Call The Peoria, Illinois Tractor Trailer and Truck Accident Attorneys at Kelly Law Offices LLC
Commercial truck accidents can happen in various ways, and the type of accident often determines its severity. Here are some common types of commercial vehicle collisions:
- Rollovers: When a vehicle overturns due to a wreck.
- Rear-ends: When a truck collides with the rear end of the vehicle in front of it or vice versa.
- Head-on collisions: When two vehicles collide front-to-front.
- Jackknife accidents: When the front vehicle (cab) skids but the trailer doesn't stop or slow down, causing it to swing out and form an L or V shape.
- T-bone crashes: When the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another.
- Sideswipes: When the side of one vehicle hits the side of another vehicle.
- Wide turn accidents: When a truck needs extra space to make a wide turn and hits another vehicle, or another vehicle hits them mid-turn.
- Blind spot crashes: When a vehicle changes lanes and doesn't see the motorist in their blind spot, leading to a collision.
- Underrides: When a smaller vehicle collides with a tractor-trailer and slides underneath.
Unfortunately, many semi-truck accidents can be fatal, especially if other motorists are involved. In such cases, the surviving family members of the deceased may be entitled to compensation. An Peoria, Illinois truck accident lawyer can help determine who can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Several factors can cause a semi-truck accident. While driver error is the leading cause, sometimes elements beyond the driver’s control can result in an accident. Some examples include:
- Faulty part manufacturing or vehicle maintenance
- Improper distribution of cargo
- Inclement weather conditions
- Recklessness of other motorists on the road
Truck drivers are trained to be safe on the road, even in dangerous situations like storms or reckless driving by others. However, accidents can still happen despite these safety measures. Drivers must stay vigilant and avoid:
- Driving while tired
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Using cell phones or other distracting devices while driving
- Neglecting their mandated break periods
- Failing to take caution in harsh weather conditions
These actions often indicate negligence on the driver’s part. If an accident occurs due to a truck driver’s negligence, they could be deemed at fault and held responsible for all damages and injuries. Contact a truck accident attorney at Kelly Law Offices LLC in Peoria, Illinois if you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident.
Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries?
Peoria, Illinois is an at-fault state, meaning the negligent party is responsible for an accident. However, proving negligence in commercial vehicle accidents isn’t always straightforward. Several parties may be liable, including:
- Truck driver – if the accident was caused by driver error
- Truck owner/trucking company – if the truck was poorly maintained, proper insurance wasn’t provided, the driver wasn’t thoroughly trained, or the driver was denied their break periods, etc.
- Truck mechanic – if the truck was recently inspected by a mechanic and an accident occurred due to a mechanical error
- Parts manufacturer – if a poorly manufactured part caused the truck to fail, resulting in an accident
- Cargo loader – if the truck’s cargo was improperly loaded, causing an uneven weight distribution that led to an accident
Liability in these cases can often be linked to more than one party. For instance, if a driver gets into an accident because they’re tired, they may have been instructed by the trucking company to skip their break to reach their destination faster.
All parties must adhere to safety regulations set by the FMCSA. Trucking companies are also required to maintain insurance policies on all trucks. Failing to do so could put them at risk of a lawsuit in the event of an accident.
Insurance Requirements for Commercial Trucks in Peoria, Illinois
In Peoria, Illinois, insurance requirements vary based on the size, weight, and contents of commercial vehicles. Commercial trucks often need higher liability insurance coverage than personal vehicles due to the potential damage they can cause. This coverage can sometimes be in the millions.
Safety Regulations for Commercial Vehicles
Peoria, Illinois and federal law require certain commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, to have safety equipment and undergo regular inspections. Vital parts like tires, steering function, brakes, windshield wipers, and mirrors must be checked before each use.
These regulations aim to protect drivers and others on the road and minimize damage and injury in accidents. However, accidents can still happen despite these precautions. Thorough record-keeping of safety measures taken by the driver can be invaluable when proving negligence in an injury case.
Given the complexities of determining fault after a commercial vehicle crash, it’s always best to consult with the Peoria, Illinois truck accident attorneys at Kelly Law Offices LLC as soon as possible after the incident.
