Wheeling, IL Truck Accident Lawyers

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Commercial trucks transport goods across the country and through communities like Wheeling. When these massive vehicles are involved in accidents, the results can be devastating. 18-wheelers and other large trucks are massive, and they can severely damage other vehicles and cause catastrophic injuries. These accidents may involve multiple liable parties and insurance policies. To ensure that they can obtain compensation for their injuries, victims can work with an attorney who has the knowledge and experience needed to stand up to trucking companies and insurance companies.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we help truck accident victims address concerns about medical expenses, income lost during recovery periods, and other issues that may affect their lives and finances. Our lawyers will work to identify the parties who may share liability and ensure that they are held responsible for the damages suffered by victims.

The Devastating Impact of Truck Accidents

The size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles will cause people in smaller vehicles to bear the brunt of the impact in truck accidents. Victims of truck accidents may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, multiple types of fractures, internal injuries, severe burns, and other forms of bodily harm. The financial burden of these injuries can be staggering, with medical bills often adding up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. The loss of income while recovering can add to the financial burden.

Beyond the physical impact of injuries, truck accident victims and their families may experience significant emotional trauma. The psychological impact of a serious accident may include anxiety, depression, and other ongoing issues. Victims can take steps to ensure that they will be compensated for emotional injuries in addition to physical harm.

Cargo-Related Causes of Truck Accidents

Improper cargo handling is a common factor in truck accidents. The way cargo is loaded and secured can affect a truck's stability, braking ability, and overall safety. When trucking companies or cargo loaders fail to follow proper procedures, the consequences can be deadly.

Cargo must be firmly secured to prevent it from moving while a truck is in motion. When cargo is not properly tied down, it can shift and throw off the balance and weight distribution of a truck, which may cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. When shifting cargo affects a truck's center of gravity, it may lead to jackknife accidents, rollovers, or other types of truck accidents.

Unsecured cargo can also fall from trucks, creating hazards for other motorists. When items fall onto the road, drivers may have little time to react. Collisions may occur when drivers swerve to avoid debris or strike fallen objects.

Overloading of cargo can also be a safety concern. Overloaded trucks will require longer distances to stop. Heavy loads can place excessive stress on braking systems and tires. These factors may make it difficult or impossible for a truck driver to maintain control and avoid a collision.

Mechanical Failures Leading to Truck Accidents

The equipment on commercial trucks is placed under constant stress. Regular maintenance will be required to ensure that a truck can operate safely. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance or when defective parts fail, the results can be catastrophic.

Defective Trailer Couplings

The connection between a truck and trailer will need to function properly to make sure a truck can be driven safely. Defective couplings can fail, causing a trailer to detach while a truck is in motion. A detached trailer can cause multi-vehicle accidents when it obstructs a road or highway.

Faulty Brakes

Brake system failures are among the most dangerous mechanical issues that can affect commercial trucks. Problems may include worn brake pads, air leaks in brake systems, leaking brake fluid, overheated brakes, or improperly adjusted brakes that do not apply enough pressure. When brakes fail, truck drivers may be unable to slow down or stop their vehicles in time to avoid collisions.

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures on commercial trucks can lead to a loss of control. A blowout can cause a driver to swerve suddenly, strike other vehicles, or roll over. Debris from blowouts can also lead to hazards that may affect other drivers. Tire failures can occur for various reasons, including under-inflation, over-inflation, worn treads, manufacturing defects, and overloaded cargo.

Steering System Failures

A truck's steering system must ensure that a driver can fully control the vehicle's direction. Failures in the steering system can prevent a driver from handling a truck safely. Problems may involve worn linkages, power steering system failures, or other defective steering components. A loss of steering control at highway speeds can lead to a devastating accident.

Truck Driver Negligence

While mechanical failures and cargo issues may cause some truck accidents, driver errors are a leading factor in these types of collisions. When truck drivers fail to drive safely, they can endanger everyone on the road.

Traffic Violations

Truck drivers must obey all traffic laws, including regulations specific to commercial vehicles. Common traffic violations that can cause truck accidents include speeding, following too closely behind other vehicles, unsafe or illegal lane changes, and running red lights or stop signs. Each of these violations can have deadly consequences when a large truck is involved.

Driver Fatigue

Drowsy driving by truck drivers is one of the most serious safety concerns in the trucking industry. Fatigued drivers may experience slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and other physical issues, and they may even fall asleep while driving. Federal regulations provide limits on the number of hours that truck drivers can drive while also requiring them to take regular breaks and get sleep between shifts. Drivers must keep logs documenting their hours of service. Despite these regulations, some drivers may continue driving even when it is unsafe to do so.

Intoxicated Driving

Operating a commercial vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs can lead to devastating accidents that may lead to severe injuries or wrongful deaths. When truck drivers drink alcohol, use controlled substances, or take medications that may affect their ability to drive safely, they may be responsible for causing collisions.

Identifying Liable Parties in Truck Accident Cases

One of the most complex aspects of truck accident cases involves determining who may be held responsible for the injuries and damages suffered by victims. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who may share liability.

A truck driver may be liable for negligence that caused a truck accident. The trucking company that employed the driver may also share liability, including in situations where negligent hiring, failure to train drivers, violations of safety regulations, or improper vehicle maintenance contributed to an accident.

Cargo loading companies may be liable when improper loading, securement, or weight distribution causes accidents. Manufacturers of defective truck parts or components may be liable if their products were responsible for causing accidents. Maintenance companies that provide service on commercial vehicles may be liable if inadequate repairs or missed defects during inspections led to mechanical failures.

Our attorneys will conduct thorough investigations to identify all potentially liable parties. We can make sure the proper claims are filed against each entity that contributed to an accident. This can help ensure that victims will be able to recover compensation that will fully address their injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases

Contact Our Wheeling Truck Accident Attorneys

When a truck accident has left you with serious injuries and an uncertain future, you will need strong legal representation as you take steps to obtain compensation for your damages. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys are ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact our Wheeling, IL commercial truck accident lawyers at 847-797-8000 to arrange a free consultation.