Commercial trucks manufactured for commercial transportation are designed to haul cargo across long distances. As a result, they are significantly larger and heavier than a standard passenger vehicle. This difference in size means that a big rig could cause severe damage and injuries to a smaller car and its occupants if involved in a collision.
When an 18-wheeler hits you, a Joliet truck accident lawyer could help you recover financial compensation. The seasoned personal injury attorneys at the MJB Law Offices has decades of experience helping clients seek financial recovery after a crash. Call us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Liability in Truck Crashes
Because trucks are so big, operating one requires more skill and awareness than driving a regular car. The heavy weight of a semi-trailer means a motorist could quickly lose control of the vehicle. That is why the most common cause of collisions is unsafe driving, a broad term that encompasses several actions or inactions, such as:
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while fatigued
- Not adhering to right-of-way laws
Federal regulations specifically apply to drivers with commercial licenses to prevent unsafe driving. For example, truckers may not use their cell phones while operating their vehicles because they are a distraction. Drivers may also be behind the wheel for a maximum of 14 hours daily to ensure adequate rest and sleep.
Sometimes, the cause of an accident could be attributed to other people involved with the truck but not the driver. For instance, the loading crew must load and secure the cargo to prevent it from becoming loose or causing the trailer to tip off balance.
Big rigs spend extended time on the road hauling heavy cargo, which causes significant wear and tear on the vehicle’s components. Drivers and trucking companies must regularly inspect the trucks and make repairs if something is not in proper working order.
With so many parties involved, it can be difficult to assign responsibility for an accident to any one person or company. Often, it comes down to small details that require careful examination of the facts. An attorney with knowledge of trucking collisions in Joliet could help determine who should ultimately be held accountable.
Compensation and the Time Limit to File a Claim
Regardless of how the crash was caused, injured parties could seek monetary and non-monetary compensation from the responsible individual or entity. Monetary compensation covers the costs associated with the injuries from the collision, including the following:
- Hospital bills
- Medical treatment
- Lost wages from being unable to work
- Property damage
Non-monetary compensation covers emotional distress, pain, and suffering. Sometimes, a court may also award punitive damages to deter the at-fault party from repeating similar actions in the future. However, these damages are typically only awarded in cases of especially egregious behavior like drunk driving.
It is also important to remember that there is a time limit on when a claim must be filed, called the statute of limitations. A claim for injuries from a truck wreck must be filed within two years, and it may be difficult to recover compensation after this window of time.
Anyone involved in a collision with a semi-trailer in Joliet should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced legal professional could help clients understand their rights and the value of their case.
Get in Touch With a Joliet Truck Accident Attorney Today
When a tractor-trailer has hit you or a loved one, you may be able to recover compensation. A Joliet truck accident lawyer could help you file your claim and provide representation throughout the process.
Contact the MJB Law Offices to schedule a consultation with a reliable attorney to discuss your case. A devoted lawyer could be at your side to seek compensation for your injuries.