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I Was Involved In A Trucking Accident – Do I Sue The Trucker Or The Trucking Company?

Trucking AccidentWhat To Do If You Are Involved In A Trucking Accident

While a car accident can result in serious injuries, a trucking accident almost always proves fatal. Unlike cars, trucks such as 18-wheelers are larger in size and move with more power due to the freight and cargo they carry. A regular car stands no chance against that sheer power, especially if it is coming at it at full speed. Large trucks take longer to come to a complete stop, after all. With drivers who are sleep deprived and sometimes untrained, it is little wonder why the number of truck-related deaths keeps increasing every year.

Is the Driver or the Company at Fault for the Trucking Accident?

If you ask an experienced personal injury lawyer, you should always look at both the driver of the truck and the company he/she works for. If the driver’s actions resulted in the accident, that means they weren’t trained well enough or were unqualified in which case the company will be liable for damages as a ‘respondent superior’. This can also be the case if the accident was caused due to mechanical negligence, i.e. if the company failed to maintain the truck.

Besides the truck driver and the trucking company, you can also sue the shipping company, the vehicle manufacturer (if a missing or loose component in the truck caused the accident), and the owner of the property whose negligence resulted in the accident. However, this will only be the case if the accident results in death.

What to Do if You are Caught In a Truck Accident

If you are able to, the first thing you should do is get your vehicle off the road and then call 911 to file a police report. Plus, document all of the vehicles and the scene of the accident and get the contact information of witnesses nearby. When you seek medical attention, make sure that you ask your doctor to examine you for late-onset conditions such as whiplash and concussion.

Personal Injury Attorney

Once all that is done, get in touch with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies understand that accidents can cost them a lot of money and their insurance companies will send their best defense attorneys to limit losses. At this time, a qualified lawyer from the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens will prove invaluable. Get in touch with us for a consultation in our offices in Chicago, Libertyville, Waukegan, Woodstock, and Antioch, IL.

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Avoiding Common Truck Accidents This Winter

Trucking Accident LawyerTruck accidents are dangerous and often cause damage to property, and even loss of life. It is important to understand the common truck accidents and the ways in which you can avoid them. These auto accidents are the most expensive and you may need the support of an experienced truck accident lawyer to receive compensation from an insurance company. Here are some truck accidents and the ways to avoid them:

Load Accidents

Trucks are designed to carry heavy loads. It is common to have accidents that occur due to these loads. An accident may happen if the load is not secured properly, which leads to increased risk for the truck and the nearby vehicles. This is often the case, when the load has the potential to tip or fly away if it is left unsecured.

You can avoid becoming a part of such auto accidents by ensuring that you maintain your distance from trucks and give yourself the maximum time to avoid an unfortunate accident. However, if you still suffer an accident, an experienced auto accident lawyer in Illinois can ensure that you receive the maximum benefits for your monetary loss.

Slippery Road Conditions

Snow during the winter can create extremely difficult road conditions. These conditions can be extremely severe for truck drivers, who find it difficult to control their large vehicles. Trucks can only avoid accidents in such weather by not traveling on the road. However, sometimes the weather can catch them off guard and put the drivers in a situation where they are suddenly traveling on a road without grip.

Truck drivers cannot move their vehicles swiftly because of their size, and therefore, it is your duty as a motorist to give them as much room as possible, especially in tough road conditions. You should adjust your speed according to the weather and go as slow as you can. In fact, if you find that it is hard to control your vehicle, especially when there are heavy vehicles present on the road, park your car in a suitable spot to avoid an accident.

Driver Error

You can follow your lane, make sure to keep your distance from a truck, and drive within the speed limit. An error in not following these steps may put you in the harm’s way. Therefore, driver error is one reason for truck accidents. You will need to hire an auto accident lawyer in such a case, in order to ensure that your rights are protected as an innocent driver. Remember, truck drivers do not cause most of the errors intentionally. Truck drivers get distracted, especially in difficult driving conditions or if they are passing through an intersection, resulting in an accident.

You can decrease your risk by following all the rules of the road. If you give enough space to trucks, you will be able to make better decisions and stay safe, even if the truck driver makes a mistake. However, there are always situations, where you will have to employ the services of an auto accident lawyer in Illinois.

Personal Injury Attorney

You may be involved in an auto accident in Illinois and find yourself in need of legal support. Contact the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. at (847) 395-2200 or online today to schedule your initial consultation.