Due to the sheer size and nature of a semi-trailer truck, truck crashes can turn catastrophic in the blink of an eye. Catastrophic accidents and wrongful death can happen due to a wide variety of factors including weather, speeding, following too closely, improper lane changes, reckless driving, improper turns, and a driver’s personal health.
If you have been injured in a big rig, semi-truck, or tractor-trailer accident, the experienced Chicago truck accident attorneys at Smith LaCien LLP are here to help you navigate the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.
Why Choose Our Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys for Your Case?
Choosing the right attorney for your case is a vital step in your journey towards recovery and justice. Here are some reasons why truck accident victims choose the truck accident attorneys at Smith LaCien LLP:
Our experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers have a track record of success, recovering over $3 billion on behalf of injured clients in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois.
Our Chicago law firm has the skills, experience, and financial resources to take on any defendant and win your vehicle accident case.
We will have an in-depth knowledge of Illinois’ trucking laws and will ensure your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process.
We are experienced in both negotiations and in trials and will not hesitate to take insurance companies to court if they refuse to deal with our clients fairly.
Our truck accident lawyers will take the time to fully understand our client’s truck accident injuries so we understand what they will need to move forward.
If your loved one has passed away due to a trucking accident, a Chicago wrongful death attorney can help you receive the compensation you are owed.
Our Chicago accident attorneys are renowned for their integrity and diligence handling all types of motor vehicle accident cases, including truck crashes and car accidents in Chicago. They firmly stand by the principle that each client they serve receives personalized attention, open communication, and compassionate advocacy. They are active members of the legal community in Chicago and are committed to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve after a truck crash.
With their collective expertise, our trusted team of Chicago truck accident attorneys at Smith LaCien LLP will ensure you recover maximum compensation for your case. We will guide you through every step of the legal process and are prepared to handle negotiations with insurance companies and trucking companies. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case. To schedule a free consultation with one of our truck accident lawyers in Chicago, call us at (312) 509-8900.
Our Successful Truck Accident Case Results
$19+ MILLION
Obtained for a young woman who was a movie extra during the filming of a car crash stunt in “Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon.”
$18.5 MILLION
Obtained for the wrongful death of a 29-year-old tow truck driver. Smith LaCien LLP is experienced in both truck accidents and wrongful death suits.
“Smith LaCien was able to get justice and ease my burden from the residual, now lifelong medical issues & financial burden I face. I would highly recommend this firm and send anyone I know, who needs a personal injury attorney, to Smith LaCien. They not only are professional, dedicated, and hard-working but also deliver the results you need. Their vast experience, reputation, and case results speak for themselves!”
– Nicole
“I was injured in an auto accident and turned to Smith LaCien for help negotiating with insurance companies and getting compensation for my losses and injury. They were prompt responding to my questions about all the paperwork I was getting from the other party’s insurance, and the medical bills for my treatment. Smith LaCien settled my claim and were a pleasure to work with during a tough time. I highly recommend them should you find yourself in a similar situation.”
How Our Attorneys Can Help With Your Truck Accident Case
No one should try to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurance carriers alone. A diligent, experienced Chicago truck accident attorney from our firm can maximize your chance for full compensation in the following ways:
By gathering and examining eyewitness reports and police reports with a trained eye
Collecting any traffic camera, black box data, or surveillance footage of the truck accident as evidence
Hiring accident reconstruction specialists if necessary
Investigating truck driver history, road logs, and truck maintenance records
Looking for trucking company negligence in truck driver hiring and/or training practices
Diligently filing all paperwork promptly
Keep you informed and involved in the process from the beginning until the end
Deal with the hassle of insurance demand letters and settlement negotiations
Argue aggressively in court on your behalf if necessary
If you have questions or are unsure how to proceed, our experienced truck accident lawyers in Chicago can help you handle your truck accident case from start to end.
Federal and State Safety Regulations for Commercial Trucks
Federal and state government agencies highly regulate truck operations because of the inherent dangers of trucks on the roads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which operates under the US Department of Transportation, has set out regulations known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) to guide the safe operation of trucks. These federal trucking regulations set the minimum standards for the operation of commercial carriers in interstate commerce. They apply to all employers, employees, and commercial motor vehicles that transport property or passengers in interstate commerce.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act requires every state to have a program to issue commercial driver’s licenses. The FMCSR has been adopted by and applies in Illinois. Truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to the regulations, which cover training requirements for truck drivers; preservation of operation records; inspection, repair, and maintenance of trucks, and hours of driving.
These regulations are intended to keep truck drivers and other road users safe from harm. Failure to adhere to these regulations may be sufficient to hold a truck owner or trucking company liable for injuries caused by their truck in a crash.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 11,922 crashes involving tractor-trailers in the state during 2022, 138 of which were fatal. Understanding the most common causes of truck crashes in Chicago is crucial in establishing liability and proving negligence in truck collision cases. Some of the most common causes of trucking collisions that our truck crash lawyers typically see include:
Who Can Be Held Liable In A Chicago Truck Accident?
A truck driver can cause an accident in many ways. They are often forced to work long hours with little or no sleep. Many truck drivers are also given the approval by a trucking company to hit the open road without proper training. With unsafe road conditions and unpredictable weather, they may be ill-equipped to adjust to the changes. Others have a blatant disregard for the safety of those around them.
Truck accidents can be very complex and may involve parties who are not at the scene of the accident. A truck accident victim may pursue a claim based on vicarious liability or even product liability.
Vicarious liability
This is a legal principle that holds a party responsible for the negligent acts of their employees or agents. For example, in a case where the truck driver’s reckless driving causes the victim’s injury, even though the truck owner was not directly negligent, they would be held vicariously liable for the truck driver’s actions. The use of independent contractors and subcontractors in the trucking industry can complicate the task of determining who can be held liable for a victim’s injuries. The Chicago truck accident attorneys at Smith LaCien LLP have the resources and investigative skills to identify the legally responsible parties in your case.
Product liability
If the truck collision was caused by a defective auto part, the manufacturer or seller of the defective product may be liable for the victim’s injuries. Contacting a Chicago auto defect attorney can help you determine if you are entitled to compensation for your damages.
In some cases, there may be multiple defendants and different bases on which they can be at fault. A thorough investigation into the cause of your personal injury will determine who is liable for your injury and the damages suffered as a result.
Some examples of truck product defects that could lead to manufacturer liability in truck accident cases include the following:
Tire defects
Brake defects
Faulty coupling system between truck and trailer
Failing lock systems
Any design, manufacturing, or marketing defects leading to a truck accident
When handling truck accident cases, our goal is to fight for the compensation you deserve. We do so by holding all negligent parties accountable – from the truck driver to their employer and their insurance company. Our Chicago truck injury lawyers will examine all areas of your case to build the strongest possible case possible.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Common Injuries in a Chicago Truck Accident
Truck accidents can be particularly devastating due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. These accidents often lead to severe injuries and even death, both for the occupants of the trucks and for other passenger vehicles involved in the collision. Some common types of truck accident injuries our Chicago truck crash attorneys typically see include:
Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck and head are forcefully jerked back and forth, commonly seen in rear-end collisions involving trucks.
Fractures: The impact of a truck accident can lead to broken bones, especially in the extremities, such as arms, legs, and ribs.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Truck accidents can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the personal injury.
Brain Injuries (TBI): The head trauma resulting from a truck accident can cause concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries, leading to cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments.
Internal Injuries: The force of a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which may require immediate medical attention.
Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass, debris, and other sharp objects in the vehicle can cause cuts and lacerations during an accident.
Burns: If a truck catches fire or hazardous materials are involved, occupants may suffer burns of varying degrees.
Crush Injuries: Victims may be pinned or trapped under the wreckage, leading to crush injuries that can be severe and life-threatening.
Amputations: In severe accidents, limbs may become trapped or severely injured, necessitating surgical amputation.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors of truck accidents, including witnesses, may experience psychological trauma and develop PTSD as a result of the traumatic event.
It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention after a trucking accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not manifest immediately, and prompt medical evaluation can help identify and treat potential issues early on. It’s crucial to consult with a nearby Chicago truck accident lawyer if you’re involved in a truck crash, as these cases can be complex and may require legal assistance to ensure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Chicago
The aftermath of a truck accident is particularly chaotic and distressing, especially if you’ve sustained serious injuries. If you’re too severely injured to move or trapped inside your vehicle, then remain calm and wait for help to arrive. Nevertheless, if you are in a truck accident, you can help protect your physical and financial health by taking the following steps:
Move to the shoulder of the road or a safe location out of traffic but nearby (Never leave the scene of an accident)
Call 911 to report the truck accident
Render reasonable aid and comfort to any other injured parties
Use your phone to take photos of the accident scene, including any involved factors such as signal lights, traffic signs, or faulty trailer parts such as coupling, straps, or tires
Take photos of the truck and involved vehicles including license tags and damage
Collect contact information from any involved drivers and witnesses
Allow the paramedics on the scene to transport you to a hospital
Tell the medical professionals about all of your injuries and symptoms and ask for detailed notes
Follow all treatment recommendations and follow-ups
Ask for a copy of the police report
Call an experienced truck accident lawyer near you before speaking to any insurance company representatives
As challenging as it may be to keep a cool head during the traumatic aftermath of a truck accident, by taking these steps you can maximize your chance for physical and financial recovery moving forward.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth In Chicago?
The value of your truck accident claim will depend on the severity of the injuries sustained and the total damages suffered. Semi-truck accidents typically result in severe injuries with life-long consequences. As a victim of a truck accident, you may be entitled to recover economic damages including past and future medical costs, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, disability, and loss of consortium.
Depending on the surrounding circumstances, you may also be entitled to recover punitive damages where the defendant’s conduct was egregious. Whatever the case, our objective is always to recover the fair and just value of your case.
Having an experienced truck accident lawyer handle your case is critical. Smith LaCien LLP has recovered over $3 billion in verdicts and settlements, including a $19 million jury award for the wrongful death of a 29-year-old truck driver. We are here to address your concerns and answer any questions you may have about your truck accident case.
What Are Punitive Damages In A Chicago Truck Accident?
The State of Illinois allows injured victims to claim punitive damages in certain circumstances. Unlike the economic and non-economic damages meant to compensate the injured person for the expenses and pain they’ve experienced due to the injury, punitive damages aren’t meant as compensation at all. Instead, punitive damages serve as a form of “punishment” to the at-fault party in a civil lawsuit. It’s also meant as a deterrent to help prevent a repeat of the action that led to the truck accident. An injury victim may only seek punitive damages if the at-fault party engaged in particularly egregious behavior that led to the accident. In truck accidents, the following circumstances might allow a court to consider punitive damages:
The truck driver was under the influence of alcohol or other substances when the accident occurred
The truck driver engaged in extreme misconduct, such as road rage
The truck driver showed a willful disregard for the lives of others on the road by engaging in extremely dangerous actions while understanding what the consequences could be to others on the roadway
Malicious intent
A punitive damage award not only gives extra financial security to accident victims, but it also may help them achieve a sense of justice in their case. Punitive damages are separate from any criminal charges pending in the criminal justice system.
Do I Have to Go to Court for My Truck Accident Case in Chicago?
The vast majority of truck accident claims result in an insurance settlement without the need to take a lawsuit into the courtroom. It’s likely that your truck accident claim will settle out of court, so you won’t have to appear before a judge. However, large trucking companies often have very powerful insurance carriers with adjusters whose sole job is to undervalue claims or deny them outright to ensure profitability for their trucking company. An insurance company’s business model depends on taking in more money in premiums than they pay out in claims. An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer from Smith LaCien LLP is more than willing to litigate a case in court when necessary and advocate aggressively against powerful insurance companies for full compensation for your injury.
How Long Do I Have to File a Chicago Truck Accident Lawsuit?
The statute of of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failure to file within this time limit may affect your ability to recover compensation. Therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer promptly to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck wreck or semi-truck accident, contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer near you as soon as possible. For a no risk, free case consultation, call our law office located in Chicago, IL at (312) 509-8900 or fill out the form below. Our personal injury lawyers are here to support truck accident victims and help them recover the compensation they deserve.
