Hoffman Estates, Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers

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A collision involving a commercial truck is rarely a minor event. The massive size of an 18-wheeler or another type of large commercial vehicle can cause catastrophic damage when it collides with another vehicle. These accidents can leave victims with devastating injuries that may change their lives forever.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our lawyers represent people who have been seriously injured in commercial truck accidents in Hoffman Estates and the surrounding areas. We understand the many ways victims and their families are affected by these accidents, and we work to secure the full compensation our clients deserve.

Injuries Caused by Commercial Truck Accidents

The injuries that can occur in truck accidents can vary depending on the type of collision, the speed of the truck, and other factors. In nearly every case, however, the injuries are more serious than those seen in collisions between passenger vehicles.

Rear-End Collisions

When a loaded commercial truck strikes a passenger vehicle from behind, the force of the impact can be tremendous. Even at moderate speeds, the weight of a fully loaded semi-truck will transfer a great deal of energy into the smaller vehicle. People in vehicles that are rear-ended by trucks may suffer whiplash and other cervical spine injuries, which can cause pain and affect their mobility. Traumatic brain injuries can take place when a person hits their head on a headrest, steering wheel, or dashboard. In a high-speed collision, occupants may be crushed inside a vehicle, resulting in damage to the legs, arms, or torso.

T-Bone Accidents

Side-impact collisions that occur when the front of a commercial truck strikes the side of another vehicle can cause serious harm to the people in the vehicle. Hip fractures or rib fractures may occur due to the direct impact to the side of the vehicle. A driver or passenger may also experience damage to internal organs, injuries to the head and face, or severe injuries to the limbs that could result in amputations.

Head-On Collisions

A commercial truck that strikes a passenger vehicle head-on can cause severe or fatal injuries. These may include severe brain injuries or spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis. When the front of a vehicle is crushed, a person may experience severe injuries in the legs, which may result in amputations. Wrongful death is more likely when a vehicle is involved in a head-on accident with a large truck.

Sideswipe Accidents

A sideswipe may occur if a truck hits another vehicle while changing lanes or merging into traffic. Even though these crashes may seem less severe than other types of truck accidents, they can cause a passenger vehicle to lose control and strike other vehicles, barriers, or roadside hazards. Common injuries in sideswipe accidents include soft tissue injuries to the neck and shoulders, lacerations from broken glass, and broken bones.

Rollover Accidents

A rollover can occur when a truck driver loses control on a curve or when making sudden maneuvers. A truck that rolls over can crush other vehicles, resulting in head injuries, broken or crushed bones, and multiple other forms of bodily harm.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck's trailer swings outward, preventing the truck driver from being able to maneuver. This may happen when a truck driver brakes or swerves suddenly and loses control of their vehicle. A jackknifed truck can block multiple lanes of traffic or strike several other vehicles, and drivers may not have enough time to react and avoid a collision. Victims of jackknife accidents may suffer multiple types of serious injuries. Multi-vehicle pileups that may occur can put people at risk of being trapped in a vehicle that catches on fire, resulting in burn injuries or other forms of harm.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Identifying the cause of a truck accident is essential to determine who may be held responsible for the injuries that have occurred. Our attorneys can investigate these accidents and gather evidence like black box data, maintenance records, employment records for drivers, and other information to build a strong case for compensation. We can determine whether an accident was caused by issues such as:

Traffic Violations by Truck Drivers

Commercial truck drivers are required to follow the same traffic laws as other drivers, as well as the unique laws that apply to commercial vehicles. Speeding, illegal lane changes, running red lights, and tailgating are some of the violations that can lead to serious truck accidents. Because a truck requires much more distance to stop than a passenger vehicle, traffic violations that might cause a minor collision between cars can be much more dangerous when a commercial truck is involved.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies will need to inspect trucks and make sure they are maintained correctly. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering defects, malfunctioning suspension systems, trailer coupling failures, and other maintenance-related issues can cause a driver to lose control of a truck. When a trucking company failed to perform inspections or repairs, it may be liable for a truck accident.

Unsecured or Improperly Loaded Cargo

Freight must be properly loaded and secured on trailers or in the cargo areas of trucks. Cargo that shifts can affect a truck's center of gravity, which can cause the driver to lose control or result in a rollover. Cargo that falls from a truck can land on other vehicles and cause severe injuries, or it may block traffic and cause an accident. A company that was responsible for loading cargo on a truck may be liable for the failure to secure items correctly.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers can become tired or drowsy after long shifts or because of inadequate sleep. Fatigued driving can lead to accidents when truck drivers struggle to remain awake and alert. When trucking companies pressure drivers to continue driving when they are exhausted or sleepy, the results can be catastrophic.

Intoxicated Driving

Commercial truck drivers who drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications will be much more likely to engage in dangerous behavior or lose control of their vehicles. A trucking company may be liable for failing to perform drug or alcohol testing or for hiring a driver with a history of drunk driving offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Cases

Contact Our Hoffman Estates, IL Truck Accident Attorneys

Recovering from a serious truck accident will take time, and it is important to ensure that you will have the resources you need during your recovery. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys will fight for the full compensation you deserve and help you move forward as you deal with the ways you have been affected. Contact our Hoffman Estates 18-wheeler accident lawyers at 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation.