Whether you call them semi trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, or big rigs, these large commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries and devastation when involved in accidents with passenger vehicles. If you suffered injuries resulting from an accident with a large commercial truck, learn how an Elgin semi-truck accident lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 can help you ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Causes of Semi Truck Accidents
The cause of the semi truck accident remains a critical component of whether or not a victim will receive compensation for their injuries. A determination needs to occur regarding fault and liability in order for a victim to know who to file a claim against regarding receiving compensation for their injuries and losses. Some of the causes of semi truck accidents include the following:
- A truck driver operating a commercial semi-truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Failure of a trucking company to properly train a commercial truck driver.
- Failure of a trucking company to hire a properly trained or experienced truck driver.
- Failure of a cargo loading company or team to properly load or secure the cargo in the semi truck.
- Unreasonable or too demanding of schedules of truck drivers, causing them to drive while fatigued or drowsy.
- Failure to provide proper maintenance and inspection of the semi truck.
- Manufacturing defects or faulty products, or components of the semi truck or truck equipment.
- Failure of a truck driver to operate the semi truck in a safe way, according to the rules and regulations of the road.
- Roadway hazards either due to negligent maintenance of the roads or due to hazardous or dangerous conditions left by construction crews working on the roads.
- Weather conditions.
- Improper loading.
Types of Injuries Suffered by Victims of Semi Truck Accidents
Accidents involving large commercial trucks often involve catastrophic and devastating injuries to the driver of a passenger vehicle and other motorists. Some of these injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
- Broken and fractured bones
- Neck injuries including whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Severe burns
- Aortic dissection
- Psychological trauma resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder
- Death
While every type of trucking accident will result in different injuries, if you suffered injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence, you have a legal right to pursue compensation and justice for those injuries and losses. Learn how an Elgin semi-truck accident lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you with your case.
For a free legal consultation with a Semi Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Elgin, call (800) 794-0444
Types of Compensation in Trucking Accident Cases
If you were a victim of a trucking accident, you likely suffered serious physical injuries, substantial property damage, the inability to return to work due to your injuries, as well as pain and suffering. You have the legal right to pursue all of these different types of compensation from someone who directly caused your injuries and losses as a result of their negligence.
Your medical bills may not only include doctor’s visits, but also hospitalizations, surgeries, and other medical treatments. Along with these types of medical needs, you may have property damage to your vehicle resulting from the trucking accident.
Additionally, you may have the right to receive compensation for any pain and suffering you endured as a result of your trucking accidents. Finally, you have the legal right to pursue lost wages due to your inability to return to work as a result of your injuries. It is important to note that your lost wages may include not just compensation for hourly or salary wages, but also any promotions, bonuses, transportation allowances, employee benefits, retirement contributions that you would have had the right to receive if you had not had your injury and missed work.
Elgin Semi Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Types of Lawsuits for Semi Truck Accidents
Depending on the facts and circumstances of your semi truck accident, and who has ultimate liability and responsibility for your injuries, there are several different ways to file a claim.
Personal Injury
You have a legal right to file a personal injury claim against the truck driver or trucking company if an investigation determined that either one of those parties negligently acted in a way that directly caused your injuries and losses.
Under the legal theory of respondeat superior, an employer has the legal obligation to ensure that their employees act in a reasonable, prudent, and appropriate manner. Additionally, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the third-party cargo loading company, or against a mechanic or inspection company that failed to properly service or maintain the truck in an appropriate way.
Wrongful Death
If your loved one died in an accident with a large commercial truck, you have the legal right as a family member to bring a wrongful death claim on their behalf. You’ll be able to file a claim for your loved one’s medical bills, property damage, lost wages, loss of future wages, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and loss of consortium.
Product Liability
If an investigation reveals that the cause of your trucking accident was the result of a manufacturing defect or a faulty part or component of the commercial truck, you may be able to file a product liability claim against either the manufacturer of the defective part or even a retailer that sold a defective part or component and placed it in the stream of commerce.
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Consider Consulting with an Elgin Semi Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were in an accident involving a semi truck, contact our legal team to learn how an Elgin semi truck accident lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 can help you move forward with your next steps.
You have a limited time to act, as the Illinois statute of limitations gives you two years to file a personal injury claim, according to 735 ILCS 5/13-202.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
