Orland Park Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney for Injuries Caused by Negligent Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies

Every year, thousands of crashes involving tractor-trailer trucks occur in Illinois. Although these incidents represent only a small portion of the total number of motor vehicle accidents in the state, they account for a disproportionately high percentage of fatal accidents. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make them particularly dangerous, often leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities when they collide with smaller vehicles. Dozens of drivers and passengers in cars, vans, and small trucks lose their lives in collisions with commercial trucks every year, and thousands more suffer serious injuries that can have long-term impacts on their lives.

If you were injured in a truck crash, or if a family member was killed in a tractor-trailer accident, you need experienced legal representation to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Issa Law, LLC in Orland Park, Illinois or call our office at 708-966-2408. Personal injury attorney Khaled Issa can provide an initial consultation to discuss your options and explain how we can work together with you to pursue justice and help you recover compensation.

Causes of Truck Accidents

18-wheeler and semi-truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, and in many cases, a combination of factors can lead to safety issues that result in dangerous collisions and serious injuries. Understanding the causes of these accidents is crucial for determining liability and recovering compensation. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often required to drive long distances with minimal rest, leading to fatigue. Federal regulations limit how long a truck driver can drive without taking a break, but these rules are not always followed. Fatigue can impair a driver's reaction time, judgment, and ability to stay alert, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
• Distracted Driving: Like all drivers, truck drivers can become distracted by their cell phones, GPS devices, eating, or other activities while driving. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a momentary distraction can lead to devastating consequences.
• Speeding and Other Traffic Violations: Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, which can lead them to engage in unsafe driving behaviors such as aggressive lane changes, refusing to yield the right of way, or tailgating. Speeding or reckless driving can increase the likelihood of a serious collision, especially in adverse weather conditions or heavy traffic.
• Improper Loading: The cargo carried by commercial trucks must be properly loaded and secured to prevent it from shifting during transit. Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks can cause the vehicle to become unstable, leading to rollovers, jackknifes, or the inability to stop in time to avoid a collision. Unsecured cargo may fall and strike other vehicles, leading to serious injuries.
• Mechanical Failures: Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in safe operating condition. However, mechanical failures such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering issues can occur due to inadequate maintenance or defective parts. When these failures happen on the road, they can lead to catastrophic accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: The use of alcohol or drugs by truck drivers can significantly increase the risks of truck accidents. Impaired drivers have reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and a higher likelihood of losing control of their vehicles.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or fog can make driving more hazardous, particularly for large trucks. Truck drivers are expected to adjust their driving to account for these conditions, but when they fail to do so, accidents can occur.

Our Approach in Semi-Truck Injury Cases

There is no substitute for thorough preparation and hard work on every single case. From start to finish, we do everything with the goal that we will get you every single dollar of compensation to which you are entitled. In truck accident cases, the insurance companies for trucking companies will often downplay serious injuries and refuse to offer fair settlements. However, if they see that your case is well-prepared and know that your attorney will take the case to trial, they will be much more likely to negotiate in good faith.

It is important to demonstrate to insurance companies that they are dealing with an attorney who is experienced in truck accident litigation and the legal issues that play a role in trucking cases. Litigating trucking accidents is not the same as litigating car accidents. At Issa Law, LLC, we know about the trucking industry, including the state and federal laws that govern commercial truck drivers, the records and documents that trucking companies and drivers are required to keep, and the reporting requirements that apply in these cases. These are just a few of the many intricacies of trucking litigation. With our understanding of the best ways to protect our clients' rights, we can help you succeed as you work to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Talk to an Experienced Orland Park, IL Truck Accident Lawyer

Given the severity of injuries that must be addressed in truck accident cases, it is critical that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact our Orland Park law office or call us at 708-966-2408 to talk about recovery after an 18-wheeler accident involving truck driver liability.