Des Plaines, Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys

Gary Newland and Stephen Newland are very respected in the legal community. They are family men. They are honest, intellegent, and straight to the point.

In Des Plaines, commercial trucks are a constant presence on the roads. Trucks travel along Interstate 90, Interstate 294, and the network of roads surrounding Chicago and O'Hare International Airport. The high volume of commercial truck traffic can put people at risk of serious harm due to collisions between large commercial vehicles and passenger cars or trucks.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our lawyers represent people in Des Plaines who have been injured in commercial truck accidents. These cases can be more complex than other types of car accident claims, and the injuries suffered by victims will often be more serious. We can take steps to identify all parties who may be liable for a truck accident and secure full compensation for the injuries our clients have suffered.

The Severity of Commercial Truck Accident Injuries

When a massive 18-wheeler that is fully loaded with cargo strikes a smaller car, it can cause devastating harm to a driver or passengers. Traumatic brain injuries are likely to occur, and they can range from concussions to severe brain damage that can permanently affect a person's cognitive abilities, memory, and personality. Spinal cord injuries can occur when the force of a crash compresses or fractures vertebrae in the neck or back, and they can result in permanent paralysis.

Victims may suffer crush injuries when a rollover accident occurs and a truck turns over on top of a passenger vehicle. In underride crashes, where a car slides beneath the trailer of a semi-truck, the results can be fatal. Survivors may suffer severe head and neck trauma, extensive damage to internal organs, and injuries to the limbs that may result in amputations. Broken bones throughout the body, including the pelvis, legs, arms, ribs, and sternum, are common in truck accidents.

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

One of the most serious concerns that affects the trucking industry involves truck driver fatigue. A driver who is extremely tired may experience impairments that can affect their reaction time, concentration, and ability to notice important details or hazards on the road. Truck drivers are required to follow rules that limit their hours of service and require them to take regular breaks. However, violations of these rules are common.

The trucking industry places pressure on truck drivers to move freight quickly. Drivers who are paid by the mile have an incentive to continue driving and deliver cargo on time. Trucking companies may encourage drivers to stay on the road even after they report fatigue or concerns about their ability to operate their vehicles safely. In some cases, drivers may falsify logs or commit other violations of hours-of-service rules and continue driving even when it is unsafe to do so.

When our attorneys investigate a truck accident case, we can obtain a driver's electronic logs, trucking company dispatch records, and GPS data. These records can help us determine whether a driver violated hours-of-service rules or was continuing to drive even after experiencing fatigue.

Other Forms of Truck Driver Negligence

Our lawyers can review a driver's conduct before or during a collision to identify forms of negligence that caused victims to suffer harm. We can take steps to uncover negligence such as:

Distracted Driving

Texting while driving can be very dangerous for truck drivers. Other types of distractions can also increase the risks of accidents, including eating or using radios. Our attorneys can review phone records, electronic device data, traffic camera footage, and statements from witnesses to determine whether distractions played a role in a truck crash.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Commercial trucks require more distance to stop than other types of vehicles, even under ideal conditions. When a truck driver violates speed limits, tailgates behind other vehicles, or makes aggressive maneuvers like unsafe lane changes, they can cause accidents that are likely to result in serious harm.

Impaired Driving

The use of alcohol or drugs by truck drivers can be incredibly dangerous. Some truck drivers may use controlled substances, or their ability to drive safely may be affected by prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness. Trucking companies may be liable for accidents that occur because they failed to perform drug or alcohol tests for truck drivers or because they hired a driver with a known history of substance abuse.

Inadequate Training

Operating a commercial truck safely requires multiple types of skills. Drivers will need to receive the proper training to ensure that they can handle a large vehicle in different conditions. When a trucking company does not take steps to ensure that drivers have the right level of training and experience, it may be liable for accidents that occur as a result.

Negligent Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies are required to maintain the vehicles in their fleets. Inspections must be performed to ensure that trucks can operate safely. When inspections are not performed, parts are not maintained correctly, and known issues are not repaired, mechanical failures can occur, and they may cause truck drivers to lose control. Some common mechanical issues that can lead to truck accidents include:

Brake Failures

When the brakes on a commercial truck are worn, have not been adjusted correctly, or are otherwise defective, a driver may not be able to slow down and stop correctly. This may prevent a driver from being able to avoid a rear-end collision or another type of accident.

Tire Failures

A tire blowout on a commercial truck can cause a driver to lose control. They may be unable to avoid colliding with other vehicles after veering out of their lane or into oncoming traffic. Tire failures can occur when treads are worn or when tires are underinflated. Blowouts can also lead to debris in the road that can increase the risks of car accidents.

Steering and Suspension Defects

Worn or damaged parts in steering systems can make it difficult or impossible to control a large truck. Suspension system problems can lead to instability that may increase the risk of a rollover accident.

Unsecured Cargo and Overloaded Trucks

The way cargo is loaded on a commercial truck can affect its handling. Cargo that is not properly secured can shift while a truck is in motion. This can affect the truck's center of gravity, and a sudden weight shift could cause the truck to roll over, jackknife, or veer into other lanes. Cargo that falls from a truck because it was not secured correctly can be a serious hazard for other vehicles, and drivers may have no time to avoid a collision.

Weight limits are meant to ensure that large trucks can be operated safely. Trucks that are overloaded are harder to control. They will need more distance to stop, and heavy loads will also place stress on braking and suspension systems. A trucking company may be held responsible for allowing a truck to operate while overloaded. Our attorneys can review weigh station data, loading documentation, and other records to determine whether overloading led to a truck accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases in Des Plaines

Contact Our Des Plaines, IL Truck Accident Lawyers

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we understand what is at stake when your life has been changed by a collision with a commercial vehicle. We will provide the representation you need to obtain the full compensation you deserve. Contact our Des Plaines commercial truck accident attorneys today at 847-797-8000 to arrange a free consultation.