Being involved in an accident with a large truck, whether you are a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorist, the odds are stacked against you. The average SUV weighs around six-thousand pounds – the average 18-wheel semi-tractor-trailer weighs approximately 35,000 pounds when it’s empty and 80,000 pounds, or 40 tons when it’s fully loaded. When that truck is headed down the highway, moving along at 55 mph, it takes a minimum of 200 yards (the length of two football fields) to come to a complete stop.
Unlike the rules of the road, which are often bent and broken without serious consequences, the laws of physics are not flexible. The sheer size and weight of these massive vehicles make them inherently dangerous when they are involved in a collision. Large truck accidents often cause fatalities or leave accident victims with serious, horrific, life-altering injuries.
Urban And Suburban Truck Accidents
Trucks perform all sorts of delivery services throughout the cities and suburbs here in northern Illinois, and most semi-tractor-trailer and large truck operators are highly trained, skilled drivers. However, every driver must start his career sometime, and inexperienced drivers make mistakes. Even seasoned operators become distracted or may try to push themselves, or their rig, to the limit when trying to make a delivery deadline.
Catastrophic, large truck accidents most often occur on the interstates and major highways surrounding the cities and suburbs. However, that doesn’t mean you’re not at risk of being involved in an accident with a truck while you’re walking or driving down your street close to home. Serious collisions, sometimes involving pedestrians or bicyclists, do occur within our heavily populated urban and suburban areas. Oftentimes, these types of accidents are due to the truck driver not being able to see someone crossing in front or behind their vehicle.
What Should You Do When You Involved In A Truck Crash
The first and most important step you should take when you’re involved in any type of truck or car accident is call 911. Even if you think you’re not seriously injured, it’s important to still be assessed by medical personnel.
Local authorities should also arrive at the same time as medical personnel. While you’re being assessed for injuries, they will collect a variety of evidence from the scene and open up a police report for the crash. This includes but is not limited to the following items:
- Photographs of property damage that occurred on the scene
- Testimonies of all drivers involved and witnesses to the crash
- A sketch of the accident
- License, insurance and registration information from all parties
- Proof that the driver is employed by a commercial trucking company
If you’re not facing serious injuries, you or your passengers should begin gathering some of the above evidence while you wait for authorities to arrive. Obtaining photographs of the scene, insurance, trucking licenses and company information from any commercial drivers involved can help you later as you file your insurance claim.
Unfortunately insurance companies don’t always offer a fair settlement when you file alone. To prevent further pain and suffering from this process, it’s important to have a personal injury attorney who is well-versed in motor vehicle and large truck accidents. They will make sure you as well as any family members involved in the crash will be compensated for medical expenses, repairs to your vehicle, lost work wages and more.
Consult With Dedicated Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers In Joliet
If you or someone you care about has recently been involved in a large truck accident, one of the best things you can do is call us as soon as possible. Our firm will give you access to experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers in Joliet who are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
There is no question that truck accidents usually cause significant injuries. If you fail to hire a large truck accident attorney who understands these types of cases, you may accept a settlement that won’t provide everything you need going forward.
There are many expenses you may not even have thought of – things like medical bills for rehabilitation, therapy, long-term care, as well as lost wages. You have already suffered injury due to the accident, don’t allow your financial future to fall victim as well.
If you’re looking to file a semi truck accident lawsuit and need reliable representation, look no further than Block, Klukas Manzella & Shell, P.C. to help you with your case. As one of the most aggressive and trusted personal injury law firms near Joliet, Illinois, we’ve represented a variety of urban and suburban truck accident cases.
Don’t put yourself through any more stress after experiencing such a traumatic event. You need to be represented by someone who is going to fight around the clock to get you the compensation you and your family rightfully deserve.
Our Large Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you hire us, our primary goal is to protect your rights and provide you with the aggressive representation you need. Ultimately, this can help you achieve a positive outcome and the most compensation possible.
Our team of highly experienced large truck accident attorneys will comb through the details of your case to make sure all related expenses are covered.
If you are ready to hire legal representation, or even if you aren’t sure yet, call our legal team and speak with one of our large truck accident lawyers serving the areas of Joliet, Mokena, New Lenox, Lockport, and Plainfield. We are here to help and serve you by providing you with the quality legal services you need.
Let’s take a look at your case before you go through a lawsuit alone. Schedule your free consultation to have our attorneys look at your case today!
