Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys In Illinois
When a trucking accident occurs, the consequences can often be devastating. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, when regular motor vehicles are involved in collisions with commercial trucks, 98% of the resulting fatalities are the drivers or passengers of the cars, and only 2% can be attributed to the drivers of commercial vehicles.
Most commercial trucks are usually anywhere from 14,000 to 33,000 pounds, while regular vehicles range between 4,000 and 5,500 pounds. When commercial trucks collide with regular cars, the trucks are able to absorb a significant amount of the force exerted on the drivers and they are less likely to sustain serious injuries. However, the truck exerts a much larger force on the car. Due to the car’s comparably small size, its occupants are the ones who receive the brunt of the force, which often results in serious injury and death.
At Taradash Johnson Janezic, our Illinois trucking accident attorneys serve accident victims throughout the Northern Illinois area, including McHenry, Woodstock, Cary and Crystal Lake. We have been serving the people of McHenry County and Northern Illinois for over 30 years, so our personal injury lawyers are familiar with the requirements and nuances that come with litigating trucking accident claims.
Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents
At our firm, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of truck accidents. Recognizing the common causes can help prevent these tragic incidents. Here are some of the most frequent factors contributing to trucking accidents:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often face grueling schedules that push the limits of human endurance. When fatigue sets in, it’s not just drowsiness they’re battling – it’s slowed reflexes and clouded decision-making. Our firm is committed to ensuring trucking companies respect the federally mandated rest periods. We believe that well-rested drivers are safer drivers, and we’re not afraid to challenge those who put profit before safety.
Distracted Driving
Distractions pose a significant risk, from cell phone use to eating while driving. Our attorneys stress the importance of focused driving for all motorists, especially those operating large commercial vehicles.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to mechanical failures with severe consequences. We often find that proper upkeep could have prevented many accidents.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
In the fast-paced world of logistics, the temptation to cut corners and push speed limits is ever-present. But when trucks hurtle down highways at unsafe speeds, they become potential disasters on wheels. Our legal team doesn’t just represent accident victims – we’re advocates for road safety. We tenaciously pursue cases against drivers and companies that choose to gamble with lives by prioritizing tight schedules over careful driving.
Improper Loading or Cargo Shifts
Improperly secured cargo can cause trucks to become unstable or even tip over. We investigate thoroughly to determine if improper loading contributed to an accident.
Weather Conditions
Northern Illinois weather can be unpredictable. Rain, snow and ice require extra caution from truck drivers. We examine how weather factors into each case we handle.
By knowing what causes these accidents, we’re better equipped to investigate incidents thoroughly and build strong cases for our clients. Our experience with these factors allows us to identify key issues quickly and pursue effective strategies for success.
Truck Routes In Northern Illinois And McHenry County
On top of recognizing the common causes of truck accidents, understanding the major truck routes in our area is equally important for both safety and legal purposes. In Northern Illinois, including McHenry County, several key routes see heavy truck traffic:
Interstate 90, also known as the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, is a major east-west corridor for commercial vehicles. In McHenry County, state routes such as IL 31, IL 47, IL 62 and US 14 also see significant truck traffic. These roads connect important economic centers but can also be hotspots for accidents due to their high usage.
We’re familiar with these routes and the unique challenges they present. Whether it’s navigating the busy I-90 or dealing with the intersections of state routes in more rural areas, our team understands how the specifics of these roadways can factor into truck accident cases. This local knowledge allows us to build stronger cases for our clients affected by truck accidents in Northern Illinois.
Illinois Trucking Accident Lawyers
As a trucking accident law firm, we are well aware of the dynamics that bring about many of these collisions. Trucks often fail to stop in time to prevent a collision when following a passenger car too closely. Additionally, truck drivers can easily lose control of their trucks due to high winds, sudden turns or overcorrection. Commercial drivers also usually have much bigger blind spots, which increases the chance they will overlook another motorist on the road.
Unfortunately, despite extensive regulations prohibiting the practice, many commercial drivers put profit above safety and drive while exhausted in order to get a shipment in on time. Truck driving is a dangerous profession, but it becomes almost a deadly guarantee that an accident will occur if a driver ignores federal regulations requiring a minimum amount of rest.
Holding Trucking Companies Accountable For Unsafe Truck Drivers
Taradash Johnson Janezic will continue fighting for truck accident victims every day. If you or a loved one have been injured in a trucking accident, contact a truck accident attorney at our personal injury law office today to discuss your injury claim. Call us today at 815-669-4635 or email us now.