Cargo trucks play a crucial role in the transportation of goods from one place to the next. National and state economies depend on them to perform delivery services in a safe and timely manner. Unfortunately, accidents involving cargo trucks do happen, and they sometimes result in life-changing injuries. This is why it is critical to identify liable parties as soon as possible and receive fair compensation that will help in the recovery process.
An Elgin cargo truck accident attorney at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is always ready to listen to your concerns and thoroughly discuss the next steps to take. To get started, you can schedule your free consultation by calling their office at (800) 794-0444. A staff member will be waiting to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Driver Errors That Can Lead to Cargo Truck Accidents
While most cargo truck drivers are conscientious on the road, they do make mistakes from time to time, which can leave a trail of devastation in their wake. Some of the common reasons for their driving errors are as follows:
Lack of Experience
Even with proper training and licensing, new cargo truck drivers are more prone to accidents than their more seasoned colleagues. It takes a while for drivers to know how to adjust to fluctuating traffic flow and weather conditions and a host of other variables that can crop up while driving. Miscalculations can cause the driver to careen off the road, rollover, or jackknife the vehicle–a situation where the truck’s cab and trailer skid to form an L or V shape.
Distracted Driving
It is not uncommon for drivers to become distracted by eating, playing loud music, talking on the phone or CB radio, or even staring too long at the scenery outside the cabin. Keep in mind that a driver traveling at 60 miles per hour covers 88 feet per second–enough room to cause a collision even with a brief moment of distraction.
Aggressive Driving
Long hours on the road and a tight deadline can lead to speeding, road rage, and other reckless acts by cargo truck drivers. Unfortunately, illicit drug and alcohol use by some drivers can also exacerbate aggressive behavior on the road.
Incorrect Loading
It is the responsibility of the cargo truck driver and other crew members to make sure all items are correctly secured and will not slip or shift during transport.
Improper loading can cause cargo to fall off a moving truck and damage vehicles or injure people who happen to be behind or next to it. The accident can be particularly devastating on high-traffic routes where falling cargo can cause a multiple-vehicle pileup. And flammable liquid cargo is especially dangerous if it ends up spilling on the road where it can cause a fire.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has outlined a strict set of loading and securement rules for trucking companies and their drivers to follow. These rules address the maximum weight and positioning for loading specific cargo. There are also rules for the strength, length, and type of materials required for a safe tiedown.
An Elgin cargo truck accident lawyer can carry out a thorough investigation to determine if these or other errors on the part of the driver caused the mishap.
Determining Liability Can Be Tricky in a Cargo Truck Accident
Unlike other road mishaps, cargo truck accidents can have several liable parties. Aside from the driver, it is also possible to hold the truck owner, truck manufacturer, cargo loading company, driver’s employer, and government entities responsible for the incident.
In addition to loading rules and regulations by the FMCSA, commercial trucks are subject to maintain detailed records about truck maintenance and drivers’ work hours.
To supplement their record-keeping, some trucking companies install electronic logging devices (ELD) or “black boxes” on their fleet vehicles. A black box has sensors that collect essential data about how a crash happened and what may have caused it. The black box also reveals information about a cargo truck driver’s rate of speed, braking, steering, and even how many overtime hours they spent behind the wheel.
A cargo truck accident attorney can identify and deal with multiple parties involved in the accident on your behalf. They can also retrieve data from a black box, eyewitnesses, video, and any other useful type of evidence that will help to establish the liability of the appropriate parties.
For a free legal consultation with a Cargo Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Elgin, call (800) 794-0444
Damages From a Cargo Truck Accident Are Different for Every Case
The kind of compensation you receive will mainly depend on how the accident happened, what took place, and the extent of your personal injuries. Generally, negligence will be the basis of your case, and you may be entitled to seek economic and non-economic damages. These can include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental distress
- Disfigurement
Contact an Elgin cargo truck accident lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm if you want to discuss the specifics of your personal injury case and possible compensation.
Elgin Cargo Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Working with a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Consider hiring legal representation since insurers and trucking companies may not have your best interests in mind. With a lawyer on your side, you would not have the stress of communicating with the other party while you are healing. Moreover, you would not need to worry about receiving just compensation because your legal representative will strive to advocate for your rights. Our truck accident attorneys will also ease the burden of proving liability in your case when filing a claim.
Click to contact our Cargo Truck Accidents Lawyers today
Call on Our Law Firm for Legal Support You Can Rely On
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm we can help you through the claims process and help file a lawsuit if necessary. Our cargo truck accident attorneys are sensitive to the plight of the victims of commercial vehicle accidents, and they understand that time is of the essence when it comes to proving liability. We would not let you go through the legal process alone, and you can expect timely updates on the status of your claim.
Do not hesitate to talk with a member of our team today at (800) 794-0444. We offer a free consultation, and we are willing to travel to represent you.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
