Truck Accident Lawyers in Chicago

Helping You Get the Maximum Compensation to Which You Are Entitled

Since commercial trucks often weigh tens of thousands of pounds, trucking accidents can be particularly dangerous, resulting in severe injuries or even death. When an accident happens, it can be difficult to know where to turn, especially when you or your loved one is dealing with an injury. This is where we can help. At McHargue & Jones, LLC, our Chicago truck accident lawyers have nearly 20 years of experience handling these types of cases. We can help you seek compensation for your injuries so that you can focus on what matters: Getting better.

Were you or a loved one injured in a trucking accident? You may be entitled to compensation!
Contact our Chicago trucking accident law firm at (312) 739-0000.

Where to Turn After an Accident

​Many circumstances can result in a trucking accident. Consequently, these cases can be complicated, and hiring a lawyer is often in your best interests. In addition to thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your case, your Chicago truck accident lawyer will be able to represent you in court, ensuring your rights are fully protected.

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in IL

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Illinois can be the result of:

• Driver negligence or error
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Impaired driving
  • Aggressive driving
• Driver fatigue as a result of overworking
• Insufficient driver training
• Failure to perform truck maintenance
• Defective or malfunctioning truck parts
• Improper securing and/or loading of cargo
• Systemic issues, such as unreasonable driving schedules
• Adverse weather conditions
• Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, or uneven surfaces
• Large trucks have significant blind spots

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you are not alone. The Chicago truck accident lawyers at McHargue & Jones, LLC can help.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and smaller vehicles. Some common truck accident injuries include:

• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward. It's a common injury in rear-end collisions, even when the truck is the striking vehicle.

• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a truck collision can lead to fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can be severe and life-altering. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or varying degrees of loss of sensation and function below the injury site.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries are common in truck accidents, and TBIs can range from concussions to more severe forms of brain damage. Symptoms may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time.

• Internal Injuries: The impact of a truck accident can cause internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, damage to organs like the liver or spleen, and abdominal injuries.

• Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can be painful and may result in long-term issues if not properly treated.

• Burns: In accidents involving hazardous materials or fuel spills, burns can be severe. Truck accidents can lead to fires or explosions, resulting in burns of varying degrees.

• Amputations: In severe accidents, a limb may be crushed or severed, necessitating amputation.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Truck accidents can have lasting psychological effects, leading to conditions like PTSD, which can require therapy and treatment.

• Scarring and Disfigurement: Serious injuries can result in scarring and disfigurement, which can have emotional and psychological impacts in addition to physical ones.

• Wrongful Death: Tragically, some truck accidents result in fatalities, leaving families to cope with the loss of a loved one. Wrongful death claims may be filed in these cases.

What Percentage of Truck Accidents Result in an Injury? According to TruckInfo.net, "32% of truck accidents resulted in an injury in 2022. Out of the 166,833 accidents, 54,172 resulted in an injury."

Who Is Liable For A Truck Accident Injury in Illinois?

Determining liability for a truck accident injury can be complex, and it often depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. Liability can be attributed to various parties involved in the trucking industry.

Some potentially liable parties in a truck accident injury case include:

1. Truck Driver: The truck driver can be held liable if their negligence or actions contributed to the accident. This includes behaviors such as speeding, driving under the influence, distracted driving, fatigued driving, and violating traffic laws.

2. Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the driver may also be held liable. If the company's policies, practices, or decisions contributed to the accident (e.g., pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, inadequate maintenance, hiring unqualified drivers), they could be held responsible.

3. Owner of the Truck: If the truck is owned by a different entity than the company operating it, the owner of the truck may share liability, especially if they were responsible for maintenance or safety checks.

4. Maintenance and Repair Companies: If the accident resulted from a mechanical failure or maintenance issue, the company responsible for maintaining or repairing the truck's components may be liable.

5. Cargo Loaders: Improper loading of cargo can affect a truck's stability and handling. If the cargo loading was performed negligently, the parties responsible for loading the cargo may be liable.

6. Manufacturers: In cases where a defective truck component or part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the faulty product may share liability.

7. Government Entities: In some cases, poor road conditions or inadequate signage can contribute to accidents. Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and safety may be liable if their negligence played a role.

8. Other Drivers: Liability is not always limited to the truck driver and the trucking company. If another driver's actions contributed to the accident, they may also share liability.

Determining liability often involves a thorough investigation of the accident, which may include examining evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, vehicle maintenance records, electronic logging device data, and more. Additionally, state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry can influence liability determinations.

Multiple parties can share liability in a truck accident, and the percentage of liability assigned to each party can vary depending on the circumstances. In some cases, both the truck driver and the trucking company may be found partially at fault.

If you've been injured in a truck accident, it's essential to consult with a Chicago truck accident injury attorney who can assess the details of your case, determine liability, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.

Our Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys Fight for Employee Rights

Trucking accidents can be difficult to deal with, especially if you are a truck driver injured as a result of negligence on the part of your employer. Many clients report being unsure of what to do, and if you are seeking compensation from an employer, you may also be feeling ostracized. At McHargue & Jones, LLC, we have been defending employee rights in trucking accidents for years, and we can do the same for you. From helping you file a workers' compensation claim to representing you in negotiations with hospitals and insurance companies, we are on your side.

Feel more comfortable speaking Spanish? Our entire office is fluent in Spanish, and we are standing by to take your call. Call now at (312) 739-0000.