Naperville Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are the most dangerous motor vehicle collisions because commercial trucks weigh thousands of pounds more than cars and have much larger blind spots. A serious truck accident can result in catastrophic injuries or death for everyone involved.

Were you hurt in a truck accident? If so, seek medical attention immediately, then call an experienced truck accident attorney to handle your case. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our personal injury attorneys ensure that injured truck accident victims receive maximum compensation for their damages.

Contact a Naperville truck accident lawyer today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a free case evaluation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Naperville, Illinois

Naperville, IL is renowned for its affluent population and is home to some of the world's largest technology companies. However, its proximity to I-88 and neighboring Aurora has also made it a relevant contributor to the transportation industry.

Millions of semi-trucks travel through the greater Chicago area along I-88 each year, and many of these trucks make their stops at Naperville's warehouses or Kraft production plant.

Serious trucking accidents can result in the injury, impairment, or death of anyone involved. Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable to injuries from semi-truck accidents because they are generally unable to escape the large blind spots surrounding these vehicles.

Truckers threaten pedestrians, unaware that trucks cannot stop or swerve quickly enough to avoid an impact. Bicyclists, in particular, are at the highest risk of injury when trucks collide because they do not have any metal around them to protect their bodies.

The high volume of trucks sharing the roads with Illinois' motorists places them at risk of an accident. The Naperville truck accident attorneys of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC are the leading representatives of those injured due to the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company, and truck manufacturer.

Naperville Industry Invites Trucking Companies

Technology giants such as Bell Labs, Alcatel-Lucent, and Tellabs provide Naperville with its prestige and make it home to numerous affluent white-collar workers. However, many people remain oblivious that Naperville is heavily involved in industry and transportation.

ConAgra, Kraft Foods, and BP America have homes within Naperville and use their locations to store and distribute products. The Kraft Foods plant has existed since 1968 and produces every box of Triscuits distributed on the North American continent.

Trucking companies are the primary distribution source in the Chicago area because Chicago and its suburbs receive more goods via rail than are sent. Logistics companies store and ship products that have arrived as needed across the country - most often on trailers delivered via semi-tractors.

However, the staggering surge in large commercial vehicle traffic has increased the truck accident rate.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data shows 35 fatalities and 2,838 injuries involving large truck collisions in the greater Chicago area over two years. These statistics make it clear that Naperville is not immune to serious trucking/car accidents, and the number of fatalities in recent years is particularly troubling.

Common Causes for Naperville, IL Truck Accidents

The Naperville area is a bustling community with many attractions and businesses. Unfortunately, the numerous trucks transporting goods throughout the city threaten residents and tourists.

Several factors are involved in truck accidents, including poorly maintained roads and bad weather conditions. However, some of these incidents can be avoided if drivers take precautions while driving on roadways near schools or construction sites.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), catastrophic truck accidents throughout Illinois are the result of many contributing factors, including:

• Distracted driving is when truck drivers are not focused on the road
• Speeding which jeopardizes the safety of everyone on the road
• Illegal maneuvers, such as lane hopping or sudden braking
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Lack of maintenance when trucking companies are more focused on profits than safety
• Angle turns when truck drivers collide with passenger vehicles
• Rear-end collisions when truckers fail to see the brake lights of cars ahead
• Sideswiping when truck drivers unintentionally collide with another vehicle along a busy road
• Failing to obey traffic laws, such as running stop signs or red lights
• Tire blowouts or structural damage to vehicles can also cause truck accidents. When passenger vehicles are involved in Naperville truck accidents resulting from any of these factors, they, too, are at risk of being severely damaged.

Truck companies endanger all drivers when they do not act responsibly. Therefore, it is important to hold these negligent entities accountable for their actions by taking legal action against them.

Illinois Truck Accident Statistics

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has published some alarming numbers about fatalities resulting from semi-tractor trailer accidents in the state of Illinois:

• In 2020, law enforcement reported 9296 crashes involving semi-tractor trailers, including serious injuries (1,636) and fatalities (105).
• In 2020, there were 1,268 accidents involving other large trucks, including delivery vans, in Illinois, resulting in injury (195 crashes), property damage (1,055), and fatalities (18).
• In Illinois, more truck accidents happen between 8 AM and noon on Tuesdays and Fridays than at any other time or day of the week (2020 stats)
• From 2019 to 2020, truck accident fatalities rose by 2.6%.
• In 2020, law enforcement reported 375 school bus crashes in Illinois.
• In 2020, RV, Bus, and truck accidents represented 5% of all crashes in Illinois.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's records, Illinois ranks second for traffic fatalities involving semi-tractor trailers. The NTSB also stated that more than half of all fatal truck crashes in the United States involve a car and a semi-tractor trailer.

These fatalities and injuries could have been prevented if trucking companies did a better job of hiring responsible drivers and enforcing stricter standards for commercial vehicles.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Rules and Regulations

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truckers and trucking companies must follow established Federal regulations, rules, and protocols to ensure highway safety.

Unfortunately, some drivers are not trained or tested to drive large commercial vehicles, leading to tragic results.

These rules are in place for the safety of everyone involved in road accidents - including truckers and passenger vehicle operators. Here are some of these guidelines:

• Every trucker must pass a yearly physical exam and maintain a good record on their CDL (commercial driver's license).
• When a truck driver applies for a new CDL, they must pass a general knowledge test specific to the type of vehicle they want to operate. They must also pass drug tests and background checks.
• The trucker must take defensive driving courses every two years and get recertified as needed.
• The truck driver must be alert and aware of their surroundings.
• Truckers must become familiar with many road conditions throughout the state or region, including knowing how to drive in poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice. FMCSA requires truckers to carry chains for their tires and use hazard lights when driving in mountainous regions.
• The truck driver must maintain positive communication with dispatchers and ensure they are not driving more than 11 hours at a time or 14 hours total each day (this includes loading, unloading, and any other work-related procedures).
• The trucking company and driver must always keep their truck in good working condition.
• The driver should always be conscious of speed limits, never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, and stay out of the left lane unless passing.
• Drivers should always know the weight of their trailers and follow state laws regarding maximum allowable weights (which can vary based on the number of axles, load size, and other factors).

Drivers must always check their tires before departing on a trip. If they have any questions or concerns about tire treads or air pressure, they should pull over immediately and call for help from a commercial vehicle service provider. Underinflated tires can cause accidents if they lose air when the driver is on the road.

Truckers must take time to inspect their trucks and log any issues or vehicle defects they find before departing on a new trip, including checking lights, brakes, air tanks, and other items used for on-the-road travel.

Failing to follow the rules and perform routine maintenance on a large, heavy commercial vehicle could be catastrophic.

Were You Involved in a Truck Accident in Naperville, IL?

Truck accidents are often fatal. Truckers and passengers riding in large commercial vehicles have a higher fatality rate than people in cars or SUVs.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 9% of all traffic fatalities involve large trucks. Therefore, you need to protect yourself and others around you in any truck accident until first responders arrive at the scene.

If you were involved in a truck accident in Naperville, consider following the steps provided by a Naperville truck accident lawyer.

• Seek medical care immediately. Only a doctor with the best diagnostic tools can accurately determine your current medical condition and if you have suffered any non-obvious injuries.
• Call 911 to report the truck/auto accident to file a police report. Make sure to request assistance from the police, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency responders.
• Only give your statement to the authorities. They will need this information to investigate the accident. Report any driver or vehicle violations you observed immediately. You should also tell them if anyone was injured or killed, how many were involved in the accident (including yourself), and other important details.
• Do not discuss your truck/auto accident with anyone other than legal authorities and your attorney. Discussing what happened with others could provide evidence that proves you might have been completely or partially responsible for the accident.
• Call an attorney specializing in truck accident cases because there is a statute of limitations restriction for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois.
• Follow your doctor's instructions to heal properly. Any failure to seek and obtain medical care for your injuries could diminish the financial compensation you receive if the defendant's attorneys or insurance company tries to diminish the case, deny your personal injury claim, or deflect the responsibility to you.

Some of the best truck accident attorneys are National Trial Lawyers Association members. Our Naperville truck accident lawyers negotiate with insurance companies on our clients' behalf to ensure they receive the maximum compensation they deserve.

Poor Policy and Reckless Behaviors Cost Lives

Operating a vehicle while tired has similar effects to the reaction time under the influence of alcohol. Studies have shown parallels between tiredness and drunkenness behind the wheel.

It takes longer to notice and react to potentially dangerous situations when tired, and drivers are prone to make more unfortunate decisions when fatigued than well-rested.

Large semi-tractors carrying loaded trailers also require longer stopping distances and can pulverize most vehicles they may encounter. These accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries. Most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Devastating injuries to the spine, neck, and back, often resulting in paralysis
• Deep lacerations, puncture wounds, and mutilation/amputations of limbs
• Crushed bones and compound fractures
• Burns and scarring
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Paralysis, including paraplegia, quadriplegia, tetraplegia
• Death

Research shows that a lack of sleep is a serious public health issue. Fatigue affects the lives of individuals and society at large, causing an estimated $16 billion in annual insurance coverage losses due to accidents on our roads alone.

How Naperville Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

The Naperville truck accident attorneys of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC are passionate about finding justice for those harmed in preventable accidents because of reckless behaviors driven by corporate greed.

Our team comprises the finest specialists in accident reconstruction, medicine, rehabilitation, economics, and trucking law, resolving personal injury cases. Our motor vehicle accident attorneys have maximized many clients' compensation due to commercial truck driver negligence and company policies.

Our DuPage and Cook County law office holds the liable party accountable and negotiates with insurance adjusters to recover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages.

Hire a Naperville Truck Accident Attorney Now

Contact a Naperville truck accident lawyer at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or use the contact form now to arrange a free consultation to learn more about how our law firm can put our team to work for you.

During your initial truck accident case evaluation of your personal injury case, we will provide legal advice and discuss legal opportunities to seek compensation to recover your medical bills for serious injury and funeral costs for wrongful death.

Consult with a Cook County truck accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, or visit that link for further information. In addition, our personal injury law firm can provide additional information on legal representation.

Call our personal injury attorney for information on our practice areas, locations of our law offices, and filing a personal injury lawsuit or claim against the insurance company before the Illinois statute of limitations expires.

Our legal team accepts every Naperville truck accident lawsuit and wrongful death case on a contingency fee basis. This promise ensures you will not pay attorney fees until your personal injury attorney resolves your case through a negotiated settlement or jury award.

Resources:

• Illinois Traffic Crash Facts | IDOT
• Highway Accidents | Naperville City