Crystal Lake Truck Accident Lawyers

I highly recommend this firm because they care and are very professional. My phone calls were returned and the work product was excellent. Gary Newland explained the process and advised me how to deal with insurance and other challenges. The compensation received will really change my life...

When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the outcome can be devastating, especially for the driver or passengers in the smaller vehicle. Due to the enormous size and weight of tractor-trailers, box trucks, tankers, and other commercial vehicles, these crashes can result in catastrophic injuries. Victims of truck accidents may face months or years of medical treatment, extended time away from work, and other issues that may lead to significant financial strain and emotional trauma.

The attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP understand the complex nature of commercial truck accident cases. We work to help victims recover full compensation from the parties responsible. We understand the federal regulations that govern commercial vehicles, and we can determine whether a truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, or maintenance provider may share legal responsibility for a truck accident. We will perform a comprehensive investigation to uncover the causes of an accident, and we will fight to ensure that our clients will receive the financial compensation they need.

Injuries and Damages Resulting From Truck Accidents

Because of the force involved in a collision with a commercial truck, the injuries suffered by people in other vehicles may be severe. Victims may require extensive medical care and long-term support. Some common injuries that occur in truck crashes include:

• Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures may occur throughout the body, including in the arms, legs, ribs, collarbones, or pelvis.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis may occur if the impact of a collision damages the nerves in the spinal cord. These injuries may lead to permanent disabilities, and lifelong medical assistance may be required.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: The impact with a heavy vehicle can cause concussions or more serious brain trauma. A victim may experience issues such as cognitive impairments, neurological disorders, and mental health concerns.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs like the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys due to the impact of a collision can be life-threatening.
• Burns: Fuel tank ruptures and hazardous cargo can lead to fires or exposure to toxic chemicals. These issues may result in serious burns and extensive scarring or disfigurement.
• Amputations and Crush Injuries: When limbs or other parts of the body are crushed in a collision, amputations may be required, resulting in lifelong disabilities.

These injuries often lead to significant economic damages, including costs related to emergency care, surgical procedures, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and other forms of medical care, as well as lost income because of temporary or permanent disabilities. In addition, victims may suffer non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life.

A personal injury claim can help a victim recover compensation for their damages. Families who have lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident may be able to obtain compensation through a wrongful death claim, which may address funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, emotional trauma, and other damages.

Types of Commercial Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can take many forms, including:

• Jackknife Accidents: These occur when the trailer of a truck swings outward, forming an angle with the cab. Jackknifes may be caused by sudden braking or a driver's failure to respond correctly to poor road conditions.
• Rollover Accidents: Trucks may have high centers of gravity, making them more likely to roll over, especially on curves or when a driver swerves suddenly.
• Underride Collisions: These may happen when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath the rear or side of a truck. They may lead to fatal injuries.
• Rear-End Collisions: When trucks are traveling at high speeds, or when brakes are not functioning correctly, a truck driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid crashing into vehicles ahead of them.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Due to their size, commercial trucks have large blind spots. Drivers who fail to check these areas before changing lanes can cause serious side-impact crashes.
• Lost Load Accidents: Cargo that is improperly secured may fall into the roadway, striking vehicles or forcing drivers to swerve and crash.

Parties That May Be Held Liable

Liability for commercial truck accidents may be shared among multiple parties. Identifying all potentially responsible parties is critical to ensure that a victim can secure full compensation. Those who may be held liable include:

• Truck Drivers: If the driver was negligent due to issues such as fatigue, intoxication, distractions, or traffic violations, they may be held personally liable for the crash.
• Trucking Companies: Companies that hire unqualified drivers, encourage unsafe driving practices, or fail to enforce regulations may be held accountable for truck accidents.
• Cargo Loaders: Third-party loading companies may be liable if improperly secured or overloaded cargo contributed to an accident.
• Maintenance Providers: If a mechanical failure caused by poor maintenance played a role in the crash, the company or contractor responsible for servicing the truck may be held liable.
• Manufacturers: Defective vehicle components can lead to truck accidents. A company that manufactured or sold faulty parts may be responsible for a victim's damages.

Investigating a Truck Accident to Prove Liability

Commercial truck accident cases will require thorough investigations, which may involve technical data and multiple sources of evidence. The team at Newland & Newland, LLP uses a variety of methods to investigate these cases, including:

• Obtaining Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: ELDs track driving hours and rest periods, which can reveal whether a driver had violated federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
• Analyzing Black Box Data: Commercial trucks typically contain event data recorders that capture information about speed, braking patterns, and engine functions. This data can help determine the causes of a crash.
• Reviewing Maintenance Logs: Records may show whether required inspections and repairs were performed.
• Inspecting Driver Records: A review of a truck driver's history may show that they had prior violations, missing credentials, or poor performance reviews. A trucking company may be liable for an accident if it failed to address these issues.
• Preserving Physical Evidence: Access to the vehicle and cargo in the immediate aftermath of an accident can reveal critical details about factors such as impact points, tire wear, and mechanical issues.
• Consulting With Accident Reconstruction Experts: We work with professionals who can recreate an accident to determine how and why it occurred.

Our team will act quickly to issue preservation letters and prevent the destruction of key evidence. Through aggressive investigation and dedicated representation, we work to ensure that victims will receive the compensation they need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Truck Accidents

Contact Our Crystal Lake, Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can provide the legal representation you need to address the effects of a truck accident and hold the negligent parties accountable. We will work to recover the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life. Schedule a free consultation today by contacting our Crystal Lake commercial truck accident attorneys at 847-797-8000.