Truck Accident Lawyers in Springfield, Illinois
Our Springfield truck accident attorneys are here after a truck accident that wasn’t your fault
If you've been involved in a commercial truck accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. At Glisson Law, our team of dedicated Springfield truck accident lawyers is committed to providing you with the skilled guidance and aggressive representation you need during this challenging time. We recognize the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll that commercial truck accidents can take on victims and their families, and we're here to fight tirelessly on your behalf. With our extensive experience and track record of success in handling truck accident cases, we're ready to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. In one illustrative instance, we secured a family $8.2 million in damages after a fatal truck accident. Contact us today.
Why are truck accidents so dangerous?
Here in Illinois, in 2023 we had 131 fatal truck accidents, a decrease from 167 in 2022.
Truck accidents pose significant dangers due to the inherent characteristics of commercial trucks. These vehicles are much larger and heavier than passenger cars, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, compared to the average car's 4,000 pounds. As a result, truck accidents can cause catastrophic damage and severe injuries to smaller vehicles and their occupants. This substantial size and weight disparity also mean that trucks require much longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to cars, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and other accidents, especially in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.
What are the most common types of truck accidents?
Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
- Rear-end collisions: Truck drivers may fail to stop in time to avoid colliding with vehicles stopped ahead, often due to their longer stopping distances or distracted driving.
- Jackknife accidents: This occurs when a truck's cab and trailer skid out of alignment, forming an angle resembling a folding pocket knife. Jackknife accidents can result from sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or driver error.
- Rollover accidents: Trucks are more prone to rollover accidents due to their high centers of gravity. Sharp turns, uneven road surfaces, or cargo shifts can cause a truck to overturn, leading to catastrophic consequences.
- Underride accidents: These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and ends up sliding underneath the truck's trailer. Underride accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants of the smaller vehicle.
- Blind spot collisions: Trucks have large blind spots along their sides, rear, and front, where smaller vehicles may be obscured from the truck driver's view. Collisions can occur when drivers fail to account for these blind spots during lane changes or merges.
- Tire blowouts: Blowouts of truck tires can lead to loss of control and accidents, especially at high speeds. Poor tire maintenance, overloading, or road debris are common causes of blowouts.
- Wide turn accidents: Trucks require a wide turning radius, which can result in collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes or pedestrians at intersections if drivers fail to signal or properly maneuver the vehicle.
- Mechanical failures: Brake failures, steering malfunctions, or other mechanical issues can contribute to truck accidents. Lack of proper maintenance or defective truck parts are often underlying factors in these incidents.
No matter how your Springfield truck accident happened, our attorneys are here to help you through it.
Who is responsible for my Springfield truck accident?
Determining responsibility for a truck accident involves assessing various factors surrounding the incident. Responsibility or liability typically falls on one or more parties involved in the accident, including:
- Truck driver: The truck driver may bear responsibility if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident. This could include speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving (such as texting while driving), driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or violating traffic laws.
- Trucking company: The trucking company employing the driver may also be held responsible for the accident, especially if they failed to properly train or supervise the driver, encouraged unsafe driving practices, or neglected maintenance and safety regulations for their vehicles.
- Vehicle maintenance company: If the accident resulted from mechanical failures or defects due to inadequate maintenance or faulty repairs, the company responsible for maintaining the truck may share liability for the accident.
- Cargo loading company: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, leading to loss of control and accidents. The company responsible for loading and securing the cargo may be held liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
- Manufacturers: If the accident resulted from a defective truck part or component, such as brakes, tires, or steering, the manufacturer of the defective part may bear responsibility for the accident under product liability laws.
- Government entities: In some cases, poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or construction zone hazards can contribute to truck accidents. If the accident resulted from a road defect or government negligence, the responsible government entity may share liability for the accident.
Determining responsibility for a truck accident requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Our Springfield lawyers gather evidence, interview witnesses, review police reports, and assess relevant trucking laws and regulations. Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney experienced in handling truck accident cases can help you understand your legal rights, identify the responsible parties, and pursue the appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.
What types of injuries do truck accidents cause?
Truck accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, often varying in severity depending on the circumstances of the crash. Some of the most common injuries resulting from truck accidents include:
- Fractures and broken bones: The force of impact in a truck accident can lead to fractures or broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and skull.
- Head and brain injuries: Head injuries, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are common in truck accidents, especially if occupants are ejected from the vehicle or strike their heads on hard surfaces.
- Spinal cord injuries: Truck accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other long-term disabilities.
- Internal injuries: The impact of a truck accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs, leading to internal bleeding, organ damage, and potentially life-threatening conditions.
- Back and neck injuries: Truck accidents can result in back and neck injuries, including herniated discs and spinal cord compression.
- Amputations and disfigurement: Severe truck accidents may result in traumatic injuries requiring surgical amputations or causing permanent disfigurement, significantly impacting the victim's quality of life.
- Psychological trauma: Truck accidents can also lead to emotional and psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias related to driving or being in a vehicle.
It's important to seek medical attention promptly after a truck accident, even if injuries seem minor at first, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. It’s important to properly document and treat your injuries – both for your health and any potential legal claims for compensation related to the accident. Consulting with a knowledgeable Springfield truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, pursue appropriate medical care, and seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from the truck accident.
Springfield, Illinois truck accident lawyers on your side
If you've been injured in a truck accident, the team of dedicated Springfield truck accident lawyers at Glisson Law is here to help you through this challenging time. With years of experience representing victims of truck accidents, we understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. From investigating the accident and negotiating with insurance companies to advocating for your rights in court, we'll be by your side every step of the way. Don't wait – let us help you secure the compensation and closure you need to move forward. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.