Trucking Accidents

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2007 there were 17,024 accidents in Illinois involving trucks with semi-trailers, resulting in 2,390 injuries and 121 fatalities.  Trucking and commercial vehicle accidents often result in serious injuries or wrongful deaths because of several factors, including the vehicles' size and weight, the speeds at which vehicles on highways and interstates typically move, and the fact that trucks have limited mobility and vision. 

Causes of Trucking Accidents

Several factors commonly cause truck accidents.  In cases where multiple factors combine to cause an injury, catastrophic results can occur.  Some of the most common causes include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Driver fatigue
• Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
• Inexperienced or improperly trained driver
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Driver driving under the influence
• Oversized or overloaded vehicle
• Inadequate or poorly maintained safety equipment on vehicle
• Poorly maintained brakes

Strict Trucking Regulations

Trucks and other commercial vehicles involved in interstate traffic are governed by the strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which specify how commercial vehicles should be maintained, driven, and loaded.  An important requirement is that both drivers and their employers must keep detailed logbooks, including fuel receipts, maintenance records, and trip documentation for a specified period.  If an accident occurs involving a particular vehicle, all records pertaining to that vehicle must be preserved.  Unfortunately, however, trucking companies often illegally forge, alter, or destroy these documents after an accident.

Potential Recovery

Trucking accident victims may potentially recover damages from both the driver and the driver's employer.  For a discussion of the recoverable damages in a truck accident case, see the practice areas page of this website. 

There may be other additional avenues for recovery.  At Harrington, Thompson, Acker & Harrington, Ltd. (HTAH), we are also experienced products liability lawyers.  We will fully investigate each case, and if we believe accident was partially or completely caused by third party error such as a defective product, we will seek recovery from the manufacturer and/or mechanic who improperly made, installed, or maintained the item. 

Seek Experienced Representation

If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered a wrongful death in a trucking accident, it is important to consult with attorneys who are experienced in handling all aspects of these unique and complicated cases and who are passionate about recovering the maximum damages to which you might be entitled.  To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, contact HTAH today.