Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
It is an unfortunate fact of driving that a motorist can only control so much of his or her safety. While driving with care and caution is extremely important, anyone can become the victim of a car accident or a truck accident in Chicago if another motorist fails to act in a similar fashion. It only takes one driver becoming distracted, failing to pay attention to the changing traffic conditions, driving too fast, or even driving while intoxicated to threaten the safety of dozens of people and, potentially, to cause a collision.
This morning, police responded to the scene of a crash in Summit that they believe was caused by a semi-truck driver who fell asleep behind the wheel. The incident occurred on I-55 in the northbound lanes near First Avenue prior to 4:00 a.m. and involved at least 10 cars in addition to the truck, according to officials.
Details regarding this crash are still emerging but authorities have confirmed that at least six people were injured and needed to be transported to area hospitals for treatment. All of those victims are expected to survive. It is not clear whether the truck driver was among the injured or whether that driver has been charged with any violations at this time.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, you have direct knowledge of how frightening and potentially dangerous these collisions can be. When a semi-truck and one or more passenger cars collide, the sheer size and weight of the semi means that the smaller passenger cars will take the brunt of the force and sustain significant damage. As a result, semi-truck accidents can leave victims trapped inside their cars and can cause serious, often lifelong injuries to those who are hurt.
National statistics reveal that trucks account for a relatively small portion of all traffic-related collisions but a disproportionately large number of the fatalities that result on American roads. Unfortunately this statistic holds true in Chicago where many of the deaths and most serious injuries that happen annually are the result of truck accidents.
If you were injured in a semi-truck accident, the personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. want to help you understand your legal options by providing you with a free case consultation. We have a lawyer available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and there is no obligation on your part for receiving the consultation.
Victims of truck accidents often have the right to bring a civil claim for their damages against a trucking company or an insurance company and these claims can enable victims to obtain the financial relief that they deserve. If you have been a victim, call Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us help you move forward with your case so that your rights will not be ignored.
Prior Blog Entry:
Rear-End Car Accident Injures 2 in Gurnee, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published June 18, 2015.
Resource:
6 hospitalized after semi, over 10 cars crash on I-55, by Alexandra Chachkevitch, Chicago Tribune, published June 19, 2015.