What Are Top Causes of Truck Accidents, and Who Is Liable?

 Posted on January 07, 2025 in Truck Accidents

With so many freight hubs in the area and as a major junction for cross-country travel routes, Chicago sees a lot of truck traffic daily. Unfortunately, Chicagoland also frequently sees truck accidents that cause traffic delays, injuries, and fatalities. Many times, truck drivers escape with minor wounds while other motorists suffer catastrophic injuries.

Why do truck accidents happen? Who pays your compensation claim if you are injured in a truck crash? Partner with an experienced Hyde Park, IL personal injury lawyer to maximize your compensation.

What Are the Top Reasons for Truck Crashes?

Many accidents happen due to a combination of factors, with more than one party potentially responsible. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Tire blowouts or faulty brakes

• Driver fatigue

• Shifting cargo

• Speeding or reckless driving

• Unfamiliarity with the area

Inclement weather, high winds, poor road conditions or poorly maintained roads, and limited visibility can also contribute to truck collisions.

Truckers are not the only drivers who can cause these crashes. For instance, motorists who do not realize that trucks need more time and space to stop may merge directly in front of a truck, assuming its driver will stop in time to avoid hitting them.

Most of the causes listed above are examples of negligent human errors, which could give you grounds to file a compensation claim. Potentially liable parties include drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, parts manufacturers, mechanics, other motorists, and even government entities responsible for road maintenance.

Are Truck Crashes Similar to Car Accidents?

Passenger cars can be involved in many kinds of collisions, but trucks can cause damage in different ways. Underride or override collisions, rollovers, and jackknifes are unique to massive trucks. Trucks have huge blind spots, which can make it impossible for truckers to see vehicles or other obstacles from inside them.

In some cases, the truck’s cargo spills onto roadways. The loose cargo can hit nearby cars or turn into roadway obstacles. Toxic substances may leak, causing fire hazards and respiratory issues.

While an average car weighs around 4,000 pounds, a fully loaded semi-truck can legally weigh 80,000 pounds. A truck’s enormous size can cause devastating property damage and injuries during a collision. Although passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers share some similarities, they are vastly different to operate and control.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Claim?

Although you could file your own claim, it is highly unlikely you will be able to collect enough compensation to cover all your eligible damages, which may include medical care costs, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering.

If you are pursuing a wrongful death claim because a family member lost her life in a truck accident, additional damages may be available. Your attorney will investigate your crash, identify the at-fault party or parties, accurately calculate your damages, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Contact a Dedicated Chicago, IL Truck Accident Lawyer

Do not accept less compensation than you are entitled to if a truck accident injury or death has impacted your life. Call Kadzai Law Group, LLC at 312-229-0050 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Hyde Park, IL personal injury attorney.