Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Joliet, IL

FAQs

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

  Residents can call the Joliet Police Department at 815-726-2491 for non-emergency situations.

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

  The Records Section of the Joliet Police Department provides copies of police reports for truck accidents in Joliet. It is staffed by a civilian supervisor, civilian employees, and a sworn Technical Services Sergeant.

• What can Joliet truck accident victims do to protect their rights following a collision?

  The first thing that truck accident victims in Joliet must do is to report the accident to the police and file a police report. They can take videos or photos of the accident scene and get the contact information of witnesses because their testimony may be important to their personal injury cases. Seeking medical treatment is also advised, even if the victims have only minor injuries.

• What are the non-economic damages that can be awarded to victims of truck accidents in Joliet?

  People injured in truck accidents in Joliet can seek non-monetary damages such as loss of consortium, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Typically, the amount of compensation received by injured victims for these types of losses is directly proportional to the severity of their injuries. Because some conditions do not manifest immediately, truck accident victims are advised to keep documents relating to their injuries and treatment.

• Why are commercial truck black boxes important in the personal injury cases of Joliet tractor-trailer accident victims?

  Truck black boxes are crucial to resolving the personal injury claims of truck accident victims in Joliet because these boxes contain the hours driven, the speed at which a vehicle was driven, and other issues with the truck during the collision. Victims must seek help from truck accident attorneys to retrieve this valuable evidence because federal regulations allow trucking companies to start destroying paperwork as early as six months after the crash.

• Is it mandatory for truck accident victims in Joliet to speak with police at the scene of the accident?

  Joliet residents injured in truck accidents are not obligated to speak with the police on the scene of the accident without the presence of an attorney. On the other hand, cooperating with the police is recommended because the police are a neutral party. Injured victims must provide only facts because lying jeopardizes their chance of receiving maximum compensation.

• Why are truck accidents common in urban areas, like Joliet?

  Truck accidents are frequent in Joliet because three interstates pass through the city, including 80, 355, and 55. Joliet is the third-largest city in Illinois, which means the area sees a lot of truck traffic, which increases the risk of a motor vehicle accident. Accidents involving a fully loaded truck, which weighs up to 80,000 pounds, often result in fatal injuries or death.

• 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.