Hinsdale, IL Truck Accident Lawyers

Whether traveling on major freeways like I-294, local highways like Highway 83, busy roads like Ogden Ave., or other local roads, drivers in Hinsdale will often encounter large commercial trucks. 18-wheelers, large delivery trucks, and other commercial vehicles are much larger than passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, or vans, and their drivers need to take care to ensure that they can operate these massive vehicles safely. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.

When truck drivers or others involved in the operation of commercial vehicles do not follow the proper procedures, they may be responsible for causing dangerous truck accidents. When large trucks collide with smaller vehicles, they can inflict severe injuries. Victims of truck accidents may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, crush injuries, internal bleeding, severe fractures, and other forms of harm. Some injuries may require multiple surgeries, extended hospital stays, or lifelong care as people adjust to living with permanent disabilities.

At Schwartz Injury Law, our attorneys work with clients in Hinsdale to address injuries and other damages that have taken place in truck accidents. We will determine who may be held responsible for these accidents and address negligence by truck drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, parts manufacturers, or other parties. By reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, cargo manifests, and other data, we can identify the causes of a truck crash to ensure that our clients can obtain the full compensation they deserve for their injuries.

Vehicle Maintenance Failures Leading to Truck Accidents

Trucking companies are required to inspect their trucks regularly to identify and address any potential safety concerns. Ongoing maintenance will be needed, and steps must be taken to repair any issues that could affect the operation of trucks. Some companies may cut corners on maintenance, trying to keep trucks in operation as long as possible in order to save money and meet delivery schedules. In other cases, maintenance providers may perform repairs incorrectly, or the equipment on a truck may be defective.

The failure of a truck's mechanical parts can cause a devastating accident. Some of the maintenance-related issues that may lead to 18-wheeler accidents include:

• Tire Blowouts: When a truck's tires become worn, they may blow out suddenly. Improperly inflated tires may also be at risk of blowing out or deflating suddenly. A blowout can affect a truck driver's ability to maintain control, and it could cause a truck to swerve suddenly and collide with other vehicles or even cause a rollover accident.
• Brake Failures: Because of their massive size and heavy weight, trucks have complex braking systems to ensure that they can slow down and stop when necessary. When these systems do not function correctly, a truck driver may have no way to prevent a rear-end collision or another dangerous crash. Brakes may fail due to worn brake shoes, leaks in air hoses, or other maintenance issues.
• Trailer Coupling Malfunctions: When a truck's coupling system does not function correctly, its trailer may detach from the cab while the truck is in motion. This can send a trailer across multiple lanes of traffic, colliding with other vehicles and causing extensive damage.
• Steering System Issues: Problems with a truck's steering can make it difficult or impossible for the driver to maintain control. They may be unable to make turns correctly, maintain position in their lane, or respond to hazards on the road, which could lead them to crash into other vehicles.

When a maintenance failure may have played a role in a truck crash, our lawyers work to obtain inspection and maintenance logs. We can determine whether a trucking company did not perform inspections as required, failed to address defects, or did not follow the proper maintenance schedule. We can also determine whether product manufacturers may be held responsible for parts that were defective.