Godfrey Semi Truck Accident Lawyer in Illinois
Our commercial truck accident attorneys are available to you 24/7 for a free consultation
If you have been injured in a crash caused by a negligent truck driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries and damages. The Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers at Glisson Law understand the complexities of truck crash cases and our proven track record shows that we are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. Truck accidents can involve multiple parties and factors, making each case unique. Our personal injury team will thoroughly investigate the incident to determine how it occurred and who is liable, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.
Liability in a truck crash can be complicated, as several entities might even be at fault. For example, a truck driver’s speeding could be the primary cause of a collision, but if the truck’s brakes were defective and contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the faulty brake system could also be partially liable. In these cases, the investigation into both the truck driver’s actions and the mechanical aspects of the vehicle becomes crucial. Our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers will fight for your right to compensation for medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and other damages caused by the crash.
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- What Makes Godfrey Semi Truck Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents?
- What Are the Most Common Injuries in Semi Truck Accidents?
- What Federal Regulations Apply to Semi Truck Accidents?
- Who May Be Held Liable for the Damages From a Truck Crash?
- How Glisson Law Can Help You Maximize Your Recovery
- What Are the Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents in Godfrey?
- Evidence You Need to Support Your Godfrey Semi Truck Accident Claim
- How Do Insurance Claims Work for Godfrey Semi Truck Accidents?
- Can I Recover Compensation After a Godfrey Semi Truck Accident?
- Why Should I Hire Glisson Law for My Godfrey Semi Truck Accident Case?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Godfrey?
What Makes Godfrey Semi Truck Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents?
Accidents involving semi trucks or 18-wheelers are significantly different from typical car accidents due to the size, weight, and complexity of the vehicles involved. Semi trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, much more than passenger cars, making collisions with them far more dangerous. When you're involved in a semi truck accident, the severity of your injuries is often much greater, and the legal complexities increase as well.
Unlike standard car accident claims, Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers have to navigate unique issues like federal trucking regulations, the truck driver’s work history, and the truck's maintenance records. These cases also often involve multiple parties, such as the trucking company, the driver, the truck manufacturer, and maintenance companies. Our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers understand these complexities and are equipped to handle all aspects of your claim, ensuring that every detail is investigated to hold all responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in Semi Truck Accidents?
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving semi trucks often result in serious or catastrophic personal injuries. The types of injuries commonly seen in Godfrey semi truck accident cases include:
- Brain injuries
- Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
- Permanent disfigurement
- Severe burns
- Shattered & broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Muscle, ligament, nerve, and tissue damage
- Internal bleeding and internal organ damage
Our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers are prepared to help victims recover compensation for these injuries, which can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
What Federal Regulations Apply to Semi Truck Accidents?
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and violations of these federal regulations can be a key factor in establishing negligence after a semi truck accident. Some important regulations that apply to semi truck drivers include:
- Hours of Service Regulations: Truck drivers must adhere to strict limits on how many hours they can drive per day and how much rest they need between shifts. Fatigue is a major cause of truck accidents, and violations of these rules can be a critical element in your case.
- Weight Limits and Load Securing: Federal regulations set limits on how much weight a semi truck can carry. If a truck is overloaded, it can increase the risk of accidents due to reduced braking capacity or difficulty maneuvering.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections: Semi trucks are required to undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections. Failure to maintain the vehicle properly, such as issues with brakes, tires, or lights, can contribute to accidents and make the truck owner or maintenance company liable.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Truck drivers must be tested for drugs and alcohol before and after accidents. If the driver was impaired at the time of the crash, this could significantly affect the liability and your chances of receiving compensation.
Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers at Glisson Law have an in-depth understanding of FMCSA regulations and know how to use them to strengthen your case. We will examine the truck driver's logs, maintenance records, and other documentation to determine if any violations occurred that could have contributed to the crash.
Who May Be Held Liable for the Damages From a Truck Crash?
After a truck accident, it’s important to understand that multiple parties may share liability. Depending on the circumstances, the following entities could be held responsible:
- Truck Driver: Driver negligence is a leading cause of semi truck accidents. Whether the driver was impaired, fatigued, or violated traffic laws, they could be held accountable for the crash.
- Truck Owner/Trucking Company: In many cases, the trucking company or the truck owner may share responsibility. If the company pushed the driver to meet unreasonable deadlines or neglected safety regulations, they could be liable for the accident.
- Manufacturer: If defective truck parts contributed to the accident—such as malfunctioning brakes—manufacturers of those parts may be partially responsible.
- Maintenance Providers: If the truck was not properly maintained, the company or individual responsible for the truck’s upkeep could be liable. Negligent maintenance, such as improperly inflated tires, can lead to serious crashes.
- Third-Party Vendors: In some cases, third-party vendors may share responsibility, such as when the truck was carrying improperly loaded cargo that shifted during transit.
The investigation into the accident is crucial, as liability is often shared. A Godfrey semi truck accident lawyer from Glisson Law will investigate every angle to determine who should be held accountable for your injuries and damages.
How Glisson Law Can Help You Maximize Your Recovery
At Glisson Law, we specialize in handling Godfrey semi truck accident cases with dedication and care. Our experienced lawyers will work with investigators, medical professionals, and industry experts to uncover the full scope of your damages. We understand the federal regulations that apply to the trucking industry and know how to hold all responsible parties accountable.
If you’ve been injured in a semi truck accident, our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyer team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. From initial consultation to final settlement or trial, we’ll provide expert legal guidance and advocate for your rights every step of the way.
What Are the Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents in Godfrey?
Understanding the common causes of semi truck accidents is crucial when determining liability and building a strong case. In many instances, truck accidents happen due to a combination of factors. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are required to follow strict hours of service regulations, but many ignore these rules to meet tight deadlines. Driver fatigue significantly increases the risk of accidents, as it impairs reaction time and decision-making. To learn more about hours of service regulations and the impact of driver fatigue, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
- Distracted Driving: Like any driver, truck drivers can be distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-cab technology, leading to accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers detailed statistics on distracted driving and its effects on road safety.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: If a truck’s cargo is improperly loaded or secured, it can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control. Learn more about how cargo must be secured according to trucking safety regulations on the FMCSA website.
- Mechanical Failures: Trucks are subject to regular maintenance and inspection. Failure to perform routine checks or fix mechanical issues, such as faulty brakes or worn tires, can lead to accidents. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) provides guidance on how inspections are conducted and what truck companies need to ensure safety.
By understanding these causes, our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers at Glisson Law can pinpoint the factors that led to your crash and pursue the responsible parties.
Evidence You Need to Support Your Godfrey Semi Truck Accident Claim
To successfully pursue a truck accident claim, it’s essential to gather the right evidence. The burden of proof falls on the victim, meaning you must show that the truck driver’s negligence directly caused the accident. Some crucial evidence our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers may collect that may support your claim includes:
- Driver’s Logs: These can show if the driver violated hours of service regulations, indicating potential fatigue.
- Black Box Data: Trucks often have a black box that records important information, such as speed, braking, and whether the driver was distracted.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness testimony can provide critical details about how the accident occurred.
- Accident Reports: Police reports document the crash scene, damage, and any citations issued to the truck driver.
- Photographs and Videos: Any photos or video footage from the scene can offer valuable visual evidence to support your case.
- Truck Maintenance Records: These documents can help determine if the accident was caused by a mechanical failure due to negligent maintenance.
Our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyer team will help you gather and preserve all of this crucial evidence, ensuring your case is as strong as possible.
How Do Insurance Claims Work for Godfrey Semi Truck Accidents?
Insurance claims for semi truck accidents are often more complicated than regular car accidents. Semi truck owners typically have large insurance policies, sometimes exceeding $1 million, due to the potential for serious injuries and property damage. However, navigating these claims can be difficult, as trucking companies often have legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts.
Here are a few things our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers keep in mind when dealing with insurance companies after a semi truck accident:
- Multiple Insurance Policies: Depending on the circumstances, more than one insurance policy may be involved. You may need to file a claim against the truck driver’s personal insurance, the trucking company’s commercial policy, or even third-party insurers, such as the maintenance company or vehicle manufacturer.
- Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often make early settlement offers that may seem appealing but are rarely sufficient to cover all of your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It's crucial to consult with a Godfrey semi truck accident lawyer before accepting any offer, as they may not account for long-term medical expenses or future lost income.
- Investigating the Accident: Insurance adjusters may quickly begin their own investigations to minimize their financial responsibility. Our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers can help ensure that crucial evidence is preserved, such as the truck’s black box data, maintenance records, and eyewitness statements.
By working with an experienced Godfrey semi truck accident lawyer, you can ensure that you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement and that you have the legal expertise necessary to get the compensation you deserve.
Can I Recover Compensation After a Godfrey Semi Truck Accident?
If you were injured by a negligent commercial truck driver, then yes! However, recovering compensation after a semi truck accident is not always straightforward. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially when large commercial vehicles are involved. If you are offered a settlement early in the process, it’s important to remember that it is unlikely to reflect the full extent of your damages. This is especially true if you are still recovering from your injuries and undergoing treatment.
Our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers understand the complexities of truck accident claims and the different types of insurance policies that may apply. From general liability to extended liability policies, our team will investigate all possible sources of compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay us if we win your case.
Why Should I Hire Glisson Law for My Godfrey Semi Truck Accident Case?
Semi truck accidents require skilled legal representation due to the unique challenges they present. The experienced Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers at Glisson Law are dedicated to providing clients with aggressive and compassionate legal services. We understand the intricacies of truck accident law and have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
By hiring Glisson Law, you are choosing a team that will:
- Investigate all aspects of your case, including the truck driver’s records, the trucking company’s practices, and vehicle maintenance.
- Gather and preserve critical evidence to support your claim, such as black box data, accident reports, and witness statements.
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies and defend your rights against their tactics to minimize your compensation.
- Provide you with personalized attention and a client-focused approach to ensure your needs are met throughout the legal process.
When you work with our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers, you’re not just getting legal representation—you’re getting a committed legal team that will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Godfrey?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This deadline can vary depending on specific circumstances, such as if the accident involved a government entity or another specific type of case. Therefore, it is important for our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers to evaluate your case to determine which statute of limits apply.
Hire our Godfrey semi truck accident lawyers before its too late
If you fail to file within this two-year window, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. For this reason, it’s crucial to contact a Godfrey semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Our team at Glisson Law will work swiftly to gather evidence, investigate the crash, and file your claim within the required timeframe. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and ensure that critical evidence is preserved.