Seeking Compensation for Commercial Truck Accident Injuries

 Posted on June 15, 2022 in Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks and other large commercial trucks allow goods to be shipped from one end of the country to the other and are vital to modern commerce. However, when large commercial trucks are involved in a crash, the results can be catastrophic. Large commercial truck accidents often result in severe injuries including brain and spine injuries, amputations, burns, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Truck accident victims that survive their injuries often require considerable medical care including ongoing rehabilitative treatment. The financial losses associated with a commercial truck crash can be massive, but truck accident victims and their families may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim.   

Legal Responsibility for Truck Accident Injuries

Countless factors can cause a large commercial truck crash. Sometimes, inadequate vehicle maintenance causes problems with the truck’s brakes, steering, or hydraulics which cause or contribute to a serious crash. Other times, the root cause of a truck accident is truck driver negligence. Truck drivers who are too fatigued to drive safely or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol can make deadly mistakes behind the wheel. Texting and driving and other forms of distracted driving are also major risk factors.

Improper loading and securement of truck freight can also lead to terrible accidents. When truck cargo is not packed on or in the truck securely, it can shift around and cause the truck to become unbalanced and hard to manage. Cargo may even fall off of the truck and onto the road. Motorists may collide with the fallen cargo or cause accidents trying to avoid colliding with the cargo.

Often, the legal responsibility for a truck accident ultimately falls to the truck company or carrier. The truck owner, truck driver, a manufacturing company, or another party may also be liable.

Damages for a Truck Crash Injury Claim

Truck crash victims may be able to pursue financial compensation for their damages. They may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses including emergency room and hospital treatment, diagnostic tests, surgery, medication, medical devices or equipment like wheelchairs, and future medical needs related to the crash such as physical therapy or nursing care

• Lost income including compensation for past and future missed work

• Reduced earning capacity caused by severe injuries or disabilities

• Vehicle repair or replacement and other property damage caused in the crash

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of enjoyment of life

• Mental anguish

In rare cases, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages. However, punitive damages are only awarded in cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm.

Contact a North Shore Truck Collision Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one were injured in a commercial truck wreck, you may be able to receive financial compensation for medical bills, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call the skilled Glenview personal injury attorneys at Gruzmark Law, Ltd. for help at 847-729-7660. Set up a free consultation today.

Source:

https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/courts/circuit-court/illinois-pattern-jury-instructions-civil/