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Flatbed Accidents

Knowledgeable Chicago Attorneys Helping Victims of Truck Collisions

Flatbed trucks are large vehicles with a flat, open bed that is generally used to haul materials and equipment. These flatbeds may be mounted permanently to the frame of the truck, or they may be detachable. The distinct hazards posed by flatbed trucks are due to the fact that they openly haul cargo, including oversized cargo, which will not fit in an enclosed trailer. Maintaining secure cargo on a flatbed truck is critical, since loose cargo may fall off the truck or cause the driver to lose balance and ultimately lead to a collision. When truck drivers or trucking companies fail to meet their legal duties or breach a duty of care concerning driving or safely maneuvering their vehicle, they may be held responsible for the resulting harm. At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, our Chicago truck accident lawyers help victims as they pursue a legal claim against any at-fault parties. We have extensive experience advocating on behalf of injured individuals, seeking compensation for harm caused by the carelessness of others.

Seeking Compensation After a Flatbed Accident Due to a Trucker or Trucking Company’s Negligence

Flatbed trucks are capable of carrying more weight and cargo than other tractor-trailers because they can haul oversized cargo. When loading materials, which often include logs, machinery, and construction equipment, special attention must be paid in order to ensure that the cargo is secure. Shifting cargo may cause serious harm, and flatbed truck drivers are required to stop and check that their load is secure, adhering to regulations concerning the number and type of tie-downs that are required. Flatbed accidents may stem from cargo issues, as well as from negligent driving.

Establishing legal fault, or liability, after a flatbed collision requires showing that another individual or entity caused the crash. In a personal injury lawsuit, an accident victim may be able to recover damages by demonstrating that the defendant was negligent. Negligence is a legal term that refers to a failure to exercise due care. This standard of care is that of a reasonable person under similar circumstances. A truck driver or company that breaches a duty of care and directly causes an accident and resulting injuries may be found legally at fault. The plaintiff victim would set forth evidence of their harm in the form of quantifiable damages.

In terms of showing a breached duty of care, a victim of a flatbed accident must set forth specific details surrounding the collision. While driving a flatbed truck, operators must secure their cargo according to federal and state regulations. Truckers are required to conduct periodic checks of their vehicles and record any potential issues with them. Flatbed truck drivers, like all drivers, must abide by the rules of the road, including adjusting their driving for changing weather conditions and road hazards.

A victim who successfully shows the negligence of a driver or trucking company may be able to recover a wide range of damages. In addition to medical expenses and emotional pain and suffering, truck accident victims can potentially secure compensation for their lost earning capacity and loss of income. In the event of a fatality, the surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover for their losses.

Retain a Chicago Attorney for a Flatbed Accident Case

If you suffered an injury in a truck accident, the knowledgeable motor vehicle collision lawyers at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca can vigorously advocate on your behalf. Our Chicago attorneys are highly respected by our peers and recognized through an AV-rating as ethical, knowledgeable professionals. When asserting the rights of accident victims, we bring decades of combined experience to our compassionate yet vigorous legal representation. Call our office at 312-724-5846 or fill out our online form to share the facts of your case and set up a free consultation. Our office also helps truck accident victims in Rockford, Springfield, Aurora, Quincy, Champaign, and other communities in Sangamon, Winnebago, Champaign, Cook, and Adams Counties.