On average, semi truck drivers travel more roads each year than other types of drivers and log more hours on the road. Despite the increase in time of the roads, semi truck drivers are involved in a relatively low percentage of crashes. However, when an accident with a semi occurs, the accident is much more likely to be severe and more likely to cause serious or even fatal injuries.
If a truck accident occurs due to the negligence of the driver, the driver may face traffic or criminal charges following the crash. Yet in many cases, these charges are just the beginning of the legal trouble that may result from a negligence crash. Under the laws of Chicago, the victims of truck accidents may be entitled to seek compensation against all negligent parties, whether they are the driver, the owner, or a maintenance worker employee who performed work on the truck. An injury lawyer can help you understand whether you may have a valid claim after your crash and whether you may be entitled to relief.
Local authorities recently announced the conclusion of criminal charges stemming from a 2009 crash that was blamed on a Chicago semi truck driver. According to court records, the 37-year-old truck driver was operating his semi in August of 2009 near Interstate 90 and Highway 53. Traffic was stopped in the area of an exit ramp as the truck driver approached, unable to control his vehicle. He struck the rear of a passenger car with significant force. After the collision, the female driver of the car became a quadriplegic from her injuries, which continued to deteriorate and later claimed her life in 2010, just over one year from the date of the accident.
Officials at the scene of the crash performed an initial investigation into the accident. The truck driver was taken to an area hospital where blood tests later found the presence of marijuana in his system. Armed with the new information, the truck driver was charged with operating under the influence of drugs in violation of state law. Recently, he received a four year prison sentence for the charges.
Though this truck driver will be going to prison and will spend some time there, this sentence may not be the last of his legal troubles stemming from this collision. In the event that negligence or recklessness, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leads to an accident that claims the life of another, the victim’s surviving family members may be able to bring a claim for their damages. This can include a wrongful death claim for time lost with a loved one who otherwise would be alive.
The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have experience representing the families of victims who were killed in car accidents and we have helped those families seek the justice they deserve. If your loved one has been killed in an accident or if you have been injured, make sure your rights are protected. Call us today at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and let us provide you with a free case consultation. There is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the case consultation and we can be reached 24 hours a day so call us now.
Prior Blog Entry:
Train Strikes and Kills Woman in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 18, 2013.
Resource:
Truck driver gets 4 years in fatal 2009 crash, by George Houde, Chicago Tribune, published December 18, 2013.