Mundelein, Illinois Truck Accident Attorney
Mundelein, IL 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
U.S. Route 45 in Mundelein, Illinois, is a vital roadway for commercial transportation, and it is frequently traveled by large trucks, including 18-wheelers. While these vehicles play a crucial role in delivering goods across the region, their size and weight make them a potential hazard for other drivers on the road. When accidents occur, victims will often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical and emotional challenges.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident on U.S. Route 45 or other roads or highways in Mundelein, it is imperative to have experienced legal representation. Kadzai Law Group, LLC has extensive experience handling truck accident and personal injury cases, and we are committed to ensuring that victims receive the compensation they need to address the effects of serious injuries.
The Various Types of Truck Accidents
- Rear-End Collisions: Due to the massive weight of 18-wheelers, it takes much longer for these trucks to come to a complete stop. When a truck driver is distracted, following too closely behind other vehicles, or unable to brake in time, a rear-end collision may occur. The impact of a rear-end collision with a large truck can crush the back of the smaller vehicle, causing severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.
- Jackknife Accidents: When the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out from behind the truck's cab, it may cause an accident and form an angle similar to the blade of a folding knife. These accidents typically happen when truck drivers lose control, often due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions. Once the trailer swings out, the truck can slide across multiple lanes of traffic, leading to multi-vehicle collisions. People affected may suffer severe injuries or even fatalities, as passenger vehicles caught in the path of the out-of-control truck may be crushed or forced off the road.
- Rollover Accidents: When a truck driver takes a turn too sharply, when the truck's cargo shifts unexpectedly, or when the driver loses control on slippery roads, the truck or its trailer may turn over. In a rollover, the truck may tip over onto its side or completely overturn, and cargo may be spilled onto the roadway. These accidents can cause devastating injuries to other motorists or pedestrians, as overturned trucks can crush nearby vehicles or block multiple lanes of traffic.
- Underride Accidents: These accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler, often during a sudden stop or rear-end collision. The roof of the passenger vehicle may be sheared off, resulting in catastrophic injuries or death for the vehicle's occupants. While federal regulations require trucks to have underride guards to prevent these types of accidents, not all trucks are equipped with these safety features, or the guards may be inadequately maintained.
The Impact of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents on Victims
Some of the most common injuries that occur in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Damage to the brain due to a blow to the head can lead to memory loss, cognitive impairments, and permanent neurological damage. Victims often require extensive rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.
- Spinal Cord: Damaged or severed nerves in the spine can lead to partial or complete paralysis, leaving victims unable to work or perform basic daily tasks and significantly diminishing a person's quality of life.
- Internal Injuries: Multiple organs may be damaged in a collision or a person may experience severe internal bleeding. These injuries often require immediate medical intervention.
- Burns: Injuries caused by fires or extreme heat can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement, which may require skin grafts and a prolonged recovery.
- Emotional Trauma: Truck accident victims may experience issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychological impact can affect a person's ability to return to work or engage in normal activities.
The financial burden of recovering from a truck accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages can quickly accumulate, leaving victims and their families struggling to cope. In cases involving severe injuries or death, the emotional toll can be devastating for surviving family members.
Contact Our Mundelein Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident in Mundelein, Kadzai Law Group, LLC will provide the trusted representation needed to ensure that you receive the compensation required to recover. Call 312-229-0050 today or contact us to schedule your free consultation. No fees will be charged unless we recover compensation for you.