An accident involving a cargo truck and a passenger vehicle or pedestrian can lead to devastating injuries and even death. Chicago is a huge metropolis with a large number of cargo trucks transporting goods into, around, and out of the city every day. An accident caused by one of these trucks can leave you with life-threatening injuries or life-changing disabilities.
Oversized and cargo truck drivers average up to 60 hours of driving time behind the wheel of their trucks each week which can equal over 100,000 miles of travel, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This amount of time driving a cargo truck can lead to tiredness and driving distractions. Either of these factors can also lead to a sudden accident that can lead to months or years of recovery time.
The aftermath of a cargo truck accident can be a confusing time. While you focus on your physical healing, a lawyer can help you start building a case for financial compensation. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 223-5115 to speak to a Chicago cargo truck accident lawyer about your legal and financial recovery options today.
Assigning Liability in a Cargo Truck Accident
In a car accident involving two passenger vehicles, knowing who to pursue for financial compensation is relatively simple. In an accident between a passenger car and a cargo truck, it can be a much more complicated process. Liability might fall to the driver, to the company who employs the driver, or to the truck’s manufacturer.
Depending on the factors that contributed to the cargo truck accident you were involved in, one or more of these parties may have partial or full liability:
- The cargo truck driver may be liable for the accident if he was negligent and did not obey all rules of the road while driving.
- The cargo truck manufacturer may be responsible if a defect in the design or function of the truck led to the accident.
- The cargo driver’s employer may hold some responsibility if the driver was acting in the range of his employment at the time of the accident.
A Chicago cargo truck accident lawyer can play an important role in determining who to hold liable for the accident that led to your injuries.
The Costs and Expenses of Cargo Truck Accidents
Involvement in an accident with a cargo truck can lead to more than serious injuries. This type of accident can also incur medical costs, loss of income, and might diminish the quality of the lifestyle you previously enjoyed. It can lead to additional costs that include:
- Inability to enjoy your normal activities
- Inability to return to work
- Legal expenses
- Emergency and ongoing medical costs
- Increased insurance costs
- Costs to repair or replace a property
Negotiating on your own might lead to a much smaller financial payout than you are entitled to. Speak to a Chicago cargo truck accident lawyer who can explain the full scope and range of the financial award you may be able to recover.
For a free legal consultation with a Cargo Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 223-5115
The Danger of Cargo Truck Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that 5 million truck and bus drivers move people, products, and cargo around the country every day. These huge, diesel-powered trucks are on the roads at the same time as more than 250 million men and women driving passenger vehicles. It is extremely important for all drivers to understand the mechanics of safely sharing the roads.
In 2018, there were more than 6.7 million trucking accidents that resulted in more than 2.7 million people suffering serious injuries, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. There were also 36,500 fatalities reported as a result of these accidents. Cargo truck accidents can have one or multiple causes and contributing factors that include:
- Cargo truck driver inexperience
- Faulty or flawed cargo trucks
- Road and weather conditions
- Driver fatigue or exhaustion
- Excessive use of drugs or alcohol
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
A Chicago cargo truck accident lawyer can get to the bottom of what caused the accident you were involved in. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 223-5115 to speak to a Chicago cargo truck accident lawyer today.
Chicago Cargo Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
Injuries Commonly Seen in Cargo Truck Accidents
The differences in size between a cargo truck and a passenger vehicle can result in a huge assortment and amount of injuries. Less severe injuries might include cuts, scrapes, and bruises. During a collision with a cargo truck, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians might also endure limb injuries, loss of consciousness, and other injuries that lead to persistent or chronic pain.
Injuries like these can also lead to emergency room and ongoing medical expenses. Among the most serious and debilitating injuries emergency rooms and doctors see in patients who were involved in truck accidents are:
- Fatalities
- Broken bones
- Deep cuts and skin tears
- Traumatic head injuries
- Severe chest and torso injuries
Along with a police report, statements from any witnesses, and photos of the accident scene, your complete accident-related medical history can support your injury claim. Copies of your medical records and expenses can play an important role in building your case.
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You Are Entitled to Financial Compensation
A cargo truck accident that leads to injuries or property loss for you or a family member might entitle you to financial compensation. A Chicago cargo truck accident lawyer can make sure you do not experience ongoing pain and suffering due to an injury you suffered through no fault of your own.
The at-fault driver, his or her employer, or the truck manufacturer should be financially responsible for your medical treatments and expenses. Call our firm for a free consultation with a lawyer who will handle your case with no out-of-pocket or upfront expenses. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 223-5115 to discuss your case.
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