The difference in size and weight can make a collision between a passenger vehicle and a cargo truck a catastrophic event. A collision of this kind can cause devastating physical and emotional injuries and property loss that can take months or years of recovery.
After an accident with a passenger vehicle, you may know the steps you should take to hold the at-fault driver and his insurance company responsible for your injuries. You may not be as aware of the process to follow in the aftermath of an accident involving a cargo truck.
We can guide you through the process and let you know of your options for pursuing compensation you may be eligible to receive. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to start building a comprehensive claim for a monetary award.
Drivers of Cargo Trucks Could Endanger Anyone on the Road
A cargo truck moves goods and products from one location to another. In addition to the size and heft of the truck itself, the heavy goods and products it carries add to its weight. When a cargo truck is involved in a collision, the truck can outweigh a passenger vehicle by a massive amount.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), cargo and other large trucks were involved in 450,000 accidents that resulted in 4,237 deaths and 344,000 injuries in 2017. Of the large truck accidents reported to police:
- 20% involved bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities
- 63% involved another vehicle
The overwhelming majority (82%) of fatalities in collisions involving large trucks pertained to the other party involved in the accident, not the truck driver. Were you or a member of your family involved in a collision with a cargo truck in a work zone or on another roadway?
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to speak to a team member who can help you determine the extent of your injuries and related medical bills.
The Financial Cost of Large Truck Accidents
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a single year in the US, vehicle collisions can cause more than $75 billion in medical costs, loss of life expenses, and lost income. The CDC also reports that the total cost of motor vehicle crash deaths in the state of Illinois comprises:
- $13 million in total medical expenses
- $1.39 million in total income loss
The expenses you are faced with in the aftermath of a cargo truck accident can be substantial. You should not have to carry these costs alone, and they should not create an ongoing financial hardship for you and your family. Discuss your case and its associated costs with a Skokie cargo truck accident lawyer from our firm.
Injuries and Fatalities in Cargo Truck Accidents
Most accidents with cargo trucks and other large trucks occur during the work week versus on the weekend. The FMCSA reports that 88% of nonfatal crashes occur on weekdays when passenger cars and pedestrians are on the roads traveling to and from their places of employment. A report from the Illinois Department of Transportation states that injuries endured in these accidents include:
- Physically debilitating injuries like broken bones, traumatic head injuries, and deep or severe cuts and gashes. These injuries might prevent you from walking, driving, or engaging in activities you enjoyed prior to the accident.
- Serious injuries like head wounds, bruises, and less severe cuts and scratches that are readily apparent and cause temporary physical discomfort.
- Minor or unseen injuries like sprained limbs that cause you to limp away from the scene or injuries that are not visible like emotional shock and trauma.
Your lawyer will request copies of your complete medical files detailing your treatments and their costs. Your lawyer will also request copies of the police report containing important details about the accident, the name and contact information of the cargo truck’s driver and his employer, and information on the manufacturer of the cargo truck.
Speak to us about your injuries and expenses by calling Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 today.
The Danger of Cargo and Other Large Trucks in Work Zones
Cargo trucks and other large trucks are common in both work zones and on traditional roads. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports the following numbers of injuries, fatalities, and property damage in work zones, specifically:
- 1,226 accidents
- 1,008 of these accidents caused vehicle and other property damage
- 26 people suffered severe injuries
- 207 people suffered minor injuries
- 11 people lost their lives
An injury or property damage you or a family member suffered in a work zone or while sharing the streets and highways with a cargo truck can negatively impact your life for months or years. Are you suffering from severe injuries or the loss of a loved one?
Injury costs can start with emergency medical care and go on to include follow-up care, rehabilitation, and a short-term or long-term inability to return to work after your accident. We can help you determine your injuries and the total cost of medical treatments.
For a free legal consultation with a Cargo Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Skokie, call (800) 794-0444
Let Us Review Your Case Today
The aftermath of a serious accident can be a confusing time. Physical injuries and emotional trauma can make your recovery even more confusing. You may simply not know what to do while you concentrate on healing. A Skokie cargo truck accident lawyer can help you define your next steps and appropriate actions.
Entrust your case to a firm who can help you gather the documents and evidence you need to support your claim and prove your case. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 today. Do not wait to reach out to us. Your case may be affected by the statute of limitations imposed by Sec. 13-202 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form