Despite Aurora, Illinois, being considered one of the safest cities in the United States [1], approximately 117 accidents involving large trucks [2] happen in the city every year, often resulting in life-changing injuries for accident victims.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, your recovery is our top priority. Our Aurora truck accident attorneys will work hard to get you full and fair compensation, holding the at-fault driver and their employers accountable.
The Importance of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer
Having our Aurora personal injury lawyers on your side is crucial to getting maximum compensation for your accident. Our firm is entirely focused on this practice area, having spent years representing injured victims throughout the Chicagoland area. This gives us the ability to accurately assess the full extent of the damages you can claim, including future lost earnings and your potential medical needs.
Through our meticulous investigations, we will gather ample evidence to prove your claim and identify liability. We have strong connections with truck accident experts, including accident scene reconstructionists and medical professionals, who can give testimony regarding the particulars of the crash.
A skilled truck accident attorney will be able to negotiate with the insurance company, ensuring they cannot avoid their obligations to you. These companies want to diminish their responsibility as much as possible and will attempt low offers to those without representation, making a lawyer a must.
Common Causes of Aurora Truck Accidents
While every Aurora truck accident is different, these are the most common causes for the crashes our personal injury lawyers frequently see:
- Speeding – Speeding is a major factor in about one-third of all driving fatalities throughout the state [3], including in truck accidents. Shockingly enough, 20% of all trucking fatalities involved semi-trucks traveling at speeds of up to 85 miles per hour [4].
- Driving Under the Influence – Aurora has the second-highest DUI arrest rate in the state, only behind Chicago [5], and this includes some truckers. An inebriated truck driver can cause catastrophic damage due to the weight and size of their vehicle.
- Distracted Driving – Up to 80% of these crashes are the result of the truck driver being distracted in the seconds before a crash [6], often with tragic outcomes for occupants of automobiles.
- Aggressive Driving – Road rage is an even greater problem for truckers than for the average car driver. A collision can easily turn deadly if the truck driver is attempting to cut off or chase a car.
- Mechanical Failures – Trucking companies are obligated to ensure their vehicles are kept in good repair. If they fail to maintain their fleet or use defective parts, this can easily lead to a serious truck accident.
- Improper Loading – A semi truck must be carefully packed so the weight is evenly distributed. If the truck driver failed to check that their cargo was tied down and it hits another vehicle, they can be held responsible.
- Poor Weather – Aurora experiences an enormous 40 inches of snowfall per year [7]. Truckers are expected to wait for adverse weather conditions to pass rather than trying to brave a storm; if they don’t, it can easily lead to a serious accident.
Most Dangerous Intersections in Aurora, IL
While Aurora’s streets are relatively safe, some experience a higher rate of truck accidents than others. These are the five most dangerous intersections in the city:
- Eola Rd. and Indian Tr./North Aurora Rd – The confusing infrastructure and sheer volume of traffic at the intersection [8] make this one of the most dangerous intersections in the city, despite the fact that 89% of travelers are only 3 miles above the speed limit [9].
- New York St. and Rt. 59 – Approximately 67 accidents happen at this intersection per year. Thankfully, the city has a $1.7 million infrastructure project planned to assist in preventing crashes [10].
- Indian Trail and Lake St. – Five fatal accidents took place here in just five years, underscoring the danger of this intersection.
- Butterfield Rd./Rt. 56 and Eola – Sadly, there are about 13 fatal accidents at this intersection every year [11].
- Eola Rd. & New York St. – About 50 accidents take place here, some of which are fatal.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
There are many injuries that can result from an automotive accident. Due to the huge weight of these vehicles, injuries in truck accidents are often more severe than in a car accident. These injuries include:
- Broken Bones – Drivers and passengers may slam into the steering wheel or dashboard, breaking bones.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – The high inertia involved in a truck accident can lead to spinal cord damage.
- Brain Injuries – Sadly, traumatic brain injuries are not uncommon in crashes with semi-trucks due to motorists smashing their heads against the seat or dashboard.
- Amputations – A truck accident may crush the car and pin occupants inside, requiring amputations.
- Burns – If the commercial vehicle is carrying caustic materials or bursts into flames, occupants can suffer severe burns.
Liable Parties in Truck Accident Cases in Aurora, IL
Our truck accident lawyers can hold a variety of parties accountable for an accident, depending on the specifics of the case. Some potential liable parties include:
- Truck Driver – In most instances, the trucker is at fault due to driver error.
- Other Driver – In a pileup accident, drivers of other vehicles can be held accountable for failing to stop.
- Trucking Company – Due to vicarious liability, trucking companies are responsible for the actions of their employees.
- Repair Teams – Improper maintenance that leads to a truck crash can implicate mechanics who fail to note issues.
- Manufacturer – If the truck has defects, such as faulty brakes, the manufacturer can be held responsible.
Damages Our Aurora Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover
We will seek the most compensation available for your case and can recover damages for numerous elements of the accident. This includes economic damages for financial losses, as well as non-economic damages for your emotional trauma. These are some common damages awarded in these cases.
Economic
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Car repair or replacement
- Loss of earning potential
- Burial expenses in the case of wrongful death
Non-Economic
- Physical pain
- Emotional injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
Financial Compensation You Can Expect From Your Truck Accident Case Settlement
There are no predetermined amounts for a settlement. As there is no settlement cap in Illinois, your truck accident lawyer will seek the maximum compensation available. Some of our previous successes include:
- $18,500,000 – A head-on semi-truck crash where the victim was left with permanent disabilities.
- $14,100,000 – Our Aurora wrongful death attorneys obtained a settlement for the family of a fatally wounded motorcyclist.
- $5,750,000 – A driver suffered crush injuries while unloading cargo at a distribution center.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Aurora, IL
It’s crucial to act quickly after an accident to protect your legal rights and ensure your own safety. Follow these steps directly after a crash:
- Call the Police – Stay at the scene until police arrive.
- Gather Information – Get the details of everyone present, including passersby and the other drivers.
- Document the Scene – Take photographs of the damage to your car, as well as your injuries.
- Go to the Hospital – Get medical care as soon as possible.
- Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies – The insurance carrier will attempt to get you to admit fault. Allow your attorney to handle all communications on your behalf.
- Retain Legal Counsel – Call us at (888) 424-5757 to get more information about our high-quality legal services.
The Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Aurora, IL
The statute of limitations is how long you have to file a lawsuit after a crash; in Illinois, this is two years for any auto accident. As your attorney will try to settle out of court first, it’s important that you act fast so that we can ensure we meet this deadline.
How Much Does an Aurora Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless you win. We will deduct our legal fees from your settlement, so you don’t have to worry about any legal bills while recuperating.
The Time It Takes to Settle a Truck Accident Case
These cases often take longer due to the complexity of the case; sometimes you will get a first offer within a few weeks, but it may take as long as six months or more to resolve. It’s not always necessary to go to trial after an accident, as we will seek to negotiate with the insurance company before filing a lawsuit.
Contact Experienced Aurora Truck Accident Attorneys Today!
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers advocates for victims of truck crashes throughout the Chicagoland area, including Aurora. We have obtained millions of dollars for our clients, ensuring they have financial security as they recover from a devastating crash. There are no upfront legal fees to speak with our truck accident lawyers, so schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 or reach out through our contact form
References: [1] WGN-9, [2] Illinois Department of Transportation, [3] Illinois Highway Safety Plan, [4] Governing, [5] Chicago Tribune, [6] Women in Trucking, [7] Best Places, [8] Chicago Tribune, [9] Chicago Tribune, [10] Chicago Tribune, [11] Patch, [12] Illinois Department of Transportation, [13] Municode