Why Are Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Other Accidents?
Pursuing a personal injury claim for a vehicle accident can be a long and drawn-out process. Rarely does the at-fault party’s insurance company initially agree to all the injured party’s losses and the financial amount of those losses. One of the most complex accident cases is truck accidents, especially since there is often more than one party who is liable for those damages.
There is also the issue of the amount of damages that the insurance company ends up paying out. The massive weight and size of commercial trucks results in many more catastrophic crashes, leaving those injured with devastating injuries. Insurance companies use all kinds of tactics to get out of paying for all those losses.
These and other factors can make it difficult for injured parties and their families to obtain the financial compensation they deserve without having an attorney advocating for them. Anyone who has been injured in a truck accident should speak with an Illinois personal injury attorney before they speak to the trucking company’s insurance company or anyone else associated with the crash.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Although any number of factors can cause a truck accident, there are several reasons that are more common than others. These include:
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The truck driver was operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
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The truck driver was operating at high speed.
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The truck driver engaged in distracted driving behaviors.
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The truck driver was not trained properly or was inexperienced at driving the vehicle.
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The truck cargo was improperly loaded or was over the legal weight limit.
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There was a mechanical failure in the truck.
Types of Truck Accidents
The type of truck accident that occurs can help prove liability on the truck driver and trucking company for the crash:
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Jackknife accidents – This occurs when the trailer of the truck slides to the front of the vehicle, making it look like an opened jackknife. These types of crashes usually occur if the truck driver suddenly slams on the brakes.
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Improper lane changes – Tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks have several blind spots that make it difficult for the truck driver to see smaller vehicles that are near their vehicle. This is why truck drivers must be vigilant when they are attempting to change lanes or merge into traffic to make sure it is safe for them to do so.
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Rollover crash – When a truck has too much cargo or the cargo was not properly secured, the vehicle is at a much higher risk of rolling over from all that weight.
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Improper turning – This is one of the top causes of fatal truck crashes and is often due to an inexperienced driver or one who is not paying attention due to fatigue, drugs, etc.
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Tire blowout – When a truck driver and trucking company fail to properly inspect the truck before each trip, making sure issues such as making sure tires are at the correct pressure, the risk of tire blowout crashes spikes.
Contact a Kane Count Accident Lawyer for Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, do not try to negotiate with the trucking company and their insurance company. An Aurora, IL truck accident attorney will deal with the insurance company and their team of attorneys, advocating for you to make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to. Call Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. at 630-907-0909 to schedule a free case evaluation.
