Colliding with a truck can be a terrible and terrifying moment. Sadly, these large vehicles cause devastating accidents far too frequently and leave victims struggling to move forward. A truck accident lawyer in Chicago helps you navigate the aftermath and works diligently to make it less overwhelming for you.
Therman Law has 75 years of combined experience that we use to fiercely fight for our clients. We understand that you may not know how to move forward after an accident, and a Chicago personal injury lawyer will provide you with the counsel and clarity you need to move forward. You are our top priority, and we help ease your stress so you can heal in peace and get the results you deserve.
A Truck Accident Attorney in Chicago Can Help When You’ve Been Injured in an Accident
Truck accidents cause serious injuries that can keep you from normal activities either in the short-term or the long-term. These injuries can set you back significantly, especially considering the force of impact that often comes from a collision with a large truck.
Tractor-trailers are significantly larger and heavier than cars, so they can cause more severe harm. Some common injuries in truck accidents often include:
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Spine injuries
- Internal damage
- Burn injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb or amputation
Many of these injuries are preventable and caused by individuals who are negligent. Common factors that contribute to truck accidents include speeding, distractions, exhausted drivers, intoxication, poor weather or road conditions, mechanical issues, unbalanced cargo, and more.
Collecting Sufficient Evidence Helps Strengthen Your Claim
As you take the appropriate steps after a truck accident, it’s important to start documenting all of your losses related to the accident and keeping records so you have sufficient evidence to resolve your case.
You should start collecting evidence as soon as possible, and talk with your lawyer as well. They can gather some forms of evidence that you may not have access to on your own.
Evidence that you can collect after an accident includes photos and videos, a copy of the police report, and the other party’s contact and insurance information.
As you get the medical care you need, you should keep copies of all of your bills and test results so you can demonstrate the extent of your injuries and required care. Journals chronicling your suffering and changes to daily life can also be helpful.
As you work with your Chicago truck accident lawyer, they can gather forms of evidence such as surveillance footage, black box data in truck accident cases, truck driver logbooks, and more to make sure that your claim is supported and the proper party is held accountable for their negligence. They will also review the evidence you collected to build a strong case and determine your options.
Multiple Parties May be Liable for Causing Truck Accidents
One of the most complicated aspects of truck accident claims is that multiple parties could contribute to an accident and thereby be at fault for your harm. For example, drivers can be at fault for negligent driving practices.
Trucking companies can be at fault for poor training or failing to enforce federal regulations or Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
Additionally, mechanics can be at fault for poor maintenance, repairs, or failing to fix a potential hazard. Cargo loaders can be liable for causing accidents when they overload trucks or fail to properly secure cargo. Manufacturers can be at fault as well if they issue trucks or parts that have design or production flaws.
Once your lawyer determines who is at fault, they will build your case and show that the applicable party had a responsibility to take steps to ensure safety in all aspects of their duties. By engaging in negligent activities, the other party ended up causing an accident that resulted in damages. The at-fault party must pay for the damages they caused as a way of making restitution.
What to Expect When Motorists Share Fault
If the investigation into your accident shows that you are partially at fault, you aren’t necessarily barred from recovering damages.
According to 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, if you contribute less than 50% to an accident, you are allowed to receive compensation reduced in conjunction with your level of fault. Parties who are more than 50% at fault are automatically prevented from recovering compensation.
Compensation is Valuable for Rebuilding Your Life After a Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a truck accident, you’re likely dealing with extensive expenses that may be outside the realm of your financial capacity.
These expenses can be offset with the help of a personal injury settlement. Your lawyer will help you determine what you can recover and make sure you receive the maximum amount for your losses.
Some common losses that may be covered may include:
- Emergency medical care
- Rehabilitative and lifetime care costs
- Equipment, accommodations, and technologies
- Loss of wages, including earning capacity
- Property damage expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Decreased enjoyment and quality of life
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Loss of companionship and consortium
The evidence you gather early on in the process provides important information about your losses and financial needs. That is why it is essential to maintain thorough records.
Your lawyer and the insurance company will carefully review this information to calculate how much your case is worth. Your lawyer will negotiate for you and make sure that you receive all that you are entitled to recover.
Therman Law Advocates for You After a Truck Accident
Therman Law is your ally and your loyal advocate when you are fighting to get the compensation you deserve. Our team works diligently for you so you never have to question whether you are being treated fairly.
With the help of a Chicago truck accident attorney, you can receive more than you would if you handled your case alone. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and meet with our team.
