Truck Accident Lawyers in Belleville, IL

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

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.