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Alton Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced advocacy for victims of commercial truck wrecks in Illinois

Interstate and intrastate trucking is a critical function of our country. Trucking safety is so important that the federal government has passed a body of laws to regulate commercial trucks, under the eye of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). However, these rules are voluminous and can be difficult to understand – and in the event of an accident, knowing who is liable for your injuries and losses can be nearly impossible. Our firm can break down these rules and regulations and hold all liable parties accountable.

When you’re injured in a collision with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, look no further than Glisson Law. For more than 25 years, our Alton-based truck accident lawyers have represented personal injury clients in and around Illinois and Missouri. We know what it takes to build a successful case – and we are here to help. Give us a call today to get started.

How often do truck accidents happen in Illinois?

The FMCSA reports 4,998 fatal commercial truck crashes in 2020 across the United States. They also note 107,000 accidents causing injuries.

Closer to home in Illinois, the Department of Transportation reports 117 fatal truck accidents with 1,731 injuries.

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Do commercial truck drivers need special training?

Yes. Commercial truck drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In order to obtain a CDL, individuals must pass a written and driving skills test. The results of these tests are required to be kept in a truck driver’s personnel file. Further, the federal government will audit companies to ensure compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations.

Our attorneys often find, after an investigation, trucking companies are relaxed about complying with the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations. They will hire drivers who have a CDL, but have a history of prior “avoidable” accidents. A good trucking company will not hire a driver if they have even one avoidable accident on their record. Accidents with a semi-tractor trailer can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Accordingly, one avoidable accident is too many when operating a vehicle as massive as a commercial truck.

What are the different types of Alton truck accidents?

Tractor-trailer and semi-truck accidents can happen in a variety of ways – but all of them are serious. These include:

  • Jackknife accidents, when a truck’s trailer swings out in a sharp angle, forming a "V" (or jackknife) shape with the cab. Jackknife accidents often results when a truck driver loses control of their vehicle, frequently when braking too hard or making a sudden turn.
  • Rollover accidents, when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. These can happen when a trucker drives recklessly or fails to maintain control of the vehicle.
  • Underride accidents, an often-deadly wreck when a passenger vehicle collides with the side or rear of a truck, slides and gets wedged underneath. Underride accidents are particularly dangerous because the passenger vehicle's occupants are at a high risk of serious injury or death.
  • Rear-end accidents, which happen when a truck collides with the rear of a passenger vehicle. It can happen when the truck driver fails to brake in time or is driving while distracted.
  • Head-on collisions, occurring when two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions. These can be caused by driver error, such as crossing into oncoming traffic or misjudging the distance between vehicles.
  • Side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone accidents. These accidents happen when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle. Side-impact collisions often happen at intersections, and can be caused by driver inattention or failure to obey traffic signals.
  • Cargo spill accidents, which happen when a truck’s cargo is not properly secured or the truck is involved in an accident.

Our attorneys handle all types of semi-truck and 18-wheeler accidents and collisions.

What are common injuries from commercial truck accidents?

A fully loaded semi-tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas most automobiles weigh 2,500 pounds. Drivers of semi-tractor trailers are in what’s call the “catbird” seat, meaning they have a bird’s eye view of intersections and highways. Further, in a majority of these accidents, drivers of semi-tractor trailers have no injury, whereas the occupants of passenger cars often suffer catastrophic injuries, including:

Our Alton personal injury attorneys demonstrate the scope of your injuries to the insurance company as well as opposing counsel and juries to show you deserve the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled.

Good To Know: More fatal truck accidents happen during the day (63.45%) than at night (36.55%). [NSC]

How can your Alton truck accident lawyers help my case?

Our firm begins by investigating your truck accident immediately. We demand the driver’s log books from the trucking company immediately to begin reconstructing the events that led up to your accident. Our legal team also gets to work investigating the following:

  • The personnel file of the negligent driver
  • The truck’s “black box,” which contains valuable information about the driver’s actions
  • Maintenance information, including whether scheduled maintenance was performed
  • All log books and other documents required pursuant to the FMCSA

Our firm will begin working on your case immediately and aggressively. We can file a claim secure all necessary evidence. The lawyers at Glisson Law works with various trucking accident experts to testify regarding traffic and federal safety violations. Our firm will use accident reconstruction experts if necessary. We also work with the appropriate physicians and medical providers to testify concerning your injuries and how they may affect you now and for the rest of your life.

Glisson Law Team Members

Do you have a truck accident lawyer near me?

Glisson Law is located at 111 East Fourth Street, Suite 400, in Alton, IL. We’re a block away from City Hall, and you can find 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.

Our Alton truck accident attorneys can help

At Glisson Law, we’ve been helping people injured in commercial truck accidents for more than 25 years. We have the resources, the experience, and the know-how to secure the compensation to which you’re entitled for your injuries and losses. If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, get in touch with us today and we’ll get started on your case. Call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve Belleville, Edwardsville, St. Clair and Madison County, and all of Southwestern Illinois.