Truck Accidents

There are many common causes of truck accidents in Chicago, Illinois and across the country. However, most fall under three general categories:

Driver negligence is by far the most common cause of truck accident personal injury cases. A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) joint study found the driver to be the “critical reason” for a truck accident 87% of the time. This can include impaired driving, distracted driving, driver fatigue, driving with a known medical condition, aggressive driving, failing to drive to current weather and road conditions, speeding, improper lane changes, and other examples of negligence. It can also include improper training and even driving without a license. It’s important to note too that factors such as lack of driver training, fatigue, etc. can also be the result of company policies, unreasonable timelines, and other negligent decisions made by a person or persons other than the driver.

Cargo shifts due to improperly loaded trucks can cause truck accidents. However, improper loading can also include failing to secure the load, failing to balance the load, overloading the truck, and loading the truck in such a way that it is more susceptible to wind gusts, slippery conditions, etc. Sometimes, hazardous materials or cargo are improperly contained, making a truck accident worse by spilling their cargo, including chemicals and fuel.

Semi-trucks and big rigs can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so ensuring they are in good working order at all times is a must. Many truck accidents are a result of poor maintenance- including mechanical failures such as, brake failure, tire blowouts, pieces falling off a truck, trailer separation or detachment, and other issues that are a result of poor maintenance and/or poor repairs.

Determining the cause of the accident is just as important as determining liability. Often, liability depends on cause. Unless there’s a full, comprehensive investigation, details can be missed or ignored. We’ve seen it happen. For example, an accident report may simply list “weather” as the cause without looking at factors such as driver training, speed, condition of the truck, condition of the load, and all the other factors that could also lead to truck accidents in that same weather.

At Vinkler Law, we understand that no two truck accident cases are alike. Every collision—whether caused by a fatigued driver, a jackknife incident, an overloaded trailer, or a mechanical failure—comes with unique circumstances that demand careful analysis and experienced legal representation. That’s why we handle a wide range of truck accident cases and work tirelessly to hold every responsible party accountable.

Roads and highways in Chicagoland are busier than ever, with heavy traffic and road construction at an all-time high. The most frequently occurring car crashes and truck accidents we hear about on Interstate 55, I-90 or the Elgin O’Hare Expressway (Illinois Route 390) include:

Who you hire as your truck accident attorney matters. Vinkler Law has decades of experience working with and defending the rights of truck accident victims in Chicago and Illinois. Our key to success is our attention to detail from the moment we meet you. We have the knowledge and experience to find out the truth about your accident and determine who may be liable. We can also find the expert witnesses to prove your case, and, if needed, the courtroom prowess to bring those responsible to justice on your behalf.

We’ll find out who is at fault, and we’ll get you the compensation you deserve.

Have you been in a truck accident through no fault of your own? Vinkler Law makes it easy to start seeking the compensation you deserve right now. Here’s a general overview of how the process works:

At Vinkler Law, you’re a person, not a case – and we treat you as one. We keep you informed and provide you with support at every step as we navigate the legal system so you don’t have to go through the legal process alone.

Get in touch with us right now. We can start fighting for your rights and compensation today.

Compensation in truck accident cases can range from thousands of dollars to millions. Your final compensation package depends on many factors including the extent of your own injuries, your financial losses over your lifetime, and the levels of negligence of those liable for your injuries.

That’s why it’s so important to get an experienced attorney on your side. Vinkler Law is committed to maximizing the compensation available in your case to provide you financial peace of mind and to cover your bills, now and into the future.

Most compensation falls under the following categories:

No matter what the damages and compensation you deserve, we’ll provide you clear guidance throughout the process. That way, you’ll understand exactly what compensation we’re seeking for you on your behalf, go through any offers made to you, and help you find a solution that works best for you.

Vinkler Law is not like other firms operating in Illinois – especially the big box firms. For one, we have strong community ties because we actually live and practice here. Many of those other firms are headquartered elsewhere. That also means they don’t have the deep local knowledge like Vinkler does – of our community, Illinois law, and of our court systems.  

Plus, we take a personalized, client-first approach. The common complaint we hear about big box firms is that clients are treated as just a case number and a billing entry.  

At Vinkler Law, you can expect our first concern to be for you, the person. We aggressively and strategically pursue justice and your rights. That’s because we are fighting for you and your family, not just another case number in a crowded docket.  

Vinkler Law has a local reputation for integrity, compassion, and tenacious legal representation that can’t be matched by the outside big box firms. See the difference local makes in the table below.  

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, the first thing to do is get medical help immediately. This is true even if you do not feel injured. Many injuries including head and neck injuries (sometimes called “whiplash”) do not come on right away. Getting a full medical evaluation is important as well to help prevent further injuries.

Once you’ve been medically evaluated and the truck accident was no fault of your own, contact Vinkler Law. Time is important when collecting evidence. The faster we can start, the more evidence and eyewitness testimony we can collect, potentially leading to more compensation for you.

Finding out who’s at fault for a truck accident can be very complicated. Usually, it’s due to truck driver error, but there may be other people and companies who are liable as well including the trucking company, the cargo loading company, the truck owner (if not the driver), and others. Further, even if it’s driver error, the company and truck owner may have some liability if the driver was improperly trained, etc.

That’s why it’s so important to get Vinkler Law on your side early in the process. This complex web of confusing evidence requires a good understanding of federal, state, interstate, and municipal laws along with the ability find expert witnesses who will testify on your behalf. Vinkler Law’s personalized service and local knowledge will help maximize the compensation package you deserve.

The statute of limitations is the time limit you have to file a lawsuit. In general, you have two years from the date of the truck accident to file your claim. However, there are some exceptions depending on your age and other factors.

But don’t wait! Evidence and witnesses can disappear quickly. The faster you get your case started, the more likely we’ll be able to find the evidence and witnesses you need to get the compensation you deserve.

If the insurance company of the truck or truck driver contacts you, it is in your best interest to refuse to answer questions. Do not accept any sort of settlement without talking to an attorney. The goal of any insurance company is to pay out the lowest amount possible. Just the fact that they are reaching out to you first is a good sign that they believe you have a case against them. Once we are representing you, we’ll handle all communications with the other insurance company.

If the insurance company of the truck or truck driver contacts you, it is in your best interest to refuse to answer questions. Do not accept any sort of settlement without talking to an attorney. The goal of any insurance company is to pay out the lowest amount possible. Just the fact that they are reaching out to you first is a good sign that they believe you have a case against them. Once we are representing you, we’ll handle all communications with the other insurance company.

The short answer is no. Insurance companies want to spend as little as possible settling cases. That means the offer they give you is often many times lower than what they should actually pay you. Accepting an offer from an insurance company now usually means you will not have a case later.

Your best move is to at least talk to a truck accident attorney to find out your rights and see what kind of compensation you really deserve.

Most truck accident settlements are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars with many going into the millions. There are many factors that go into determining fair and just compensation such as medical bills, lost wages, lost future wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes punitive damages. When you contact Vinkler Law. We can give you a better idea of what your compensation may be once we’ve had a chance to review your case.

Every personal injury truck accident suit is different. In general, when the driver or trucking company is clearly at fault in a truck accident, most companies prefer to settle rather than go to court. But even cases that seem like a “slam dunk” can be lost quickly through many missteps inside and outside the court. These missteps include not filing the court case on time, making mistakes in the filing, failing to show the truck driver or others were at fault, and many other factors. That’s why you need the local knowledge and expertise of a firm such as Vinkler Law. We work hard to maximize your compensation. Contact Vinkler Law right now.

The following stats are confirmed through official sources.

Source

A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found the driver to be the critical reason for a truck accident 87% of the time.

You don’t have to face this alone. Let our Illinois medical malpractice lawyers fight for you.