Truck Accident Lawyer Arlington Heights, IL
Getting into a truck accident can be a terrifying experience, as an Arlington Heights, IL truck accident lawyer understands, especially considering just how large semi trucks and other commercial vehicles are. In fact, commercial trucks can weigh around 80,000 pounds if they are stocked full of products or produce. Anyone who has driven next to a semi has probably thought to themselves that they could be in danger if a sudden wrong maneuver were to happen. If you are someone who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and suffered because you were in a semi-truck accident, then we encourage you to consider visiting Therman Law Offices, LTD so we can let you know what your options are in pursuing restitution from the truck driver or other party at fault.
Based on federal regulation law, truck drivers are allowed to operate their vehicle for up to 11 hours in each sitting, but many drivers choose to go well beyond that restrictive time frame. Being a trucker means that you have to travel thousands of miles to meet strict deadlines, which can lead to deadly consequences if a driver is speeding, fatigued, or distracted. Some examples of contributing factors to truck accidents can be driver error, vehicle issues, the weather, and more. Fatigue and speeding are two main causes of truck accidents. As an Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer explains, other factors can include poor training, large blind spots, failure to obey traffic signals, and alcohol or drug use.
Truck vehicles in their nature present apparent safety issues. For instance, even a truck that is perfectly maintained is still carrying a load of cargo and needs adequate space and time to maneuver safely. If you put that in perspective, this means that anyone around them at the moment they move unsafely could become involved in an accident. A vehicle that has poor maintenance can increase the risk of a collision, so adequate examinations and replacement of defective parts should be a priority of the trucker and their company. Some common problems seen in malfunctioning trucks include brake problems, overweight trailers, tire blow-outs, cargo loads that are not properly secured, and not abiding by the recommended maintenance schedule.
Another contributing factor to truck accidents is something not completely within our control. The weather is constantly changing and depending on where the truck driver is going at the time, they may deal with snow, rain, and high winds. Encountering poor weather can make a truck driver’s job even more difficult, particularly if they lack sleep. As an Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer has seen in past cases, within a moment, such a crash could cause devastation to everyone in their path. If you were in an accident with a truck and suspect that the trucker was responsible, now is the time to get help from us at Therman Law Offices, LTD so we can seek fair compensation for what you have been through. We are ready to intervene and represent your best interests.
An Attorney Can Help
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties and cause catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one have suffered personal injury during a truck accident contact Therman Law Offices, LTD. You can schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer at Arlington Heights, IL trusts, during which we can discuss the facts of your case.
The Most Important Things to Do After A Truck Accident
The most important thing to do after suffering injuries during a truck accident is to seek medical treatment. Next, you should contact a truck accident lawyer so you can begin keeping records of your medical treatment from every medical provider you see. A truck accident lawyer can request medical records, conduct depositions, and negotiate with insurance companies. Preserving the evidence you need to prove your case is critical. By retaining a truck accident lawyer you will be more likely to receive the financial compensation you deserve.
The Primary Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are caused by many different factors. Many truck drivers commit negligent acts that cause truck accidents. The following are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
- Overloaded trucks
- Loose cargo
- Poor weather conditions
- Failure to inspect tires
- Failure to inspect brakes
- Intoxicated driving
- Distracted driving
- Fatigue
- Aggressive Driving
How Do I Determine the Compensation I Can Receive After A Truck Accident?
Truck accidents typically cause serious bodily injury or death. The financial losses victims often experience after a truck accident include the following:
- Burial expenses and funeral costs
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost future earnings
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
Damages are typically divided into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable elements such as medical bills, surgeries, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are elements that are non quantifiable such as emotional trauma and psychological suffering.
In some cases punitive damages can be awarded. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct. Also, punitive damages are intended to deter the defendant from committing the same behavior in the future.
Which Parties May Be Liable in Truck Accidents?
Many different parties may be liable during truck accidents. Typically the truck driver, the trucking company, any third-party brokers, and the truck manufacturers may be held liable for a truck accident. Every truck accident case is different, and the specific facts and circumstances will determine which parties may be held liable. Large truck companies often have skilled defense lawyers who try to pay as little as possible to injured victims. Retaining a truck accident lawyer in Arlington Heights, IL can help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
An Arlington Heights, IL truck accident lawyer can confirm the truck accidents often cause serious injuries. Commercial trucks are very large and heavy, so they can cause more damage than a passenger vehicle. Here are the most common car accident injuries.
- Burns. During an accident, a truck’s fuel tank can rupture and cause a fire to spread fast. As a result, drivers and passengers of nearby vehicle cans suffer severe burns. Besides being extremely painful, burns can cause infection, loss of mobility, scarring and permanent disfigurement.
- Amputation. A truck accident can also result in amputation if one of your limbs gets crushed. In this scenario, a surgeon may have to amputate it to save your life. Amputation can drastically change your life and you may need prosthetics and other adaptive devices.
- Traumatic brain injuries. These are one of the most severe injuries in a truck accident and can be life-threatening. You actually do not need to hit your head against anything during a collision to sustain a traumatic brain injury. The sheer force of the collision may be enough to cause a brain injury. Common symptoms of this injury include nausea, headache, dizziness, blurry vision, and ringing ears. However, in some cases, you may not experience any symptoms initially. It’s still essential to get immediate medical attention. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, and behavioral problems.
- Lacerations. As an Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer can attest, some truck accident victims may suffer lacerations from broken glass, flying debris, and other objects. While these injuries don’t seem as bad as other truck accident injuries, they are nothing to make light about. Lacerations can lead to infection, bleeding, permanent scarring, and other complications.
- Spinal cord injuries. The strong impact of a truck accident may cause spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord is located within the vertebrae and can suffer weakness, numbness, and even paralysis in an accident. In some accidents victims who sustain spinal cord injuries may never be able to work again or do certain activities without assistance.
- Broken bones. A truck accident can also lead to broken bones in some people. Broken bones, whether they occur in the arms, legs or hips, can lead to excruciating pain and reduced mobility. If a bone is broken in more than one place, surgery may be necessary.
- Internal injuries. The crushing impact of a truck accident may also result in internal injuries. Accident victims may hurt their bladder, spleen, kidneys or pancreas. Internal injuries can be very serious, so prompt medical attention is critical.
- Emotional injuries. Many people assume that truck accident injuries are just physical. However, theyas an Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer can explain, they can also cause a lot of emotional damage. Truck accident victims may suffer anxiety, depression or even post-traumatic stress disorder, which can negatively impact their lives. Mental health counseling may be helpful for these individuals.
Truck & Workers’ Compensation Cases
When it comes to workers’ compensation cases in Arlington Heights, Illinois, experienced legal representation is crucial to ensure fair and just outcomes for injured workers. Over the years, several landmark cases have shaped the landscape of workers’ compensation law in the region, setting important precedents for future claims. Among these cases are Tellez v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bazan v. Old Dominion Freight Lines, Inc., and Martinez v. Celadon Trucking Services, Inc. Let’s delve into the details of these cases and the implications they hold for workers’ compensation matters.
In the case of Tellez v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the plaintiff, a Wal-Mart employee, suffered severe injuries while performing his job duties. The plaintiff filed a workers’ compensation claim seeking benefits for medical expenses and lost wages resulting from the workplace accident. The central issue in the case was whether the injuries sustained by the employee were within the scope of his employment.
The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, recognizing that even though the injury occurred during work hours, it was not a direct result of the employee’s regular job duties. This landmark decision emphasized that workers’ compensation benefits could be granted even if the injury was not caused by the typical course of work, as long as it happened on the employer’s premises and during work hours. This ruling became a cornerstone in Arlington Heights workers’ compensation law, ensuring that employees are protected and fairly compensated for on-the-job injuries.
Bazan v. Old Dominion Freight Lines, Inc. involved a tragic incident where a delivery driver was involved in a severe accident while making a delivery on behalf of his employer, Old Dominion Freight Lines. The driver sustained life-altering injuries and sought workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
The case revolved around whether the injured driver was an independent contractor or an employee of Old Dominion Freight Lines. The distinction was critical since independent contractors are not typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, the court found that the driver was indeed an employee, as he was under the company’s direction and control during his deliveries.
This decision highlighted the importance of correctly classifying workers to determine their eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. It served as a warning to employers to properly classify their workforce and reinforced the rights of injured workers to receive the protection and benefits they are entitled to under the law.
In Martinez v. Celadon Trucking Services, Inc., the case centered around a truck driver who suffered a debilitating back injury while loading cargo as part of his job responsibilities. The driver filed a workers’ compensation claim, seeking compensation for his injuries and related expenses.
The key issue in this case was whether the back injury was a pre-existing condition or whether it was directly caused by the loading activities at Celadon Trucking Services. The court carefully examined medical evidence and testimony to determine causation and ultimately found in favor of the truck driver, ruling that the loading activities significantly contributed to the exacerbation of his pre-existing condition.
This ruling reinforced the principle that aggravation of pre-existing conditions due to job-related activities is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. It provided clarity on compensability for workers with pre-existing conditions, ensuring that they are not denied benefits merely because of their existing health conditions.
The cases of Tellez v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bazan v. Old Dominion Freight Lines, Inc., and Martinez v. Celadon Trucking Services, Inc. have significantly influenced workers’ compensation law in Arlington Heights, Illinois. They have expanded the scope of coverage, clarified the employee-employer relationship, and provided guidelines for compensating workers with pre-existing conditions. If you find yourself in need of a skilled Arlington Heights, IL workers’ compensation lawyer, these cases serve as a testament to the importance of seeking experienced legal counsel to navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation claims and ensure the protection of your rights and interests.
Contact Therman Law Offices, LTD Today to Schedule A Free Consultation
Contact Therman Law Offices, LTD today to schedule a free consultation during which we can discuss the facts of your case. Call (847) 744-8400. Retaining a truck accident lawyer in Arlington Heights, IL is the best thing you can do to ensure you receive the monetary compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one suffered personal injury during a truck accident call Therman Law Office, LTD today.