Negligent truckers and trucking companies can cause injuries in a number of different ways. If you’ve been injured in a Chicago semi-truck accident, the type of negligence may seem somewhat irrelevant. After all, you need to focus on the healing process as best as possible while dealing with missed wages and psychological trauma. But in terms of your personal injury lawsuit, the exact cause of the accident is important. Illinois is an “at-fault” state, which means that you must prove negligence if you want to receive a settlement. So what are the different types of trucking negligence in Chicago, and how might this affect your own lawsuit?
Drunk Driving
Perhaps the most obvious form of trucking negligence is drunk driving. Despite the fact that truckers are supposed to be professional drivers, this type of negligence is more common than you might think. Not only do many truckers drink before getting behind the wheel, but some also consume illicit substances. Truckers often try to justify consuming these drugs by claiming that their stimulating properties help them stay awake for longer. But many stimulants also have adverse effects that can impede a trucker’s ability to think clearly.
Fortunately, drunk driving can be easily detected by police officers using techniques such as field sobriety tests and technology like breathalyzer tests. This evidence is recorded by police on their reports, and you can use these reports as evidence when you file your personal injury lawsuit.
Unsecured Loads
Truckers often carry dangerous cargo. Sometimes, the cargo is inherently dangerous because it is radioactive, explosive, corrosive, toxic, or highly flammable. Crashes can cause this cargo to spill out or permeate through the air, causing additional injuries for individuals stuck in wreckage. In the case of explosive or flammable material, these secondary accidents can be fatal.
In other situations, cargo is dangerous because of the way it has been packed or loaded. This cargo can fall off the back of a truck on a highway or during a crash, causing serious hazards for nearby motorists. On December 14th, it was reported that multiple cars had been struck by unspecified debris after a semi-truck crash near Chicago. The debris flew across Kennedy Expressway after a semi-truck smashed into a wall, causing serious damage and a number of flat tires. If the chunks of debris had been larger, injuries could have easily occurred.
Rushing to Meet Schedules
The trucking industry incentivices truckers to drive as quickly as possible. This is because most are paid based on how many journeys they can complete within a given amount of time. When truckers start to rush to meet difficult schedules, the chances of crashes goes through the roof. They may stay up for over 12 hours without sleeping. They may also start to drive recklessly, ignoring speed limits and other rules of the road. If you can prove that a trucker failed to take regular breaks and was rushing unreasonably, you can hold them accountable for negligence.
Demanding schedules may also cause truckers to drive through adverse conditions when they should get off the road and wait for the weather to clear up. On December 22nd, it was reported that a semi-truck had struck a man walking on a road during an intense winter storm in Gurnee, Illinois. This pedestrian was out on the road because he had just crashed his car due to the slippery conditions. Fortunately, the man survived.
Road Rage
Road rage is common among truckers. This is another result of their busy, demanding schedules. In some cases, truckers may drive aggressively. Sometimes, this can even lead to violent situations. On December 29th of 2022, it was reported that a semi-truck crash had resulted in shots being fired. A collision between a Dodge Challenger and a semi-truck caused a dispute in Chicago. The occupants of the Challenger then got out and began firing at people nearby – including a bystander who was approaching the crash to offer help.
Where Can I Find a Reliable Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in Chicago?
If you’ve been searching the Chicago area for a reliable semi-truck accident attorney, look no further than Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. We know that semi-trucks can cause injuries in a number of different ways, and we’re ready to hold these negligent parties accountable regardless of your unique circumstances. Book a consultation today, and we can assess your situation before recommending the best course of action. From there, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, emotional distress, and any other damage you might have incurred. Get in touch today and get started.
Sources
- https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-shooting-crash-south-loop-semi-truck/12627146/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/truck-crash-tri-state-tollway-gurnee/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/semi-truck-crash-kennedy-expressway/
Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.
(312) 384-1920
221 North LaSalle, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
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