Even the thought of getting into a truck accident is enough to send chills down many peoples’ spine. If you have been the victim of a truck accident, you can rely on our team to help. At Shea Law Group, we know your suffering is scary, which is why we work hard to help our clients in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. As Joliet personal injury attorneys, we are available to help during this trying time.
Why Truck Accidents are Typically Worse Than Car Accidents
Due to the size and weight of a large commercial motor vehicle, truck accidents are more likely to cause serious injuries or even death when an accident occurs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that roughly 80 percent of fatal crashes involving large trucks are multiple-vehicle crashes, versus less than 60 percent for passenger vehicles. If there is a truck collision between a passenger car and truck, the smaller vehicle is more likely to be damaged.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
The following are common reasons why truck accidents occur:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: This will have an impaired reaction time and, as a result, be at risk to cause a crash.
- Speeding and Poor Vehicle Maintenance: When a truck is driving faster than the speed limit and 80,000 pounds crashes, that force of impact is extremely deadly. Accidents may be prevented if a driver slowed down and took the time to keep the truck well maintained as well as properly inspected before starting a trip.
- Didn’t check the blind spot: Truck drivers are trained to check their blind spots, and they must also check all sides of their vehicle before making turns. Drivers may forget, which is the reported cause of 14 percent of truck accidents.
- Driver fatigue: Drivers travel for long hours and even during the middle of the night. This puts pressure on them to stay alert during odd hours. Fatigue happens and when it does, often accidents do as well.
Contact Our Team at Shea Law Group Today
Our team of Joliet personal injury attorneys works with individuals and their families to help them obtain proper compensation in their time of need. Please get in touch with us today if you have been the victim of a truck accident.