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Truck Safety
The number of trucks on the roads has increased by 25% during the past decade, automatically creating more hazardous conditions for other drivers. Additionally, recent deregulation that lifted certain weight restrictions, which has made sharing the roadways with these types of vehicles even more dangerous.
Commercial truck drivers have a number of options when it comes to safety courses that are available to them, often paid for by the states in which they are licensed or federal safety programs. Some states do not require completion of these courses, while others do. Because over-the-road truck drivers that are registered in various states drive on Illinois roadways every day, not all drivers are as highly-trained as others.
Fatal traffic accidents involving commercial trucks average around 5,000 per year nationwide. Due to their enormous size and weight, tractor trailer accidents that involve other vehicles usually involve serious injuries and fatalities.
Tractor Trailer Accidents
Federal, state, and local authorities place a great deal of importance on enforcing truck safety regulations. This is due to the fact that these incredibly large rigs can be extremely dangerous to other vehicles if they are not operated with attentiveness and caution. These regulations specify weight limits, speed, vehicle maintenance requirements, and indicate special licensing requirements for commercial truck drivers. Furthermore, there are limits to how many hours per day a driver is allowed to drive without rest.
Unfortunately, many accidents involving tractor trailers are caused by disregard for these regulations. The Federal Highway Administration has formally stated that the ability to monitor the increasing number of trucks on the roadways is greatly diminished, and therefore, truck safety has been suffering. Pressure to make large numbers of deliveries in a short amount of time often influences drivers to speed or go without rest in order to meet these ever increasing demands.
Disastrous Results
Any accident involving an SUV, automobile, or motorcycle, and a tractor trailer is likely to result in devastation for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer, or any type of truck, call us for a free, no-obligation consultation at 1-877-365-0040 to speak with a dedicated Chicago car accident lawyer.
Our experienced legal team at Shea Law Group understands that negligence often leads to this type of accident in Illinois. Most of America’s truck drivers work very hard and follow the strict standards put in place for the safety of everyone. However, when carelessness, recklessness, or simple disregard for these important rules causes the death or serious injury of another, the victims and their families are entitled to compensation.
