Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys

Attorneys Assisting With Trucking Accident Injuries in the Chicago Area

While commercial semi-trailer trucks are a common sight on roads throughout the United States, the massive size and weight of these vehicles presents a danger to other drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Truck drivers are required to receive special training and licenses, and trucking companies must follow regulations meant to ensure the safety of the public. When regulations and laws are ignored, serious and fatal truck accidents can occur as a result.

At Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC, we understand the devastating injuries that can occur in a collision with a tractor-trailer truck, and we are experienced in helping victims pursue compensation for damages that are caused by negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. We work tirelessly to ensure that our clients are fully compensated and understand how to build a case against all culpable entities. We are dedicated to improving public safety by holding these parties responsible for the harm that victims have suffered.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Truck crashes may occur for a variety of reasons, but some common forms of negligence that lead to serious injuries include:

• Driver fatigue and errors - Trucking companies often encourage drivers to bend or break laws and regulations in order to deliver cargo as quickly as possible. Drivers may attempt to continue driving beyond their maximum hours of operation or operate their vehicles unsafely in order to meet their employers' requirements, jeopardizing the safety of others on the road.
• Speeding - Semi-trucks take a much longer distance to slow down and stop than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers travel at unsafe speeds, they may not be able to react in time to avoid an accident.
• DUI and drug use - Drunk driving is dangerous in any vehicle, but it can be even more deadly when done by truck drivers. In addition to alcohol intoxication, truck drivers may choose to combat fatigue by using controlled substances, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs, and this can have a huge impact on their ability to drive safely. Companies can also be held liable for failure to implement an alcohol or controlled substances testing program.
• Failure to account for dangerous road conditions - Accidents can occur when truck drivers fail to account for weather-related factors such as snow, ice, rain, or strong winds, or when damage to the road or other conditions make it unsafe to operate a vehicle.
• “Fastrack” Routing – Trucks may be scheduled to reach a destination in a way that requires the truck to be operated at unsafe speeds in excess of those prescribed by law in order to be “on time.” In these cases, companies may be held liable when drivers injure people while attempting to meet these deadlines.
• Hiring and Staffing – Companies who fail to screen drivers or hire drivers with problematic backgrounds may be held liable when these drivers are involved in crashes. This duty does not stop after the hiring process is complete. Companies are required by law to comply with an array of federal regulations concerning driver licensure, suitability, and roadworthiness.
• Improperly loaded cargo - When a truck is loaded incorrectly or when cargo is not properly secured or shifts during travel, this may cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle. People in other vehicles can also be seriously injured when cargo falls off a truck during travel.
• Improper maintenance - Commercial trucks must be inspected regularly, and maintenance must be performed to ensure that they can operate safely. If maintenance is not completed correctly, this can lead to the failure of essential safety systems, endangering everyone on the road.
• Equipment failure - Even if a truck is properly maintained, defective parts or equipment can lead to brake failure, tire blowouts, steering system failure, decoupled trailer hitches, or shifting and falling cargo, all of which can cause serious motor vehicle accidents.

Contact a Chicago Trucking Accident Attorney

The attorneys of TKK are dedicated to achieving justice for those who have been harmed by others' negligence, and we are committed to uncovering the facts of truck accidents. We will work to determine what really happened and demonstrate how the negligence of truck drivers or trucking companies led to a collision. With our help, you will be able to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve from those who were responsible for your injuries. Contact our Illinois personal injury lawyers at 312-605-8800 to arrange a free consultation.