Mount Prospect Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck Accident Lawyers Representing Victims in Mount Prospect, IL
Truck accidents on major highways like Route 83 in Mount Prospect, Illinois, can lead to severe injuries and life-changing effects. They often result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma, leaving victims and their families in financial distress. Understanding your legal options is critical if you have been involved in a truck accident. The seasoned attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law are dedicated to helping truck accident victims recover the compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Route 83
Understanding the specific forms of negligence that can lead to a truck accident is critical when determining liability, and may include:
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: Truck drivers may exceed the speed limit or engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as making unsafe lane changes, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals. Speeding reduces a truck driver's ability to stop in time to avoid a collision, increasing the severity of accidents when they occur.
- Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo: Cargo that is improperly loaded or secured can cause a truck to become unbalanced, leading to rollovers or loss of control. Overloading a truck can also put excessive strain on its mechanical systems, increasing the likelihood of brake failures or tire blowouts. In these cases, the company responsible for loading the cargo may be held liable.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to long hours behind the wheel. While federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without taking breaks, these rules are not always followed. Driver fatigue can significantly impair reaction times and decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by using GPS devices, texting, eating, or adjusting controls in the cab. Even a momentary distraction can lead to a serious accident, especially when operating a large commercial vehicle at highway speeds.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions, can cause a truck driver to lose control and crash. If poor maintenance is found to be a factor in the accident, the trucking company or third-party maintenance provider may be held responsible.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, making them a danger to everyone on the road.
Determining At-Fault Parties in a Truck Accident
One of the complexities of truck accident cases is that multiple parties may be responsible for the crash. Unlike typical car accidents, liability in a truck accident may extend beyond just the driver. At Schwartz Injury Law, our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties and ensure that they are held accountable. Potential negligent parties in a truck accident may include:
- The Trucking Company: The company that employs the driver may be liable if it failed to properly train the driver, pressured them to violate hours-of-service regulations, or failed to maintain the vehicle.
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was driving while fatigued, distracted, or impaired, they may be held directly responsible for the accident.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: In cases where a mechanical failure caused the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its defective parts may be liable.
Contact Our Mount Prospect, IL Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on Route 83, we are here to provide you with the representation you deserve. We are dedicated to helping truck accident victims recover the compensation necessary for covering medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Contact Schwartz Injury Law at 708-888-2160 or online to arrange your free consultation. No fee unless we win.