Moving Truck Accidents

Schaumburg and Wheaton Lawyers for Victims of Tractor-Trailer Crashes

Everyday, people in Illinois and across the US utilize moving trucks to haul their belongings from one home to the next. Given how commonly these trucks are used, you may not realize how dangerous these vehicles can be. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving one of these vehicles, a skilled Schaumburg and Wheaton truck accident attorney can help you assert your rights. At Therman Law Offices, we are devoted to providing diligent and resourceful representation to each and every client.

Moving Truck Accidents

Moving truck accidents can be particularly dangerous because of the heavy contents being transported, which often play a role in the injuries sustained. Moving truck crashes can have a variety of causes including, but not limited to: distracted driving; speeding; tailgating; truck defects; inexperienced driver; improperly secured cargo; overloaded trucks; poorly maintained trucks; and/or adverse weather conditions.

Establishing Fault for a Moving Truck Accident

If you have been injured in a moving truck accident, you may be wondering who is at fault. It may be the truck driver, the truck company, or both depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. If the driver of the moving truck caused the accident due to negligence or carelessness behind the wheel, that driver will be liable for the accident. As a practical matter, in most cases, the truck driver will be covered by an insurance policy that will likely cover the damages.

If the driver of the moving truck worked for a truck company at the time of the accident, the truck company will be liable for the wreck as well. In addition, a truck company may be liable if negligent practices caused or contributed to the accident. For example, if the company encouraged drivers to drive at high speeds, did not train employees properly, or failed to maintain trucks adequately, it can potentially be held liable.

In addition, truck manufacturers have an obligation to create safe vehicles. In some cases, a design or manufacturing defect may have contributed to or caused the accident. A design defect refers to an inherent flaw in the truck’s design. Thus, all of the products made according to that design would be dangerous as well. A manufacturing defect, on the other hand, refers to the vehicle or a component of the vehicle not being made or assembled properly. In other words, if the component or vehicle had been made according to the correct specifications, it would not have been dangerous. Consider the following example: defectively designed brakes begin malfunctioning and lead to a moving truck colliding with another vehicle on the road. In such a scenario, the manufacturer would be liable for the accident and the victim’s injuries. A seasoned truck collision lawyer can assess whether the facts in your case may fulfill the necessary elements to make a claim.

Compensation for a Moving Truck Accident

Under Illinois law, you are entitled to compensation for your damages if you sustain an injury in a moving truck accident that arose from negligence or a product defect. Once liability is established, the victim of a moving truck accident will be able to recover a wide range of damages such as: medical expenses (i.e., emergency room visits doctor appointments, hospitalization, and medication); lost wages and benefits; the cost of future medical expenses; pain and suffering; property damage, and compensation for any other losses stemming from the accident. It is important to note that the specific amount of damages you will be able to recover will depend on a number of factors.

Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Wheaton and Schaumburg

A moving truck accident in Wheaton or Schaumburg can turn your life upside down. If you or a loved one has been injured in a moving truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, we may be able to help. At Therman Law Offices, our highly skilled injury lawyers are committed to investigating your case and helping you pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve. We are devoted to providing personalized and detail oriented representation to our clients. We take on clients from areas including Glendale Heights, Villa Park, Addison, Lombard, Elmhurst, West Chicago, Westmont, Oakbrook Terrace, Lemont, and Clarendon Hills. To set up a free consultation, call us at 312-588-1900 or contact us online.