A fully loaded 18-wheeler can be more than 70 feet long and weigh 80,000 pounds. These big-rigs are difficult to maneuver, and at a minimum, they take at least 20% more roadway to come to a complete stop than other vehicles. In the event that a truck and trailer impact with a passenger car, that passenger car will have serious damages and potentially serious injuries.
Common Causes of Large Truck Crashes
According to a Chicago truck accident attorney from our offices, here are some common causes of those impacts:
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Driving too fast for traffic or weather conditions
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Following a vehicle ahead too closely
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Distracted driving
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Drowsy or fatigued driving
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Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two
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Poor truck maintenance, especially of brakes and tires
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Improper loading of trailers
How Large Truck Crashes Differ from Auto Accidents
A Chicago truck accident attorney knows that an accident involving a large truck presents different legal issues from a typical auto accident. Given their size and weight, a large truck can cause catastrophic personal injuries. That’s why they’re required to be insured for a minimum of $750,000 of liability coverage. Most large trucks are insured for even more than that. They’re also governed by both federal and state statutes and regulations. Given the injuries that a victim can suffer in a large truck crash, his or her medical bills are likely to be far above those suffered in a typical auto accident. The chances of a wrongful death increase drastically, too.
If you were severely injured or you lost a family member in a large truck crash, the opposing insurance company knows that it’s looking at significant financial exposure. It will therefore do whatever it can to try and push some or all of the fault for the crash over onto you. Don’t give that insurer a statement, even if its representative says that your claim file will be closed out if you don’t give it. Illinois law doesn’t require you to give any type of a statement. Rather than doing that, contact a Chicago truck accident attorney from the Shea Law Group to arrange for a free consultation and case evaluation. Contact us at our website.
