Dump trucks, oversized trucks, and other heavy equipment are a common sight on the highways of Southwestern Illinois. Due to their large size and weight, these massive trucks can cause serious injuries or even death when involved in accidents with smaller vehicles.
If you or someone close to you has been involved in a catastrophic crash with a construction vehicle, you may be able to file an accident claim against the driver, trucking company, or some other negligent party. Morelli Law Firm’s construction truck accident attorneys in Belleville will fight for justice on your behalf, whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Construction Truck Accident
Driver error is the leading cause of truck accidents, but establishing liability can be complicated since there are often multiple contributing factors. You might assume that your insurance company will act in your best interest and thoroughly investigate the crash, but unfortunately, they may not.
If there is any doubt about the cause of the accident, the insurance company could blame you, leaving you with a sizeable financial burden. Determining the cause of a complex accident can be challenging. That’s why it’s vital to contact a truck accident attorney who has experience with similar cases.
Our team of accomplished professionals understands the intricacies of federal, state, and municipal laws. We also know which records and certifications the other driver must have and are familiar with the deceptive tactics of negligent trucking and construction companies.
How Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
Our truck accident lawyers can investigate the incident and gather evidence to support your claim by doing the following:
- Reviewing police and accident reports
- Analyzing vehicle damage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Identifying responsible parties
- Examining driver logs and maintenance records to ensure nothing has been falsified
- Determining available insurance coverage
We will handle negotiations with the insurance companies and demand just compensation for your injuries. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to represent you in the appropriate Illinois or Missouri court to fight for the compensation you are owed.
Belleville Construction Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Evidence in a Commercial Truck Accident Case
Every case is unique; however, determining liability in a truck accident typically requires evidence of negligent behavior on someone’s part. If a party responsible for the safe operation and use of a construction vehicle behaved in a way that caused an accident, that person or entity could be held liable.
Our Belleville construction truck accident attorneys can gather evidence, including:
- Law enforcement reports
- Witness statements
- Testimony from crash reconstruction specialists
It is also crucial to produce evidence that shows the extent of your damages. This information can be crucial in negotiating a settlement or winning a court award. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to recover damages due to:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Negligence in a Construction Truck Accident
Commercial trucks, including large construction vehicles designed to haul heavy materials, are highly regulated by federal and state laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the federal agency responsible for creating and enforcing trucking regulations.
Suppose the truck operator or the construction company was found to have been negligent in meeting these standards. In that case, they can be held liable for damages resulting from the accident they caused.
Large commercial trucks must be safe to drive, with their cargo properly secured for transport. There are also certain regulations put in place to decrease the risk of turnover accidents and rear-end crashes. A few of the safety standards enforced by the FMCSA for commercial truck drivers include:
- Testing and licensing for commercial drivers
- Strict blood alcohol limits to prevent impaired driving (commercial drivers can be charged with a DUI at a blood alcohol content of only .04%)
- Size and weight limits for cargo
- Limits for the total truck weight
- Inspection and maintenance requirements
Any evidence of negligent behavior, including reckless driving, driver fatigue, driving under the influence, or inadequate vehicle maintenance, can be used to determine liability in the other party.
Fatalities in Construction Truck Accidents
Due to the size disadvantage of a passenger vehicle in a collision with a large truck, these accidents often result in devastating injuries or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fataties in large truck crashes have gone down by 1.3%. Still, there is much to be done in improving the safety record of commercial trucks.
If your loved one died after an accident involving a construction truck, you could be facing an uncertain future. You may have lost the main source of your household income, and the bills are starting to pile up. Our Belleville construction truck accident attorneys can provide compassionate representation during this difficult time.
Our construction truck accident lawyers will go over everything you need to know about your wrongful death case and help you pursue compensation after the tragic loss of someone close to you.
Construction Truck Accident Compensation
The weeks and months following a truck accident can be an uncertain and overwhelming time, both emotionally and financially. If you have been injured in a construction truck accident (or lost a loved one), you may be entitled to compensation, including:
- Medical bills, physical therapy, and prescription medications
- Estimated future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Vehicle replacement or repair costs
- Rental car costs
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of consortium
Contact a Belleville Construction Truck Accident Attorney
The Morelli Law Firm works with clients in Illinois, Missouri, and across the country. We are experienced personal injury lawyers with the knowledge and resources to represent your interests after a devastating accident.
If you have been negatively affected by a serious truck accident, our Belleville construction truck accident lawyers are here to help. Call now to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.