Palatine Truck Accident Attorneys

Highly recommend Newland to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. For three years following an auto accident, we were treated with the utmost care, respect and understanding. With this team's expertise and support from Gary, we were able to settle our case with the best scenario possible.

Collisions involving commercial trucks can result in devastating injuries. The immense size and weight of semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles mean that even minor mistakes can lead to long-lasting or permanent consequences. When a truck accident occurs, the results can be catastrophic, and they may include severe injuries, extensive property damage, and, in the most tragic cases, wrongful death.

Victims who are injured in commercial truck crashes may face long and painful recoveries as well as financial uncertainty as medical bills accumulate and lost income takes a toll. Legal issues in truck accident cases can be difficult to navigate without guidance, especially when multiple parties may share responsibility. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our Palatine truck accident attorneys can provide essential support in these cases, helping victims take steps to obtain full and fair compensation for their losses.

The Danger of Fatigued Driving in the Trucking Industry

Fatigue is a common issue among commercial truck drivers. Despite strict regulations at the federal level limiting the number of hours truck drivers can work during a shift and requiring them to get sufficient rest, some drivers may violate these rules. They may face pressure to meet delivery deadlines, or they may receive incentives tied to mileage. Some drivers may falsify logbooks or rely on stimulants to stay awake, and this can greatly increase the risks of truck accidents.

When a truck driver is fatigued, their reaction time, attention span, and decision-making abilities may be impaired. Drowsy truck drivers will be more likely to miss traffic signals or fail to notice the movements of smaller vehicles. Slower reaction times may prevent them from braking to avoid a collision. If a truck driver falls asleep while behind the wheel, they may completely lose control, crashing into other vehicles at high speeds.

Mechanical Failures That Can Contribute to Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are complex vehicles that require routine maintenance and inspections to ensure that they can be operated safely. Mechanical failures can lead to sudden, uncontrollable accidents, especially when they occur on highways or in heavy traffic. Some mechanical issues that may lead to collisions include:

• Brake Failures: The air brakes used by commercial trucks may fail due to leaking hoses, worn brake shoes, or other issues. This can prevent a truck from stopping in time, leading to rear-end crashes or runaway truck incidents.
• Tire Blowouts: Poorly maintained tires can deflate suddenly or even explode, causing a truck driver to lose control. Debris from truck tire blowouts may also strike other vehicles or create obstacles in the road, leading to secondary collisions.
• Steering System Malfunctions: Failures in the steering column, power steering fluid leaks, or misaligned components can affect a truck driver's ability to control their vehicle.
• Lighting and Signal Failures: Malfunctioning headlights, brake lights, or turn signals can reduce a truck's visibility, especially at night or in poor weather.

When mechanical issues occur due to negligent maintenance or defective components, a trucking company or maintenance contractors may be liable for their failure to ensure that a truck was safe. Parts manufacturers could be held responsible for accidents caused by the failure of defective equipment.

Other Contributing Factors in Truck Collisions

Additional concerns that can lead to truck accidents include:

• Traffic Violations: Speeding, running red lights, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, or other violations of traffic laws can be dangerous when committed by a driver of a commercial vehicle. These violations may affect a driver's ability to stop or maneuver quickly, making them unable to avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Improper Cargo Loading: Overloaded trailers or unevenly distributed cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, leading to a rollover accident or jackknife accident. Cargo spills may also occur when items have not been secured correctly, and this can lead to serious damage to other vehicles or multi-vehicle accidents caused by debris in the road.
• Driving Under the Influence: Some commercial drivers may operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. An intoxicated driver may experience issues such as blurred vision, loss of coordination, delayed reaction times, and poor judgment, increasing the risks of a serious collision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Truck Accidents

Contact Our Palatine, Illinois 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

When dealing with serious injuries that took place in a collision with a commercial truck, legal assistance is essential. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our experienced lawyers can help level the playing field and advocate for the full financial recovery you deserve. Contact our Palatine commercial truck accident attorneys today by calling 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation and begin the process of holding the negligent parties accountable.