Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Illinois

 Posted on May 03, 2022 in Truck Accidents

The state of Illinois and especially the Chicagoland area have some of the highest truck volumes in the United States. Chicago has long been a transportation hub, and massive tractor-trailers are an ever-present sight on our interstate system. In addition, smaller trucks are found on virtually every major street and road in our communities, delivering goods or carrying construction materials. The surge in delivery trucks from online shopping has only made the streets more crowded. While trucks are regulated by the government and drivers are required to have additional driver training, truck accidents are still a common occurrence.

Factors in Chicago Trucking Accidents

• Speeding – While speeding increases the risk of accident for any vehicle on the road, the increased weight and decreased stopping distance of a truck only add to the danger.

• Driving Under the Influence – A truck driver’s perception can be impacted if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Distracted driving – The use of handheld devices, navigational aids, or other causes of distraction can quickly cause a truck driver to take their eyes off the road and cause an accident.

• Driver fatigue – While driver’s hours are regulated and breaks are mandatory; driver fatigue is still an issue. Some drivers or trucking companies will even forge logbook entries to allow drivers to drive longer hours, leading to fatigue.

• Overloaded or unevenly loaded trucks – If a truck is carrying more weight than it is designed for or if the weight is unevenly distributed, it could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and risk an accident.

• Dangerous loads - Loads that are not secured properly can fall off of a truck hitting other vehicles or causing them to swerve and potentially cause a collision.

• Mechanical failure – A faulty part or prematurely worn tire can have deadly consequences if it leads to a truck accident.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, there are numerous potential parties that may bear responsibility. These include the truck driver, truck owner, the leasing company, the factory or warehouse that loaded the truck, and the truck or vehicle part manufacturer.

Contact a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a truck, you can trust the Chicago personal injury lawyers of Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC to seek all the compensation you may be entitled to receive. Our lawyers will provide you with the skilled representation you need to get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free consultation or call our office at 312-236-6324. 

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief