The massive size, weight, and momentum of a moving eighteen-wheeler makes truck accidents almost always catastrophic. Anything they collide with does not stand much of a chance – often resulting in serious personal injury and even death.
The unfortunate part of this is that 98% of all traffic injuries and deaths involving commercial vehicles happen to passengers in other vehicles around the truck.
Unique Truck Accident Issues
In addition to the catastrophic impact, truck accidents are more complex for the victims because they can involve multiple responsible parties.
- Sometimes the negligence falls on the truck driver – fatigue, compressed schedules, distraction, drug and alcohol use, operating in dangerous conditions, erratic and dangerous driving.
- Other times the negligence falls on others – improper loading & overloading, defective equipment, poorly maintained trucks & trailers, equipment malfunction, road conditions.
As a result, the parties involved can include . . . the Truck Driver . . . those who loaded the cargo . . . the Trucking Company . . . Equipment Manufactures . . . Other Negligent Drivers . . . Government Entities. Plus, Federal law and local laws are involved.
Therefore, determining liability to gain proper compensation for victims requires a thorough, highly detailed investigation, a comprehensive understanding of the facts, and an appreciation of the impact the accident has had on the victim and their family.
What To Do If You’re Involved.
Healthcare
Your heath comes first and foremost if you’re the victim of a truck accident.
Seek medical attention. Recognize that injuries from truck accidents don’t always become apparent right away. Being examined by a physician should always be the first priority. Follow our auto accident checklist to make sure you have everything you need
Make Notes
Accidents are scary. Details are easy to overlook. Write down what you remember happening as soon as possible in your private notes. What do you remember just prior to the accident? Location of vehicles? Traffic condition? Weather? Then, write down what you remember immediately following the accident. Where were you located? What did you see? Where were the vehicles? What was the damage? Who came to help? What were you asked? How did you respond?
Write down everything in your private notes – do not share these notes with anyone other than a specialized Chicago truck accident lawyer, who will find these enormously helpful in investigating who is responsible for the accident and holding them accountable for the injuries caused.
Representation
Gain legal representation so your rights are protected. An experienced truck accident attorney will focus upon the legal process so you focus upon recovery from your injuries.
What NOT To Do.
Statements
Never give a written or recorded statement – at the scene or after the accident – to anyone other than law enforcement. Only your attorney is looking out for your rights and interests.
Don’t Sign Anything
People representing those involved in the accident may ask you to sign waivers. Do not do it! Some may try to confuse your memory or even offer money in exchange for signing a waiver. Don’t sign anything. Only your truck accident attorney is protecting your interests.
Don’t Personally Negotiate
As mentioned earlier, truck accidents are very complex. You need an advocate who is knowledgeable and experience in pursuing this type of case. You should focus on your recovering from your injuries. Your attorney is knowledgeable of your rights and applicable laws. Plus, they are experts at negotiating with powerful insurance companies, big trucking companies, and governmental agencies. Experience counts.
We Help Victims.
As an experienced personal injury attorney, I feel it is my personal responsibility to fight for those who are victims of the negligent actions of others. Accidents and injuries caused by big-rig commercial trucks can be extreme and life-changing.
The Attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner Law are knowledgeable and expert in representing those injured in an accident with a commercial truck. We apply a disciplined approach to gain a comprehensive perspective on the facts, issues, and suffering experienced by victims of these catastrophic accidents. We make the legal process as stress-free as possible, focus on recovering compensate you, while you focus upon recovery.
The attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner Law make the legal process as stress-free as possible. We focus on recovering compensation for you – while you concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery.
If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident, please call my office at 312-346-8465 or contact us using the form below.
