Truck accidents can be more complex than other types of collisions, thanks to the various regulations that apply to commercial drivers and trucking companies. You could be dealing with multiple insurance carriers, all pushing you to sign settlement agreements before understanding your rights. Having legal representation means you have someone watching out for your interests, willing to push back against these companies. Their guidance can make a big difference during a time when you need to focus on your health. Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a Batavia truck accident attorney.
Why Hire Feagans Law Group P.C. For Your Truck Accident Case?
A truck accident can turn your life upside down, and having a responsive law firm on your side can bring peace of mind. Here’s why Feagans Law Group P.C. stands out:
- Our background involves working for major insurance firms, which gives us a well-rounded perspective on how to achieve fair settlements.
- We’ve represented injury victims for over a decade, upholding values of respect and compassion from the moment we meet you until your case is resolved.
- We connect our clients to important resources like wage replacement options, medical care, and follow-up support, ensuring you receive the well-rounded assistance you deserve.
When you work with us, we do everything possible to get you the justice and compensation you truly deserve and need so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We are prepared to assist with truck, motorcycle, and car accident lawsuits in Batavia.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be caused by many different factors, often leading to devastating consequences for everyone involved. Below are some common situations that frequently lead to accidents:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Hazardous road conditions
- Pressure by employers
- Improper loading
If you were injured by a truck driver who was negligent in any of these ways, it’s important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Liability in Truck Accident Cases
Determining liability in a truck accident can be complicated because multiple parties might share responsibility for what happened. Below are some of the most common groups or individuals who could be held liable.
The Truck Driver
A driver might be liable if they were speeding, driving under the influence, or ignoring traffic laws. Driver fatigue or inattention can also play a role, so logs or electronic records are vital to see if the driver had enough rest according to legal standards.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and keeping vehicles in safe operating condition. If they fail to meet those obligations – through poor hiring practices or pressure to meet unrealistic schedules, for example – they could be held accountable. They may also be liable through vicarious liability principles, even if the company wasn’t negligent.
Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer
Defective parts, such as brakes or tires, can lead to a serious crash. If an investigation finds that a vehicle component didn’t meet safety requirements or it was in some way defective, the company that designed or produced it may share the blame.
Maintenance Crew or Repair Shop
Poor upkeep of trucks is another avenue for liability. If a maintenance crew didn’t follow industry standards in inspecting or repairing vital systems, they might be held responsible if a faulty repair causes a crash.
Government Entities
Roadway defects or poorly maintained infrastructure, such as broken guardrails or unsafe intersections, might shift some fault to local or state agencies in charge of maintaining roads and highways. Special procedures apply when holding a government entity liable, often with strict deadlines for filing claims.
It is important to note that in some car accident cases, the victim may share some responsibility for the crash. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation—though your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages. However, if your fault is 50% or less, your compensation will be reduced accordingly. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $80,000.
Because insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts, proving liability requires strong evidence and a thorough investigation. Consulting an experienced truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Truck Accident Case
A collision with a large truck can be a life-changing event, and having an attorney on your side is one way to lessen the burden of heavy paperwork and insurance demands. Here’s how they can help:
- Missed deadlines can jeopardize your case. An attorney ensures important documents get filed on time so you don’t lose out on recovering compensation that is owed to you.
- Lawyers often partner with accident reconstruction experts to determine how a crash happened and identify who should be held responsible.
- Through careful negotiation, your attorney aims to secure enough coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and any ongoing needs that arise from your injury.
After something as serious as a truck accident, it’s always a good idea to speak with our truck and motorcycle accident lawyer in Batavia for help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. To Schedule a Free Consultation
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed after a truck accident, but you don’t have to tackle the process on your own. A trusted lawyer can provide clarity and help you determine what steps you need to take to move forward. If you have any doubts or questions, bring them up right away so your lawyer can help you make the most informed decisions. You deserve to feel heard and protected throughout this journey. Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a Batavia truck accident attorney.