If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Chicago, it’s important to seek legal help and representation from an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer at our personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers. Any of our Chicago truck accident attorneys is ready to work with you in order to maximize the value of your case and ensure your case is settled as quickly as possible.
The Most Important Things to Do After a Chicago Truck Accident
If you’ve been seriously injured in a Chicago truck accident involving a commercial vehicle, there are four important steps you need to take:
1. Create a Police Report
According to Andrew Kryder, founder of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers with over two decades of experience handling personal injury cases, the first step for accident victims is to create a police report. “Without it, the insurance company may deny your claim,” Kryder explains.
2. Seek Medical Attention
The next crucial step is to seek medical attention if you’re injured. Kryder recommends, “It’s important that you share with your doctors all of your injuries and a description. Small injuries today can turn into big injuries tomorrow. So, don’t leave anything out. It’s important that there’s an accurate description in these medical records of the injuries that you sustained in the accident.”
“Think of it this way: if it’s not in the medical records, it’s like it never happened.”
3. Preserve Evidence
After receiving medical attention and documenting your injuries, the next step is to preserve all needed evidence. Kryder states, “Evidence can be a lot of different things; it just depends on your case. Think about witnesses—you want to make sure you have their names, addresses, and contact information. Think about photographic evidence, and in today’s day and age, video is everywhere. The point is, you have to preserve it. It disappears or goes away forever. If your lawyer has that needed evidence, it’s going to help him or her build your case and maximize its value. Conversely, without it, it’s probably going to begin to diminish the value of your case.”
4. Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer
The final recommendation is to talk to an experienced trucking accident or accident lawyer to discuss your case. Kryder encourages, “We’ve handled thousands of cases just like yours, and we can handle yours too. Give us a call today.”
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen in various ways, each with its unique set of circumstances and potential consequences. Some common types include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Lost load accidents
Why Are Commercial Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
Truck accidents pose a higher risk of serious injury or death to truck accident victims due to their size and weight. In most cases of semi truck accidents, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are the ones who suffer the most serious truck accident injuries.
What Are Common Injuries in Accidents with Commercial Trucks?
Some of the common injuries seen in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns or scarring
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are various factors that can contribute to truck accidents, including:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours without enough breaks, causing drowsiness and slower reaction time.
- Distracted driving: Just like any other driver, truck drivers can also get distracted by their phones, GPS, or other factors.
- Improper training: Operating a commercial truck requires specialized skills and training.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Trucking companies have a responsibility to properly maintain their vehicles.
Why Hire a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident cases can be complicated and challenging to navigate without legal representation. A skilled Chicago truck accident attorney offers you:
- Knowledge and experience: Chicago truck accident lawyers understand state and federal laws on truck accidents. They also have experience with insurance companies and other involved parties.
- Proving liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, like the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help identify who is at fault and hold them accountable.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies may offer a low settlement or deny your claim. An experienced commercial truck accident attorney can negotiate to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Maximizing compensation: A truck accident lawyer will evaluate your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to determine the compensation you deserve.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?
Depending on the circumstances of the semi truck accident claim, various parties may be held liable including:
- The truck driver, if they were negligent or reckless.
- The trucking company that is responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and following safety regulations.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers if a defective vehicle part caused the tractor trailer accident.
- Other negligent parties: In some cases, other parties such as maintenance companies or loading crews bear responsibility for the truck crash.
What Types of Compensation Could I Receive?
Chicago truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Call a Truck Accident Attorney in Chicago Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t delay in seeking legal help. Contact the truck accident attorneys at The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options. An experienced truck accident attorney from our firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Remember, time is of the essence in personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, so don’t wait to get the help and support you need.
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