Cahokia Truck Accident Attorneys
Skilled representation after an Illinois commercial truck accident
Truck accidents can result in severe injuries, substantial property damage, and life-altering consequences for those involved. At Glisson Law, our experienced team of Cahokia attorneys specializes in advocating for individuals who have suffered due to truck accidents. Whether you're a victim seeking compensation or a family member navigating the aftermath, our extensive knowledge and legal expertise will provide you with the guidance and support needed to navigate this intricate legal landscape.
Our team has been serving the people of Illinois for 25 years, helping them through the legal process with confidence. Our experience with these types of cases includes securing a family $8.2 million in damages after a fatal truck accident. Contact us today.
Why are truck accidents so dangerous?
In 2022, Illinois saw 167 fatal truck accidents, a significant increase from the 128 in 2021.
Truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to several factors that distinguish them from typical passenger vehicle collisions. The most important factor is the size and weight of commercial trucks. These vehicles, including tractor-trailers, semis, and big rigs, can be significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars. A fully loaded truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a typical car. This sheer mass dramatically increases the potential for devastating collisions and more severe injuries when accidents occur.
The force of impact in a truck accident is another critical factor contributing to their danger. Because of their size and weight, when a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the force generated can be exponentially greater than in a typical car-to-car collision. This increased force often results in more extensive damage to vehicles and more severe injuries to occupants, including a higher likelihood of fatalities.
Trucks also require significantly longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to passenger cars. This extended stopping distance is due to their weight and size. If a truck driver needs to brake suddenly, they may not have enough room to avoid a collision with other vehicles. This can lead to rear-end collisions or multi-vehicle pileups, further increasing the potential for serious injuries and fatalities.
Truck accidents also have more unique handling characteristics. Trucks are less maneuverable than passenger cars, making them prone to specific types of accidents such as rollovers and jackknifing. These types of accidents can have cascading effects, causing multi-vehicle collisions that result in extensive damage and injuries.
Additionally, the presence of large blind spots, often referred to as "no-zones," is a significant danger associated with trucks. These blind spots can obstruct the truck driver's view of other vehicles, making it challenging for them to detect nearby cars. Passenger cars caught in these blind spots are at risk of being involved in accidents when truck drivers make lane changes or other maneuvers without realizing smaller vehicles are nearby.
Lastly, driver fatigue is a prevalent issue in the trucking industry. Truck drivers often work long hours, and fatigue can impair their ability to react quickly and make sound judgments while operating these massive vehicles. Fatigue-related accidents can be particularly dangerous, as they may involve a lack of awareness or delayed reactions.
What are the most common types of truck accidents?
The most common types of truck accidents are:
- Rear-end collisions. These are the most common type of truck accident. They occur when a truck rear-ends another vehicle. Rear-end collisions are often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or following too closely.
- Head-on collisions. Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles collide head-on. Head-on collisions are often caused by drivers crossing the center line or driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Side-impact collisions. Side-impact collisions occur when a truck collides with another vehicle on the side. Side-impact collisions can be very dangerous, as they can cause serious injuries to the occupants of both vehicles.
- Rollover accidents. Rollover accidents occur when a truck overturns. Rollover accidents are often caused by speeding, taking curves too fast, or driving on uneven terrain.
- Jackknife accidents. Jackknife accidents occur when a truck's trailer swings out and hits the cab. Jackknife accidents are often caused by braking too hard, driving on icy roads, or carrying an overloaded trailer.
These are just some of the most common types of truck accidents. There are many other types of truck accidents that can occur, depending on the circumstances. Our Cahokia attorneys can help determine how your accident happened and who caused it.
Who is responsible for my Cahokia truck accident?
Determining responsibility for a truck accident can be a complex process and may involve multiple parties. The following are some of the potentially liable parties in a truck accident:
- Truck driver. The truck driver may be held responsible if their negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving (due to alcohol or drugs), or violating traffic laws, contributed to the accident.
- Trucking company. The company that employs the truck driver can be held liable if they were negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, or if they encouraged or required the driver to violate federal regulations.
- Truck maintenance and repair companies. If the accident resulted from a mechanical failure or defect, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, companies responsible for maintaining and repairing the truck may be held liable for inadequate maintenance or faulty repairs.
- Truck manufacturer. In cases where the accident was caused by a defective truck part or component, such as brakes or tires, the manufacturer of the defective product may be held liable.
- Cargo loading companies. Companies responsible for loading and securing cargo on the truck may be held liable if an unsecured or improperly loaded cargo contributed to the accident.
- Government entities. In some cases, accidents result from poorly maintained roads or hazardous conditions, such as inadequate signage, potholes, or slippery surfaces. In such instances, the government agency responsible for road maintenance may be liable.
- Employer of the at-fault driver. If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle for work purposes at the time of the accident, their employer may also share liability under the legal principle of vicarious liability.
- Other negligent parties. Depending on the circumstances, other parties, such as the manufacturer of other vehicles involved in the accident or drivers of other vehicles, may also share liability.
Determining liability in a truck accident often requires a thorough investigation, which may involve reviewing accident reports, gathering evidence, analyzing witness statements, examining the truck's maintenance records, and potentially consulting with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.
What types of injuries do truck accidents cause?
Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to catastrophic. The types of injuries commonly associated with truck accidents include:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked forward and backward. It's a common injury in rear-end collisions.
- Soft tissue injuries. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments and can include strains, sprains, and contusions. They often result from the force of impact during a collision.
- Fractures and broken bones. The sheer weight and force of commercial trucks can lead to fractures and broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and other areas of the body.
- Spinal cord injuries. Severe accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have life-altering consequences.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They often occur when the head strikes an object or experiences rapid acceleration and deceleration during an accident.
- Internal injuries. The impact of a truck accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and damage to the chest or abdomen.
- Burn injuries. If a truck catches fire or hazardous materials are involved, burn injuries can result. Burns can range from first-degree to severe third-degree burns.
- Amputations. In some cases, the severity of the collision may lead to traumatic amputations of limbs or extremities.
- Facial Injuries. Airbag deployment or contact with objects in the vehicle can result in facial injuries, including lacerations, fractures, and dental injuries.
- Psychological injuries. The emotional trauma resulting from a truck accident can lead to psychological injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
- Fatalities. Unfortunately, truck accidents often result in fatalities due to the significant force involved and the size of the vehicles. Survivors of fatal accidents may also experience emotional trauma and the loss of a loved one. In the event your loved one dies in an accident, we can bring a wrongful death claim on your behalf.
It's important to note that the severity of injuries in truck accidents can vary widely depending on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the use of seat belts and safety equipment, and the overall circumstances of the collision.
Do you have a truck accident attorney near me?
Glisson Law is located at 111 East Fourth Street, Suite 400, in Alton, IL. We’re only a block away from City Hall, and there is plenty of parking across the street. There’s also a bus stop right outside our office. Glisson Law conducts phone and video conferences when applicable, and makes home and hospital visits if you cannot travel to us.
Truck accident lawyers serving Cahokia, Illinois
If you've been injured in a truck accident, your well-being and your rights matter. Our dedicated team of truck accident attorneys is here to provide the advocacy and support you need during this challenging time. We are committed to seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. We'll investigate the accident thoroughly, gather evidence, consult with experts, and tirelessly fight for your rights, whether through negotiation or litigation. Your road to recovery starts here. Talk to Glisson Law, serving Cahokia, today. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.