Chicago Truck Accident Attorney

Lawyer for Injuries in Semi-Truck Crashes in Cook County, Austin, and Bronzeville

While car accidents can be devastating when they occur between passenger vehicles, they can often be even more dangerous when they involve large trucks. Semi-trailer trucks and other commercial trucks are massive, weighing tens of thousands of pounds, which means people in other vehicles, motorcyclists, and pedestrians are likely to suffer serious bodily harm in a collision. In many cases, these crashes occur because of the negligence of truck drivers and their employers. Victims in these cases need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney on their side who can help them receive the financial compensation they deserve.

At Karchmar & Lambert, P.C., we have been working with clients since 2002 to help them recover from personal injuries. We understand the massive impact that a truck crash can have on a person's life, health, and finances, and we believe in taking action to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. When you work with us, we will fight for justice on your behalf and help you receive payments that fully address the harm you have suffered.

Causes of Commercial Truck Crashes

Collisions between tractor-trailer trucks and other vehicles or people most often take place because truck drivers act negligently or recklessly. Trucking companies may also be liable for a truck crash, including in situations where they hired a driver who had a history of serious violations, encouraged drivers to violate the laws or drive irresponsibly, or followed practices that created a risk of injury for the general public. Some common reasons that semi-truck crashes take place include:

• Driver fatigue - Truck drivers work long hours and spend extended amounts of time on the road. While federal regulations include rules for the number of hours a truck driver can spend on the road and when they are required to take breaks or get some sleep, some drivers may bend or break these rules, or they may be encouraged to do so by employers who wish to ensure that cargo is delivered as quickly as possible. Drowsy truck drivers may nod off while driving, causing them to collide with other vehicles or objects near the road.
• Speeding and other traffic violations - Lower speed limits apply to commercial trucks in many areas, ensuring that these large, heavy vehicles will be able to slow down when necessary. Truck drivers will often exceed speed limits in hopes of getting to their destination more quickly. They may also commit other violations, such as tailgating, illegal turns or lane changes, or exceeding weight limits. These actions may lead to a loss of control and make it impossible for a truck driver to avoid colliding with other vehicles.
• Equipment failure - Semi-trailer trucks have multiple different types of complex systems, and if a truck is not properly maintained, the failure of these systems could lead to deadly truck crashes. Brake failure, tire blowouts, and decoupled trailers are just a few of the issues that may cause a truck driver to lose control and collide with others.
• Improperly secured cargo - Items that are not tied down correctly may fall from a truck and land on other vehicles or create large obstacles in the road. Shifting cargo inside a semi-trailer can affect a truck driver's ability to control a truck, which may lead to a dangerous crash.
• Intoxicated driving - Using alcohol or drugs is dangerous for any driver, but especially so for truck drivers, since intoxication will cause them to be unable to drive safely. In addition to alcohol or recreational drugs, some truck drivers use illegal stimulants such as methamphetamines to try to stay awake during long trips, and this can greatly affect their ability to control a truck and avoid collisions.
• Distracted driving - Truck drivers need to be able to pay close attention to the road and react quickly to other vehicles and weather conditions. In addition to cell phones, truck drivers may be distracted by electronic logging devices or two-way radios, and even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a deadly truck crash.

Contact Our Englewood Truck Accident Lawyers

Following a collision involving a semi-truck, the attorneys of Karchmar & Lambert, P.C. will help you obtain evidence to show that your injuries were caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company. We will review a driver's logs and driving records, a truck's maintenance records, and other information about the circumstances of the crash, ensuring that you will be able to receive compensation that addresses the damages that you have experienced. To arrange your free consultation, contact our office today at 312-977-1300. We represent victims of truck crashes and other motor vehicle collisions in and around Cook County and Chicago, including the neighborhoods of Ashburn, Bronzeville, Garfield Park, Kenwood, Gresham, Austin, Chatham, South Shore, Pullman, and Englewood.