Carlinville Truck Accident Attorneys
Strategic representation after you’re injured in a truck accident in Illinois
Driving on Carlinville roads put us in contact with commercial trucks and 18-wheelers every day. When a truck and a passenger vehicle get into an accident, the big truck is going to win nearly every time. If you or a loved one were injured in a semi-truck accident that wasn’t your fault, you need an experienced attorney on your side to seek the compensation to which you are entitled.
The lawyers at Glisson Law can help. We have over 25 years of experience helping people injured in truck accidents, and we can help you too. Our legal team has the knowledge and resources to handle these types of complex claims, including securing a family $8.2 million in damages after a fatal truck accident. Call us today if you need help after a serious truck accident.
What makes truck accidents so dangerous?
Illinois had 167 fatal commercial truck accidents in 2022. This is an increase from 128 in 2021. Truck accidents can cause catastrophic and fatal injuries, due to the disparity in size and weight in comparison to passenger vehicles. Commercial trucks are large with significant blind spots, and can strike another vehicle without feeling a thing.
Negligence on the part of truck drivers poses a significant risk to all road users. For instance, when truck drivers exceed speed limits or engage in distracted driving, they create the potential for severe accidents. Things like blown tires can harm other drivers, and accidents may occur when drivers swerve to miss road debris resulting from improperly loaded cargo. Any lapse in responsibility by a truck driver can lead to severe accidents, and our team of Carlinville truck accident lawyers is here to assist you in pursuing compensation for your injuries.
What are the main types of truck accidents?
Truck accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, in any way. However, some types of truck accidents are more common, including:
- Rollover accidents. A rollover trucking accident is a type of truck accident that occurs when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. Rollover accidents are among the most deadly types of truck accidents.
- Jackknife accidents. A jackknife accident is a type of truck accident that occurs when the truck's trailer folds forward, causing the truck to jackknife. Jackknife accidents can be very dangerous and can cause serious injuries or even death.
- Tire blowouts. A truck tire blowout is a sudden rupture of the tire, which can be caused by a number of factors. Tire blowouts can cause a truck to veer out of control and lead to a serious accident.
- Rear-end collisions. A rear-end collision is a type of crash that occurs when one vehicle hits the rear of another vehicle. Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of crashes. Truck rear-end collisions are especially dangerous because of the size and weight of trucks. Trucks can cause serious injuries or even death in a rear-end collision.
- Head-on collisions. A head-on collision is a type of crash that occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. Head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of crash. Truck head-on collisions are especially dangerous because of the size and weight of trucks.
- Sideswipe collisions. A sideswipe collision, also known as a "blind spot accident," is a type of crash that occurs when one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. Sideswipe collisions are often caused by drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
- Underride accidents. A truck underride accident is a type of crash that occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear of a larger vehicle, such as a semi-truck. Underride accidents are often fatal because the smaller vehicle can be crushed or sheared in half.
- Spilled cargo accidents. A truck spilled cargo accident is a type of crash that occurs when the cargo of a truck spills onto the road. Spilled cargo can cause a number of hazards, as well as cause injuries if drivers are hit by the cargo.
Who is responsible for my Carlinville truck accident?
The parties who hold liability for a truck accident can vary greatly, depending on how the accident happened and the applicable Illinois laws. Following are some parties who might be held accountable for your accident:
- The truck driver. The truck driver is responsible for operating the truck safely. If the truck driver was negligent in their driving, they may be held liable for the accident.
- The trucking company. The trucking company is responsible for hiring and training its drivers, as well as maintaining its trucks. If the trucking company fails to do either of these things, they may be held liable for the accident.
- The truck manufacturer. The truck manufacturer is responsible for designing and building the truck. If the truck had a defect that caused the accident, the truck manufacturer may be held liable.
- The cargo loader. If the cargo was not properly loaded, it could shift and cause the truck driver to lose control. The cargo loader may be held liable for the accident.
In some cases, more than one party may be held liable for a truck accident. For example, if the truck driver was negligent and the truck also had a defect, both the truck driver and the truck manufacturer may be held liable.
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to speak to a Carlinville truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you determine who is responsible for the accident and help you get the compensation you deserve from your injuries.
What kinds of injuries do Carlinville truck accidents cause?
Truck accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:
- Head and brain injuries. Head injuries are among the most common and serious injuries sustained in truck accidents. They can range from mild concussions to severe brain injuries that can lead to permanent disability or death.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can also be very serious and can result in paralysis, numbness, and other long-term problems.
- Back and neck injuries. Back and neck injuries are also common in truck accidents. They can range from mild strains to severe herniated discs that can cause pain and disability.
- Internal injuries. Internal injuries can also occur in truck accidents. These can include injuries to the lungs, liver, spleen, and other organs.
- Broken bones. Broken bones are also common in truck accidents. These can include broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and skull.
- Amputations. Amputations can also occur in truck accidents, especially if the victim is pinned under the truck or ejected from their vehicle.
- Burn injuries. Burn injuries can also occur in truck accidents, especially if the truck is carrying flammable materials.
- Psychological injuries. Truck accidents can also cause psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These injuries can be very debilitating and can make it difficult to return to normal life.
The severity of the injuries sustained in a truck accident will depend on a number of factors, including the size and weight of the truck, the speed of the impact, and the type of injuries. In some cases, truck accidents can be fatal. In these instances, we can bring a wrongful death claim on your behalf.
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.
Skilled Carlinville truck accident attorneys
Have you been injured in a truck accident? If so, you need an experienced truck accident attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. Truck accidents can be very complex, and the Carlinville attorneys at Glisson Law can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights. To schedule a free consultation today, call or fill out our contact form.