Several factors contribute to the severity of a car accident, and the presence of a truck certainly increases the risks for serious injuries or fatalities. Trucks are simply larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which makes them more dangerous in a collision. Consider how much longer it takes for a truck to come to a stop after traveling at high speed, for example. The difference in size between a truck and a passenger car also affects the impact of the collision.
If you were involved in an accident with a truck in Arlington Heights, you likely face serious injuries and property loss. You may qualify for compensation from the other party. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm handles accidents involving trucks and helps advocate for victims of negligence. Give us a call at (800) 794-0444 to determine your legal rights.
Truck Accidents and Driver Behavior
According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (JOEM), a significant portion—as much as 1,000 of 3,700—of yearly truck accidents result from the behavior of the truck driver. Despite the fact that truck drivers receive a variety of regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, accidents still occur due to:
- Speeding
- Drinking and driving
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Distracted driving
- Sleepy driving
- Aggressive driving
- A lack of experience with truck driving
- Failure to leave enough space between cars
Even if you abide by the rules of the road, you cannot control how a truck driver will behave behind the wheel. They operate dangerous vehicles for long hours, and they are usually driving under a tight deadline. This is no excuse, however, for them to act inappropriately in any way while driving. Just like any other driver, they owe a duty of care to the motorists and pedestrians around them.
Investigating an Accident
When a truck accident occurs, the police, as well as the insurance adjusters, usually investigate to determine the cause of the accident. If the driver was employed by a company, their insurance will likely investigate the crash.
An Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer can help you investigate your accident as well. They can employ an expert to reconstruct the scene of the accident or interview key witnesses to help determine liability on the part of the other driver.
For a free legal consultation with a Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Arlington Heights, call (800) 794-0444
Determining Your Losses
Another aspect of your claim that a lawyer can help with is estimating what fair recovery would look like after considering your losses. Sometimes, an insurance company will make an initial offer quickly after you file your claim. While this may be tempting, neither you nor the insurance company knows the true extent of your losses without further investigation.
A lawyer can make sure you do not accept a settlement that does not fairly compensate you for your suffering. Their goal is for you to suffer no further harm related to your accident injuries, so they take your future into account when estimating your losses.
Arlington Heights Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Representing You at Trial
If negotiations with the other driver’s insurance company do not result in you receiving fair financial recovery, an Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer can help you with your next step. You have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. Just like with your insurance claim, a lawyer can handle the paperwork and communication from start to finish, even in trial.
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Affording Legal Representation
Some victims of truck accidents fear that obtaining a lawyer is outside of their financial means. Luckily, some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so that they can get to work on a potential case as soon as possible. On a contingency basis, you will not need to pay any up-front or out-of-pocket expenses. The lawyers take on your case and collect payment only after they secure compensation in your favor.
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The Statute of Limitations in Illinois
Your right to take legal action against a negligent driver does not last very long after an accident. Not only do you have to report an accident to your insurance company in a certain amount of time, but you also have a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
According to Illinois Code of Civil Procedure 735.5 § 13-202, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait longer than this amount of time, you will likely not be able to sue the negligent party at all.
Do not postpone seeking justice through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. These processes take time, and you want to give your case the time it deserves. A lawyer can help you comply with the statute of limitations. The sooner you reach out, the sooner they can begin working on your case.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for Legal Support After a Truck Accident
You should not have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s actions. Truck drivers have a great responsibility to others on the road, and when they cause an accident due to negligence, they should shoulder the burden of victims’ losses.
You do not have to go through the process of seeking justice alone. You have the right to hire legal representation when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. For your free consultation with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, call (800) 794-0444 as soon as possible.
We work on a contingency fee basis, and we do not shy away from taking on tough cases. Give us a call to see what an Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer can do for you.
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