The United States still relies heavily on the service of fuel trucks to transport oil and gas.
With the constant transportation of oil and other resources through fuel tank trucks, the risk of accidents with one of these vehicles remains a reality. If you or a loved one experienced an accident with a tanker truck and sustained injuries as a result, our lawyers may help. Work with a Joliet fuel truck accident lawyer when you call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444.
Liability in Fuel Truck Accidents
When you experience a collision with a fuel truck, you will want to figure out liability for any damages you suffer. Fuel trucks must legally register as commercial vehicles, and drivers must possess extensive training to operate these large trucks on the road. A few potentially liable parties may exist in your case, such as the person driving the vehicle, the driver’s employer, and the truck manufacturers. Determining liability does not always prove simple, nor does serving the right party with the legally required documents. Our lawyers handle the litigation process for cases like these, and we may help your potential case.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance
After an accident with a fuel truck, you may file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Illinois classifies as an at-fault insurance state, so the party responsible for causing the accident will hold liability for financial costs as a result.
While Illinois Public Act 098-0519 sets a state minimum of $20,000 for property damage liability and a typical minimum of $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury coverage, businesses carry a higher amount of insurance. Either way, do not let the fear of a low claim settlement prevent you from filing a legal case. It may help to hold the negligent party at fault for any injuries or losses you had from the accident.
After an accident with a fuel truck, your first steps should be prioritizing your basic safety from the scene. From that point, seeking legal advice for your next steps may help. In Illinois, an accident with a fuel truck requires reporting to the police. Once you have filed information with the police and received information about the other driver, our lawyers may begin building your case.
Investigating and Pursuing Your Fuel Truck Accident Claim
After the accident, it is important that you do not assume liability, even if the other driver tries to blame the accident on you. All drivers have a duty to provide safe driving conditions for others, and truck drivers operate at a higher risk of causing an accident.
Determining Liability
Some reasons the truck driver may have violated trucker safety, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:
- Driving too many hours: Drivers can work for eight hours or more on a single trucking route. Limited movement in a truck and repetitive sights from rural driving can prove equally as exhausting. Studies show drowsy driving can cause as much danger as impaired driving.
- Not taking rest breaks: This can result from individual decisions, but it may also come from an employer’s policy restricting workers from taking breaks. We may work to find out more about the employer’s policies.
- Distracted or impaired driving: Besides the impairment-like effects of drowsy driving, distracted or impaired driving can pose a major threat to driving safety, too.
- Mechanical failure in the truck: Mechanical failure accounts for some truck driving accidents. If we suspect this, our lawyers may look into negligence on behalf of the manufacturer.
Remember that negligence can happen by mistake. If you suspect that the other driver in the accident acted in negligence due to the nature of their job, our Joliet fuel truck accident lawyers may investigate the employer company in question and see if it has a history of negligence.
Pursuing a Claim with a Joliet Fuel Truck Accident Lawyer
With the help of our lawyers, you may not even have to file a personal injury lawsuit to collect compensation from a negligent party. Negotiations with an insurance company may result in an appropriate settlement for your losses sustained after an accident with a fuel truck.
When involved with a vehicle accident, personal injury and property damage may apply. Your case may have unique factors, so speaking with a member of our team may help you determine an appropriate approach. Remember that all claims have a unique statute of limitations, so begin working on a case as soon as you think you have one.
For a free legal consultation with a Fuel Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Joliet, call (800) 794-0444
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm May Fight for Your Rights
After an accident with a fuel truck, the last thing you will want to do involves handling a heavy and burdensome legal case. Let our lawyers handle the details of your accident claim so you can focus on your physical recovery and overall health. You also do not have to stress over up-front fees because our lawyers work on a contingency-fee-basis. That means that we do not accept payment until you get the settlement you deserve.
Pintas and Mullins Law Firm wants to see if we can fight for your rights. Hold the liable parties accountable before your time to take legal action expires. Call us at (800) 794-0444.
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