Category: truck accident

Why Serious Truck Accidents Happen on Local Chicago Streets and in the Suburbs

 

The impact of the truck crash may be the same whether it happens in the Kennedy Express Lanes or on Davis Street in Evanston. A trucker’s negligence or a defective truck could leave you seriously injured, whether the accident takes place on a major highway or a local city road. For example, a distracted trucker, a drowsy trucker, or a truck’s mechanical problem could cause an accident on any kind of road.

Some Common Causes of Accidents May Differ Depending on Where You Are

Some of the following reasons for truck crashes may be more likely to occur on local, residential  roads. Two important things to keep in mind are that tractor trailers, garbage trucks, box trucks, or other kinds of trucks may have:

• Difficulty stopping quickly on city streets. There is a greater chance that a trucker is going to have to stop quickly and unexpectedly on a city street than on a highway. For example, a red light, an unexpected pedestrian in the road, or the proverbial child who follows his ball into the road can cause the trucker to slam on the brakes. Yet trucks often take longer to stop than passenger vehicles because of their size.
• Difficulty seeing passenger vehicles on city streets. Traffic is closer together and moving more slowly on many city streets than on the expressways. It can be hard for a trucker to keep track of all the vehicles in his blind spots and he may change lanes without seeing the vehicle he is about to hit.

This list is not exhaustive and it is important to talk to a lawyer about your legal rights any time you’ve been seriously hurt in a Chicago or Evanston truck wreck. For more information, please request information via this website and learn how our team approach to truck accident cases can help with your recovery.

It wasn’t you who got hurt. As the horror of the Chicago Skyway truck crash you witnessed plays over and over again in your mind, you are thankful that your vehicle was not involved and that you were not physically injured. Still, you cannot get those who were hurt out of your mind.

You Can Help Those Involved in the Accident

If you are at the still at the scene of the accident then:

• The first thing that you should do is to call 911. Do not assume that those involved in the crash are able to do make the call themselves. They may be physically injured or unable to reach their phones.
• Wait for the police to arrive. You may need to tell the police what you saw. Do not make any assumptions, however. Simply tell the truth as you saw it. Also, make sure that the police have your name and contact information.

 

After the accident, you can cooperate with the parties to the crash by giving an accurate account of the accident and being willing to participate in the discovery or trial process, as necessary.

You Can Help Others Avoid Accidents

Now that you have seen the harm that can be done when a tractor-trailer collides with another vehicle, you can help protect your family, friends, and neighbors. Talk to your loved ones about the risks of being hurt in a truck crash and share this blog post on your Facebook page or Twitter feed so that others can be aware of the risks and can know how to help if they witness a crash.

 

 

Last August in 2013, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed new legislation that increased the speed limit on our state’s rural interstate highways to 70 mph, putting us in line with more than two-dozen other states that have already instituted such measures. One group of drivers on the road couldn’t be happier about this new measure: semi-truck drivers. They can benefit greatly from these new changes. However, the very changes that seem to benefit the trucking industry so much are the same ones that have other motorists and the Illinois Department of Transportation worried.

What’s the Problem?

Could higher speed limits cause more frequent and severe semi-truck crashes?

There are two valid sides to the debate, and individual states—and even the counties themselves—get to decide what’s best for their own areas. So, before you hold fast to your opinion about semi-trucks getting higher speed limits, it’s good to see some of the pros and cons from each side.

Pros of Faster Speed Limits for Semi-Trucks

• Drivers have deadlines and time schedules to meet. Faster speed limits allow drivers to get to their destinations more quickly.
• Drivers are often paid by the mile. Faster speeds mean a faster turnaround time. This allows for optimal income for drivers.
• There are time restrictions and sleep requirements for drivers. Faster speeds allow drivers to travel further before needing to sleep, while still following the law.

Cons of Faster Speed Limits for Semi-Trucks

• As semis travel faster, there is an increased likelihood for multi-car traffic accidents.
• Faster truck speeds result in higher fuel costs for trucking companies and more frequent mechanical problems and truck repairs.
• Faster speeds restrict driver control on hazardous road conditions, and can result in truck accidents.
• An 80,000 pound semi truck traveling 70 mph will require more time to stop in an emergency than one traveling only 55 mph. Every second counts in a dangerous traffic situation.

The issue of maximum speed limits for semis can be a hot button topic for many individuals—both the inside and out of the trucking industry. But, in reality, the most important factor to consider—above company revenues, driver paychecks, or tire wear—is public safety. Does increasing the speed limit for semis put drivers and other motorists at risk of greater harm?

Tell us what you think. Chime in on Facebook or leave us your thoughts in the comment section of our site.

 

 

Everybody wants, and deserves, to have the same opportunities in regards to employment and job placement. And, in reality, we all should. However, what does this mean for those with disabilities who want to drive semi-trucks? The American’s with Disabilities Act exists to make sure that those who do suffer from disabilities are given the same opportunities as those fully-abled individuals. However, in some cases—like those working in the trucking industry—this could be an extremely dangerous cause of serious truck accidents throughout Illinois.

So, what does this mean to you, as a motorist, driving down the Dan Ryan Expressway?  Well, you may not think much about it, but driving next to a 40-ton semi-truck and trailer can be disaster on wheels. Although not all disabilities should disqualify drivers from getting behind the wheel of a semi, it’s important to understand that some disabilities, when combined with the large, dangerous nature of these trucks, can become significant contributing factors of truck accidents.

Disabilities That Could Be Hazardous to Drivers in the Trucking Industry Include:

• Vision problems
• Hearing problems
• Heart conditions
• Seizure disorders
• Some sleep disorders

In many cases, not only are these health conditions potentially dangerous for truck drivers behind the wheel, but also the medications needed to maintain these conditions can be just as dangerous.  In 2010, reports found that approximately 37,000 truck accidents occurred while a driver was taking prescription pain medications inappropriately.

In past years, studies conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Department of Transportation found that more than 500,000 commercial truck drivers were eligible to receive full disability benefits due to their health conditions. Although there are strict health and medical regulations for truck drivers in all 50 states, some of these reports found that several states, including New Jersey, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Florida featured drivers with the most frequent sanctions due to health related problems.

In an effort to be fair, ethical, and respectful of every person’s right to employment, despite any present disabilities, one would have to wonder if some medical conditions could be putting other drivers at risk of serious harm that might otherwise be preventable.

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, and evidence shows that the driver was disabled, it’s possible that the trucking company could be found negligent for placing a driver—who is deemed medically unsafe to drive—behind the wheel. If this is the case, we might be able to help.

Please share your thoughts on this subject with us. We’d like to hear from you. What do you think about disabled truck drivers operating semis? Leave us your thoughts on Facebook or share your ideas below.

 

 

This winter season has been an especially difficult time for many drivers on Chicago’s roadways. Ice and snow have turned Illinois’ highways into “accidents-waiting-to-happen.” This is especially true for semi-trucks. Numerous accounts of roll-over accidents have made news headlines over these winter months. Aside from winter weather road conditions, there are a few different factors that lead to the majority of semi-truck roll-over accidents.

• Speed is the leading factor that causes most truck roll-over accidents. Because semi-trucks most commonly travel on highways, this doesn’t necessarily refer to a semi going 65 mph in a 55mph zone. In reality, it tends to refer to traveling too fast for the road conditions.
• Curves are another significant problem that can lead to roll-over crashes. These are commonly found at on and off ramps for highways throughout the Chicago area. Driver misjudgment, speed, delivery time restraints, road rage, and improper sign postings can all contribute to roll-over crashes on roadway curves.
• An inability to control the truck is also a problem for many drivers. Driver inexperience causes many drivers to overcorrect in hazardous situations. When this happens, truck roll-over accidents can happen very easily.
• Driver distractions also cause too many truck accidents. An inattention to the road and a lack of sleep can cause drivers to drift between lanes and not see many hazards along the road—including other nearby vehicles. As a result, truck drivers may inadvertently cause accidents in the process of trying to avoid them.

 

Were you injured because of a roll-over truck accident? Did a cargo spill from the accident cause your crash? If so, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Talking with an experienced attorney can help you understand the full scope of your legal rights. For more information about what to do after an Illinois car crash, you can request a free copy of our guidebook, The 8 Steps to Follow After Your Illinois Car Crash. Let us equip you with the information you need to protect your rights after a crash.

 

 

Are you one of the thousands of truck drivers employed by one of 100+ trucking companies throughout Illinois? Ever hear the phrase “In it for the long haul?” It’s been used in reference to personal relationships, jobs, education, and a host of other applications. As the phrase implies, distance and hard work are both factors in the endeavor, no matter what it is. This is quite literally part of the job description for a long haul truck driver.

In mid-2013, new federal regulations within the trucking industry were enacted in an effort to help prevent serious truck accidents and injuries. These laws put restrictions on when long haul truck drivers can work, how long they can drive in a single trip, and when they must take their breaks. For drivers traveling back-and-forth across the country each week, the job can be very fulfilling—yet still exhausting.  But, could there be a downside to these new restrictions that could also put truck drivers, and other motorists on the road, in danger?

The Negative Impact of Long Haul Truck Driving

• The new federal regulations actually may be putting more semi-trucks on the road during rush hour. This is because drivers are limited in how long they can drive at night. These laws that affect when drivers can work may actually force them to take breaks when they aren’t tired, and drive when they are!
• There are numerous serious health risks that can be attributed to long haul truck driving. These can include: heart disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer in the stomach, prostrate, lungs, and bladder. Truck drivers with compromised health are at a higher risk of getting into a serious accident on the road.
• The nature of long haul truck driving can take a toll on the body. Chronic stress, inconsistent schedules, excess workloads, extreme time deadlines, and demanding physical labor can impact a driver’s physical, emotional, and mental health.

 

Fatigued, physically ill, overworked, and distracted long haul truck drivers can easily cause serious truck accidents in a split second, all because the odds are stacked against them from the start.

Want more information about long haul truck driving accidents? Give Lane Brown a call today. We’re conveniently located in Chicago, but proudly serve victims throughout Illinois. Help is a phone call away.