Semi-trucks are ever present on Illinois roads, winding their way through Chicago and on the expressways that border the city limits. Many drivers find trucks to be annoying because they operate at lower speeds, take longer to get up to speed, and require greater distances to stop than a typical passenger vehicle. But trucks serve a vital purpose as they continue to provide some of the most cost-effective means of moving goods over a distance.
While trucks are everywhere, they are involved in fewer collisions per mile traveled than the average driver. Yet when a semi-truck accident occurs in Chicago, the results are more likely to be severe. Trucks are disproportionately responsible for fatal accidents and for accidents that result in serious or permanent injuries because they are often several times larger than other vehicles involved in a crash.
Victims of truck accidents may feel like they are the least lucky drivers in the Chicago area. Not only were they involved in a traffic collision, but they were struck or hit by a semi-truck or other large vehicle. While victims are dealing with the fallout, insurance companies often get to work to try to limit their liability or eliminate any payments that may be owed to a victim. Under the laws of Illinois, victims have the right to seek relief for their damages, including financial compensation for injuries and medical expenses. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can make sure that you have an advocate on your side, fighting for your rights so that an insurance company cannot take advantage of you.
Shortly before 4:00 a.m. today, police in northwest Indiana were alerted to a semi-truck accident on I-94 near State Road 249. When they responded, police were able to determine that a semi-truck collided with a barrier wall while traveling in the westbound lanes. The impact from the crash caused the truck to block much of the expressway and led officials to close the interstate to westbound traffic for more than three hours while the investigated and cleared the wreckage.
At this time, it is not clear what caused the driver of the truck to lose control of the vehicle or whether the driver was injured as a result. Officials have not reported whether the driver will receive citations in the crash but they have stated that their investigation is ongoing at this time.
When a truck accident takes place in the Chicago area, drivers and passengers involved may be seriously injured. The only thing they should have to worry about is getting the treatment they need, not whether they will be able to pay for their medical expenses or how to provide for their families while they miss work.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers believe that victims should not be required to suffer for the actions of others. Instead, we fight for victims’ rights to make sure they obtain the relief they need by holding negligent and reckless drivers responsible for their conduct.
We offer all accident victims a free, no obligation case consultation to those who contact us toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we provide it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If a collision in the Chicago area has affected your life, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us fight for you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Multi-Vehicle Crash in Oak Lawn Leaves 3 Dead, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 6, 2014.
Resource:
Semitrailer blocks westbound lanes on I-94 in Northwest Indiana, Chicago Tribune, published October 7, 2014.