Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Illinois

At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, we are dedicated tractor-trailer crash attorneys serving the Chicago area and beyond. We represent victims of truck accidents in bringing legal claims for compensation. Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, collisions involving passenger cars, as well as pedestrians and other people on the road, may lead to serious injuries even at low speeds. Trucking companies and their drivers are obligated to follow federal and state trucking regulations, and any failure to abide by these laws presents a risk of harm to others.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a crash, our Illinois truck accident lawyers can help you seek compensation from the responsible party. Our injury attorneys have been focused on helping victims and their families for decades, and we are skilled in understanding the nuanced issues that may arise in truck accident cases. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 312-724-5846 now.

Establishing Liability For A Trucking Accident

Following a truck accident, victims may face substantial expenses and losses, particularly regarding medical costs. Severe injuries resulting from a truck crash may require immediate medical care and lead to costs that extend far into the future. A personal injury claim against the responsible party may be a useful way for a victim to alleviate this burden and try to fix the harm caused by a truck driver’s violation of the safety rules.

Truck accidents may result from carelessness on the part of the driver, as well as violations of laws that regulate truck drivers and trucking companies. Federal laws dictate truck maintenance procedures, the maximum number of hours that a driver is permitted to operate the truck before taking a break, and the weight of a loaded truck, among other matters. Illinois provides its own regulations that further protect other people on the road. However, most truck crashes take place due to drivers violating the basic rules of the road.

When a driver fails to abide by a regulation or a basic rule of the road, and it causes a collision, this may serve as strong evidence of the driver’s negligence. Most truck crash victims choose to pursue a legal claim against the trucking company since employers are responsible for most wrongful acts by their employees. Vicarious liability or respondeat superior are legal theories that provide that the truck driver’s employer may be held legally responsible, if it is proved that the driver caused the crash in the course and scope of their employment.

Other theories of recovery, such as negligent supervision or negligent hiring, may be appropriate if the victim can show that the trucking company hired a driver who had a record of dangerous driving. These theories of recovery are based on the concept that a trucking company owes the public a duty to properly supervise and monitor its drivers. A truck company that fails to meet its legal duty to avoid foreseeable harm to others on the road may be held responsible for any resulting injuries. Since plaintiffs often may pursue claims against a variety of entities, moreover, they may be more likely to secure an award.

Truck Accident FAQs

A truck crash can leave you with questions about fault, your losses and the legal process ahead. The following answers explain important issues that may affect your claim:

Why is a truck accident case so complex?

A truck accident may involve more than the driver. The trucking company, a cargo contractor, a maintenance provider or another business may also share responsibility. Our attorneys may review driver logs, company records, inspection reports, electronic truck data and witness accounts to determine what happened. We also look for safety violations, poor supervision and other signs of negligent conduct. This investigation can help identify who caused the crash and which parties may be responsible for your injuries. It can also reveal insurance coverage and other sources of compensation that may apply.

What if my loved one died in a trucking accident?

If your loved one died because of a truck crash, your family may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. In Illinois, the personal representative brings the action for the surviving spouse and next of kin. Damages may address financial losses as well as grief, sorrow and mental suffering. If your loved one died while working, workers’ compensation benefits may also apply. You may still have a separate claim against a negligent third party if someone other than the employer caused the death. We can review the circumstances and determine which claims may fit your family’s situation.

How much is a truck accident case worth?

No set dollar amount applies to every truck accident case. One case could be worth $75,000, while another could reach $25 million or more. The facts determine the value. Your claim may depend on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future care needs and other losses. Liability, insurance coverage and the number of responsible parties can also affect your recovery. We examine the evidence and the full impact of the crash before assessing the compensation you may pursue.

Consult A Truck Crash Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, you are entitled to pursue compensation from any parties that were responsible for your harm. The skilled truck accident attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca have decades of combined experience proving the full extent of injuries in each case that we take. Contact our law office by calling 312-724-5846 or using our online form to schedule a free appointment with a dedicated truck or car accident lawyer.

We currently represent truck crash victims across Illinois and routinely work on truck collision cases around Peoria, Bloomington/Normal, Effingham, Aurora, Springfield, Rockford, Champaign, and Quincy, as well as other communities in Sangamon, Kane, Cook, Kendall, Winnebago, and Adams counties.