Large commercial vehicles are a vital part of the economy. They ship goods in and out of the city, making it possible for people to buy what they need. Despite their importance, these large trucks also represent a major hazard for other motorists. When they collide with passenger vehicles, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic.
An experienced personal injury attorney could help you seek justice if you were hurt in a truck crash. Whether you settle your case or take it to trial, a positive result could provide your family with important compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Let a Waukegan truck accident lawyer help you get the results you deserve.
Severe injuries are commonplace when commercial vehicles collide with much smaller passenger cars. This is largely due to the size difference between the two, as 18-wheelers often weigh 20 times more than the average car.
The design of these vehicles is another potential danger. The bumper is much higher than passenger cars, which can damage areas on the car that are more vulnerable. The result can be life-altering injuries that require ongoing medical care. Some of injuries that commonly result from a crash include:
The conditions that can result from these injuries can have lasting financial, emotional, and physical consequences for the person. In many cases, they require ongoing medical care and psychological treatment based on the severity of the trauma. A Waukegan attorney could hold the at-fault party accountable for a truck accident and make the case for significant compensation based on the evidence.
Determining who is to blame for a truck accident is one of the most important roles for an attorney in Waukegan. Before an injured party can recover compensation for their injuries, they will need evidence that establishes who was to blame. Some of the parties that could be at fault include the following.
Operators are frequently at fault when their trucks collide with a passenger vehicle. Human error can come in many different forms, from driving while intoxicated to failing to yield the right-of-way.
The trucker’s employer might also be liable for damages when they are at fault for the crash. This is possible under two different legal theories. First, companies are liable for the negligence of their drivers if they were acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash. Second, the company could be liable if their negligent hiring practices resulted in an accident.
The makers of commercial vehicles and their parts might also be to blame. Defective truck parts—including braking systems or tires—can lead to a devastating crash. When defects lead to accidents, it is often possible to pursue a product liability case against the manufacturer. These companies are held to a higher standard where it is not necessary to prove negligence – only that the product had a dangerous defect.
If you have been injured in a truck crash, now is the time discuss your legal options with the Law Office of Jonathan Schlack. The right strategy could provide you with a path to financial compensation.
Do not put your recovery at risk by handling your claim on your own. Call today for a private consultation—in Spanish or English—with a Waukegan truck accident lawyer.