Palatine, IL Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Victims in Palatine

Truck accidents are a major concern on both highways and local roads in Palatine, Illinois, often leading to serious injuries, requiring long recovery times. Victims may face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and physical and emotional hurdles. Schwartz Injury Law is dedicated to helping victims recover compensation, allowing them to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.

Determining Negligence and Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Establishing negligence is central to any truck accident claim, as it identifies who is legally responsible for the damages incurred. These cases often involve multiple parties potentially contributing to the accident, including:

• Truck Drivers: They can be held liable for accidents when their actions are found to be reckless or careless. Common examples include speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Fatigue is another frequent factor in truck driver negligence, as federal regulations limit the number of hours a driver can operate without a break. Violations of these regulations can result in serious accidents and hold drivers directly liable for injuries.
• Trucking Companies: Companies are required to properly vet and train their drivers and ensure that trucks are maintained and roadworthy. If a company prioritizes profit over safety, resulting in unsafe vehicles or overworked drivers, it can be held liable for accidents that occur.
• Vehicle Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: Sometimes, a defective vehicle part or inadequate maintenance can contribute to an accident. For example, faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and mechanical failures can often be traced back to a defective part or improper repairs.
• Cargo Loaders and Shipping Companies: Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, destabilizing the truck and causing it to tip or swerve unexpectedly. Loading companies must adhere to weight limits and secure cargo to prevent accidents.

Types of Truck Accidents on Palatine Roadways

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck's trailer swings out to one side, it forms a 90-degree angle with the cab, resembling a folding pocket knife. Jackknife accidents are typically caused by sudden braking or loss of control, and they can create a multi-lane hazard for other vehicles.
• Rollover Accidents: These accidents occur when a truck tips over, often due to abrupt turns, excessive speed, or uneven cargo. Rollovers are highly dangerous for surrounding vehicles and can result in extensive injuries and fatalities.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to their large size and longer braking distance, trucks often struggle to stop in time to avoid rear-ending other vehicles. Rear-end collisions involving trucks can cause catastrophic injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles.
• Underride Accidents: An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides beneath the rear or side of a truck trailer. These particular accidents are extremely dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. Federal regulations require underride guards on trucks to prevent such incidents, and the absence of these guards may constitute negligence.
• Tire Blowouts: Blowouts are common in large trucks, especially when tires are worn or improperly maintained. A blown tire can cause a truck to swerve uncontrollably, endangering nearby vehicles. In cases involving blowouts, liability may lie with the driver, trucking company, or maintenance provider.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Commercial vehicles require extra space to execute wide turns. If drivers misjudge the space needed or fail to signal properly, they may cause accidents with nearby vehicles caught in their blind spots.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have extensive blind spots on all sides, known as "no-zones." When truck drivers fail to check these areas, they may inadvertently collide with other vehicles. Blind spot accidents are often preventable, making driver awareness a key factor in these cases.

Contact Our Palatine, Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys

If you were involved in a truck accident in Palatine, we are here to advocate on your behalf. With a commitment to seeking justice and holding negligent parties accountable, we work diligently to secure compensation for our clients' injuries and losses. To learn more about your rights and discuss your options, contact Schwartz Injury Law at 708-888-2160 or online to schedule your complimentary consultation. No fee unless we win.