Unfortunately, in the United States, truck accidents occur more often than anyone would hope. These accidents could cause devastating damage and injuries to all involved. The burden of arranging the repair of the damage to your vehicle and managing finances while tending to your own injuries could be overwhelming.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident due to the reckless actions of another, an Evergreen Park truck accident lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to learn about your options and how to proceed forward with your lawsuit. En Español.
There are many ways to prove negligence and fault in a tractor-trailer collision. Big rigs are required to follow federal and state regulations especial when operating on the road. If the truck driver, parent company, or manufacturer fail to follow mandated guidelines and regulations, they could be held liable for damages.
Per Illinois Vehicle Code, trucks are required to have weight limits. For a single-axle truck, the weight limit is 20,000 pounds, and with a tandem axle, the threshold is 34,000 pounds. Trucks with combinations of five or more axles are allowed a weight of 80,000 pounds.
Longer vehicles could make it difficult for motorists to change lanes or maintain proper visibility. Per Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5/15-107, a maxi-cube vehicle, which is a combination of parts including a truck-tractor and a semi-trailer, cannot be longer than 65 feet in length. No single portion can be more than 34 feet long.
Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-401 prohibits leaving the scene of a collision. Additionally, anyone found to have abandoned the scene of an accident may have their driving privileges revoked.
If a truck driver damages an unattended vehicle, Illinois law mandates that subsequent actions be taken. The truck driver is required to notify the owner of the damaged vehicle per 625 ILCS 5/11-404. This may be done in person or in writing.
An experienced Evergreen Park truck crash attorney who handles such truck collision cases could gather evidence in order to prove the big rig driver’s negligence.
With the help of a well-practiced attorney, injured claimants may be eligible to recover compensation for their damages. This could include compensation for:
In an accident involving a truck, all damages and accidents should be reported to the authorities. Under 625 ILCS 5/11-402 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, drivers are generally required to report accidents resulting in damage of more than $1,500. Under some circumstances, property damage of more than $500 should be reported. A tenacious tractor-trailer collision lawyer in Evergreen Park could help determine what types of damages an individual may be eligible to recover.
If you have been in a crash involving a tractor-trailer, it is best to speak to an Evergreen Park truck accident lawyer to learn how you may be eligible for compensation.
A seasoned attorney could guide you through the steps of filing a claim, litigate on your behalf and help you through settlement negotiations. Call today to learn more about how a lawyer could help.