Romeoville, Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys

Newland and Newland were very attentive and transparent with my case. They were readily available and cared for my well being after my accident. They really have the best interest of their clients.

The roads in Romeoville and Will County see a great deal of traffic by commercial trucks on a daily basis. On Interstate 55, Interstate 80, other regional highways, and local roads, there is a constant flow of tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles that transport goods. When one of these vehicles is involved in an accident, the results can be devastating. Collisions between large trucks and passenger vehicles can be catastrophic.

When people are injured in accidents with 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks, the team at Newland & Newland, LLP can provide the legal help needed to secure compensation for the damages that have occurred. These accidents will often involve issues that are more complex than other types of car accidents. Multiple vehicles may have been involved, and several different parties may have played a role in the causes of the collision. With our experience in these types of cases, we can handle the complex issues that may arise and help our clients protect their rights.

Truck Driver Negligence

Truck drivers are required to receive training and obtain special licenses to ensure that they are qualified to drive commercial vehicles. There are a variety of ways that truck drivers may engage in dangerous or negligent behavior that can lead to accidents, including:

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Large trucks are massive vehicles that require much more time and distance to stop than smaller cars and trucks. When a truck driver violates the speed limit or drives at an unsafe speed, they may have no way to slow down and stop before colliding with another vehicle. Other forms of aggressive or negligent driving can also lead to truck accidents, including following other vehicles too closely, changing lanes without checking blind spots, or making illegal turns.

Distracted Driving

There are many things that can take a truck driver's attention away from the road. Like other drivers, truck drivers may become distracted by their phone, by eating and drinking, or by other activities. They could also be at risk of distraction when using CB radios, navigation apps, or electronic logging devices. Anything that affects a driver's ability to notice what is happening on the road and respond correctly could lead to a dangerous truck accident.

Drunk Driving

Intoxicated driving is dangerous when it is committed in any vehicle, but it can be especially deadly when a person is driving a large truck. Alcohol, drugs, prescription medications, or other substances can cause severe impairments that are likely to cause a truck driver to lose control and collide with other vehicles or pedestrians.

The Danger of Truck Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most serious concerns that can affect commercial truck drivers. Truck drivers who are tired or drowsy because of working long shifts or failing to get enough sleep may experience issues like slower reaction times, a decreased ability to pay attention to the road, and the possibility of falling asleep at the wheel.

The most common causes of truck driver fatigue are violations of hours-of-service regulations. Federal laws place limits on commercial drivers to ensure that they will not continue driving when they are exhausted and that they will get enough rest between shifts. When truck drivers disobey these rules, they will be much more likely to become fatigued. Other issues can also lead to fatigue or drowsiness, such as medical conditions, sleep disorders, or the use of certain medications.

Trucking Company Liability

When a truck accident occurs, the trucking company that employed the driver or operated the truck may be liable for the accident along with the truck driver. Negligence by a trucking company may include a failure to verify the qualifications of drivers, failure to provide the proper supervision, failure to perform drug or alcohol testing, or failure to ensure that drivers are properly trained. In some cases, trucking companies may have pressured drivers to continue driving even when they were exhausted, or they may not have taken the proper steps to prevent hours-of-service violations.

Mechanical Failures and Negligent Maintenance

As commercial trucks travel thousands of miles, parts such as brakes, tires, trailer couplings, and steering systems will experience stress, and they may break down or stop functioning correctly. Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to inspect trucks and identify mechanical issues that need to be addressed to ensure that vehicles will operate safely. Maintenance must be performed according to specific standards. Failure to meet these obligations may result in truck accidents when parts that should have been repaired or replaced break down.

Cargo-Related Causes of Truck Accidents

The cargo a truck carries can affect the way it handles. Weight limits apply to commercial trucks, and when a truck is overloaded, the chances that a truck driver will lose control or that a rollover accident will occur can increase significantly. Cargo that is loaded or secured incorrectly may also pose risks if it causes a truck to become unbalanced.

Some truck accidents may involve cargo that falls into the road. Because the cargo carried by trucks is often large and heavy, it can cause serious damage to other vehicles, and drivers or passengers may be injured. Items that land in lanes of traffic can also be dangerous, since they can create obstacles that may lead to accidents involving multiple vehicles. A company that was responsible for loading a truck may be liable for accidents involving overloaded or unsecured cargo.

Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Our Romeoville, IL Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accident cases may involve a wide variety of complex factors, so it is important to work with a lawyer who has experience representing clients in these types of cases. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we know how to investigate truck accidents, obtain evidence, identify the liable parties, and obtain compensation for the injuries our clients have suffered. Contact our Romeoville commercial truck crash attorneys at 815-620-0546 and schedule a free consultation today.