Trucking Accident Lawyer in Bridgeview, IL Wins Damages for Victims
Determined attorney holds negligent commercial drivers accountable for serious injuries
Tractor trailers and semi-trucks, because of their large size and weight, present significant danger to other vehicles on the road. In a collision, occupants of smaller vehicles generally suffer the most serious injuries. Typical ones include traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, paralysis of arms and legs and even death. Truck accidents often occur on major thoroughfares such as US-20 and I-294 but can also happen in local traffic. If you are injured in a collision with a truck, Skinner Law Firm, P.C. in Bridgeview will represent you in pursuing compensation from the trucker and others who may share in the blame.
Can a trucking company be held liable for a truck driver’s negligence?
Truck driver carelessness is often the major cause of trucking accidents. This may take the form of:
- Driver fatigue — Although federal regulations require periodic rest stops, drivers often push on beyond their limits to meet delivery schedules.
- Speeding — Drivers may exceed the speed limit or drive more rapidly than road conditions permit.
- Tailgating — Drivers may come too close to a slower-moving vehicle in front of them in order to pass at the first opportunity.
- Dangerous turns and lane changes — Trucks can be difficult to maneuver, especially when they are oversized or loaded with heavy cargo. Drivers may overestimate their ability to turn safely in traffic.
Trucking companies are responsible for the actions of their employees, and even if the driver is an independent contractor, the trucking company may be liable if:
- It treated the driver like an employee
- It hired the driver negligently
- It made demands on the driver that led to unsafe behavior
As your counsel, our firm investigates the relationship between the driver and the trucking company to build a case of company liability in a personal injury lawsuit.
Can multiple parties share liability for a truck accident?
Driver carelessness is not the only possible cause of a trucking accident. Other contributing factors may include:
- Improper loading — Cargo that is too heavy or is poorly secured may cause a collision or become an obstacle for other vehicles. The company that hired the truck to deliver the load may be partially at fault.
- Malfunctioning brakes and other defective parts — Some accidents are caused by mechanical problems, which could be the fault of the part manufacturers or of the mechanics who serviced the truck or its components.
- Worn tires — Blown tires may cause a truck to veer out of control. The tire manufacturer or, more likely, the parties responsible for maintaining the truck may be held liable.
Trucking accidents tend to cause more serious injuries than accidents involving only automobiles. We will thoroughly investigate your accident and its causes in order to identify and sue all potentially responsible parties. We will leave no stone unturned in our quest to win you compensation.
Contact a trustworthy truck accident attorney for a free initial consultation
If you have been injured in a trucking accident, turn to Skinner Law Firm, P.C. for sound advice and effective representation. We have been providing trusted legal services throughout the Cook County area for nearly 20 years. Please call 312-635-6459 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Bridgeview, Illinois office.
