West Lawn Truck Accident Lawyer

Any motor vehicle accident can lead to significant injuries and property damage, but truck accidents are notoriously even more dangerous. A fully loaded 18-wheeler is at least 10 times heavier than most passenger vehicles, translating into 10 times the force in an accident. Other factors, such as the shape and height of a big rig compared to other automobiles, also lead to more dangers in wrecks.

West Lawn is located near the crossroads of the country and is full of significant shipping roads. Truckers may travel through the area, often on a deadline, and may be speeding or engaging in other risky behaviors. If you have been injured by a big rig or other commercial truck, a West Lawn truck accident lawyer could help you explore your remedies. Reach out to La Justicia Legal today to begin working with a trusted personal injury attorney who will advocate on your behalf and keep you informed every step of the way.

Causes of Truck Wrecks

Truck and car accidents often stem from similar causes, such as speeding, distracted driving, drowsy driving, intoxicated driving, and general recklessness. However, certain factors unique to truck wrecks, like blind spot accidents, are less common in car collisions. When truck drivers fail to exercise proper caution, the risk of a serious accident increases significantly. The sheer size and weight of trucks amplify the force of any collision, making them harder to stop or maneuver in emergencies. A minor distraction that a car driver might quickly correct can become catastrophic for a truck driver.

Truckers also face immense pressure to meet tight deadlines, often pushing them to engage in risky behaviors. They might use substances to help them stay awake or remain alert, potentially leading to impaired driving. To meet demanding schedules, they may skip rest, multitask, or drive through adverse conditions, all of which compromise safety. Additionally, long hours on the road, bad weather, construction zones, traffic jams, and other delays can lead to fatigue, frustration, and impaired judgment.

Beyond driver-related issues, third-party factors also play a significant role in truck accidents. Improperly loaded cargo, manufacturer defects, mechanical failures, hazardous construction sites, and errors by other drivers are all potential contributors. Determining the exact cause of a truck wreck is essential for holding the responsible parties accountable, which is why working with a skilled truck accident lawyer in West Lawn is so important.

Compensation for Commercial Truck Accidents

Motor vehicle accident claims are often paid by insurers for private vehicle owners and tend to have lower compensation values than truck wrecks. That is because commercial trucks have to carry higher insurance policy amounts due to their capacity for greater harm. Knowing this, victims should not accept lowball settlement offers.

After successfully proving liability, a person injured in a commercial vehicle wreck could collect compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages reimburse injured motorists for their financial losses related to a crash, such as current and future medical bills, property damage, loss of wages, and a diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages reflect the subjective losses after an accident, including pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and a loss of enjoyment of life. A truck accident attorney in West Lawn could help identify insurers and other sources of compensation and ensure the amount an injured person receives adequately reflects the full extent of their needs.

What if I Am Partially Responsible for a Truck Accident?

Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state. An injured party can recover compensation as long as they are less than 50 percent responsible for their injuries. If they are more than 50 percent responsible for their injuries, they cannot recover. Because of these laws, it is essential to prove both liability and the percentage of liability.

It is not unusual for a victim to have some responsibility in a truck accident. For example, driving in a truck’s blind spot may contribute to an accident. While the trucker retains the ultimate responsibility for the wreck, the victim may share some portion of the blame. Under comparative fault, the damage award is proportionately reduced by the victim’s percentage of responsibility. A West Lawn attorney could help prove liability and work to minimize an injured motorist’s share of fault.

Meet With a West Lawn Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries or even death. Whether you are a victim or a survivor who has lost a loved one, the aftermath of a wreck can be an overwhelming, financially stressful, and confusing time. You may not have the emotional energy for a legal battle. You may also feel like you need to settle the case to meet pressing financial needs.

Trucking companies and their insurers understand you are vulnerable and may try to take advantage of you. Instead of making a rash decision that might not protect your best interests, consult with a West Lawn truck accident lawyer. Our team could help you determine the best course of action to protect yourself and your best interests.