If you or a family member sustained injuries in an accident with a big rig truck, you may be able to recover compensation. Accidents with big trick trucks can be traumatizing and cause great damage to property and body. If you are still healing from injuries, you might be reluctant to start the process of holding a negligent driver or company to account. While it takes time to heal from physical and emotional wounds, it is advisable to act immediately after an accident, if at all possible.
The statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the accident or the date of death, according to the Illinois General Assembly website. Accidents with big rigs can be complex and involve many parties. It can take weeks or even months to establish who the at-fault party or parties are. You could lose out on compensation if you let valuable time pass by.
A dedicated Joliet big rig truck accident lawyer can take the paperwork out of your hands, leaving you to concentrate on healing from an accident. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to find out if you have a case and how you can move forward to get compensation for your injuries: (800) 794-0444.
Federal and Illinois Trucking Regulations
Since trucks can cause great damage if operated negligently or with vehicle defects, trucks and trucking companies are regulated by federal and state laws to maintain a safe environment for all road users.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is one of the organizations responsible for publishing regulations for trucks on a federal level. These regulations cover various issues, including but not limited to:
- Maintenance of vehicles
- Hours of service
- Alcohol and drug testing
- Age and qualifications of drivers
- Truck markings
The state of Illinois has also adopted trucking regulations, some of which differ from federal regulations and apply to those driving within the state. Illinois trucking laws also cover issues such as drug and alcohol testing, vehicle maintenance and inspection, among many others.
Safety Tips for Truck and Car Drivers
All road users, including truck drivers, can do their part in trying to avoid truck accidents by driving defensively and taking into account road conditions and traffic situations. Many truck accidents are probably avoidable. There are some things truck drivers can do to minimize the possibility of an accident:
- Do not drive distracted. Do not eat, text, phone, drink, or interact with others while driving. Always stay focused on the road.
- Drive defensively. Check mirrors often, adjust speed to situations, and remain vigilant to any unexpected traffic situations.
- Use indicators. Signaling is important to give other road users time to react to your lane changes or your slowing down.
- Stay alert. Make sure you observe rest periods and do not drive if you are unwell or need to take prescription drugs that interfere with operating a vehicle.
Not all accidents are the fault of the truck driver, and other road users can be at fault also. Driving carefully and responsibly around trucks can help to cut down the likelihood of accidents. There are some steps you, as a car driver, can take for better road safety:
- Give trucks extra space for maneuvering.
- Be patient and drive defensively.
- Make sure you and all occupants in your vehicle are wearing seatbelts.
- Keep your focus on the road at all times.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs that interfere with driving.
Unfortunately, while you can control your actions, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Call today for a free case review. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm wants to pursue justice on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a Big Rig Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Joliet, call (800) 794-0444
Accidents with Big Rigs
Any accident is a shock, and even if you are unhurt it may be hard to act rationally and collect evidence about what happened. However, it is important to know what to do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your legal rights when involved in an accident.
If you have not already sought medical attention, it is important that you do so. Even if you do not think you are hurt, it can be in your best interests to get a medical opinion. You could suffer from injuries that do not present with any pain at the accident scene due to shock. A day or two later you might be in agony. Without evidence, it could later be difficult to prove that injuries stem from the accident. The police will provide a report of the accident and the scene which can later be useful evidence, so it is important to keep.
If you took pictures of the scene and the vehicles involved, keep these as well. If you exchanged contact information with witnesses, you should have your lawyer speak with them. It can also be helpful to take notes of what happened, the weather and road conditions, and anything else that pertains to the accident. All this can help you later if you are looking for compensation for your damages and injuries.
Joliet Big Rig Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Contact a Joliet Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents with big rigs can involve seemingly endless variables that can be complex, but a lawyer can help. Several parties could be responsible for an accident, such as the driver, the company, a maintenance company, the cargo loading company, or even the truck manufacturer.
Analyzing truck accident cases can involve a great deal of research and evidence as well as dealing with multiple insurances. A trucking company will try to fight any claims by trying to settle out of court or fight your compensation in court with their team of lawyers. You do not have to take them on by yourself. Call the team of Joliet big rig truck accident lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today and we can discuss your case and your legal options with you. We do not shy away from complex cases and fight for your rights and compensation for your injuries. Call us now at (800) 794-0444.
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