For the greater Chicago area, construction projects seem perpetual. It is natural for a city with an equal amount of aging infrastructure and new development, but it poses a problem all the same. When construction zones pop up near major roadways, they do not just become an inconvenience for drivers with limited time. They also become dangerous driving zones that can cause fatal accidents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over the course of 35 years, more than 27,000 people died due to crashes in construction zones.
If you or a loved one are dealing with the aftermath of a construction truck accident, you can work with a lawyer to mediate your legal needs for recovery. Call the offices of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm and request more information about what a Bartlett construction truck accident lawyer can do for you at (800) 223-5115.
More About Illinois Construction Zone Safety Protocols
Work zones are any stretch of road or highway with construction projects, utility maintenance, or pavement structuring. Work zones are a hassle for nearly everyone involved because they require mutual care and consideration to avoid accidents. Despite active safety protocols, vehicles and construction machinery still cause many accidents.
The most pressing safety measures for work zone roadways include visibility. All work zones in Illinois are required to be marked by signs and barriers to show where the work zone begins and ends. Safety signage and management of work zones is important because people may continue to drive through the area after the working day is done. There are some concerns for workers, but the majority of deaths are not people who are working on site. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) says that only four of 168 work zone fatalities between 2015 and 2019 were workers.
It is important to remember that workers do not need to be at the scene of the accident for the crash to be considered a work zone. On that note, the same penalties, fines, and punishments may apply when a negligent driver is cited for a traffic citation or similar violation, regardless of the time of day.
Legal Options for Construction Truck Accident Victims
After a construction truck accident, you may be considering a lawsuit to help you recover fully. You can handle this type of case alone, but the multiple parties at stake can make it overwhelming and unclear of where to turn. A lawyer is a great resource for building your case and presenting the facts to show that you suffered an injury due to another driver’s negligence.
If you were in an accident within a construction zone, you should know that the liable driver may face traffic citations in addition to any settlement costs you seek. Citations would be handled separately from your case, but looking into the police report from the accident can help you build a case against a negligent driver if there were additional charges.
Illinois Automobile Insurance Rules
Illinois law requires that all drivers have a minimum amount of liability insurance in case of an accident. Illinois follows at-fault insurance rules, so accident victims can file claims through the liable party’s insurance policy. While you may have the required insurance, you might be wondering about the insurance status of the liable party.
If you simply got into an accident with another passenger vehicle, navigating the insurance could be easy. If your accident was with a construction truck on the road, the chances are that driver is required to carry some form of commercial driver’s insurance. If your accident was with a working vehicle in a construction zone, the litigation requirements could become much more complicated.
For these types of cases, working with a Bartlett construction truck accident lawyer might help you. We can give advice on your unique circumstances.
For a free legal consultation with a Construction Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Bartlett, call (800) 794-0444
File Your Case Before the Statute of Limitations Expires
When navigating construction truck accident litigation, it is important to fully understand your time limitations for filing a case. In Illinois, the statutes of limitations will vary depending on the type of lawsuit you are seeking.
When the liable party offers you a settlement, it is important to respond formally, which can be done with the help of a lawyer. Otherwise, you may be barred from taking further legal action. However, you will always have the right to consult about your legal options with an attorney, regardless of your decision to take legal action.
The statute of limitations for the most common claims with construction truck accidents are outlined in the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure §735 ILCS 5/:
- Personal Injury: For victims under 18, a claim must be filed within two years from the date of your 18th birthday. For all others, within two years from the date of the accident.
- Property Damage: For non-bodily injuries from the accident, including damaged cars and valuables inside the car at the time, you may have up to five years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
- Legal Claims Against a Government Entity: This may apply if the construction truck was directly managed by a government entity. The exact statute of limitations will depend on which sector of government your case concerns, but generally, you have one year from the accident to file a claim.
The types of claims listed above are not exhaustive of all potential legal options concerning a construction truck accident. You can discuss your desired outcome directly with a member of our team, so you can get started on building a case right away.
Bartlett Construction Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Consult with a Construction Truck Accident Lawyer
When you work with the lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, you will be completely informed about your options, so you can carefully consider what actions you want to take. We can explain each step of the process to you so you know what to expect for the realistic potential of your case.
Plan your next best steps with one of our lawyers by your side. You can begin working on your case now by giving our offices a call and requesting more information about working with a Bartlett construction truck accident lawyer at (800) 223-5115.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form