Schaumburg, IL Truck Accident Attorneys

Attorney Gary Newland and his staff demonstrated compassion. [They] truly cared about my well-being throughout my personal injury claim. I highly recommend attorney Gary Newland and his staff.

Accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks can cause devastating harm. These massive vehicles often weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded, and when collisions occur, the damage to smaller passenger vehicles and the people inside them can be catastrophic. Victims may suffer severe injuries, or families may lose loved ones in fatal truck crashes. For people in Schaumburg, Illinois who have been harmed in truck accidents, the knowledgeable attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP can provide the legal representation needed to secure compensation from the parties who were responsible.

Truck accident cases are complex by nature. They often involve multiple liable parties, overlapping state and federal regulations, and insurance policies with high coverage limits. Our Schaumburg truck accident lawyers can thoroughly investigate the facts of a case, identify the parties who may be held responsible, and advocate for compensation that will fully address a victim's damages. With our legal support, injury victims can focus on their physical recovery as we work to help them secure financial compensation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Multiple factors can contribute to commercial truck accidents, and in many cases, more than one issue may play a role in causing a crash. Our lawyers can perform an investigation to uncover the causes of truck crashes and establish liability for our clients' damages. We can help identify contributing factors such as:

• Mechanical Failures: Commercial trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering problems, transmission malfunctions, or other mechanical problems can lead to a sudden loss of control for a truck driver, making it impossible to avoid an accident. These issues may occur due to poor maintenance, defective parts, or failure to conduct required inspections.
• Traffic Violations: Truck drivers are expected to follow the same rules of the road as other drivers, as well as additional regulations specific to the commercial transportation industry. Speeding, failing to yield, running red lights, making illegal lane changes, or other traffic violations can lead to crashes.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Cargo that is unbalanced, unsecured, or overloaded can affect the stability of a truck, potentially leading to a jackknife accident, rollover, or dropped cargo.
• Driving Under the Influence: Though commercial drivers are held to stricter standards for blood alcohol content, they may still drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Truck drivers who are intoxicated will be more likely to make mistakes that could lead to dangerous accidents.
• Driver Fatigue: Long hours, unrealistic delivery schedules, and inadequate rest can lead to drowsiness and fatigue for truck drivers. Fatigue can affect a driver's reaction times, judgment, and their ability to fully pay attention to the road. Federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules are designed to limit fatigue, but violations are common. When drowsy truck drivers fall asleep while driving, they may cause devastating accidents.

Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Unlike many other types of motor vehicle accidents, truck crash cases often involve multiple parties who may share liability. To understand who may be held financially responsible, a thorough investigation will be required. Liable parties may include:

• Truck Drivers: If a driver was negligent, such as by speeding, violating other traffic laws, falling asleep at the wheel, or driving while intoxicated, they may be personally liable for a truck accident.
• Trucking Companies: Employers may be held liable for the actions of their drivers. Companies may also be liable if they hired unqualified drivers, failed to enforce safety regulations, or allowed or encouraged violations of hours-of-service rules.
• Cargo Loaders: Third-party companies that are responsible for loading freight onto trucks must ensure that cargo is properly secured and within legal weight limits. Improper loading can lead to tipping, shifting, or falling cargo that can cause crashes, and loading companies may be held liable in these situations.
• Maintenance Providers: If a company or contractor that was responsible for vehicle maintenance failed to detect or repair critical mechanical issues, they may share liability for a truck accident caused by a mechanical failure.
• Parts Manufacturers: When a defective component, such as a brake system, steering mechanism, or tire, is the cause of a truck accident, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
• Truck Owners or Leasing Companies: In some cases, commercial trucks may be leased from one party and operated by another. Determining which party was responsible for maintenance and compliance with safety standards can be crucial.

When investigating a truck accident, our attorneys can work with accident reconstruction experts, review maintenance logs, analyze black box data, examine driver logs and employment records, and uncover the information needed to establish liability. We will use the evidence we obtain to build a strong case and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Truck Accidents in Schaumburg

Contact Our Schaumburg Truck Accident Lawyers

After being injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler or other commercial vehicle, you deserve an advocate who will stand up to trucking companies, insurers, or other large companies that may attempt to avoid liability. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we will work to ensure that you can receive the maximum available compensation for your injuries and losses. Reach out to our Schaumburg, IL 18-wheeler accident attorneys at 847-797-8000 to schedule your free consultation.