Charleston, IL, Truck Driver Error Lawyers

Many semi-truck accidents in Charleston are the result of negligence by the truck driver, but truck drivers are rarely the ones who pay for their mistakes. In many cases, a truck’s size and weight protect the driver, leaving drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles vulnerable to horrific injuries and substantial financial losses. And if you are one of the many unfortunate victims of a negligent truck driver, recovering compensation for your injuries is an arduous process.

You might feel isolated and overwhelmed after a truck accident in Charleston, but the team at Spiros Law, P.C. can help you hold a negligent truck driver liable for their mistakes. Our Charleston truck accident attorneys have represented people like you since 2005 and have recovered millions in compensation for our clients. We know you’re struggling and can handle all the legal work in your case while you concentrate on healing. Call us today at (217) 516-3451 or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.

How Truck Driver Negligence Causes Crashes

Driving a semi-truck vastly differs from driving a passenger car, so truck drivers must be especially cautious behind the wheel. Here are some of the most common examples of truck driver negligence that can cause an accident:

• Fatigue: Long-haul trucking often involves long hours and demanding schedules, leading to extreme fatigue. Drowsy driving can impair a driver’s ability to respond to changing conditions or sudden obstacles, leading to accidents. Moreover, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has “Hours of Service” regulations precisely because drowsy driving is a hazard for truck drivers. Drivers who ignore these regulations put themselves and others on the road in peril.
• Distracted Driving: Whether it’s a phone call, text message, or fumbling with the GPS, distractions can take a truck driver’s eyes off the road at critical moments. Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to a devastating collision.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Trying to meet tight deadlines or make up for lost time can tempt drivers to exceed the speed limit or take risks. This behavior can lead to loss of vehicle control or insufficient time to react to emergencies.
• Poor Maintenance: Semi-trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly. If drivers neglect this responsibility, vital systems like brakes or tires can fail, causing accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications can greatly affect a truck driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Operating a semi-truck under these conditions can lead to catastrophic accidents.
• Inadequate Training or Experience: Driving a semi-truck isn’t like driving a car. It requires specific skills and knowledge. Drivers who lack proper training or experience can make mistakes that harm others.

Remember, if you’ve suffered injuries due to a truck driver’s mistake, you have the right to seek compensation. We’re here to help ensure you recover the money you need.

Truck Driver Error Statistics

According to data from the FMCSA, about 23.3 percent of all fatal truck crashes in one recent year involved the truck’s movement or the driver losing control. Furthermore, those two factors accounted for 33.3 percent of all truck crashes with injuries and 41.9 percent of crashes that only involved property damage. While FMCSA research indicates these factors are not the most common causes of truck accidents, they are significant in many crashes.

Liability for Truck Crashes Caused by Driver Error

While a truck driver is liable for a crash if their negligence caused it, other parties might share responsibility for the accident. To recover full compensation for your injuries, you need to file a claim against all the liable parties, and those additional parties may include:

• The Trucking Company – Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are competent, properly trained, and adequately rested. If they fail in these duties or pressure drivers into unsafe behaviors, they could be liable for the accident.
• The Truck’s Owner – If the truck’s owner failed to maintain the vehicle correctly, contributing to the accident, they could be held responsible.
• The Cargo Loader or Shipping Company – How cargo is loaded sometimes impacts a truck’s safety. If it’s overloaded or unevenly distributed, it could make the truck unstable or difficult to control. In these cases, the party responsible for loading the cargo might be responsible for a crash.
• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer – If a faulty part or mechanical failure contributed to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer or the specific component could be liable.

Compensation for Truck Driver Error Accidents

If you suffered injuries in a semi-truck accident caused by the truck driver’s negligence, you may have the right to compensation to help you get your life back on track. Here’s what losses you could recover compensation for:

• Medical Expenses – This includes costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may require due to your injuries.
• Lost Wages – If your injuries have kept you from work or affected your ability to earn the same income as before, you can seek compensation for the income you’ve lost and your reduced future earnings.
• Pain and Suffering – Beyond in addition to the physical injuries you sustained, truck accidents frequently cause significant emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering considers the accident’s impact on your overall quality of life.
• Loss of Consortium – If your injuries have significantly impacted your relationship with your spouse, you could pursue compensation for this loss from the crash.

Our Charleston Truck Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You

In the wake of a semi-truck accident, you may feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to handle this complex issue alone. Our Charleston, IL, law firm offers comprehensive legal support to people just like you. We can help you understand your rights, identify the liable parties, and calculate fair compensation for your losses. We’re here to handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your healing and recovery.

Don’t let a truck driver’s negligence keep you from the compensation you deserve. Call (217) 516-3451 today or reach out online for your complimentary case review.