If you are injured in a truck accident, you may be facing a very complex legal battle if you wish to file a lawsuit. An experienced Truck Accident Lawyer could use their knowledge of trucking regulations and personal injury law to help you seek the full amount of compensation you may be entitled.
Truck Accident Attorney Chicago, IL
- FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY REGULATIONS AND TRUCK ACCIDENTS
- NON-DRIVER LIABILITY IN TRUCK ACCIDENTS
- LET A DISPARTI TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER HELP SEEK COMPENSATION
- DISPARTI CHICAGO TRUCK ACCIDENT PRACTICE AREAS:
- TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER CHICAGO, IL
- HOW A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER WILL HELP
- HOW DAMAGES ARE CALCULATED
- WHAT KIND OF INJURIES YOU MAY SUSTAIN FROM A TRUCK ACCIDENT
- CHICAGO TRUCK CRASH STATISTICS
- MOTORISTS AT RISK FOR TRUCK ACCIDENTS DUE TO DRIVING DROWSY
- TRUCK DRIVERS AND DROWSY DRIVING
- TRUCKING COMPANIES OFTEN PLAY A ROLE IN DROWSY DRIVING TRUCK ACCIDENTS
- HOW MUCH DOES A LAWYER COST?
- WILL MY CASE GO TO COURT?
- WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE OFFERED A SETTLEMENT
- HOW LONG WILL MY CASE TAKE?
- IN NEED OF A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER
- HOLDING NEGLIGENT PARTIES ACCOUNTABLE
- WHY CHOOSE THE DISPARTI LAW GROUP, PA?
- CONTACT A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER FROM DISPARTI LAW GROUP TODAY
People injured in truck accidents do not always realize how these incidents vastly differ from other auto accidents. While resulting injuries may be far more severe due to the extreme size and weight of commercial trucks, specific state and federal regulations apply to trucks and trucking companies that, depending on the circumstances, may allow for several parties to be held liable for damages.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Truck Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) are regulations set forth by the Federal Highway Administration which truck drivers and trucking companies must follow. Among other things, these regulations establish speed limits, hours a truck driver may work, and other laws and rules that are meant to prevent accidents and keep people safe on the roads.
If truck drivers and trucking companies disregard these regulations, it could be argued that they acted negligently. Negligence is a key factor in many truck accident cases, since a negligent person or entity may be found responsible for paying compensation to anyone that was injured as a result of their careless actions.
Because the state of Illinois adopted the FMCSR verbatim, anyone found in violation of those rules in Chicago may be found negligent, regardless of what road they are driving on. A seasoned truck accident lawyer in Chicago could determine how these guidelines apply to any specific truck crash case.
Non-Driver Liability in Truck Accidents
Like any other auto accident, the injured party in a Chicago truck accident must be able to show that the other party was most likely negligent, and that this negligence directly caused the accident and any resulting injuries. In a truck accident case, however, there may be multiple negligent parties, some of whom may not have even been at the scene of the accident when it occurred.
The FMCSR specifically states that trucking companies must not allow unqualified drivers to drive their trucks. They also state that trucking companies cannot coerce or threaten repercussions if a driver refuses to drive longer than is allowed by the FMCSR. If trucking companies do not comply with the regulations stated in the FMCSR, they could be found partially liable.
Of course, truck drivers themselves must also abide by the FMCSR and local driving laws. If they fail to do so, they may be found negligent and may be held personally responsible for providing compensation to injured parties. In addition, truck manufacturers may also be held liable for injuries resulting from an accident caused by a defective part in the truck.
Let a Disparti Truck Accident Lawyer Help Seek Compensation
Truck accident cases can be some of the most complicated for injured individuals to file, as well as to argue in civil court. Trucking companies typically work against accident victims, and not everyone is aware of the regulations set forth by the FMCSR.
If you were injured in a truck accident, speak to a Chicago or Tampa truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident as you may be eligible for compensation. A skilled attorney could have the knowledge necessary to handle your case effectively and help you pursue compensation to help with your recovery. Call Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers today to schedule a no-cost initial meeting with one of our attorneys and let us get started on your case. Here are some “First Steps to Take After a Chicago Truck Accident.”
Truck Accident Lawyer Chicago, IL
Surviving a truck accident is often a traumatic experience, and the consequences can last long after it is over. If you have been a victim of a truck accident, you could be entitled to receive compensation that can cover the costs of your medical expenses and other accident-related losses. Truck accidents are often particularly traumatic because of the sheer size of the vehicle involved in the crash. The damages that the prosecution will seek are often steeper than other car accidents because these accidents often cause much worse damage than typical car accidents. When you obtain the help of a trusted and qualified accident lawyer, you can receive ongoing guidance throughout your case. Personal injury accident claims are not easy to complete on your own. Lawyers have a much stronger knowledge of the law and are familiar with how to handle these types of claims. They are able to secure the highest maximum compensation amount for you so that you can achieve the best outcome possible.
If you or someone you know was injured in a truck accident, you need to contact a truck accident lawyer in Chicago, Illinois, like a lawyer from Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, right away. Waiting too long to take legal action is a common mistake that many accident victims make. They mistakenly believe that they do not have any power to do something about their accident. However, you will never know if you have a valid claim or not until you call a qualified lawyer. They will assess your case and give you the information that you need so that you can recover what you are entitled to in full. He or she can set up a consultation to go over the case in detail and help determine what you may be eligible to file damages for.
HOW A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER WILL HELP
There are many different reasons you need a truck accident lawyer on your side when you were involved in an accident. First, he or she will know what to expect in a case and your best chance at winning. They will tell you if you have a valid case or not. Your lawyer will start by speaking with you about the accident, then try to figure out what kind of evidence you have to bolster your case. This can take a lot of work. It may involve going over all of the documents you have regarding the accident — such as doctor’s notes, a police report, and any witness statements that are written down — as well as sending a team of investigators to the scene of the accident to assess it further. An experienced truck accident lawyer may also enlist the assistance of expert witnesses who will testify on your behalf and help a judge decide how much you should be entitled to. A good truck accident lawyer in Chicago, IL from Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers will also help calculate what damages you should file for.
HOW DAMAGES ARE CALCULATED
There are many things you may need to seek in terms of compensation for being the victim of a truck accident. Understandably, compensation is one of the first things that truck accident victims ask about when they speak with a lawyer. Determining the damages that you can claim depends on many different factors such as how many injuries you have, the specific type of injury, and other ways that the accident impacts your life. Some of the most common include:
- Compensation for damage to personal property. This includes your vehicle as well as anything that was damaged inside your vehicle, like a phone or laptop.
- Compensation for medical costs. The simple calculation will be for your past medical bills, but an experienced truck accident lawyer will also include future medical costs in this figure.
- Compensation for lost wages due to missed work. This should include future hours you will be unable to work because of the injuries you sustained.
- Damages for pain and suffering and loss of consortium. This is often reserved for the most severe personal injury cases, but truck accidents can often qualify. It will likely depend on the judge overseeing your case to determine whether or not to file for this.
Figuring out compensation can take a long time. You should make sure that you do your calculations accurately. You may want to wait until you are mostly recovered to determine your medical expenses. You could have additional medical treatment to pay for later on, and if you submit your list of damages too soon without taking into account future expenses you may not be able to have enough money to cover your costs. Do not hesitate to reach out to a lawyer to discuss these forms of compensation. It is crucial to have someone who understands the laws of your state on your side so that you can get an acceptable settlement amount or know when it is time to take everything to court to seek the proper amount. With their experience handling many truck accident cases, a lawyer is equipped with the skills to help you achieve a positive case outcome. They know what kind of settlement amount you deserve, and will fiercely negotiate with the other party to get you that amount. You deserve to be compensated for your losses and to get the amount of money you deserve. You should never have to pay anything to make your life as close to normal after being in a bad accident.
WHAT KIND OF INJURIES YOU MAY SUSTAIN FROM A TRUCK ACCIDENT
There are many different kinds of injuries that people get from being in a car accident. Truck accidents usually result in particularly severe injuries because of the sheer size and force of the impact. Commercial trucks are extremely heavy and they often carry a large amount of cargo that includes dangerous or hazardous materials which can be flammable. There is often severe bodily harm that results from a truck accident. Nothing is out of the range of getting compensation, but it is important to know some of the most common injuries to look for so that you are able to seek compensation for the right things if you ever are involved in a bad auto accident. Here are some of the most common injuries from accidents on the road:
- Whiplash is incredibly common and usually goes away on its own, but you may need treatment for pain management. Whiplash occurs when a person’s spine is jolted back and forth quickly and cannot protect itself from injury. Seatbelts are meant to try to prevent this from happening, but it is still a very common injury that is seen in truck accident cases.
- Broken bones are not uncommon in truck accidents. It is more likely to deal with an injury like this in a truck accident than one with a car because of the enormous size of the vehicle.
- Scratches, scrapes, and bruises are almost a given in truck accidents. Sometimes, these injuries occur to the face. If this happens, a person may need extensive reconstructive surgeries to try to get their physical appearance back. This is important to be covered by the at-fault party.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries can happen in bad accidents. Whether they come from hitting a person’s head on the dashboard, steering wheel, or just the back of the seat, these are catastrophic and traumatic injuries that need to be addressed. A TBI can change someone’s entire life. It is crucial that they get the proper compensation to hopefully be able to recover from this injury, but also be able to live a normal life afterward.
If you are not sure whether to reach out to a qualified truck accident lawyer, you should still contact one anyway. It is worth it when you can find out the important information that you need to know about your case. Talking to a lawyer has many benefits, such as learning about your legal rights as an accident victim, obtaining a case assessment, and much more. You need to reach out to an experienced lawyer who can represent you and make sure that you get enough compensation to cover your injuries – both the present costs and whatever the future projected expenses will be.
Chicago Truck Crash Statistics
MOTORISTS AT RISK FOR TRUCK ACCIDENTS DUE TO DRIVING DROWSY
We depend on truck drivers to deliver the products, goods, and materials we use daily. Trucking companies know this and can end up putting pressure on truck drivers as a result. These drivers are often required to work long hours, making multiple trips unloading and loading heavy cargo. Without the proper rest, they run the risk of being overly tired or even falling asleep behind the wheel. Truck accidents due to drowsy driving have become one of the most common – and preventable – causes of truck accidents in Illinois, but it is other motorists who often face the most severe consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer in Chicago, IL for legal help.
TRUCK DRIVERS AND DROWSY DRIVING
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowsy driving, in general, is a major problem in the United States. Working multiple or swing shifts, staying up late to study for exams, and meeting the demands of an active social life can all result in getting less sleep than your body needs. Unfortunately, this has a significant impact on your driving abilities. The CDC claims that while the dangers of falling asleep behind the wheel are obvious, even missing just one or two hours of sleep can have the following impacts:
- Inability to concentrate and increased driver distraction
- Impaired judgment
- Decreased vision
- Slowed reflexes and response times in the event sudden actions is needed
Due to the demanding nature of their jobs, truck drivers are at an increased risk for drowsy driving. A Chicago, IL truck accident lawyer knows that despite taking precautions, such as rolling down the window, listening to music to stay awake, drinking lots of coffee, keeping up with tight schedules, and not taking the appropriate breaks makes truck accidents involving other vehicles more likely to occur. Considering the heavyweight and bulk of most tractor-trailers and other big rigs, it is often other motor vehicle drivers who suffer the most serious injuries when accidents occur.
TRUCKING COMPANIES OFTEN PLAY A ROLE IN DROWSY DRIVING TRUCK ACCIDENTS
While truck drivers can be held accountable for injuries suffered by others when drowsy driving-related truck accidents happen, the trucking company may face liability as well. There have been many studies and investigations done that reveal that truck drivers are routinely pushed by their employers to work long shifts without proper breaks or rest periods and that a number of serious truck accidents could be directly attributed to these practices.
While trucking companies are required to follow both state and federal regulations when it comes to the demands they place on their drivers, violations are common. Truckers claim they face undue pressure and are at risk of losing their jobs if they do not meet the trucking company’s demands.
No matter who is liable for your truck accident injuries, you can be assured that your Chicago, IL truck accident lawyer from Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
HOW MUCH DOES A LAWYER COST?
You might be hesitant to consult a lawyer because you might think it’s too expensive. However, for most personal injury cases such as a truck accident, an attorney will usually work off of a contingency fee. What this means is that instead of having to pay a lawyer with an hourly fee, the lawyer will instead handle all upfront costs. Your attorney will be paid a percentage of the final settlement or court award.
This method is used because–following a truck accident–it’s understandable that the plaintiff will already be burdened by financial woes such as medical bills. A contingency fee allows you to work with a lawyer without having to worry about paying legal fees. Additionally, your lawyer will only be compensated if you win your case.
WILL MY CASE GO TO COURT?
A personal injury case can be a lengthy process and often the trial itself may be far shorter than other stages such as the discovery phase. While some cases go to court, it’s actually in both party’s best interests to settle before the case reaches court due to time and money. It’s also fairly common to receive an offer of settlement from the insurance company shortly after filing a claim.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE OFFERED A SETTLEMENT
Being offered a settlement from the insurance company might feel like a time to celebrate. However, it’s best to exercise sound judgment before accepting an offer. Although an offer might sound attractive on paper, chances are it may not cover all your present and future expenses.
Unfortunately, many times an insurance company will try to undercut their initial settlement. In this case, rejecting the first offer can be common protocol and your attorney can help you negotiate a better settlement. Your lawyer will also help you factor in both economic and non-economic damages and potentially punitive fees as well. By having a lawyer by your side, you optimize the compensation you deserve.
HOW LONG WILL MY CASE TAKE?
A trucking accident case can vary depending upon the circumstances. For cases where there were only minor injuries sustained to your vehicle as well as yourself, a case may only take around three months or less to resolve. However, when the damages sustained are severe, the case may take a year or more.
Other factors that may affect the case’s timeline may include:
- Crucial documents or other forms of evidence are being held up–such as CCTV footage.
- The other party is unwilling to cooperate.
- Certain factors of the case are being disputed by the opposing party.
- Any discrepancies such as mistakes in certain documents.
- A court and/or judge’s availability.
Unfortunately, sometimes building and getting through a case can take time. Having a trusted attorney on your side can help expedite the process and ensure you’re receiving crucial representation.
It’s important to have someone in your corner that’s knowledgeable in the laws and compassionate about your needs. It’s vital that you have someone who will fight for you every step of the way. That’s why when you need a truck accident lawyer to get compensated for the injuries you suffer, you call the attorneys at the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, PA.
Big rigs, 18-wheelers, flatbeds, semis, tractor-trailers, buses, and other large commercial vehicles are an essential part of the economy across our nation. They’re also a massive hazard on the highways of our nation and our state. Accidents involving these vehicles cause thousands of deaths and injuries every year, and they’re on the rise, despite more intense laws or greater awareness of the problem.
In Need Of a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are truly catastrophic because of the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. These cases can also get frustrating and complex for the victims, who just want to feel like they’re in control of their lives again. This is because there is a whole range of parties that can be held responsible for a trucking accident, and none of them want to payout.
That’s why you need help from a truck accident lawyer who can stand by your side, who knows the laws that govern trucking companies, both state and federal, and who can hold the negligent parties responsible. Attorneys like the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, PA, will make sure people remember who the victim is, and ensure that you get the compensation to which you’re entitled under the law.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
There are any number of parties that might be responsible for a trucking accident. The driver might be at fault. The trucking company certainly holds responsibility for any accident involving a vehicle that bears its name, either on the truck itself or on the placard that licenses it. The loading or shipping company might be responsible if improperly secured cargo shifts and causes the truck to go off-balance. If there are faulty parts, the manufacturer of the part might be responsible. The list goes on.
When these parties all try to pass the blame between each other, it can delay or even skew your case for compensation overall. When you’re just trying to collect the damages to cover your medical bills, lost earnings, and the damage you’ve suffered to your life and relationships from trauma, this is unacceptable. Sadly, insurance companies don’t care about that. That’s why you need an attorney to hold the negligent parties responsible.
Why Choose the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, PA?
When you’re hurt in a trucking accident, it’s important to hold the negligent parties responsible for the harm they’ve caused. Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, PA, is an experienced truck accident lawyer with the knowledge to stand up for your rights and get you the full compensation you deserve.
Our firm has over 30 years of experience in representing local truck accident victims, and we’ve racked up millions in settlements over all that time. Don’t go it alone if you’re suffering from the effects of a truck accident. Call the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, PA, and get a consultation on your case at no cost. We’ll fight for you and help you get the damages you deserve.
CONTACT A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER FROM DISPARTI LAW GROUP TODAY
No matter what your case looks like, you need to contact a truck accident lawyer from Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers right away. There is a statute of limitations in place for all personal injury cases in Illinois, so you have to make sure you meet this to have a case. Reach out to us today to set up a risk-free consultation with one of our lawyers.
The Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers
121 W Wacker Drive, Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60601
Chicago Truck Accident Google Review:
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With over $1 Billion in recoveries for our clients, Larry Disparti knows how to win! Plus, there is no fee unless we win your case. Contact our Chicago and Tampa Truck Accident attorneys today. Come join the thousands who say “Larry Wins!”
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