Truck Accident Lawyers in Belleville, IL

The thoroughfare where metropolitan St. Louis meets southwestern Illinois has some of the busiest highways in the United States for freight and trucking. These highways are near major cities, so accidents often involve people in cars and other vehicles. Serious accidents with semi-trucks and tractor-trailers can result in major injuries, including death. A trusted personal injury attorney who can help guide you through the complex legal process is essential.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious trucking accident, Nelson & Nelson’s truck accident lawyers in Belleville, IL, can help. Our team is knowledgeable in the trucking industry and has experience serving clients in Illinois and Missouri. We dedicate the necessary time and resources to ensure you receive the right compensation after your accident injury.

How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help

Truck accidents often result from negligence, with many possible factors involved. You might expect your insurance company to determine the cause, but it likely won’t. If there’s uncertainty about the accident’s cause, you may bear the responsibility and financial burden. Additionally, you may face a major dispute between your insurer and the trucker’s insurance companies.

Determining the cause of a crash can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure where to start. That’s why it’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Our truck accident lawyers are well-versed in motor carrier safety administration guidelines and federal, state, and municipal laws. We also have expertise in reviewing the driver’s and truck’s records, certifications, and company policies.

Comprehensive Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Our truck accident lawyers in Belleville can investigate the collision and gather evidence to support your claim, including:

Review police and accident reports
Analyze vehicle damage
Gather EDR or “black box” information
Interview witnesses and those involved in the accident
Determine all the responsible parties
Examine the truck driver’s maintenance records and logs to ensure they were not falsified
Discover all the insurance policies available to provide compensation

We can handle settlement negotiations and demand fair compensation for your injuries. If we can’t reach a fair settlement through negotiation, we’ll represent you in court and fight for your rights.

Truck Accident Compensation

Being involved in a large truck crash often results in serious or life-altering injuries. The time after a truck accident can be uncertain and overwhelming both financially and emotionally. If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation including:

Reimbursement for medical bills, prescription medications, and physical therapy
Estimated future medical expenses
Current and future lost wages
The cost to replace or fix your vehicle
The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is undergoing repair
Pain and suffering
Disability
Scarring or disfigurement

Personal Injury FAQ

Personal Injury

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Class Actions

Our Truck Accident Settlements and Verdicts

At Nelson & Nelson, we have a track record of achieving significant recoveries for clients injured in semi-truck accidents. Our experience spans a range of complex cases, demonstrating our ability to navigate the intricacies of trucking laws and secure life-changing outcomes for victims and their families.

Here are some examples that highlight our expertise:

Illegal U-Turn Leads to Confidential 6-Figure Settlement

When a semi-truck performed an illegal U-turn on Illinois Route 50 near Salem, IL, it collided with a vehicle traveling at 55 mph, causing severe injuries. The truck driver failed to call 911 and instead contacted his employer.

Our attorney, Reed Nelson, responded promptly, interviewing witnesses and gathering critical evidence, including black box data. This swift and thorough approach resulted in a confidential six-figure settlement for our grateful clients.

Multi-Million Dollar Recovery for a Life-Threatening Collision

In rural Washington County, IL, a commercial truck failed to yield the right of way and struck an SUV, flipping it into a ditch. The client sustained severe, life-threatening injuries, requiring multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.

Attorney Nathan Lanter filed suit immediately, working closely with the client and their family throughout the recovery process. Through meticulous litigation, he secured a confidential multi-million-dollar settlement.

Fatal Crash on I-70 Results in Multi-Million Dollar Recovery

A tragic multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 70 in rural Missouri involved a semi-truck that failed to slow down despite warning signs for slower traffic. The resulting collision caused multiple injuries and a fatality.

Reed Nelson co-counseled with other attorneys and leveraged their collective expertise to secure a confidential multi-million-dollar recovery for the estate of the deceased victim.

Policy Limit Recovery for Madison County Trucking Crash

In Edwardsville, IL, a semi-truck driver ran a stop sign, colliding with a motorcyclist and causing severe, life-threatening injuries.

The driver denied fault, but Reed Nelson acted quickly to gather evidence, including crash footage and the driver’s prior history of negligence.

This aggressive strategy led to a 7-figure maximum policy limit recovery for the client.

*Disclaimer

The case results highlighted on this website are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee or predict the outcome of any future cases. Each case is unique and depends on its specific facts and circumstances.

Why Choose Nelson & Nelson for Semi-Truck Accidents?

Our attorneys have consistently delivered outstanding results by:

Responding promptly to collect time-sensitive evidence.
Partnering with safety experts to analyze complex crash data.
Fighting tirelessly against trucking companies and their insurers.
Supporting clients through every step of the legal process.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, trust Nelson & Nelson to provide the expertise, resources, and dedication needed to secure the compensation you deserve.

The Unseen Dangers of Semi-Truck Accidents on Illinois Roads

The Scale of the Problem

Every year, thousands of lives are affected by accidents involving large semi-trucks in Illinois. In 2022 alone, semi-trucks were involved in 4% of all motor vehicle crashes, but they contributed to 12% of all fatal accidents. These numbers highlight the disproportionate danger posed by semi-trucks compared to other vehicles.

Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are Different

Semi-truck accidents differ from typical car accidents due to:

Size and Weight: Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, creating devastating force during collisions.
Severity of Impact: Crashes involving semi-trucks often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. In Illinois, there was an average of 1.1 deaths per fatal crash in 2022.
Economic and Emotional Costs: Beyond physical harm, victims face economic losses averaging $1.92 million per fatality and $167,405 for incapacitating injuries.

When and Where They Happen

Timing: More than half of fatal crashes occurred during the late afternoon and nighttime hours (4:00 PM – 3:59 AM), when visibility decreases, and driver fatigue is more likely.
Urban Roads Dominate: With 62% of all crashes happening in urban areas, Illinois’ bustling cities and highways are hotspots for semi-truck-related accidents.

The Role of Contributing Factors

Work Zone Hazards:
- Semi-trucks were involved in 34 fatal crashes in work zones.
- Construction areas are inherently risky due to narrowed lanes, sudden stops, and distracted drivers.
Driver Behavior:
- Speeding was a factor in 43.8% of fatal crashes.
- Distracted driving and driver fatigue are often exacerbated by the grueling schedules of semi-truck drivers.
Road Conditions:
- Surprisingly, 83% of fatal crashes occurred on dry roads, debunking the myth that bad weather is the primary cause.

The Ripple Effect on Victims

Semi-truck accidents don’t just impact those directly involved; they ripple outward, affecting families, communities, and workplaces. Survivors face lifelong medical challenges, financial strain, and emotional scars.

Our truck accident insights and statistics are derived from the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2022 Crash Facts Report, a comprehensive analysis of motor vehicle crashes across the state. This report highlights key trends, contributing factors, and outcomes specific to semi-truck accidents, providing a data-driven foundation for understanding the risks and impacts on Illinois roadways.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial

Given the complexity of semi-truck accidents, determining liability can be challenging:

Was the driver overworked or fatigued due to unrealistic schedules?
Did the trucking company neglect maintenance or safety protocols?
Were work zone warnings adequate?
Did the trucking company properly evaluate, train, and supervise its employees?

An experienced attorney can uncover these factors and hold the responsible parties accountable, ensuring victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Common Truck Accident Causes

Driver Fatigue

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), you are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued. Truck drivers often travel several hundred miles daily with few stops, making them more likely to suffer from fatigue.

Signs of driver fatigue may include:

Frequent yawning
Inability to keep your eyes open
Trouble keeping your head up while driving (“nodding off”)
Difficulty remembering the last few miles you drove
Missing road signs or turns you need to make to get to your destination
Difficulty maintaining the correct speed
Drifting out of your lane to either side

It’s crucial to take plenty of breaks and get enough sleep. If you see a truck driver acting unsafely, stay away and call the police. You may just save your life, their life, and the lives of other drivers.

Driver Alcohol/Drug Use

Most of us hope that professional semi-truck drivers play it safe and avoid impairing substances. However, it can happen. Impaired driving accidents can lead to criminal and civil penalties. Truck drivers may lose their jobs if they make the mistake of driving a big rig while impaired.

Poor Driver Training

A driver’s ability to react quickly and practice defensive driving often boils down to their past training. Unfortunately, that can mean that, should they lack the A driver’s ability to react quickly and practice defensive driving often depends on their past training. Unfortunately, if they lack the adequate training necessary to operate their truck, the possibility of an accident increases. Most licensed trucking companies require certain licensing for their employees to operate their vehicles. Continuing education courses and training can also help them avoid accidents and reduce hazards.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Regular tire maintenance, oil checks, and equipment inspections ensure the vehicle is in proper working order. Trucks with improperly inflated or worn-out tires, low fluid levels, or worn-down mechanisms are hazardous. They pose a risk to the driver and others.

If this equipment fails, the driver, manufacturer, and equipment owner may face personal injury lawsuits. The specific circumstances of the accident will determine liability.

Distracted Driving

Trucking companies have high standards for their drivers. These include safety rules like avoiding distracted driving, such as talking on the phone or texting. However, other things can also distract drivers, such as:

Wandering thoughts
Loud music
Eating while driving
Moving objects inside the vehicle, such as pets or insects
Lighting or putting out a cigarette, or actively smoking
Adjusting something in the vehicle, such as temperature controls, mirrors, seat belts, and other controls or devices

Overtaking/Overspeeding Drivers

Drivers who suddenly speed up, tailgate, or force others to move over increase the likelihood of an accident. All drivers should follow the posted speed limit signs, but some truck drivers don’t in order to make up for lost time. Because of these large trucks’ delayed ability to stop, driving at a high speed can lead to severe accidents.

Understanding Illinois Trucking Laws and Regulations

Illinois has a set of laws governing commercial trucking that ensure public safety and hold liable parties accountable. Key areas of focus include:

Hours of Service Regulations

To prevent fatigued driving, Illinois enforces strict hours of service rules for truck drivers, aligning with federal regulations. These rules limit the number of hours a driver can operate a commercial vehicle without rest.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements

To operate a commercial motor vehicle in Illinois, drivers must possess a valid CDL. The state has specific licensing categories based on the type of vehicle and the weight of the load. CDL holders must adhere to strict medical qualifications and driving record standards.

Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance

Illinois mandates regular inspections and maintenance for commercial trucks to ensure roadworthiness. These inspections cover various components, including brakes, tires, lights, and steering mechanisms. Carriers are responsible for maintaining detailed records of inspections and repairs.

Cargo Securement

Proper cargo security is essential for preventing accidents. Illinois regulations specify requirements for different types of cargo to ensure safe restraint during transit.

Weight Restrictions

Illinois imposes weight limits on commercial vehicles to protect roads and bridges. Overloaded trucks can cause significant damage to infrastructure and increase the risk of accidents.

Accident Reporting

Truck accidents must be reported to the Illinois State Police within a specific timeframe. The reporting process involves providing detailed information about the accident, including involved parties, injuries, and property damage.

Illinois’ Growing Freight Traffic and the Legal Implications for Truck Accidents

Illinois plays a pivotal role in the national freight network, with major highways crisscrossing the state to connect the Midwest to key shipping hubs.

Like neighboring Missouri, Illinois has seen a significant increase in long-haul truck traffic, particularly along interstates such as I-55, I-70, and I-64. Projections for 2045, sourced from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), show a substantial rise in truck volumes, especially in the Metro East region, which includes communities like Belleville, O’Fallon, and East St. Louis.

While this growth benefits the local economy, it also brings an increased risk of truck accidents, particularly in busy suburban and urban areas. The highways and major roadways connecting towns like Fairview Heights, Shiloh, and Swansea with larger metro hubs will see increased strain from freight traffic, which can lead to more frequent and severe accidents.

This trend, as highlighted by the BTS data, underscores the importance of legal expertise for victims of truck accidents in these areas.

Truck Accidents and Their Unique Legal Challenges in Illinois

The increase in truck traffic throughout Illinois raises significant safety concerns, especially in highly trafficked communities such as East St. Louis, Caseyville, and Millstadt.

Long-haul trucks often cause devastating accidents due to their size, weight, and the potential for negligent operation or maintenance.

Victims in these areas face unique challenges in seeking justice and compensation, as trucking companies and their insurers often employ aggressive tactics to minimize their liability.

Truck accident cases are inherently complex and often involve multiple parties, such as:

Truck drivers and trucking companies operating routes through Scott Air Force Base and neighboring Mascoutah.
Cargo loaders for trucks traveling between Freeburg and larger hubs.
Maintenance providers ensuring vehicles on roads like those in Lebanon and Fairview Heights are in compliance with federal safety regulations.

At our firm, we specialize in navigating these complexities to ensure victims receive full compensation for their injuries and losses. From investigating accidents in Belleville to litigating cases involving truck traffic in East St. Louis, we have the expertise and resources to fight for you.

The Metro East Region: A Hotspot for Freight Traffic and Accidents

Communities in the Metro East region, including Belleville, O’Fallon, Shiloh, and surrounding towns, are experiencing growing truck traffic, as evidenced by the projected increases on highways such as I-64 and I-55. With more trucks on the road, there is an elevated risk of accidents due to common industry challenges, including:

Driver fatigue: Long-haul trucking often requires extended hours on the road, which can increase the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents if drivers exceed recommended rest periods.
Unsafe driving practices: Speeding, distracted driving, and improper lane changes can pose significant risks, particularly in busy suburban or urban areas.
Improper truck maintenance: Mechanical issues, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can occur when trucks are not regularly inspected or maintained.
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo: Increased freight volumes can raise the risk of rollovers or cargo spills, creating hazards for other road users.

These risks underscore the importance of having an experienced legal team to help accident victims navigate the complexities of truck accident claims and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Legal representation is especially critical for residents of communities like Caseyville, Lebanon, and Freeburg, where truck traffic intersects with local roadways, increasing the potential for accidents.

How Our Firm Protects Truck Accident Victims in Illinois

Nelson & Nelson has a proven track record of fighting for victims of truck accidents throughout Illinois, including those in the Metro East region.
We understand the specific challenges faced by residents of Belleville, O’Fallon, and other nearby communities when seeking justice after a devastating truck accident.

Our approach includes:

Comprehensive investigations: We gather critical evidence, such as truck logs, black box data, and maintenance records, to build a strong case.
Thorough knowledge of Illinois law: From understanding liability rules to navigating Illinois’ comparative fault system, we ensure your rights are protected.
Local expertise: We are deeply familiar with the unique characteristics of the highways and roadways in Belleville, East St. Louis, O’Fallon, and other Metro East communities.
Personalized attention: Every case is unique, and we tailor our strategies to the specific circumstances of your accident and your community.

Truck Accident Legal Representation for the Metro East Communities

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Belleville, Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, or any of the surrounding Metro East communities, you need experienced legal representation to hold negligent parties accountable.

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for truck accident victims across Illinois, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

With truck traffic expected to grow across Illinois, the risks on our highways and local roads are increasing. Don’t face the trucking industry and their insurance companies alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Whether your accident occurred on a major interstate or a suburban road in Mascoutah, Lebanon, or Caseyville, our team is ready to fight for you and ensure your voice is heard. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Case in Illinois?

Illinois has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit arising from a commercial trucking accident. The general statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Illinois is two years. However, there may be exceptions or specific circumstances that could affect the timeframe.

Consult with our truck accident lawyers in Belleville, IL, as soon as possible after the accident. This helps you understand your legal options and ensures you file your claim within the appropriate time limit.

Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Belleville, IL

If you or someone close to you has been injured in a truck accident and needs help, you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact Nelson and Nelson today at (618) 205-9899 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced truck accident lawyers in Belleville, IL, can navigate the investigation and pursue the justice you deserve.

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Proven Expertise in Semi-Truck Accident Cases

Case Wins Nathan Lanter Truck Accident