Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Rockford

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Rockford police station is 815-966-2900.

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

  Copies of police reports for truck accidents can be obtained by mail or in person from the Rockford Police Department's Records Center Division at District 3 Headquarters 557 S. New Towne Drive Rockford, IL 61108. You can also request an accident report online through the LexisNexis Police Reports website, which is typically ready within 24 hours of its completion.

• What tactics do insurance companies employ to reduce the worth of a big rig truck accident claim in Rockford that the average victim must identify and avoid?

  Insurance carriers call victims and record conversations and try to trick victims into claiming some responsibility for the accident in Rockford. They also offer quick and low settlements, deny personal injury claims, or threaten victims with litigation. Insurers can also accuse victims of filing fraudulent claims.

• What are the most common types of truck accidents in Rockford?

  The most common types of truck accidents in Rockford include an override truck crash, which occurs when a truck driver fails to stop and runs over a smaller vehicle in front of him. A Jackknife crash happens when the tractor-trailer of a truck pushes the front towing vehicle to one side. Rollover accidents are caused by traveling at unsafe speeds and turning too quickly.

• What are the most common physical injuries reported following truck accidents in Rockford?

  The most common injuries reported following a truck accident in Rockford include spine damage and other back injuries, which can lead to total or partial paralysis and require the help of a caregiver or the use of mobility devices. Traumatic brain injuries and organ damage are also common consequences of truck accidents.

• What pieces of evidence should Rockford truck accident victims gather to determine how the accident occurred and who is liable?

  Victims who have the capacity to move following a truck accident can take photos of injuries, road debris, and vehicle damage involved. They can also ask for the names and contact information of witnesses to the accident and the names of the responding officers. A legal team can collect evidence on behalf of individuals who have sustained serious injuries.

• What are some instances in which a victim may be qualified to file lawsuits against multiple parties for injuries sustained in a Rockford truck accident?

  Victims may be able to sue more than one party when an accident is caused by a truck driver’s error, such as distracted or aggressive driving, as the trucking company is also responsible through the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. Truck owners and manufacturers of defective truck parts could also be responsible for damages if they both knew about the defect and failed to have it repaired on time.

• 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.