Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Aurora, IL

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Aurora, Illinois?

  The local contact number of the Aurora, Illinois Police Department for non-emergency dispatch is (630) 256-5900. Its main number is (630) 256-5000. People can also email tips@northaurora.org to report an encounter that does not pose an imminent threat or immediate potential for extreme property damage.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Aurora, Illinois?

  You can obtain a copy of a police report of an accident by requesting it from the Records Division of the Aurora Police Department, 1200 East Indian Trail Road. According to the local government's website, it also utilizes NextRequest to accept and process public records requests. These types of transactions may require additional fees before acquiring the requested document.

• How long does it take to get compensation in Aurora for a truck accident?

  In general, a truck accident settlement case involves a rigorous process that can take three months to two years, depending on the fatality of the situation. The length of a personal injury claim is affected by factors such as the type of accident, gravity of the injuries, gathered evidence, defendant, and whether the liable party accepts or denies their accountability. In Illinois, insurance companies have no less than 45 days to acknowledge, settle a claim, and make payment.

• Are there any special laws that apply to truck accidents in Aurora?

  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was established by the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 in Aurora and all of Illinois. FMCSA aims to lower truck and bus accidents that cause injuries and casualties by enforcing trucking regulations. It administers restrictions in aspects such as size and weight limits, vehicular registration, hours of service, inspections, insurance, hazardous materials, and alcohol and drug testing of drivers.

• What should a person look for when hiring a truck accident lawyer in Aurora?

  When looking for a truck accident attorney in Aurora, some of the information an individual must consider is years of practice, extensive trial and dispute experience, a history of handling truck accident cases, client testimonials, and upfront costs. Having an adept truck accident lawyer who can provide legal advice and representation in settlement claims and trials can help get fair maximum compensation from liable parties and insurance companies.

• Can a victim get a pain and suffering settlement in Aurora without a lawyer?

  Getting a pain and suffering settlement is possible since the person may represent themself. However, without a lawyer, the process may be burdensome to undergo and may not conclude into a fair agreement that extensively compensates a person for the non-economic damages they received. An experienced Aurora truck accident attorney can assist the plaintiff in proving the value of the losses based on calculated and documented records.

• What should you do after a truck accident in Aurora?

  The steps that a person needs to undertake after a truck accident in Aurora are the following:

  • Immediately check for injuries on those involved in the accident.
  • Call the police.
  • Seek medical attention.
  • Contact the insurance company and file a report.
  • Gather significant information such as the driver's name, license details, trucker's company, and contact information.
  • Take pictures of the scene of an accident for evidence on the case.
  • Get an attorney.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.