Experienced Lake County And Waukegan Trucking Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a trucking accident in Illinois, you may have suffered severe injuries. A semi truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so parties in other vehicles often face more severe injuries, especially in underride accidents. You may be eligible for compensation.
If you are looking for an Illinois trucking accident lawyer in Lake County, call Soffietti, Johnson, Teegen, Argueta, Bawcum & Barone today. Our firm dates back to 1956, so you know you will be getting an attorney with significant experience. Our Waukegan attorneys can help you determine what type of compensation you are entitled and how to build your case by gathering evidence, working with insurance companies and taking other steps to assist you at this critical time.
Illinois Trucking Laws And Regulations That May Impact Your Case
In Illinois, truck drivers are expected to follow the regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), such as the restriction on an 11-hour driving limit and a 14-hour on-duty limit. Breaking these hours-of-service regulations may cause truck driver fatigue. Drivers also need to be aware of weight limits for trucks, which are often set at 80,000 pounds, and other safety requirements, like the prohibition on using handheld devices behind the wheel.
If it is determined that a truck driver broke some of these regulations, that can play a significant role in determining liability. The driver themselves may be liable, but the trucking company could also be responsible if they offered inadequate training, performed improper maintenance or pressured the driver to violate regulations.
Who Is Liable After An 18-Wheeler Accident?
Whether the semi-truck accident happened because of driver fatigue, improper maintenance or other negligent mistakes, you need to identify the liable parties.
It starts with the driver, who may have made a clear error, such as using their cellphone to check their text messages. The company itself could be liable if it has been negligent and created the dangerous conditions. If a truck driver’s brakes give out, for example, that driver may not be able to avoid a rear-end crash. But if the trucking company was responsible for maintenance and cut corners or failed to address known dangerous conditions, then it may be the company that is responsible. This can open up the potential for compensation from that business and its insurance provider. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can navigate this process for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
Get Started With A Consultation
It is important to work with an experienced trucking accident lawyer. Call our Waukegan office at 847-978-4495 or use the online contact form to set up your initial consultation today.