Jerseyville Truck Accident Attorneys
Legal help after you’re injured in a truck accident in Illinois
Driving side-by-side with commercial trucks on our Jerseyville roads is seriously risky. The size and weight of these vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries, even from the smallest of accidents. After you’re injured in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, it is vital to get a good attorney on your side to ensure you secure proper compensation for the injuries you suffered.
At Glisson Law, our Jerseyville truck accident lawyers have over 25 years of experienced helping truck accident victims. We have a thorough understanding of these types of cases, including securing a family $8.2 million in damages after a fatal truck accident. If you need help after a commercial truck accident, get in touch with us today.
Why are truck accidents so dangerous?
In 2022, Illinois saw 167 fatal semi-truck accidents. This is a significant increase from the 128 that occurred in 2021. This may seem like a small number, especially compared with the total number of vehicle crashes standing at 1,147 accidents. However, truck crashes historically cause more catastrophic and fatal injuries due to the size and weight of a semi-truck compared to a passenger vehicle. Commercial trucks are large with sizable blind spots, and they can push an entire car right off the road.
Truck driver negligence puts everyone on the road at risk. For example, if a truck driver speeds, or drives while distracted, they can cause massive accidents. Blown tires can cause other drivers injury, and improperly loaded cargo can cause accidents when drivers attempt to avoid debris in the road. Any negligent behavior on the part of a truck driver can cause a serious accident, and our Jerseyville truck accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
What are the main types of truck accidents?
Although there are endless ways you can end up in an accident with a truck, some types of accidents are more common than others. These include:
- Rollover accidents. These occur when a truck loses its balance and tips over onto its side or end. Rollover accidents are often caused by speeding, sudden braking, or sharp turns. They can be very dangerous and can result in serious injuries or death.
- Jackknife accidents. These occur when a truck's trailer swings out and hits the cab, causing the truck to fold in half. Jackknife accidents are often caused by braking too hard, making a sharp turn, or having an unsecured load. They can be very dangerous and can result in serious injuries or death.
- Tire blowouts. These can happen to any vehicle, but they are more common in trucks because of their size and weight. Tire blowouts can cause trucks to lose control and crash. They can also lead to rollover accidents or jackknife accidents.
- Rear-end collisions. These are one of the most common types of truck accidents. They are often caused by following too closely, distracted driving, or drowsy driving. Rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries, especially to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
- Head-on collisions. These are the most dangerous types of truck accidents. They are often caused by driving on the wrong side of the road, speeding, or distracted driving. Head-on collisions can cause serious injuries or death to both drivers and passengers.
- Sideswipe collisions. These occur when two vehicles collide side-by-side. Sideswipe collisions can cause serious injuries, especially if the vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
- Underride accidents. These occur when a car goes under the trailer of a truck. Underride accidents can be very dangerous and can result in serious injuries or death.
- Spilled cargo accidents. These occur when cargo falls off of a truck. Spilled cargo can cause accidents by blocking lanes of traffic, causing drivers to swerve, or hit other vehicles. Spilled cargo accidents can also cause injuries if drivers are hit by the cargo.
Who is liable for a Jerseyville truck accident?
Liability for a truck accident can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. Here are some parties that might be liable for a truck accident:
- Truck driver. If the truck driver's negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws directly contributed to the accident, they could be held liable.
- Trucking company. The company that employs the truck driver might be held liable if it can be proven that their negligence, inadequate training, unfeasible scheduling, or improper maintenance practices played a role in the accident.
- Truck owner. If the truck involved in the accident is owned by a different entity than the one operating it, the owner might bear some liability, especially if they failed to ensure the truck's proper maintenance and roadworthiness.
- Vehicle manufacturer or maintenance company. If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, such as brake failure, and it can be traced back to a manufacturing defect or improper maintenance, the manufacturer or maintenance company could be liable.
- Cargo loading company. If the accident was caused by improper loading of the cargo, resulting in the truck becoming unstable or unbalanced, the company responsible for loading the cargo could be held liable.
- Government entities. In some cases, road conditions or signage issues might contribute to the accident. If poor road design, maintenance, or inadequate signage played a role, government entities responsible for road infrastructure might be liable.
- Other negligent drivers. If the accident involved multiple vehicles and another driver's negligence contributed to the crash, that driver could also be held liable.
Our Jerseyville attorneys work to determine all potentially liable parties and hold them responsible for your injuries and losses.
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. Due to the sheer size and weight of trucks, collisions involving them can lead to particularly severe injuries. Here are some common types of injuries that can occur in truck accidents:
- Whiplash. This is a common neck injury caused by sudden back-and-forth movement of the head and neck, often resulting from rear-end collisions.
- Fractures and breaks. The impact of a truck collision can lead to bone fractures, including broken limbs, ribs, and facial bones.
- Spinal cord injuries. These can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the damage to the spinal cord.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A blow to the head during a truck accident can cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries, leading to cognitive, sensory, and motor impairments.
- Internal injuries. The force of impact can cause damage to internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, organ damage, and the need for surgical intervention.
- Cuts and lacerations. Broken glass, metal debris, and other objects can cause cuts and lacerations, some of which may require stitches or more extensive medical treatment.
- Burns. If the accident leads to a fire or explosion, individuals can suffer burns of varying degrees.
- Amputations. Severe collisions can result in crushed limbs that may require amputation.
- Soft tissue injuries. These include injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often causing pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
- Psychological trauma. Truck accidents can cause emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in survivors.
- Wrongful death. In the most tragic cases, truck accidents can lead to fatalities, leaving families to handle the loss of a loved one.
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.
Dedicated truck accident attorneys serving Jerseyville, Illinois
Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. If you or a loved one were severely injured in a truck accident, the Jerseyville lawyers at Glisson Law are here to help. We work to secure financial compensation for all of your injuries and losses, including medical expenses and lost wages. To schedule a free consultation today, call or fill out our contact form.