Truck Accident Lawyers in Chicago, IL

Common Causes of Sem-Truck Accidents 

Numerous factors and actions can cause semi-trucks to crash. Below, we have listed some of the most common causes. 

Semi-truck accidents often happen because of:

• Driver Negligence: This can include driving at excessive speeds, failing to adhere to traffic signs, changing lanes without signaling, and other reckless actions.
• Hiring Negligence: The hire a driver who is not competent to drive a commercial vehicle and should not have been on the road.
• Fatigue: Many semi-truck drivers are out on the road for long periods, which can cause them to feel tired and affect their judgments and reaction times. 
• Vehicle Issues: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, mechanical failures, and various other problems can spell trouble for semi-trucks. 
• Distracted Driving: Cell phones are notorious distractions that cause semi-truck accidents. Some others include eating behind the wheel and adjusting vehicle controls. 
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, hail, and fog can all make it difficult for drivers to see and for tires to retain traction. 
• Inadequate Training: Driving a semi-truck is not simple. Unfortunately, many accidents occur because drivers do not receive proper training to operate and maneuver their vehicles.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of a truck collision can cause considerable trauma to the brain, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe forms of traumatic brain injuries. Victims may experience symptoms such as headaches, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The spine is especially vulnerable in high-impact crashes. Victims can suffer from herniated discs, fractures, or, in the worst-case scenario, paralysis. Spinal cord injuries may require long-term rehabilitation and could result in a lifetime of medical expenses and care.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are common in truck accidents because of the immense force involved. Victims may experience broken ribs, arms, legs, or pelvis, which often require surgical intervention and extensive recovery time.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs are severe injuries that may not be instantly apparent after a truck accident. Without prompt medical attention, these internal injuries can become life-threatening.
• Burns: Truck accidents involving fuel tank ruptures or fires could lead to severe burn injuries. Victims may require multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and may suffer permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Amputations: The sheer force of a truck accident can cause traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that amputation becomes necessary. This leads to long-term physical and emotional trauma, requiring prosthetics and rehabilitation.
• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Even at slower speeds, the impact of a truck accident can cause significant whiplash or soft tissue damage, leading to pain and limited mobility. These injuries can be chronic and require ongoing therapy.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include the following:

Economic Damages

Some examples of economic damages include:

• Medical Expenses: Medical bills can quickly add up after a truck accident. Compensation may cover emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and any future medical treatments required for ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work because of their injuries, they could be entitled to recover lost earnings. This includes not only the income lost during recovery but also any future loss of earning capacity if the injuries stop the victim from returning to their previous line of work or force them into a lower-paying job.
• Property Damage: Truck accidents often cause significant damage to vehicles and other personal property. Victims can seek compensation to restore or replace their damaged property.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: For severe injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, ongoing rehabilitation and therapy are often necessary. These treatments can be costly, and compensation can help cover these expenses to facilitate recovery.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-Economic damages may include the following:

• Pain and Suffering: Truck accidents often lead to substantial physical pain and emotional suffering. Victims could be compensated for the physical pain endured as well as the mental despair, anxiety, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Serious injuries could drastically alter a victim’s quality of life. If a victim can no longer enjoy activities they once loved or if their ability to engage in daily routines has been impaired, compensation may be granted for the loss of enjoyment of life.
• Disfigurement or Disability: If the accident leads to permanent scarring, disfigurement, or a long-term disability, the victim may be entitled to compensation. These injuries often require lifelong adjustments and can affect a person’s self-esteem, relationships, and ability to work.

Punitive Damages

In certain cases, victims may also be awarded punitive damages. These damages are not meant to compensate the victim but to discipline the wrongdoer for particularly reckless or egregious behavior. For example, if the truck driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or if the trucking company knowingly violated safety regulations, punitive damages might be awarded to send a strong message against such conduct.

Is the Driver Always Liable in Semi-Truck Accidents?

Many parties can be liable in semi-truck accidents. Drivers, trucking companies, vehicle manufacturers, cargo loaders, and maintenance and repair technicians could all be responsible. Ultimately, the blame lies in what caused the wreck. With so many potentially at-fault parties, determining liability is challenging. It often takes thorough investigation and even expert opinion from industry professionals and forensic analysts. Fortunately, Driscoll Law Group is well-connected and have prosecuted numerous successful truck accident cases in Chicago, Champaign County, and other areas in Illinois and across the U.S.