Unfortunately, truck accidents in Southern Illinois are all too common, and the legal cases that follow can present challenges for injured victims. One challenge is proving liability for the accident, which requires pinpointing the cause. This task can be complicated - much more complicated than in regular car accidents.
Several potential causes of commercial truck accidents exist, including driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, improper loading, and inadequate truck maintenance.
Determining the cause requires thoroughly investigating the accident scene, reviewing pertinent documentation such as driver logs and maintenance records, and gathering witness testimony.
Given the difficult nature of these cases, always seek the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced Southern Illinois truck accident lawyer to ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve from the proper liable parties.
Commercial Trucks Use Highways in Southern Illinois
Southern Illinois is a transportation hub, with various highways connecting the region to other parts of the state, nearby states, and the country in general. These highways, such as Interstate 57 and Interstate 64, see a significant amount of commercial truck traffic.
Commercial trucks play an essential role in transporting goods and products across Illinois and beyond. They also make regular deliveries in towns and cities throughout Southern Illinois, including Marion and Carbondale.
While we need these trucks to keep shelves stocked and ensure packages make it to our doors, semi-trucks pose serious risks on all roads and highways, especially when drivers and trucking companies fail to adhere to safety regulations.
Common Causes of Truck Crashes
Trucks collide with smaller vehicles for many reasons, most of which involve driver error.
Fatigued Driving
One of the leading causes of truck accidents in Southern Illinois is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often have demanding schedules and long hours on the road, which can lead to driver exhaustion.
Fatigued driving impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of accidents. Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on duty, but unfortunately, some drivers and trucking companies violate these regulations, putting innocent lives at risk.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another significant factor in truck accidents. Like all motorists, truck drivers may engage in activities that divert their attention from the road, such as using cell phones, eating, or reading. The consequences of distracted driving can be catastrophic, as a momentary lapse in attention can lead to severe accidents.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a dangerous behavior that can have devastating consequences. While regulations and testing procedures are in place to prevent truck drivers from operating their vehicles while impaired, some drivers still engage in this reckless behavior.
Impaired driving significantly impairs a driver's ability to operate a truck safely, increasing the risk of accidents.
Speeding
Excessive speeding is a common cause of truck accidents in Southern Illinois. Truck drivers may feel pressure to meet delivery deadlines and may resort to speeding to achieve this.
However, higher speeds reduce a truck's ability to stop quickly, increasing the likelihood of collisions and making accidents more severe.
Rural Roads
Southern Illinois contains an extensive rural road network, including Old Route 13, Route 3, and Route 127. These roads present unique challenges for truck drivers, including narrow lanes, sharp curves, and limited visibility.
Maneuvering through rural roads requires skill and caution. However, some truck drivers may not have adequate training or experience to navigate these roads safely, leading to accidents.
Driving Too Fast for Adverse Weather Conditions
Illinois weather includes rain, snow, and fog. Truck drivers must adjust their driving according to these weather conditions to ensure their own safety and the safety of others on the road. However, some drivers may fail to reduce their speed or take other necessary precautions, increasing the risk of accidents in adverse weather conditions.
Proving Liability for a Truck Accident
Determining liability in a truck accident case can be complex. Multiple parties may be held responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even a third-party maintenance provider.
To establish liability, a thorough investigation is necessary to gather evidence, review documentation, and consult with experts. An experienced Illinois truck accident attorney can address all legal issues regarding your accident and build a strong case to prove liability.
You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action in Illinois
If you have been in a truck accident in Southern Illinois, it is important to take legal action promptly. In Illinois, a statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Failure to file within this time frame can bar you from seeking compensation for your injuries. Even insurance companies will use an expired statute of limitations to their advantage, as they know you no longer have litigation as leverage to seek greater compensation than they offer.
To protect your rights and maximize your chances of a successful outcome, contact an experienced Illinois truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. This allows them to preserve evidence and ensure to meet all deadlines.
A Southern Illinois Truck Accident Attorney Can Seek Full Compensation for You
When you hire a Southern Illinois truck accident attorney, you gain an advocate who will fight for your rights. They will work diligently to investigate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
They will seek full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other damages you have suffered as a result of the truck accident. With their resources and guidance, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
Consult a Southern Illinois Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Contact a personal injury attorney near you today to schedule a consultation with a dedicated Southern Illinois truck accident lawyer.
Seek a professional with a proven track record of success in handling truck accident cases and who will provide you with the personalized attention and aggressive representation you deserve.
Don't wait; the clock is ticking. Call now and take the first step towards obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Adam B. Lawler
Attorney at Law / Partner
Adam Lawler is the founder of Lawler Brown. Adam is a 2004 graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Adam worked for a local firm until founding the Lawler Brown in 2009. Adam’s practice areas focus in Personal Injury, Business, Real Estate, Probate/Trust/Estate Administration and general litigation.
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