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Fatal Truck Accidents

Tractor-Trailer Collision Lawyers Serving Chicago and Surrounding Areas

Severe injuries are unfortunately common in trucking collisions throughout Chicago and the surrounding cities. When truck accidents lead to the deaths of people involved, their families or personal representatives may pursue wrongful death claims. Illinois law provides that family members may pursue compensation from the negligent party responsible for their tragic loss. At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, we provide comprehensive legal representation for families grieving over the loss of their loved one. For decades, our Chicago truck accident attorneys have held careless parties accountable for the consequences of their actions.

Pursue a Wrongful Death Claim Following a Fatal Truck Accident

Wrongful death claims are appropriate when the family or personal representative of a truck accident victim seeks compensation for the death of their loved one. As a type of personal injury claim, a wrongful death action may be filed against a truck driver, their employer, and other parties responsible for a collision. Protecting a family’s right to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one may help ease the financial stress that often accompanies a sudden and untimely death.

Proving liability in a wrongful death claim after a fatal truck accident requires demonstrating that an individual died due to negligence or intentional wrongdoing, and there was a financial loss as a result of the death. Truck collisions may be caused by many different factors, including driver error, truck maintenance issues, and dangerous road conditions. All drivers, including those operating large commercial trucks, must meet their duty of care to operate their vehicle safely. This duty exists in order to avoid foreseeable harm to other people on the road. When conduct violates the legal standard of reasonable care, it will be deemed negligent by a judge or jury.

In fatal truck accident lawsuits, it is important to analyze all of the potential defendants. While a truck driver may be found negligent for causing a fatal crash, the facts may indicate that the trucking company was also legally at fault. For example, if the trucking company hired an unqualified driver or violated safety regulations set forth by the Department of Transportation, they may be liable for the crash. Additionally, family members may pursue a claim against the truck manufacturer if a defect in the vehicle, such as a faulty braking system, contributed to the collision.

In terms of showing losses following the accident, surviving family members are entitled to recover an amount that puts them in the financial position in which they would be if their loved one had survived the collision. Compensation available under Illinois law often includes emotional suffering, loss of support, and the costs for medical expenses related to the care of the victim before their death. Surviving children may assert a cause of action for the loss of the financial support of their parent, as well as the loss of guidance that they would have received. It often proves challenging to quantify the value of the services and care provided by the victim. In some cases, economists and other qualified experts may help ensure that surviving family members set forth a claim for an appropriate amount.

Retain a Dedicated Truck Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Wrongful death claims following a truck collision may prove complex, requiring a careful legal analysis of the underlying causes of the accident and an ability to successfully prove the liability of one or more parties. The skilled Chicago attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca can ensure that all of the potential avenues for recovery are pursued. Our truck accident lawyers have decades of experience advocating on behalf of victims and their families. We provide compassionate, personalized legal representation, explaining the process to our clients so that they understand their legal rights. To schedule a free consultation with a dedicated wrongful death attorney, call our office at 312-724-5846 or contact us online. We represent families throughout Illinois, including in Rockford, Aurora, Quincy, Springfield, Champaign, and other communities in Sangamon, Cook, Kane, Adams, and Winnebago Counties.