Multiple entities may be responsible for a semi-truck accident in Chicago, Illinois.
A truck crash can come out of nowhere when a commercial trucker slams into your motor vehicle without warning.
But what exactly do you do after a truck driver (large commercial truck, semi-truck, tractor-trailer, big rig, etc.) causes a trucking accident with you or a loved one in the Chicago area? And who is responsible for your truck accident?
Serious injuries, medical expenses, and other drastic changes in life could flow in the aftermath due to the sheer size of commercial vehicles, even wrongful death.
The personal injury attorneys at our law firm specialize in large truck accident lawsuits. We have years of experience helping victims with severe injuries (even catastrophic injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death cases).
We understand what they or a family member must do to maximize their recovery under the law.
Our Chicago truck accident lawyers serve the Chicagoland area (Cook County) and all across Illinois; our network of truck accident lawyers covers the United States.
Call us or use our contact form to receive a free case evaluation today about your Illinois trucking accident and possible personal injury claim!
What Can You Collect in a Chicago Truck Accident Case?
Illinois law allows plaintiffs (like you, perhaps) with truck accident injuries to bring truck accident lawsuits and injury cases for financial compensation to recover for all the costs and harm the event caused them. Williams v. Conner, 228 Ill. App. 3d 350, 364 (5th Dist., 1992); Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions Civil 10.01. E.
The legal term for this theory of relief is known as damages. Chrysler v. Darnall, 238 Ill. App. 3d 673, 680 (1st Dist., 1992).
What Do Damages Normally Include?
Generally, it encompasses out-of-pocket expenses such as medical bills and other tangible economic losses like missed paychecks due to rehab, vehicle property damages, and similar things from the truck collision.
It also includes pain, suffering, handicap, mental trauma, and other intangible effects of the truck crash.
Typically, plaintiffs in Chicago truck accident lawsuits can recover tens of thousands of dollars through a case or settlement.
Of course, that assumes they find and sue the correct party, which we will discuss next.
Who Can You Sue (Those Responsible for Your Truck Accident) in Illinois?
The parties responsible for your truck accident’s personal injuries include any person or entity that negligently caused your damages. Kirk v. Michael Reese Hospital & Medical Center, 117 Ill. 2d 507, 526 (Ill. 1987).
The incident and aftermath must have been foreseeable. Watson v. Enter. Leasing Co., 325 Ill. App. 3d 914 (1st Dist. 2001). Note this can -and often does-include more than one person or company.
Also, you can decide which party to sue. 735 ILCS 5/2-1117. Illinois law adopted joint and several liabilities, so you can hold one party liable for all your damages even if they were only partially at fault. Miller v. Rosenberg, 749 N.E. 2d 946 (Ill. 2001).
However, it would be best if you took some time to consider whom to sue for the following reasons:
- Some defendants might not have any funds to compensate you even if they are found negligent and at fault.
- Some defendants will endlessly try and drag on the litigation so that you never recover any financial compensation.
- Some defendants might be agents of larger, more responsible parties (such as a trucker contracted to work for a large truck company).
How Can a Truck Accident Law Firm Help?
Chicago truck accident attorneys can help truck accident victims with severe injuries.
First, they can help you identify who is responsible for the crash and who you can sue in a way that raises the possibility of securing financial recovery and workers’ compensation.
Beyond that, they can also investigate the circumstances of the event, prepare a case for trial, and initiate negotiations for a settlement to expedite an end to the matter.
In these ways and many more, you might find that a Chicago truck accident law firm can help you more quickly and effectively advocate your case for damages following a semi-truck accident.
Talk to the Personal Injury Attorneys at Our Truck Accident Law Firm Today
You are not alone or without power after a collision with a trucking company.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you in the legal process to ensure that the trucker, large truck company, commercial vehicles, or insurance companies are held responsible through a truck accident claim.
We know how to fight and can be great legal advocates for you! We work on contingency, so you do not collect any fee until we win for you.
Contact us now or provide contact information to schedule a no-obligation, free case evaluation with one of our truck accident attorneys today. You deserve it!
