Trucks are responsible for transporting an enormous amount of cargo on a daily basis. As these vehicles travel the thoroughfares and highways in and around Arlington Heights, they can cause serious harm to motorists if they become negligent in their duties.
A truck accident lawyer in Arlington Heights can help you take action if you’ve been wrongfully injured by a negligent truck driver. Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. has extensive experience handling these intricate cases and recovering results for our clients.
With the help of an Arlington Heights personal injury lawyer, you can be confident that your claim is submitted properly and that you aren’t leaving money behind. With 75 years of combined experience, we are equipped to effectively fight for you and protect your interests.
Truck Accidents Often Cause Severe Injuries
Trucks weigh thousands of pounds and can cause immense harm when they collide with a smaller vehicle. Cars can’t withstand the force of impact and weight of a truck and are more likely to sustain severe injuries, many of which may cause long-term or permanent damage.
Injuries commonly caused by collisions with large trucks include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Chest and rib injuries
- Organ damage and internal bleeding
- Burn injuries
- Paralysis
- Disabilities
- Death
It’s important to know what common injuries are in Arlington Heights truck accidents, so you can get the care you need for your injuries.
Swift medical attention can make all the difference in your prognosis, as doctors work diligently to limit further damage. Keep records of your initial care, as well as ongoing and projected medical expenses.
What Parties May Be Held Liable for Truck Accidents in Arlington Heights
Multiple parties can be held accountable for causing accidents when it comes to truck collisions. This is because multiple parties are responsible for executing transportation activities.
The increase in liable parties also makes these cases more confusing and overwhelming than a car accident. This is why hiring a truck accident attorney in Arlington Heights is critical to a successful outcome.
They will investigate the details of the accident to ascertain the cause. Generally, truck drivers are at fault since they have the greatest level of control over what happens on the road, as well as maintaining a safe stopping distance. However, truck companies can also be at fault for failing to properly train drivers, enforce safety standards, federal regulations, or hours of service for their drivers.
Liability can also extend to other parties. For example, cargo loaders are responsible for properly securing and balancing cargo, and negligence in this area could cause a truck driver to cause an accident.
Similarly, mechanics and manufacturers are responsible for ensuring safe mechanical parts, and poor maintenance or defective parts can endanger truck drivers and motorists.
Establishing Liability Holds At-Fault Parties Accountable
To hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions and make sure you are compensated for your losses, you will need to establish their role in the accident.
Until their fault is factually acknowledged, your case cannot be resolved. With our extensive legal knowledge and skill, the team at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. gathers evidence and uses it to establish the standard of negligence, which includes:
- Duty of care: Like all other individuals, the party in question had a responsibility to ensure safety in every action.
- Breach of duty: When the applicable party intentionally or carelessly neglects to act with caution, they put others in danger.
- Causation: These actions caused or contributed to a truck accident that harmed one or more individuals.
- Damages: With their fault established, the at-fault party must provide you with compensation to cover all applicable damages that they caused.
Trucking companies will often try to avoid taking responsibility for their actions by placing the blame on you or taking other actions to get out of paying what you deserve.
However, a skilled lawyer can build a strong case that ensures that these parties are held accountable for their part in the accident and that they do not treat you unfairly.
An Arlington Heights Truck Accident Attorney Will Evaluate Your Losses and Negotiate Compensation
Truck accident victims are often unprepared for the steep costs that they will face after a collision. This can create significant stress at a time when rest and recovery are most important.
To lift this burden from your shoulders, a lawyer will help you negotiate fair compensation to recover your losses through a personal injury claim. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover these or other losses:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Loss of wages or overall earning capacity
- Expenses to replace or repair your vehicle and belongings
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- PTSD and emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and/or consortium
When determining how much you may be able to recover, several factors are taken into consideration. Your specific losses, their extent and severity, insurance considerations, and shared fault are all variables in truck accident claims. As such, it is important to work closely with a lawyer to gain an accurate estimate of how much your case is worth.
The Illinois Statute of Limitations Can Impact Your Settlement
Another important factor that can impact your ability to recover your losses is the statute of limitations. Illinois law 735 ILCS 5/2-1116 only allows individuals a two-year window to take legal action.
If you wait too long to start your claim, you may not have enough time to resolve your case fully. If you fail to take action altogether, you could assume the value of your expenses. Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Today
An Arlington Heights truck accident lawyer from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. is your strongest ally when you’re trying to navigate the confusion and complexities of a truck accident claim.
We are here to protect you and your family so you do not suffer further because of another person’s actions. Be sure to schedule a free consultation with our firm today to discuss your case, options, and how we can serve you.
