Each year in Illinois there are about 5,500 non-fatal truck accidents, and close to 200 fatal ones. (Source: the Center for National Truck and Bus Statistics). In fact, one of every eight traffic fatalities involves a semi truck. Not surprisingly, most deaths that occur in these accidents are the passengers of the automobiles.
Illinois Law and Truck Driver Responsibility
Truck and bus litigation involves claims against negligent truck and bus drivers as well as the companies who hire them. Under Illinois Law, a driver of a truck or bus is considered to have an even greater standard of care than other drivers because of the injuries that their large vehicles usually cause. Collisions caused by a truck and bus driver negligence can lead to the most catastrophic injuries on the road.
In general, truck and bus negligence falls into two categories: driver error and vehicle maintenance failure. The most common cause of driver error is fatigue, which can cause clouded judgment, drowsiness, and falling asleep at the wheel. Driver error can also be due to inexperience, improper driver training and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (whether prescription or illegal).
Truck and Bus Accident Causes
Other common causes of truck and bus accidents include:
- Overloaded trucks;
- Oversized trucks;
- Driving in conditions of poor visibility due to fog, snow, or rain;
- Truck or bus driver inexperience;
- Speeding;
- Failure to yield the right of way;
- Aggressive driving behavior;
Truck and Bus Companies Work to Avoid Lawsuits
Because truck and bus companies, and the insurance companies that represent them, realize the likelihood of major lawsuits when their vehicles are involved in an collision, they quickly gather evidence and experts to start preparing their case. Within a few hours those companies are already at work on your case, building a case against you before you ever speak with an attorney, much less have an investigation started on your behalf against the negligent truck or bus driver.
Survivors of collisions with tractor-trailer trucks and buses often require a lifetime of care due to traumatic injuries, including traumatic brain injury, paralysis; spinal cord injury; back injury; broken bones; and loss of limbs. In addition, there are lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and medical expenses.
Lawyers on YOUR Side When You've been Injured in a Truck Crash
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck or bus collision, it is imperative that you speak with lawyers who are experienced at investigating, litigating and winning complex truck and bus crash cases. The attorneys at Baizer Kolar & Lewis P.C. have that experience and will vigorously protect your interests. We will fight the insurance companies to get you the most you deserve.
Contact the attorneys at Chicago's Baizer Kolar & Lewis P.C. for free consultation to discuss your truck or bus injury-related case.
