Illinois is unquestionably on any short list of states with diverse, heavy and nonstop traffic flow.
Millions of drivers routinely jockey for position on Illinois streets, freeways and interstate corridors. And their vehicles are of virtually every description, ranging from passenger cars and SUVs to motorcycles and other configurations.
Like commercial trucks, for instance, which command instant attention in any legal blog focused upon motor vehicle accidents and resulting personal injuries.
The focus on such vehicles – outsized big rigs like tractor-trailers, semi-trucks and a wide variety of 18-wheel long haulers – is obvious, for reasons spotlighted below.
Big truck crash outcomes: often adverse and tragic
The too-often bottom line concerning accidents involving large trucks is obvious and prominently noted by one proven Rockford metro area personal injury legal source. That overview stresses that, “Because of size disparity, accidents involving a commercial trucks more commonly cause serious injuries and even death.”
Big rigs are mammoth-sized. They brake and stop slowly. Their drivers have some notable sight limitations (e.g., large blind spots) and maneuvering limitations. Many commercial drivers are fatigued or otherwise compromised by onerous scheduling mandates and other industry pressures. Some trucking companies are far from stellar when it comes to the necessary servicing and repair of their vehicles.
And thus crashes occur, frequently with catastrophic outcomes for drivers and other occupants in smaller vehicles.
Why truck crash investigations are often complex and challenging
The “facts” surrounding “what really happened” in a truck-tied crash are not always readily apparent. A timely and accurate probe must often be conducted by an experienced personal injury attorney used to dealing with the complexities of such accidents.
Here’s one complication that often exists in the wake of a commercial truck crash: Culpable parties often run for cover, trying to evade responsibility for negligent acts or omissions that centrally contributed to an adverse outcome.
And accountability is often diffuse and widespread in such accidents. As noted above, a trucking company might share blame with an at-fault driver. A manufacturer might be liable for a defective part. Insurers will provide their own version of “truth” and often encourage an early settlement that is flatly not in the best interests of an injured victim.
An injured individual might reasonably have many questions and concerns following a crash. A proven and empathetic personal injury attorney can answer them and provide diligent representation aimed at securing maximum compensation. A legal remedy can secure both full crash accountability and financial assistance applicable to broad-based needs.
