Truck accidents are common on the roads in Illinois, and they can occur very suddenly. Many times, drivers of smaller vehicles are left with serious injuries without even knowing how the truck accident happened. It is true that the cause of an accident is not always easily identifiable, and it often requires an extensive investigation. An experienced personal injury attorney can conduct this investigation and collect evidence to help you claim the full compensation you deserve. Below are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Illinois.
Drowsy Driving
Truck drivers must meet very tight shipping deadlines, and to do that, they need to be on the road as much as possible. Federal regulations outline the hours of service during which a truck driver can remain on the road, as well as when they must take breaks. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore that rule in order to meet their deadlines. Other times, a trucking company may actually offer incentives for drivers to ignore those rules. When this happens, truck drivers can become fatigued and make mistakes that result in an accident.
Impaired Driving
For many, it is unfathomable that anyone would drive while impaired, much less the driver of a commercial truck. Unfortunately, truck drivers do sometimes get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, perhaps even thinking that these substances will help them stay awake. Impaired driving is always very dangerous and reckless behavior. When truck drivers engage in this behavior, it causes some of the worst truck accidents.
Speeding
Trucks are very heavy vehicles, and they take much longer to slow down and come to a full stop than passenger cars. This means that when truck drivers speed, they often do not have the amount of distance necessary to stop without crashing into a vehicle in front of them. Speed does not only cause truck accidents, but it also impacts the severity of accidents and the injuries sustained as a result.
Improper Inspection and Maintenance of Trucks
Many people assume the truck driver is the one at fault for a crash, but this is not always true. Trucking companies are required to inspect their trucks regularly and to perform regular maintenance and repair when needed. In an effort to cut costs and take a shortcut, some trucking companies do not comply with these rules. When this is the case, a part of the truck may be defective and cause a crash.
Improper Loading
Truck drivers are not always the ones to load and unload their vehicle. Sometimes, another company is responsible for this job. When cargo is not loaded onto a truck properly, it can shift during transport, and that can throw the entire truck off balance. An unbalanced truck can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and become involved in a very serious accident.
Contact a Crystal Lake, IL Truck Crash Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, our passionate McHenry County personal injury lawyers can assist with your case. At Botto Gilbert Lancaster, PC, our experienced attorneys know how to conduct an investigation to discover the cause of your accident, and we will help you hold the liable party accountable for paying the maximum damages you deserve. Contact us today at 815-338-3838 to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
https://cms8.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations