Downers Grove, Illinois Truck Accident Attorneys

In and around Downers Grove, a large number of commercial trucks haul goods along Interstate 88, Interstate 355, and other highways, and they travel on local streets as they travel to and from distribution centers or businesses. These large trucks can be much more dangerous than passenger cars. When a tractor-trailer truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the people inside the car can suffer severe injuries.

The injuries that occur in truck accidents may lead to hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and months of rehabilitation, and they can result in permanent disabilities. Because of the severe physical harm that can occur in these accidents, victims will need to understand their options for obtaining financial compensation.

At Schwartz Injury Law, our lawyers understand the complex issues that may be involved in personal injury cases related to truck crashes. We have the experience needed to investigate these crashes and show that a truck driver, trucking company, or others were responsible. We can provide the representation our clients need as they deal with their injuries and financial losses, and we will fight to secure compensation that will fully address the harm that has been done.

The Dangers of Overloaded and Improperly Loaded Trucks

There are strict limits on how much weight a commercial truck can carry. When these limits are violated, a truck can be much harder for a driver to control. An overloaded truck will require a longer distance to stop, and strain on tires and brakes can also affect a driver's control over the vehicle. Tire blowouts or brake failures may be more likely. An overloaded truck may also be more likely to roll over.

Improper loading of cargo can be just as dangerous as overloading. Cargo that has not been evenly distributed may cause a truck to become unbalanced, which could affect a driver's control or lead to a rollover accident. Cargo that is not tied down correctly can shift, which may also affect a truck's balance. Unsecured cargo may fall from a truck, and because items are large and heavy, they can inflict severe damage on other vehicles.

Traffic Violations Committed by Truck Drivers

When truck drivers violate traffic laws, they can put others at risk. These violations may affect their ability to maintain control of their vehicles, or they may prevent a truck driver from being able to slow down or take other actions to avoid a collision.

Speeding can be dangerous in a commercial truck, since a large, heavy vehicle that is traveling at a high speed will need a great deal of distance to stop. A truck driver may have no way to prevent a rear-end collision or another type of accident when they are going too fast. Tailgating, unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots, and failure to yield the right of way at intersections or on-ramps can also lead to truck accidents.

Wide turns are another concern for large trucks. 18-wheelers will need more space to complete a turn, but a driver who cuts a corner too sharply or does not pay attention to other vehicles in nearby lanes can hit a car that is stopped at an intersection. These situations may involve underride accidents in which smaller cars become trapped under the trailer of a commercial truck, which can lead to serious or fatal injuries.