Commercial vehicle accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. It’s crucial for Northbrook, IL, residents to understand the complexities of these accidents and know their legal rights. With over 20 years of experience, Kaplan Law Offices, P.C. specializes in personal injury law, including commercial vehicle accidents. This blog post delves into the different aspects of commercial vehicle accidents in Northbrook, IL, and how Kaplan Law Offices, P.C. can help victims pursue justice and compensation. While we cannot change the past, we do all we can to make your future better so you can cope with present and future medical bills, treatment, and lost wages.
Commercial vehicles are used for various purposes, including transporting goods and passengers. Understanding the different types of commercial vehicles can help accident victims and their attorneys identify potential hazards and build a strong case. Here are some common types of commercial vehicles involved in accidents:
Delivery trucks are used to distribute goods to consumers or businesses. Depending on the goods transported, these trucks can be small, like a delivery van, or as large as a semi-truck. Delivery truck drivers usually have strict delivery schedules and may prioritize speed over safety, increasing the risk of accidents.
Semi-trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or big rigs, transport goods long distances. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and require specialized training. In addition, semi-truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles.
Buses transport large groups of people, such as students or commuters. Bus drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. However, bus accidents can still happen due to driver fatigue, poor maintenance, or other factors.
Construction vehicles, such as bulldozers, cranes, or excavators, are used in building sites. These vehicles pose significant risks to workers and bystanders due to their size, weight, and limited visibility.
Garbage trucks collect and transport waste from homes and businesses. These trucks have large, swinging arms that can seriously threaten pedestrians or other vehicles if not operated correctly.
Tow trucks move disabled vehicles, impounded cars, or illegally parked cars. Tow truck drivers must follow specific regulations to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
Farm equipment, such as tractors or combines, is used to cultivate crops or harvest produce. These vehicles are often slow-moving and can be challenging to see, increasing the risk of accidents.
Tanker trucks transport liquids, such as gas, oil, or chemicals. These trucks require specialized training and maintenance to ensure their safety.
Commercial vehicle accidents can happen for various reasons. Understanding these causes can help victims, and their attorneys identify who might be liable for the accident and build a strong case. Here are some of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents:
Commercial drivers often have strict schedules and may be required to drive long distances without adequate rest breaks. This can lead to driver fatigue, impairing their ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone while driving, can be deadly for commercial drivers. However, commercial drivers are responsible for focusing on the road and avoiding distractions while driving.
Commercial drivers require specialized training and experience to operate their vehicles safely. Employers are responsible for ensuring their drivers receive adequate training and experience before operating commercial vehicles.
Commercial vehicles require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their safety. Failure to maintain these vehicles can lead to accidents and expose the driver and their employer to legal liability.
Overloading a commercial vehicle beyond capacity can lead to accidents and increase the risk of mechanical failures.
Commercial drivers may feel pressure to meet delivery schedules and prioritize speed over safety. This can lead to aggressive driving behaviors and speeding, increasing the risk of accidents.
Weather and road conditions can be hazardous for commercial drivers. Drivers must adjust their driving behavior to accommodate these conditions and ensure their safety.
Commercial drivers are subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing before and during employment. Impaired driving can lead to accidents and expose the driver and their employer to legal liability.
Commercial drivers are governed by specific federal and state regulations designed to ensure their safety and those of others on the road. Understanding these regulations can help accident victims and their attorneys identify potential violations and build a strong case. Here are some legal requirements for commercial drivers:
Commercial drivers must possess a valid CDL to operate specific vehicle types. CDL requirements vary by state, but usually involve a written test, a driving skills test, and a medical examination.
Hours of service regulations limit the number of hours a commercial driver can operate a vehicle without rest. These regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue, a common cause of commercial vehicle accidents.
Commercial drivers are subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing before and during employment. These tests are designed to ensure the driver is not impaired while operating a commercial vehicle.
Commercial vehicles must undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their safety. Drivers must also perform pre-trip inspections before operating a vehicle.
Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to accidents and expose the driver and their employer to legal liability.
Commercial vehicle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Understanding these injuries can help victims, and their attorneys identify potential damages and build a strong case. Here are some common injuries from commercial vehicle accidents:
The force of a commercial vehicle accident can cause broken bones, which can be painful and debilitating. Some broken bones may require surgery or other medical interventions to heal correctly.
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, occur when the brain is damaged due to a blow or jolt to the head. TBIs can have long-term effects on cognitive and physical function.
Spinal cord injuries can result from the force of a commercial vehicle accident. These injuries can lead to paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
The force of a commercial vehicle accident can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal organ damage can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Lacerations, cuts, contusions, or bruises can result from the force of a commercial vehicle accident. These injuries may require medical attention to prevent infection or other complications.
Victims may also experience long-term effects or disabilities and emotional and psychological impacts, such as PTSD or depression.
Determining fault in a commercial vehicle accident can be complex. Possible liable parties include:
If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, they could be held responsible. This could include distracted driving, impaired driving, or speeding.
Employers can be vicariously liable for their employee’s actions or negligent hiring and supervision practices. Employers must also ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and inspected.
The maintenance provider could be liable if a commercial vehicle’s poor maintenance contributed to the accident. These companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of the vehicles they maintain.
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, such as:
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may incur significant medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, and physical therapy.
Commercial vehicle accidents can cause victims to miss work, resulting in lost wages. Victims may also be unable to work in the future due to their injuries, leading to lost earnings.
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may experience physical and emotional pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide relief for these damages.
Commercial vehicle accidents can also result in property damage, such as damage to the victim’s vehicle or other property.
If a commercial vehicle accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death.
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and the specific circumstances of each case.
If you’re involved in a commercial vehicle accident, follow these steps:
Report the accident to the local authorities and seek medical attention if necessary.
Document the scene with photos, witness statements, and other relevant information.
Notify your insurance company of the accident and provide them with all necessary information.
Consult with an experienced attorney, like those at Kaplan Law Offices, P.C., to understand your legal rights and options. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your interests, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Kaplan Law Offices, P.C. has extensive experience managing commercial vehicle accident cases in Northbrook, IL. They offer:
Kaplan Law Offices, P.C. thoroughly investigates each case to identify possible liable parties, gather evidence, and build a strong case. They collaborate with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to ensure their clients receive the best legal representation possible.
Kaplan Law Offices, P.C. emphasizes the importance of communication with their clients. They keep their clients informed about the progress of their cases and encourage an open and honest relationship.
Kaplan Law Offices, P.C. is dedicated to pursuing maximum client compensation. They understand the financial, emotional, and physical toll of commercial vehicle accidents and work tirelessly to ensure their clients receive the compensation they deserve.
To get started, contact Kaplan Law Offices, P.C. at 847-509-9800 or info@alexkaplanlaw.com for a free consultation.
Commercial vehicle accidents can be devastating for victims and their families. Seeking legal assistance after a commercial vehicle accident is crucial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. With a trusted reputation and experience, Kaplan Law Offices, P.C. is dedicated to representing commercial vehicle accident victims in Northbrook, IL, and surrounding areas. Don’t wait – reach out for help today.
