Cement Truck Accident Lawyer in Chicago

A cement truck accident can result in devastating injuries. If you were injured in an accident caused by a cement truck driver’s negligence, a Chicago truck accident lawyer can help you pursue damages.

Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., has recovered over $100 million for our clients. If you were hurt in a crash, a cement truck accident lawyer in Chicago can help you file a claim and secure compensation.

How a Chicago Cement Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Cases involving commercial trucks tend to be complex.

A Chicago cement truck accident lawyer can step in and help by:

• Investigating the accident: We can gather police reports, witness statements, black box data, and surveillance footage to build a strong case.
• Calculating damages: We can evaluate both your economic and non-economic damages to determine your claim’s true value.
• Handling insurance companies: We can deal directly with insurers and work to negotiate a fair settlement.
• Representing you in court: If necessary, we can take your case to trial and advocate for you there.

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

Since every case is unique, there is no average settlement for a cement truck accident. Payouts can range from tens of thousands of dollars to over $1 million, depending on factors like injury severity, lost income, and available insurance coverage.

A Chicago personal injury lawyer can assess your claim and estimate its potential value.

What Types of Damages Can You Recover?

Victims of cement truck accidents may be entitled to many different types of compensation, such as:

• Medical expenses: You can recover compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages: You can pursue income you lost while you were unable to work due to the crash.
• Loss of earning capacity: You can seek compensation if your injuries prevent you from earning the same income in the future.
• Property damage: You can recover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.
• Pain and suffering: You can ask for compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Emotional distress: You can recover damages for anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the crash.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: You can pursue compensation if your injuries limit your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
• Disability or disfigurement: You can seek damages for permanent physical impairments or scarring.
• Punitive damages: You can request additional compensation in cases involving extreme negligence or reckless behavior.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Illinois?

According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you typically have two years from the date of a cement truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file on time, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.

Certain cases, such as those involving minors or government entities, may have different filing deadlines. A cement truck accident attorney in Chicago can help make sure you file your claim on time.

Who Is Liable for a Cement Truck Accident?

Liability in a cement truck accident is rarely straightforward. Parties who may be held responsible include:

• Truck driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or otherwise negligent, they may be held responsible.
• Trucking company: Employers can be liable for their drivers’ actions or for failing to properly train and supervise them.
• Maintenance providers: Companies responsible for maintaining the truck may be liable if poor maintenance contributed to the crash.
• Loading companies: Improperly loaded cement can shift and affect the truck’s balance, leading to accidents.
• Third–party drivers: Another motorist’s actions may have contributed to or caused the crash.

How Do I Prove Negligence?

Negligence occurs when a truck driver causes an accident resulting in injury or death by failing to exercise reasonable care while driving. “Reasonable care” refers to how a cautious truck driver would have driven in the same situation.

To establish negligence, you must show that the cement truck driver’s failure to use reasonable care was a direct and proximate cause of the accident and the resulting harm.

Evidence that can help you do so may include accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction reports.

How Long Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Take?

There’s no fixed timeline for how long a truck accident lawsuit will take. Some cases are resolved in a matter of months, while others can take a year or more, depending on how complicated they are.

In general, the process moves faster when liability is clear, injuries are fully documented, and both sides are willing to negotiate in good faith. Delays tend to occur when the insurance company disputes who is at fault or the value of your claim.

Common Causes of Cement Truck Accidents in Chicago

Cement trucks present unique risks due to their size, weight, and the nature of their cargo. 

Common causes of cement truck accidents include:

• Driving while intoxicated
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driver inexperience
• Improper maintenance
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Defective design of the truck

Common Injuries in Cement Truck Accidents

Due to the sheer force involved, injuries in cement truck accidents are often severe.

Victims may suffer:

• Traumatic brain injuries: These can range from concussions to permanent brain damage.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones: High-impact crashes frequently cause fractures that require surgery.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening.
• Burn injuries: Fuel leaks or fires can cause severe burns.
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: These can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.
• Amputations: In extreme cases, limbs may be lost due to the severity of the crash.

What to Do After a Cement Truck Accident

The steps you take after a concrete truck accident can affect your ability to recover compensation.

You should:

• Call the police: An official report can serve as important evidence for your claim.
• Document the scene: Take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Gather information: Collect contact and insurance details from the truck driver and any other motorists involved in the crash.
• Seek medical attention: It’s important to see a doctor, even if your injuries don’t seem serious.
• Avoid admitting fault: Anything you say to other drivers or insurance adjusters could be used against you later.
• Contact a lawyer: A personal injury lawyer can help you start putting together a claim right away.

Talk to a Cement Truck Accident Attorney in Chicago

A truck accident can lead to costly medical bills and time off work. If you were injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault, a Chicago cement truck attorney from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., can handle your claim and work to obtain a fair settlement so you can focus on your recovery.

Schedule a free consultation to find out how you can get justice.