Tractor-trailer crashes are among the deadliest, often because of the sheer size and weight difference between a commercial vehicle and a standard passenger car. If you’ve been involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler or another large commercial vehicle, a Joliet truck accident lawyer can help.
The majority of truck accidents in Illinois are the result of human error. Our law firm, Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, understands the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a wreck, which is why we believe it’s important to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.
You deserve the compensation you need to recover, and our truck accident attorneys in Joliet are prepared to help you file a claim to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.
Why Truck Accidents Happen in Joliet
With Interstate 80 and Interstate 55 running through Joliet, there are always tractor-trailers on the road.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 299,133 accidents on the road throughout the state in 2023. Out of that number, 1,845 of these incidents involved a truck.
To determine who is responsible for your truck accident, we need to start by figuring out the cause.
In general, there are three factors that can potentially cause an accident:
Driver-Related Factors
Truck drivers are often on the road for long hours. Because of that, they may get bored, distracted, tired, or anxious. When a trucker isn’t focused on the road in front of them 100% of the time, there’s a chance a trucking accident can occur.
Your Joliet truck accident attorney will review the company logbooks and data recorder or black box information to determine what happened if you believe that a trucker’s actions caused your crash.
Environmental-Related Factors
The larger a vehicle is, the higher its center of gravity. This makes a tractor-trailer harder to control in inclement weather or other less-than-ideal road conditions. If, for example, a trucker is speeding on the highway when they hit a patch of black ice, they may lose control of the vehicle.
Depending on the direction the truck goes in, there’s a chance the vehicle could roll over.
In addition to snow and ice, other environmental factors include wet roads, loose gravel, potholes, road debris, and fog. All of those conditions have the potential of making it harder for a trucker to see or control their vehicle.
Vehicle-Related Factors
Tractor-trailers require regular maintenance. This means that prior to being driven, a truck should be inspected for potential issues with the tires, brakes, steering mechanism, windshield wipers, lights, and more. In the event something is wrong, the trucker or trucking company needs to ensure the vehicle is fixed so it’s roadworthy. Semi-trucks also need to be inspected once a trip is complete to determine if anything has happened over the course of the trip that needs to be repaired.
To determine the cause of your tractor-trailer wreck, we’ll consult accident reconstructionists and other truck accident experts. Your Joliet truck accident lawyer and those other credentialed professionals will be able to use the evidence compiled to determine the primary factor that contributed to your crash.
Once we know the cause of your accident, your Joliet truck accident attorney can begin connecting that to the legal concept of negligence and value your claim.
Who Could Be Responsible for Your Truck Accident?
Truck crash cases often involve more than just the driver. In fact, several different parties may share responsibility. Identifying them is key to getting the compensation you deserve.
Potential liable parties could include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Mechanics
- Auto product manufacturers
If cargo was loaded incorrectly or beyond legal weight limits, the freight company might also share blame. In rare cases, even government agencies could be liable for unsafe road conditions.
At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we take the time to investigate every detail of your case. Our team works with industry experts to uncover who’s responsible and build a strong claim on your behalf. Let us help you pursue every path to recovery.
Am I Entitled to Compensation If I’m Hurt in a Joliet Truck Crash?
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Joliet, and you can prove that the driver or trucking company acted recklessly, you could be entitled to compensation such as:
Economic Damages
Recovering compensation for actual financial losses suffered as a result of the injury, such as the following, is a possibility:
- Reimbursement for medical expenses related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and therapy
- Compensation for the income lost due to taking time off work to recover
- If the injury has long-term or permanent effects on your earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for the reduction in your wages
Noneconomic Damages
Non-economic damages may be recoverable for losses that do not have a direct financial impact but affect your quality of life. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Damage awards for the physical pain and emotional suffering as a result of the incident
- Recoverable expenses for the psychological harm resulting from the crash, including anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles
Punitive Damages
While rarely awarded, when they are, punitive damages can punish a negligent party for their misconduct or recklessness.
You may not be eligible for all of the above-referenced types of monetary awards. That’s why it’s best to consult with our legal team at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP to find out what type of compensation you may specifically qualify for in your Illinois trucking accident case.
Trucking Companies Act Fast and So Do You
In the aftermath of a truck accident, you can expect the trucking company and its insurer to begin damage control almost immediately. Their investigators may be at the crash scene within hours.
You might get a call from an insurance adjuster offering a quick settlement or asking for a recorded statement. These are not gestures of goodwill; they are strategic moves designed to protect the company’s bottom line.
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers, adjusters, and experts whose sole job is to limit their liability. That’s why you need someone in your corner who knows how to push back. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we understand the urgency these cases demand. From preserving black box data and maintenance logs to securing eyewitness statements and crash reports, we move quickly to protect your claim.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, don’t wait to get legal guidance. The longer you delay, the more evidence may be lost or manipulated. Let our experienced Joliet truck accident lawyer level the playing field and make sure your rights and your future are fully protected.
Steps To Take After a Semi-Truck Wreck in Illinois
The steps you take immediately following a truck accident play a crucial role in your personal injury claim. It’s important to know what to do to protect yourself and anyone else involved in the trucking accident.
- Stay at the scene: Remain at the crash site and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If possible, call 911, even if others may have already done so.
- Do not move if seriously injured: If you suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury, remain still until emergency responders arrive.
- Document the scene: If you’re able to move safely, take photos or video of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. This evidence can help your attorney reconstruct the crash.
- Exchange information: Get the truck driver’s name, contact details, employer, and insurance information. Also, gather details about the trucking company that owns or operates the vehicle.
- Seek medical attention promptly: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and medical records will support your claim.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer: Once you’ve received medical care and gathered initial information, reach out to a Joliet truck accident attorney. We’ll explain your legal options and begin building your case right away.
Once things have settled, you’ll want to contact a truck collision attorney in Joliet. When you contact us, we’ll begin reviewing your situation and explaining your legal options and rights to you.
FAQs About Joliet Truck Accident Claims
Here are the answers to your truck accident questions in Joliet.
What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as you are less than 51% at fault, you may still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Illinois?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Can I file a claim if the truck driver was never ticketed or arrested?
Yes. A police citation is helpful but not required. Civil liability is a separate matter, and a thorough investigation can uncover negligence even if no criminal charges were filed.
Do I need to speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
No. It’s best to let your attorney handle all communication with the trucking company and their insurer. Anything you say could be used to minimize or deny your claim.
What if the trucking company denies responsibility?
That’s common and exactly why you need a skilled lawyer. We’ll gather evidence, consult industry experts, and build a claim that holds all responsible parties accountable.
Secure Your Future with the Help of a Joliet Truck Accident Lawyer
With offices in multiple locations in Illinois, we strive to help truck accident victims recover full and fair compensation for their losses. We understand that commercial vehicle crash claims can be challenging, especially when it comes to proving fault and negligence in these cases.
Filing a claim does take time, which is why it’s important to take care of that as soon as possible after a crash. You may be feeling overwhelmed with everything you’re dealing with, but our attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your right to a financially secure future.
Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with a Joliet truck accident lawyer today.
