Bolingbrook Truck Accident Lawyers

Attorneys for Injuries in Collisions With 18-Wheelers and Commercial Trucks in Bolingbrook, IL

Commercial trucks transport goods across Illinois and throughout the nation, and when one of these massive vehicles is involved in a traffic collision, the consequences can be devastating. Due to their weight, size, and limited maneuverability, 18-wheelers and other large trucks can put the safety of people in smaller vehicles at risk, especially when trucks are operated or maintained negligently. Truck accident victims may suffer catastrophic injuries, and they may struggle to deal with the aftermath of these devastating situations.

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our attorneys represent people who have been injured in truck accidents by investigating the circumstances of a crash, identifying the liable parties, and working to recover full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, long-term care needs, pain and suffering, and other damages. These cases can be complex, involving multiple parties such as trucking companies, drivers, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. With our legal guidance, we help our clients navigate these complex issues and secure the compensation they deserve.

Severe Injuries in Commercial Truck Accidents

Due to the sheer mass of a commercial truck, even a relatively low-speed impact can cause serious harm. The injuries that victims may suffer in collisions with large trucks include:

• Brain injuries
• Crushed limbs that could result in amputations
• Broken bones, including arms, legs, ribs, hips, or collarbones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Burns and scarring from vehicle fires or exposure to hazardous substances spilled during an accident
• Long-term psychological trauma

Victims may require mulitple forms of immediate and ongoing medical care, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices or home modifications. Our lawyers can take steps to accurately assess the value of a claim by examining a person's current and future needs.

Client-Centered Truck Accident Representation

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How Traffic Violations by Truck Drivers Can Cause Accidents

Because commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, even minor errors by truck drivers can lead to catastrophic crashes. When truck drivers violate traffic laws, the results can be devastating or fatal. Violations that can lead to truck accidents include:

• Speeding: Trucks require much more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Excessive speed can further increase the time needed to stop. It can also make a driver more likely to lose control.
• Tailgating: When following too closely behind another vehicle, a truck driver may be unable to prevent a collision if the vehicle slows down or stops suddenly. Given the size of commercial trucks, rear-end collisions can result in severe injuries for drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles.
• Illegal Lane Changes: Trucks have large blind spots, and they require more time to safely change lanes. When truck drivers fail to signal or do not check for other vehicles, dangerous sideswipe accidents can occur.
• Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Failing to obey traffic signals at intersections can lead to T-bone collisions, which can cause massive amounts of damage to other vehicles and severe injuries for their occupants.
• Failure to Yield: A truck driver's failure to follow right-of-way rules can result in head-on crashes or other types of collisions, especially on highways or when merging into traffic.

Driver Intoxication and Fatigue

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal for all drivers, but commercial drivers are subject to stricter standards. Under federal regulations, truck drivers may not operate a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or higher, which is half the legal limit for other drivers in Illinois.

In addition to intoxication, driver fatigue is a significant problem in the trucking industry. Long hours, tight delivery schedules, and inadequate rest can lead to issues such as slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and failure to fully pay attention to traffic and road conditions. Drowsy drivers may experience microsleeps, which are short, involuntary sleep episodes. A moment of sleep could lead to a serious accident.

Our lawyers can review logbooks, electronic logs, and delivery schedules to determine if a driver was overworked or exceeded the rules limiting the number of hours they can drive. If a trucking company encouraged unsafe practices that contributed to fatigue, this may form the basis of a strong claim for compensation.

Accidents Involving Improperly Loaded Cargo

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can lead to dangerous truck accidents. Common consequences of cargo-related negligence include:

• Rollover Accidents: When cargo is not balanced correctly, or when a truck is overloaded, this can lead to instability, especially during turns or abrupt lane changes.
• Falling Cargo: Items that are not properly secured can fall off a truck and strike vehicles, cause drivers to swerve, or create road hazards that lead to secondary collisions.
• Brake System Strain: When trucks are overloaded, additional pressure is placed on braking systems, making it harder for a truck driver to stop safely and increasing the risk of a runaway vehicle.

Responsibility for loading cargo may lie with the trucking company, a third-party shipper, or warehouse personnel. Our attorneys can examine weigh station records, cargo manifests, and industry guidelines to determine whether improper loading practices contributed to a truck accident.

Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Negligence

A commercial truck must be properly maintained to ensure safety. Mechanical issues that are not addressed through routine inspections and maintenance can cause sudden and catastrophic failures. Examples of mechanical breakdowns that can lead to truck accidents include:

• Brake Failures: Malfunctioning brakes can make it impossible for a driver to slow down or stop.
• Tire Blowouts: Worn tires can rupture, causing a driver to lose control.
• Steering System Failures: A sudden loss of steering control can result in a truck veering off the road or into oncoming traffic.
• Lighting and Signal Malfunctions: If turn signals or brake lights are not working, other drivers may not be able to anticipate a truck's movements and avoid collisions.

Our lawyers can conduct detailed investigations to determine whether poor maintenance or defective parts played a role in a truck crash. Maintenance logs, inspection records, and black box data can provide critical evidence.

Contact Our Bolingbrook, Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys

Commercial truck accidents can lead to overwhelming physical, financial, and emotional challenges for victims. The attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help truck accident victims take legal action against negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties. Contact our Bolingbrook 18-wheeler accident lawyers at 630-932-9100 to set up a free consultation.