Truck Accident Lawyer Chicago

Semi-trucks can weigh as much as 20-30 times more than a passenger vehicle. Their massive weight requires up to 40 percent more stopping distance, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These trucks can also be overloaded or improperly loaded, increasing the chances of a severe accident. Semi-trucks are imperative to our economy; however, safety should be a priority for truck drivers and those they work for. Far too often, they put profits over the health and well-being of other motorists and their passengers. When their negligence results in harmful or deadly consequences, victims can turn to an experienced truck accident lawyer in Chicago.

What Causes Chicago Area Truck Crashes?

While truck crashes can be caused by many of the same factors that cause passenger vehicle crashes, there are some that apply more specifically to truck drivers. Federal laws mandate how often truck drivers and their companies must inspect and perform maintenance on their vehicles. They also spell out how long a truck driver can drive without resting and how long they must rest before driving. For truck drivers, time is money. The more time they spend resting or inspecting and maintaining their truck, the less money they earn. 

Truck accidents can also be caused by different forms of driver negligence, including:

• Impaired driving
• Drowsy driving
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Reckless driving
• Going too fast for weather or road conditions

Sometimes truck drivers and trucking companies aren’t to blame for these accidents. Rather, the accident was caused by a defective truck part, another driver, or the jurisdiction responsible for road signs and maintenance. When you hire an experienced truck accident attorney in Chicago to handle your claim, they will conduct a thorough investigation into how your truck accident occurred and who should be held liable. 

Illinois Statute of Limitations

State laws govern how long accident victims have to file a personal injury claim. In Illinois, they have two years from the date of the accident. If an injured party doesn’t file a claim within that time period, they give up their right to pursue the claim. Two years might seem like a long time. However, your truck accident lawyer in Chicago needs time to work on your case so that they can obtain the best outcome possible on your behalf. It’s imperative that you contact them sooner than later. 

In addition, if your injuries weren’t discovered on the day of the accident, your claim involves a minor child or is against a government entity, a different statute of limitations may apply. Your attorney can explain which one applies to your specific case.

Reach Out to a Seasoned Truck Accident Lawyer in Chicago Today

At Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, we know how traumatic truck crashes can be and the devastating injuries they can cause. When a negligent party causes these injuries, whether it’s a truck driver, their employer, a part manufacturer, or a government entity, you deserve justice. We focus on seeking compensation for your damages such as lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys are well-versed in the federal laws that govern the trucking industry and can use them to your benefit.

Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation with a seasoned truck accident attorney in Chicago. Remember that waiting too long to reach out can negate your legal rights and options.