrested for driving under the influence.
- Reflectors: There are strict requirements regarding the placement of reflectors on trucks and trailers. Failure to properly utilize reflectors and reflective tape may result in limited visibility accidents.
The Chicago traffic accident lawyers at The Bradley Law Firm have witnessed first-hand the injuries and damages negligent truck drivers can cause. We have been representing injured truck accident victims for the last 30 years. Call us today to find out how we can help.
Truck Accident Verdicts & Settlements:
Confidential Settlement in Truck Accident Case Involving Serious Injuries.
$2,000,000 Settlement in 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Wrongful Death Case.
$1,000,000 Settlement in Fatal Truck Accident Case.
$1,000,000 Settlement in Deadly Tractor Trailer Accident Case.
$225,000 Awarded for Soft Tissue Injuries Sustained in Truck Accident.
$175,000 Awarded for Soft Tissue Injuries Sustained in Tractor Trailer Accident.
Policy Limit of $100,000 for Truck Accident Injury Case.
View More Personal Injury Verdicts and Settlements.