Semi-truck accidents can significantly injure victims due to these vehicles’ massive size and weight compared to other vehicles on the road.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a semi-truck accident, it is important to contact a semi-truck accident lawyer serving Naperville as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation for your losses. Call (800) 223-5115 for a free consultation with the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
The Definition of a Semi-Truck
A semi-truck is a combination of one or more trailers and the main tractor that powers the trailers. In many cases, one tractor is hauling one trailer. These vehicles are typically commercial trucks, which means they are driven for a business by a professional driver who may or may not also be the owner of the vehicle. Some tractors can haul multiple trailers at a time. This can make them harder to control and increase their potential weight.
How Truck Weight Can Impact Semi-Truck Accident Injuries
The weight of a cargo truck could become a key factor in an accident that results in injuries. Passenger vehicles typically weigh a few thousand pounds, but a semi-truck can weigh more than 100,000 pounds. This means the damage caused by the accident can be catastrophic, even if the vehicles were moving at lower speeds.
The weight of the semi-truck can also make it harder for the truck driver to maintain control over their vehicle during turns or while driving on inclines.
If your vehicle was involved in a collision with a semi-truck and you suffered accident injuries, a semi-truck accident lawyer in Naperville can help explain the options that may be available to you.
For a free legal consultation with a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer serving Naperville, call (800) 223-5115
Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
There are many reasons why semi-truck accidents occur, considering the large weight of the vehicle, the difference in the weight of the semi-truck and the other vehicles, and the speed at which the vehicles are traveling. In some cases, weather can have a significant impact on semi-truck accidents, as well.
Semi-truck accidents can result in very serious injuries, up to and including death. Some causes of semi-truck accidents include:
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Poor Maintenance
There are federal regulations in place to ensure that semi-trucks are kept in good condition. If the semi-truck does not receive proper maintenance, it could result in an accident. Examples of improper maintenance of semi-trucks include tires that are too worn, a damaged braking system, unsafe trailers, and a malfunctioning engine. Semi-trucks that are compliant with federal regulations receive regular maintenance checkups, such as brake checks, before each trip.
If poor maintenance caused your accident, the owner of the semi-truck may be liable for your injuries. The mechanic or the mechanic’s employer may also be liable, depending on the nature of the maintenance issue.
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Manufacturing Defect
If one or more of the parts installed in the semi-truck failed because they were defective, the product’s manufacturer may be held liable for the accident and any injuries that it caused.
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Driver Fatigue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has continued to warn the public about driving when fatigued, especially for truck drivers that drive for long periods of time to meet deadlines. Truck drivers are required to drive up to 550 miles a day in some cases to reach their destinations on time. Semi-truck drivers can be paid per mile they drive, which gives them an incentive to drive long hours.
If a truck driver’s fatigue caused your semi-truck accident, the liable party could either be the truck driver or their employer, depending on whether the truck driver was forced to work for longer hours than company policy should allow.
Distracted Driving
Anyone can become distracted at the wheel while driving. Eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, texting, or talking can all distract the driver and lead to an accident. Truck drivers generally have special radios in the cab that other vehicles do not have, which can pose an additional opportunity for distracted driving.
Semi-truck drivers are usually required to relay their current locations periodically. They also may need to use a GPS device to pinpoint a location, which also can become a distraction and lead to an accident.
These are not the only causes of semi-truck accidents. If you or a loved one was injured due to the above or for any other reason, we may be able to help.
How a Naperville Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is here to help if you were involved in a semi-truck accident. We can review witness testimonies, accident records, police reports, medical reports and bills, accident reconstruction data to determine the cause of the accident, and the financial compensation you may be able to recover for your injuries.
Your semi-truck accident may merit a personal injury lawsuit, and our team of lawyers can help you recover compensation for your injuries. While every case is unique, examples of compensation to which you may be entitled include:
- Pain and suffering as a result of the accident
- Expenses you or your family incurred as a result of the accident
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Missed wages, if you lost time at work dealing with your recovery
- Diminished earning capacity, if your injuries prevent you from working in the future
- Wrongful death
These are not the only losses for which you may receive a financial award. Your lawyer can help you review the circumstances surrounding your semi-truck accident and offer advice on the legal options that may be available to you.
Call Today to Get Started
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we are available 24/7 and provide free consultations to the victims of semi-truck accidents. We will fight to protect your right to recover compensation for your losses. We can help you by managing communications, gathering evidence, negotiating toward a fair settlement, and representing you in court, if necessary.
Call us today at (800) 223-5115 to get started on your legal claim.
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