Elgin Truck Accident Lawyer
Most commercial truck drivers are responsible motorists who take the rules of the road very seriously. Unfortunately, there are also many truck drivers and trucking companies that do not.
When you or someone you care about is involved in a truck accident, the consequences can be devastating, in terms of both your health and finances. Trucks are large vehicles, and when they collide with smaller passenger cars or motorcycles, serious injuries and substantial damage to property may result.
As a victim, it is important that you understand your rights and get the justice you deserve. The commercial trucking industry can be difficult to take on, but with an Elgin truck accident lawyer on your side, you can even the playing field and ensure that your rights as a victim are honored. Contact a distinguished Elgin injury attorney today to begin your case for compensation.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
To protect the wellbeing of truckers and other motorists, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes numerous regulations on the trucking industry.
These safety standards exist to reduce the number of accidents involving commercial trucks, but as mentioned above, many companies and drivers choose to overlook them. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Elgin include:
- Driver fatigue
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Overloading
- Speeding
- Subpar driver training
It is the responsibility of the truck company to ensure that their drivers adhere to the FMCSA regulations and the trucks they drive meet the required standards. It is also the truck company’s responsibility to ensure that all their drivers are properly trained to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Truck drivers and companies are often on tight schedules, and to meet these schedules, many companies and drivers choose to ignore safety regulations and general traffic laws. Skirting the rules can result in serious accidents.
Establishing Responsibility
After a truck accident, victims often wonder who to hold responsible. Most people place the majority of the blame on the driver; but in reality, there can be numerous parties directly and indirectly responsible. With the help of an Elgin truck accident lawyer, a person may be able to hold the following parties culpable:
- Truck owner
- Trucking company
- Also, a maintenance company
- Loading company
- Shipper
- Lastly, truck manufacturer
If a mechanical failure on the truck caused the accident mechanical, then a victim may certainly choose to target the claim against manufacturer; or maintenance company. These entities have a major responsibility to ensure that the trucks they are charged with producing or maintaining are safe and meet all highway safety standards.
Compensation
After a truck accident, many individuals find themselves wondering how to make ends meet. The numerous medical bills can definitely take a financial toll. If a victim sustains serious injuries, they may not be able to return to work until fully recovered.
A victim shouldn’t have to shoulder the full cost of their recovery while the trucking company gets off the hook. Victims should speak with an Elgin truck accident lawyer about demanding compensation for their suffering, medical expenses, and damage.
It is important to avoid speaking with the insurance company of the responsible party after an accident. Their primary goal is to get the victim to settle for the least amount of money possible. An injured individual should remember to keep detailed records of their medical visits following an accident. Remember to speak to the insurance company with a lawyer present.
Consult With an Elgin Truck Accident Attorney
If you need the help of an Elgin truck accident attorney, do not hesitate to contact right away. Truck accident attorneys in Elgin have extensive experience dealing with trucking companies, and they will not stop working for you. Contact us today to discuss your case in detail with a legal professional.