Buffalo Grove Truck Accident Attorneys

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When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles are massive, and people in other vehicles may experience devastating injuries or wrongful death in these accidents. People can suffer serious harm when truck drivers or trucking companies act negligently. When commercial truck accidents occur, victims will need to understand their legal rights and the steps they can take to obtain compensation for their damages.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our lawyers have the experience needed to handle complex truck accidents. We will take steps to gather critical evidence and build strong cases for our clients. Our compassionate representation is focused on achieving results that will help injury victims address their expenses and other damages so they can move forward with their lives.

Types of Truck Accidents

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck driver loses control, their trailer may swing away from their truck and form an acute angle. These accidents can happen when truck drivers brake too hard or fail to negotiate curves correctly. A jackknifed truck can block multiple lanes of traffic, and a trailer may strike other vehicles as it swings across the roadway. Issues such as excessive speed, improper braking, or equipment failures may lead to these accidents. Other drivers may not have enough time to react, and a jackknife accident can result in a multi-vehicle pileup.
• Rollover Accidents: Commercial trucks have a high center of gravity, and they may roll over during sharp turns, sudden movements, or when a truck driver is traveling too fast for the conditions on the road. Improperly loaded cargo that shifts during transit can cause the truck's center of gravity to change unexpectedly, making a rollover accident more likely. When a commercial truck rolls over, it can crush nearby vehicles, spill cargo, and create a massive traffic disruption.
• Rear-End Collisions: Trucks require longer stopping distances than passenger cars, especially when they are fully loaded. When truck drivers tailgate behind other vehicles or violate speed limits, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Brake failures or other mechanical issues may also lead to rear-end accidents. The impact of tens of thousands of pounds striking a passenger vehicle from behind can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• T-Bone Accidents: At intersections, a truck driver may fail to stop when required, and they may collide with the side of another vehicle. The force of impact when a commercial truck strikes a passenger car can lead to catastrophic injuries for the driver or passengers who are on the side of the vehicle where the collision occurs.
• Underride Accidents: These collisions occur when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped underneath a truck's trailer. In some cases, this may shear the top off of the passenger vehicle. Underride accidents can happen when trucks stop suddenly or slow down on highways, when vehicles hit trucks from behind due to poor visibility or electrical failures, or when cars strike the sides of trailers during accidents on local roads or intersections.
• Spilled Cargo Accidents: Items being carried by a truck may fall into the road, leading to hazards that can affect other drivers. Improperly secured loads, overloaded trailers, or defective trailer doors can allow cargo to spill during transit. Debris on the road may give drivers little time to react, and they may swerve suddenly, strike the fallen objects, or collide with other vehicles. In some cases, hazardous chemicals or other toxic substances may spill and put people in the surrounding area at risk.

Investigating Truck Accidents

Thorough investigations are essential following truck accidents. These investigations can uncover the causes of a collision and identify all parties who may share responsibility. Our attorneys can begin investigating cases as soon as possible after they occur to obtain and preserve crucial evidence before it is lost or destroyed.

Physical evidence from the scene of a truck accident can provide important information about how the collision occurred. Skid marks, debris, vehicle damage, and road conditions can provide clues about the sequence of events leading to the accident. Our lawyers can work with accident reconstruction professionals to analyze physical evidence and develop explanations of what happened.

Vehicle inspections can reveal mechanical issues that may have contributed to accidents. Our legal team can arrange for comprehensive examinations of trucks involved in crashes, looking for issues such as brake defects, tire failures, steering system malfunctions, lighting problems, and other mechanical issues. Evidence that a truck had mechanical problems that were known to a trucking company prior to an accident or records showing that inspections had not been performed correctly may support claims of negligence.

Information about the qualifications and history of a truck driver can provide insight into whether a trucking company took the correct steps to hire competent, safe drivers. Our attorneys can review records to determine whether a truck driver had a history of traffic violations or substance abuse and whether a trucking company conducted the proper background checks or provided training.

Hours of service records may help determine whether driver fatigue may have contributed to a truck accident. Electronic logs will often provide detailed records of a truck driver's driving time and rest breaks. Violations of hours-of-service rules may indicate that a truck driver was fatigued and was unable to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Witness statements from people who observed a truck accident can provide independent perspectives on how the collision occurred. Witnesses may have seen the truck driver's behavior before an accident, or they may have noticed mechanical problems or other important details. We will interview witnesses promptly while their memories are fresh, and we will document their statements for use during a case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

Contact Our Buffalo Grove, Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers

After being injured in a truck accident, you will need legal representation from a lawyer who understands the complex issues involved in these cases and who has the resources to take on trucking companies and insurance companies. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can provide the legal help you need while fighting for the full compensation you deserve. Contact our Buffalo Grove commercial truck accident attorneys at 847-797-8000 to arrange a free consultation.