Getting hurt in an accident with a large 18-wheeler truck can be traumatizing as well as life-changing. Car occupants and other road users typically bear the brunt of any accidents and collisions with heavy 18-wheelers, while a truck driver might walk away unharmed in an accident.
Figures from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) confirm that car occupants, pedestrians, and other road users suffer a higher degree of fatalities than truck occupants. In 2018, according to the IIHS, over 4,000 people died in large truck crashes. Of those who died, only 16% were occupants of the trucks, while the great majority of those who died were car occupants, followed by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
If you or a relative got hurt in an accident with an 18-wheeler, help is available. Contact us to see how a Bartlett 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you with your case. Call us now for a free consultation with one of our team members at (800) 223-5115.
18-Wheeler Accident Causes
An 18-wheeler truck weighs 20 to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle, according to the IIHS. This means you cannot compare a truck with a much lighter car when it comes to maneuverability and handling. Trucks take a long time and distance to come to a stop. They have large big blind spots, and the loading of cargo may also affect their stability.
There can be many causes of accidents with 18-wheelers, including:
- Intoxicated driver
- Distracted driver
- Truck defects
- Lack of maintenance and servicing
- Overloading
- Brake failure
- Tire blowout
- Incorrectly distributed cargo
- Lack of driver training
- Driving recklessly
- Speeding
- Fatigued driver
- Unqualified driver
Although your accident might have been the fault of the truck driver or company, if you intend to pursue compensation for your damages, you will have to prove the negligence of the other party. This can be exceedingly tricky.
How would you know, for example, that a trucking company failed to train its drivers adequately? This is why having an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in your corner can be helpful. Your lawyer knows the laws and regulations and knows where to search for and find the evidence needed to prove your case.
Illinois Truck Laws and Regulations
Trucking companies have to abide by various federal and state laws designed to create safe roadways for cars, trucks, and other road users. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has also adopted trucking regulations that apply for those trucks using the state’s roads and highways.
IDOT issues commercial vehicle registration as well as oversize and overweight permits to ensure the safety of truckers and other motorists. Illinois trucking laws also cover issues such as vehicle maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, and many others.
The federal organization dealing with truck regulations is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). FMCSA regulations cover issues such as:
- Hours-of-service and break requirements
- Maintenance and inspection of vehicles
- Alcohol and drug testing
- Qualifications of drivers
- Truck markings
For a free legal consultation with a 18-Wheeler Accidents Lawyer serving Bartlett, call (800) 223-5115
Proving Negligence in 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
If you got hurt in an accident with an 18-wheeler, you need to find out whom to hold responsible for your injuries and expenses. The good news is that you may have several avenues for pursuing compensation, as there could be several liable parties, depending on your case.
However, this also means that there is not always an easy and straightforward answer to the crucial question: Who is negligent in my case? Liable parties can include:
- The truck driver
- The company
- The company repairing and servicing trucks
- A truck manufacturer
- The company loading the cargo
Knowing who exactly is responsible for compensating you can be tough. However, a Bartlett 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer can fully investigate your accident with the aim of identifying all negligent parties.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most truck accidents happen due to driver error. However, while a driver may be at fault for your accident, the trucking company could also be responsible for the crash. In trying to maximize profits, companies can be negligent in several ways, including:
- Negligent hiring practices
- Failing to check a driver’s record
- Pressuring drivers with unrealistic schedules
- Failing to repair and service trucks
Bartlett 18-Wheeler Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
Your Options for Getting Justice
If a truck driver, company, or third party is responsible for your accident and damages, you could potentially hold the at-fault party to account for your damages. If your loved one died due to such an accident, you could file a wrongful death lawsuit. Hiring a Bartlett 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you get clear on your legal options.
You could potentially recover various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of your claim. Compensation can include:
- Property damage
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and anguish
- Emotional distress
- Help around the home
- Therapy
- Out-of-pocket expenses
There may be other damages due to you. In a particularly reckless case, the at-fault parties may have to pay punitive damages to you in addition to compensation.
Click to contact our 18-Wheeler Accidents Lawyers today
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Fight for Your Rights
You should not be stuck with your damages from an 18-wheeler truck accident that was not your fault. Contact us as soon as you can, as we can potentially help you recover what you deserve.
Truck accident cases can be challenging to prove. Having a truck accident lawyer fight in your corner can be crucial as your lawyer will know the various state and federal regulations that apply to your case. They will also know how to investigate a trucking company and gather the evidence necessary to prove your case. This can include engaging expert witnesses to testify in your case.
We do not charge any attorney’s fees upfront, so you do not have any financial risks if you decide to work with us. Do not delay getting legal advice as time limits apply for personal injury and wrongful death cases in the state of Illinois.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for a free case review with one of our team members at (800) 223-5115.
Call or text (800) 223-5115 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form