Chicago Truck Accident Attorney
Accidents involving commercial trucks frequently cause catastrophic and fatal injuries due to the sheer size and weight of a vehicle’s load. Because many commercial vehicles such as delivery trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial trucks in a city are not locally owned and are involved in moving commerce across the boundary lines of many states, these vehicles are held to federal regulations and safety guidelines meant to minimize the severity of accidents. There are strict rules by which trucking companies running interstate commerce must abide. These include:
- Driver training guidelines
- Maximum hours on the road
- Load limits
- Maintenance schedules
- Record keeping
- Filing timely reports
But trucking companies are not always straight up with the guidelines. Driver fatigue, uneven loads, inexperienced drivers and mechanical failures commonly result in devastating accidents in Chicago.
At Flanagan Injury Law Group, LLC, in Chicago, attorney L. Michael Flanagan knows how difficult a trucking accident case can be to prove in court. The trucking company’s insurance representatives are often on the scene moments after the accidents occur; their job is to save their actual costs by minimizing your injuries. He has assisted his clients in obtaining over $1 million in compensation for their injuries. While he does not guarantee the monetary compensation you will receive, he will work diligently to get the maximum compensation for your injuries and suffering so you can heal.
Following A Step-By-Step Process For Your Case
Truck accidents have many consequences, from severe injuries to damaged property and lost income. The financial ramifications can be sky-high, so it is vital to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your legal options.
If you are involved in a commercial trucking accident, attorney L. Michael Flanagan provides a three-step process:
- Step 1: Consultation – Attorney L. Michael Flanagan will go over the details of your accident and help you understand your legal options for recourse. He will explain what is ahead.
- Step 2: Paperwork – Attorney Flanagan will check into whether the driver followed all standards and practices. He will file all the legal paperwork and work diligently to get the compensation you deserve.
- Step 3: Advocacy – Mr. Flanagan is highly skilled at persuasive arguments in court and will advocate for your right to compensation.
If you are worried about liability after an 18-wheeler accident, you need to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney right away. Whether you are filing a personal injury claim or facing liability concerns after an auto accident, attorney Flanagan is here to guide you through the process.
Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents
Truck accidents frequently lead to severe injuries that require ongoing medical support. For instance, truck accidents commonly cause:
- Large cuts and wounds
- Multiple broken bones
- Tendon and muscle damage
- Burns, both heat and chemical
- Head wounds and brain damage
- Back and spinal damage, including paralysis
- Facial scarring
- Crushed bones and other limb damage
- Mental suffering
Results In Past Trucking Accident Cases
| Recovery | Accident Type | Case Details |
|---|---|---|
| $2,400,000 | Semi-Tractor Rear-End | Will County: Client required lumbar surgery and decompression after being struck by another semi-tractor while on the job. Settled weeks before trial. |
| $1,800,000 | High-Speed Semi Crash | Cook County: Rear-end collision corroborated by an independent witness. Client suffered permanent spinal injuries requiring fusion surgery. |
| $1,750,000 | Fatal Commercial Crash | Lake County: Wrongful death recovery for a decedent struck by a commercial vehicle. Successfully resolved through mediation shortly before trial. |
| $1,200,000 | Pedestrian Hit-and-Run | Commercial Vehicle: A pedestrian was struck by a fleeing commercial vehicle. Firm secured video evidence; client suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and fractures. |
| $1,000,000 | Trucking Accident | Case against trucking company: Our client suffered a fractured femur, and we were able to recover funds in less than 24 months. Although the police report was not favorable, our team of experts and investigators were able to able to obtain the company’s policy limits. |
| $950,000 | Commercial Hit-and-Run | Commercial Hit-and-Run: Our firm sent investigators to the scene immediately to recover critical physical evidence that proved the client’s case. |
Disclaimer: The settlements and verdicts listed above are specific to the facts of each case. These results are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future legal matter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Area Semi-Truck Accidents
Whether you sustained serious injuries in a commercial truck accident or lost a loved one in a crash, you may have a right to pursue compensation. Understanding the laws that apply to semi-truck compensation claims can help you evaluate your options and hold the right party accountable for the aftermath of a costly wreck.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Chicago, Illinois?
You typically have no more than two years from the date of the commercial collision to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Illinois is two years, and the clock starts the day of the wreck. In cases where government authorities may be the liable parties, plaintiffs are subject to stricter statutes of limitations that leave just a year to file a lawsuit.
Even in a standard truck crash compensation scenario, waiting until just before the statute of limitations expires can be a mistake. By that point, critical evidence, such as data recorded by the semi truck before or during the crash, may no longer be available.
Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after a commercial crash can ensure the preservation of key evidence. You also have more time to prepare before your attorney files the lawsuit.
Who can be held liable for a semi-truck accident in Illinois?
The commercial driver who caused the crash may be liable, especially if they are an owner-operator or an independent contractor. Trucking companies are often liable for crashes, as the legal doctrine of respondeat superior makes an employer liable for a worker’s negligence while on the clock.
Trucking companies, service professionals or manufacturers could also be responsible for collisions caused by issues with the vehicle. Even outside companies that hire transportation businesses could be liable if they improperly load a trailer, as an imbalanced trailer can lead to a driver losing control of a commercial truck.
How much does it cost to hire a Chicago truck accident lawyer?
Hiring a truck accident attorney may not cost you anything initially. Many personal injury law firms offer representation on a contingency basis, which means their payment comes from any compensation secured. Contingency fee arrangements protect you from immediate costs when hiring an attorney.
At Flanagan Injury Law Group, LLC, we offer free initial consultations. You can meet with our team to determine the strength of your case.
Speak To An Attorney With A Proven Track Record
All commercial vehicles, from delivery trucks to public transportation, are subject to strict laws and regulations. If you need help after an accident with a commercial vehicle, contact an experienced attorney. , offers counsel, advice and knowledgeable representation for victims of personal and commercial or delivery truck crashes throughout the city. Attorney Flanagan will work hand in hand with you to fight for compensation after your accident. He can also assist you with a wrongful death lawsuit.
Call 773-789-5870 now to set up an appointment for a free consultation or send him an email today.
