Truck accidents are often devastating because of the severe damage and injuries they can cause. The U.S. economy relies heavily on trucks for transporting goods and materials, so it is not surprising that tractor-trailer accidents occur with frequency. When they do, it could be difficult to recover from the effects.
If you were in a truck wreck, a personal injury attorney could help you by assessing your case and fighting for the maximum damages that are due to you under the law. You do not need to navigate through the difficult process of self-representation on your own. By consulting with a Fulton Market truck accident lawyer, your case could be pursued rigorously so you may potentially receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Fulton Market
Truck crashes can result from a variety of different causes. While some wrecks may result from the driver’s error, other accidents may be caused by external factors. Some causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Distracted drivers
- Breaking traffic laws
- Defective machinery
- Low upkeep or maintenance of the truck
- Driving while texting
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
Common Injuries Arising from Tractor-Trailer Collisions
When truck accidents occur, personal injuries and property damage may also occur, and they can both be substantial. Especially due to the large size of semi-trucks, the damage can be severe and life-altering. Some of the more common injuries that can arise from tractor-trailer crashes include the following:
- Bruises
- Broken arms
- Burns
- Internal bleeding
- Back and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
Laws Impacting Truck Crash Cases
Like other personal injury claims, there are fundamental legal issues that must be considered before commencing a lawsuit. An experienced Fulton Market truck wreck lawyer could navigate these crucial and potentially complex legalities in a claim.
Contributory Negligence
It is important to consider the claimant’s fault on their ability to recover damages in a truck accident claim. In Illinois, if the claimant is less than 50 percent at fault in the crash, they will not be barred from pursuing a truck accident claim. However, the damages to which they are entitled will be reduced by the percentage of which they were at fault. This doctrine is called comparative negligence, and it plays an important role in any tractor-trailer accident claim.
Statute of Limitations
If too much time elapses between the injury from the truck wreck and the date that the lawsuit is brought, the claimant may be barred from bringing the claim. This period is the statute of limitations, which for a truck accident claim is two years. As this is a short period, it is important to consult with a Fulton Market lawyer as early as possible after a tractor-trailer crash.
How a Fulton Market Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
The impact caused by a tractor-trailer when it gets into an accident is often especially debilitating and far-reaching. Call a Fulton Market truck accident lawyer today and get the best representation to achieve the compensation due to you under the law.