Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Cicero, IL

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Cicero Police Department is (708) 652-2130.

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

  You can print a copy of the police report by accessing the Cicero Police Department's Citizens Online Police Reporting System at https://thetownofcicero.com/report/.

• What are the most dangerous roads and intersections in Cicero?

  Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Illinois, where Cicero is located, are as follows: ROADS

  • Stevenson Expressway
  • Dan Ryan Expressway
  • Kennedy Expressway
  • Eisenhower Expressway
  • Elgin O’Hare Tollway, Renamed Illinois Route 390 INTERSECTIONS:
  • Belmont and Kedzie
  • Cicero and I-55
  • Irving Park, Cicero, and Milwaukee
  • North, Damen, and Milwaukee
  • Stony Island, 79th, and South Chicago

• What are the common causes of car accidents in Cicero?

  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents in Cicero occur when drivers do not use alternative transportation after drinking, engage in aggressive behavior behind the wheel, fail to rest before operating a vehicle, and get distracted while driving. Drivers impaired by illegal and prescription drugs also contribute to car accidents in the area.

• What is the statute of limitations for car accidents in Cicero?

  The statute of limitations for car accidents in Cicero is two years. A lawsuit should be filed within two years from the date of the accident. However, the statute of limitations may be extended if the victim was legally disabled or a minor at the time of the accident, if the injuries were discovered later, or if the defendant left the state.

• Should you admit fault after a car accident in Cicero?

  No, you should not admit fault at the scene of a car accident in Cicero. Even if you think you were responsible for the accident, you should never accept fault because it's more likely that the other party was also at fault. If you admit liability, the other party may use it against you in future arbitrations, deliberations, and hearings. It is advisable to let your lawyer handle the situation.

• What damages can be recovered after a car accident in Cicero?

  The damages that can be recovered after a car accident in Cicero are economic losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages. A plaintiff may also claim for non-economic losses, including lost consortium and enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Additionally, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant was judged to have engaged in deliberate or willful misconduct.

• 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.