Semi truck traffic varies in the Chicago area depending on the time of day and day of the week, much like other types of traffic. But there is more consistency among semis than there are among passenger cars in terms of the constant nature of their presence. Whether it is during the day, rush hour, or the overnight commute, semis are often present on the expressways leading to and from the city, taking goods from one point to another and making sure that product reaches its intended destination.
When compared with other drivers, semi truck operators tend to be involved in fewer accidents per mile traveled. Experts believe that a combination of factors including greater training, reduced speed, and greater focus on the roads lead to this low number of crashes. But semi truck accidents still occur every day in the nation and often lead to serious injuries or even death. That is because even though these collisions may be less frequent, the forces involved in a crash and the resulting damage is often devastating due to the large, heavy size of the truck.
The victims of a semi truck collision may be entitled to relief for their damages, including any medical expenses they are forced to incur. Under Chicago laws, the victims of any car accident who become injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another may be entitled to bring a civil claim for their losses and may be entitled to financial compensation as a result. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer who has experience representing the victims of truck accidents may help you understand your legal options following a collision.
The Illinois State Police Department received notice of a crash on I-290 early this morning involving a semi truck and at least one other car. When they responded, police determined that around 2:30 a.m., a semi truck traveling in the inbound lanes of I-290 near Harlem Avenue lost control and rolled over, blocking all inbound lanes and temporarily halting traffic in the area. The semi truck, which was reportedly hauling beer at the time, made contact with at least one other car during the incident. Neither the driver of the truck nor the driver of the car purportedly were injured but a passenger in the car was hurt and needed medical attention. That passenger’s current condition remains unknown but the passenger is believed to have sustained only minor injuries as a result of the crash.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Chicago, make sure you understand whether you are entitled to relief. If you are, you must bring your claim within the time frame specified by the law or you will lose your right to seek a recovery for your injuries, including any time you have been forced to miss from work.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we are personal injury lawyers who believe that all accident victims deserve to have answers whenever they need them, whether that is during regular business hours, on a weekend, or overnight. To make that a possibility, we have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. We will provide you with a free case consultation without any obligation on your part and all matters discussed will be kept confidential. If you have been hurt, do not continue to suffer in silence. Call us today and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
120 Tickets for Distracted Driving Issued in One Day in Evanston, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published April 25, 2014.
Resource:
Inbound I-290 reopens after beer truck rolls over, Chicago Tribune/WGN-TV, published April 29, 2014.