Why Truck Accidents Happen
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road and away from family. The pressure to deliver their loads on time and to return to their families may result in drivers taking unnecessary—and dangerous—risks behind the wheel. The following are just a few examples of how a truck accident can happen in a second, leaving victims with traumatic and life-changing injuries:- Drowsy driving - According to the National Sleep Foundation, 60 percent of Americans admit to driving while sleepy. Federally mandated hours-of-service limit the amount of hours truck drivers can drive. However, some truck drivers may experience trouble resting during breaks or have an undiagnosed sleeping disorder.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) - The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) legal limit in Illinois for a driver with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is 0.04 percent or higher. This is lower than the 0.08 legal limit for other drivers. As of January 1, 2020, recreational marijuana is now legal in Illinois; however, the drug remains on the federal list of Schedule I drugs and off-limits for truck drivers.
- Aggressive driving- A truck driver who is in a hurry to reach his or her final destination on-schedule may purposely speed or tailgate other drivers. Aggressive driving can quickly escalate into road rage, leaving victims with serious injuries.
Types of Truck Accidents
- Rear-end crashes - A fully loaded truck, traveling at normal speed in good weather conditions, needs the length of two football fields to stop. Even if you see the truck approaching in your rearview mirror, there is typically no time to get out of its way.
- Side underride crashes - Government statistics estimate that as many as 200 people die every year due to side underride crashes with tractor-trailer trucks. Safety groups are advocating for more attention and solutions to this dangerous problem.
- Jackknife - When a truck accident causes a truck to jackknife, the truck and the trailer become out of sync. The result is an L or V shape of the tractor-trailer on the highway. Driving too fast for weather conditions and improper braking are among the leading causes of jackknife accidents.
- Rollover accidents - A rollover accident is especially dangerous when it involves a tanker truck. If the truck is carrying flammable liquid, it can leave you with serious burns in addition to other injuries.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
An out-of-control truck is no match for a passenger vehicle. No matter the type of accident, the injuries are often catastrophic and may include the following:- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Internal injuries
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Insurance companies like to settle claims quickly and for the least amount of money possible. Representatives may offer you a settlement that seems like a large amount of money. The reality is that an initial settlement offer is most likely not enough to cover your future financial and medical needs. Do not fall for the high-pressure tactics of big insurance companies, and don’t try to handle negotiations on your own. Insurance companies are too skilled at what they do to take on alone. Protect your best interests by not speaking with insurance company representatives and securing legal representation instead. Act quickly due to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a law that limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Once you miss the deadline for filing your case, your opportunity for legal action is lost forever. No one deserves to suffer physically, financially, and emotionally due to the careless actions of a truck driver, trucking company, or both. If you were seriously injured due to no fault of your own, give careful thought to contacting a truck accident lawyer. Securing legal representation not only protects your best interests, but it can also afford you peace of mind during this most difficult time.Abels & Annes, P.C. 100 N LaSalle St #1710 Chicago, IL 60602 (312) 924-7575
David Abels
Partner
David Abels has carved a niche for himself in the personal injury law sector, dedicating a substantial part of his career since 1997 to representing victims of various accidents. With a law practice that spans over two decades, his expertise has been consistently recognized within the legal community.
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