Is a Trucking Company Liable for Truck Accident Injuries in Illinois?

 Posted on August 28, 2019 in Personal Injury

According to the American Trucking Association, there were approximately 36 million large trucks registered and used for business purposes in 2017, with more than 1 million for-hire and private truck carriers operating in the United States. Trucking is a fairly large industry, but it can be dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were more than 4,600 large trucks involved in fatal crashes and approximately 107,000 involved in injury crashes in 2017. When a truck gets into an accident, it makes sense to first blame the truck driver. In some cases, the trucking company for which the driver works can also be held responsible for a truck accident.

Hiring Unqualified Drivers

All drivers of large trucks have to meet certain requirements and have specific qualifications and endorsements to legally drive a big rig. Drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with the proper endorsements to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Drivers must also be certified that they are medically sound to drive a CMV. If a trucking company knows that a driver does not have a CDL or the appropriate endorsements, has medical issues, or does not have adequate training or experience, the company can be held liable for injuries or damages sustained in a truck accident.

Inadequate Truck Maintenance

There are a lot of mechanical parts in a CMV. All vehicles should have regular inspections and maintenance, but this is especially important for large trucks. Federal regulations state that trucking companies are required to inspect, repair, and maintain the vehicles so as to prevent any breakdowns or crashes. If an accident is caused by the negligent maintenance of a vehicle, the trucking company may be found at fault.

Not Complying With Trucking Regulations

There are hundreds of federal and state regulations that must be followed when operating a trucking company or driving a CMV. One of the regulations that is most often violated is the hours of service rules. Federally mandated limitations state how many hours a driver can operate a CMV each week, as well as the duration and timing of rest and meal breaks. If a driver or trucking company violates these rules, they can be held liable for accidents in which may driver fatigue was a factor.

Contact a DuPage County Truck Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a collision with a truck can be devastating. The sheer size and power of large trucks mean you have a greater chance of suffering a serious injury than the truck driver. At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we believe it is important to hold all parties responsible for a truck accident, including the trucking company if needed. Our skilled Lombard, IL personal injury attorneys will make sure you receive the compensation you deserve to move on with your life. Call our office today at 630-932-9100 to schedule a free consultation.