Surveys from the National U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) show that the United States concrete and cement industries are only growing. In June 2020, there was a reported total of 10.1 million metric tons of cement, with hundreds of thousands of shipments originating directly in Illinois.
Shipments for concrete and other construction materials will only continue to rise, as the country depends on these raw building materials for improving architecture and creating new structures for low prices. Unfortunately, this also means that an increase in car accidents with concrete trucks can become more frequent.
Victims of these accidents can work with a lawyer to pursue financial recovery. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to work with a Bartlett concrete truck accident lawyer at (800) 223-5115.
Concrete Trucks
Driving and construction workers continue to grow and support the country’s economy. In addition, concrete truck drivers are among the fleets of carriers of other raw materials, which are massive and in demand.
Concrete is one of the many transported raw goods in the United States, ranking near raw materials like lumber, wood, metal, paper, goods in shipping crates, and scrap metal cars. In addition, concrete can be transported as a liquid inside a container or as solid formations.
What is appropriate, safe, and legal will depend on multiple factors for the commercial vehicle driver. Generally, drivers and business entities are responsible for ensuring the safe and stable transport of goods like concrete.
This means that the raw materials generally must be well-contained, unable to move during transport, properly accommodated depending on the weight of the load, and loaded or off-loaded with specific safety parameters.
Lawsuits for Concrete Truck Accidents
Accidents can happen with concrete truck drivers in a number of different ways, on and off the road. Concrete trucks and other such vehicles are permitted on the same roadways as civilian drivers, so there can be risks and consequences for serious accidents.
A lawsuit against a concrete truck driver deals with negligence on behalf of that driver or other involved entity. You may want to consider hiring a Bartlett concrete truck accident lawyer for some of the following accident case types:
- Construction Zone: A lawyer can help you navigate the legal requirements for construction zone vehicles and build a case if the required protocol was not followed.
- Work Accidents: Negligent employers can be held accountable for any steps not taken to ensure a safe working environment.
- Personal Injury Accidents: Standard highway accidents can fall under personal injury cases. Negligence includes proving a lack of obligated care for you and others on the road.
- Denied Insurance Claims: If you have filed a claim through the other driver’s insurance policy and cannot recover with the amount given, you may be eligible to seek sufficient compensation for recovery.
Your legal options will vary, depending on the circumstances of your case. Working with a lawyer is one of the beneficial ways to get a perspective of how your situation could play out. Reach out to Pintas & Mullins today to learn more about establishing liability.
File Before the Statute of Limitations
Depending on your desired resolution for your case, plus the injuries and damages you want to claim, the statute of limitations will vary. If you do not file before the statute of limitations expires, your lawsuit could be denied, and liable parties can get away with leaving you liable for your own recovery costs.
In some cases, the statute of limitations is not as strict. Some injury cases can begin on an extended timeline if the particular injury was discovered at a later date but clearly related to your accident.
In Illinois, the following statute of limitations are standard:
- Personal Injury: 2 years (Illinois Compiled Statutes §735 ILCS 5/13-202)
- Property Damage: 5 years (Illinois Compiled Statutes §735 ILCS 5/13-205)
There are many more lawsuit types to consider, and the list above should not be considered exhaustive of your legal options.
Illinois Insurance Considerations
In Illinois, all drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of automobile insurance in order to protect themselves and others in the event of an accident. Commercial vehicle drivers, like most of the drivers who would be behind the wheel of a concrete truck, must carry special insurance for that purpose.
In the case of construction companies, you may find out that the liable party carries additional insurance for situations like this, in order to protect themselves from extraneous harm. This can work in favor of accident victims if the insurance company settles fairly.
When you file a lawsuit against a negligent concrete truck driver for your injuries and losses, it is important for you to keep documentation of every interaction with the liable party, plus any evaluations from medical doctors, therapists, and more. Any chance to substantiate your pain, suffering, and other costs should be a part of the compensation you seek from the responsible party.
Illinois is an at-fault insurance state, so victims have the right to first file a claim through the liable party’s insurance policy. Another important consideration is the comparative negligence rules in Illinois, which can limit the amount of compensation you seek if you were determined to have any amount of fault for the accident.
For a free legal consultation with a Concrete Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Bartlett, call (800) 223-5115
Get Advice from a Bartlett Concrete Truck Lawyer
Do not navigate the aftermath of a concrete truck accident alone. As a civilian involved with an accident at the scale of most concrete trucks, working with legal representatives can be beneficial.
The lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm want to help you recover fully and quickly from the painful consequences of your accident. Call our offices today and ask for more information about working with a Bartlett concrete truck accident lawyer. Dial (800) 223-5115.
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