Backing Truck Accidents

Lawyers Helping Tractor-Trailer Crash Victims in Wheaton and Schaumburg

Truck drivers have a duty to be vigilant behind the wheel, especially when they are backing up. Backing accidents involving trucks can have particularly devastating consequences due to the sheer size and momentum of a truck. If you have been injured in a backing truck accident, you might be able to recover damages for your losses. At Therman Law Offices, our Wheaton and Schaumburg truck accident attorneys are here to help you understand your legal options, and seek the financial damages you may be entitled to.

Backing Truck Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 18,000 “back over” injury collisions and an average of 30,000 other backing accident injuries take place every year. Every driver has an obligation to be careful when reversing. All automobiles, especially trucks due to their size, have blind spots that limit the driver’s vision, particularly behind the vehicle. This makes pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles behind trucks vulnerable to being hit. Most backing truck accidents take place at low speeds as a truck is backing out of a parking spot or driveway. There are precautions that truck drivers can and should take when backing up such as putting on flashing lights and/or turning on a beeping sound to alert others on the road that the truck is in reverse. In addition, a “spotter” can be extremely helpful to truck drivers as they back up.

Liability in Backing Truck Accidents

Typically, truck backing accidents can be prevented if the driver is careful. If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident by a truck backing up, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party through a negligence claim, and a skilled injury attorney can help. Negligence is the failure to take proper care in doing something. In backing up, a truck driver must exercise the degree of caution that an ordinarily careful and prudent driver would exercise under the same or similar circumstances. If a truck driver fails to use this level of care and his or her conduct results in an accident, that truck driver will liable for any property damage or bodily injury resulting from the accident. For example, if a truck driver backs out and fails to make a reasonable check of his or her surroundings, that driver could be held liable for any accident and/or injury that results.

Damages in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident victims in Illinois may be entitled to a wide range of damages including, but not limited to: medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and compensation for any other losses arising from the accident. It is important to note that compensation will vary in every case based on the nature and extent of the harm suffered in that particular case.

Time Limits in Truck Accident Cases

As with every other type of claim, truck accident victims have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim in civil court. Under Illinois law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. After this time, your right to take legal action will expire and you will be permanently barred from pursing compensation for your harm. For this reason, it is important to work with a lawyer who understands legal deadlines in your case.

Hire An Experienced Wheaton and Schaumburg Attorney After a Truck Accident

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a truck backing up, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At Therman Law Offices, our highly skilled Wheaton and Schaumburg lawyers will review your case and help you take the necessary steps to move on with your life. Obtaining legal representation can help you assert your rights efficiently and effectively. We proudly represent clients from communities including Addison, West Chicago, Lemont, Elmhurst, Westmont, Oakbrook, Terrace, Downers Grove, Clarendon Hills, and Lisle. For a free consultation, call us 312-588-1900 or contact us online.