CHICAGO, IL – There are many factors that contribute to car and trucking accidents, such as weather, equipment failure, poor vehicle maintenance, among other factors. Many car accidents that involve semi’s or tractor trailers occur for the following reasons:
- Rollovers are the most common type of trucking accident. Rollers occur when a driver loses control of his truck and begins to slide sideways, in which any obstruction can cause a rollover such as a curb, guardrail, uneven ground, or another car. Trucks that make too sharp of turns also run the risk of rolling over. The severity of truck rollovers are high, and have high fatality rates.
- Malfunctioning brakes or an error in a trucks braking system can result in catastrophic or fatal crashes. Most trucks have air brakes which are designed to stop a truck in roughly 100 feet when traveling at a speed of 34-40 mph. When a malfunction or error in the brake system occurs, it can become a very dangerous scenario for all drivers on the road. Even when pumping the breaks, it’s important to remember these 80,000 pound vehicles can be deadly.
- Tire blowouts are also a common cause of trucking accidents, as the wear and tear on these vehicles is extremely high from the long distances traveled. The truck’s load and the distance traveled will have an effect on the tires.
- Overloaded cargo is a result of a truck that has been loaded with over-capacity weight. Truck drivers are expected to meet very tight deadlines, and may push this by over-loading their truck with material meant for multiple drives. When trucks overload cargo, the weight begins to be too heavy to manage, which can result in an accident.
- Falling debris occurs when trucks are loaded improperly, which can cause cargo to be lost during transit, which can cause an accident. Trucks are responsible for loading and securing cargo properly so that nothing falls on the highway.
- Blind spots can cause accidents, as truck drivers have many. If you’re unable to see the truck driver in the side mirror, they cannot see you – whether you’re on the right or left side of the truck. Do not follow too close to a truck, as this is also a blind spot.
- Swinging turns is when a truck causes a collision while turning. Swinging turn accidents can happen when a truck swings left to make a right turn, when a truck makes too wide of a turn, or squeezing cars beside the truck by not turning wide enough.
If you’re involved in a truck accident in Illinois:
For drivers who are involved in a collision with a truck, or caused by a truck, you should first determine if anyone at the scene needs to seek medical attention. Truck accidents are normally very serious, and the appropriate medical attention should be provided to all necessary parties.
Avoid talking to a truck company without the presence of an experienced Illinois truck accident attorney. More than likely, the truck company will try to negotiate a settlement; however, without a knowledgeable attorney, you could be cheated out of the full cost for your injuries, damage, and compensation for lost wages.
At Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., we understand how trucking companies and their insurance providers operate, and we refuse to settle for any offer that is unjust. Our attorney’s have represented and fought for the rights of our clients that have been affected by a trucking accident, who will use their experience to win your case.
Contact a Chicago- based truck accident attorney today for a free consultation at (312) 384-1920.
Address:
221 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
