Illinois Truck Accident Lawyer Blog

A 50 year-old semi truck driver was killed earlier this morning in a collision with a horse trailer – according to a report posted on ChicagoTribune.com. Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys learned that earlier today an empty horse trailer came loose from an SUV on an interstate toll road and collided into a semi tractor-trailer. Although the horse trailer was empty, upon becoming dislodged from the SUV the trailer jumped the roadway’s median and traveled into the eastbound lanes of the roadway. The collision with the semi truck caused the truck’s driver to lose control of his large commercial vehicle and cross into the westbound lanes of the roadway.

The driver of the large commercial vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident after suffering an apparent blunt force trauma. According to local authorities, the driver of the SUV was not under the influence of alcohol or substances and did not appear to make any unsafe lane changes prior to the semi truck accident. The SUV driver has not received a citation or charged in connection with the fatal accident.

While a majority of semi truck accidents occur as a direct result of semi truck driver negligence, truck drivers are not always at fault, such as in this case. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers continue to strongly encourage and promote safe driving for drivers of all type of motor vehicles. Often times, these types of accident occur when driver deviate from Illinois driving laws. Failure to follow these laws may result in a strict fine, or even worse – a fatal Illinois trucking accident.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys have represented hundreds of victims of negligence and know first-hand the devastating and life-altering effects that motor vehicle accident can have on victims and their entire families. Many times, seriously injured victims and their families are faced with large medical expenses, lost income, long recoveries, and even life-long disability. Due to this, victims of these devastating accidents should seek legal relief in order to recover compensation if their accident was caused by the negligence of others.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of negligent driver, you may be able to seek compensation for damages incurred. Please contact our experienced and knowledgeable Chicago truck accident attorneys to see what legal rights, representation and relief may be available to you.

A Chicago truck accident attorney at our firm recently read a news report posted on SiLive.com detailing a wrongful death lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of a victim of a fire truck accident. The accident in question occurred in March 2011 when a fire truck was in route to respond to a vehicular fire on an interstate highway. The fire truck came to an intersection where the opposing way of travel had the green light. A passenger van carrying developmentally disabled adults was traveling through the intersection when the fire truck fatally struck the van. The accident caused the subsequent death of a 51 year-old passenger, critically injured two, in addition to, causing minor injuries to the remaining six van occupants, as well as, six fire fighters.

The wrongful death lawsuit names the City of New York, as well as, the passenger van’s driver and company as defendants in the suit. The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of monetary damages. This lawsuit marks the second lawsuit that has been filed as a result of this devastating accident. In December of last year, the family of a 61 year-old passenger filed a wrongful death lawsuit after the victim’s critical injuries ultimately proved fatal. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers learned that according to New York state law, the driver of an emergency vehicle may proceed past a steady or flashing red signal or stop sign “only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation.”

The driver may exceed the maximum speed limits as long as he/she does not endanger life or property. In an unfortunate turn of events, it was later revealed that the call the fire trucks were responding to turned out to be nothing more than an overheated passenger vehicle. The president of the passenger van’s company releases a statement which revealed that the company that a police investigation had cleared the company of any responsibility in the accident. Any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that given the sheer size, weight, and speed of travel at which fire trucks operates – the potential for a serious and life-threatening accident resulting in personal injury or wrongful death substantially increases.

Our Illinois trucking accident attorneys share firsthand knowledge when handling accidents involving any and all types of motor vehicles – including fire trucks. Recently, our attorneys obtained a $10 million settlement on behalf of a 5 year-old boy who sustained critical injury when he was run over by a City of Chicago Fire Department truck while playing in an open fire hydrant. The resulting injury included the loss of his leg, as well as, half of his pelvis. If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident or have lost a loved one, please contact our experienced accident lawyers to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Yesterday, a Chicago truck accident lawyer at our firm read a news report detailing the criminal charges a large commercial vehicle driver faces for possession of drugs and operating while intoxicated over the past weekend. According to an article posted on YourHoustonNews.com, local authorities initially pulled the truck driver over after he was seen driving erratically down a city street. Despite multiple attempts by the police to pull over the driver, the vehicle kept weaving and refrained from pulling over for more than three blocks.

Upon stopping the semi tractor-trailer, it was reported that the semi truck driver struggled when exiting the commercial vehicle and ultimately fell out of the truck’s cab. Upon a brief investigation and an apparent strong odor of alcohol being emitted from the driver, he was arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. It was later revealed after administering a blood alcohol test that the truck driver had a blood alcohol level of .163 – more than twice the legal limit.

Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys learned that an additional investigation in the driver’s truck was conducted where it was revealed that the truck driver had a large clear plastic bag containing multiple pills. The authorities currently believe the pills to be Ambien, Xanax, as well as, Dicyclomine Hydrochloride. The truck driver now faces misdemeanor charges of DWI, possession of a controlled substance, in addition to, three misdemeanor counts of possession of a dangerous drug. The truck driver is currently being held on bonds totaling $25,000.

Although no individuals were injured as a result of the semi truck driver’s intoxicated operation, often times when a large commercial vehicle driver operates in a manner that deviates from the laws mandated by both federal and state governments, the results are often devastating and fatal. Recently, our Chicago accident attorneys settled a case involving an Illinois trucking accident where illegal substances played a primary role in a fatal accident.

In a case where it was revealed that a semi truck driver was operating under the influence of marijuana, as well as, an overloaded tractor-trailer – our attorneys obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of a Huntley family whose passenger vehicle was struck by the commercial vehicle driver. The accident fatally injured a 32 year-old woman and caused substantial personal injury to her husband and son. The driver’s trucking carrier was also found negligent by violating federal regulations which mandate that truck owners administer drug-screenings, as well as, background checks on all their drivers.

With just a month shy before its trial date, a tractor-trailer accident lawsuit has been settled for an undisclosed amount, according to a report posted on BillingsGazette.com. A Chicago accident lawyer at our firm recently read the news report which detailed the fatal accident and its subsequent settlement. The accident initially transpired on the early morning of December 5, 2009.

According to the lawsuit, the semi truck driver had been operating for over 11 straight hours when the driver lost control of his commercial vehicle. The truck consequentially rolled over on its side, causing the commercial vehicle to partially block the northbound lanes of the interstate highway.

According to local authorities, the semi truck driver told police that he lost control of his vehicle when he attempted to veer in order to avoid striking a deer. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers learned that post-collision, state troopers surveyed the area and were unable to find any animal tracks in the snow. Shortly after the overturn of the semi truck, a charter bus collided into the commercial vehicle.

The 61-year-old charter bus driver was killed instantly and over 28 passengers of the bus required advanced medical attention for broken bones and lacerations. The widow of the bus driver filed the truck accident lawsuit alleging that the semi truck driver failed to use flares or emergency triangles to alert drivers that his commercial vehicle was blocking the roadway.

Additional aspects of the lawsuit named the semi truck driver’s trucking carrier as a defendant. It was alleged that the trucking carrier hired the semi truck driver under the knowledge that the driver had previously obtained multiple traffic citations in his past. In addition to the settlement of the lawsuit that stems from the death of the charter bus driver, subsequent lawsuits have also been filed on behalf of the passengers of the bus.

The passengers of the charter bus assert that the 61 year-old bus driver contributed to the horrific collision because the bus driver was driving too fast for roadway conditions and appeared distracted during vehicle operation. Our Illinois accident attorneys learned that one passenger of the charter bus even approached the bus driver with his concerns over unsafe vehicle operation, but was told to return to his seat of get kicked off the bus.

Given the severe nature of Illinois trucking accidents, it is important to obtain knowledgeable and experienced legal aid if you have been injured in an accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver. Please contact our attorneys at Levin & Perconti for a free consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers recently read a news report posted on MLive.com detailing a semi tractor-trailer accident which shut down an interstate highway for several hours. According to local authorities, the trucking accident transpired when the large commercial vehicle lost control on the snow and ice covered roadway. The truck subsequently jackknifed, causing the vehicle’s trailer to collide into the truck’s cab. The collision caused the truck’s fuel line to begin expelling its contents and the large commercial vehicle ultimately became stuck into the highway’s median. The highway remained closed for over 5 hours while highway work crews cleaned up the scene. Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the accident. The driver of the semi truck received a citation for driving too fast for conditions.

A jackknife accident is a type of large commercial vehicle accident that commonly transpires and often results in substantial damage and harm. A jackknife occurs when a semi truck comes to a sudden stop and the cab of the commercial vehicle continues the forward momentum. This ultimately causes the truck’s cab to move horizontally across the roadway. This can be especially dangerous given that many large commercial vehicles may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 10% of large commercial vehicle occupant fatalities are attributed to a jackknife-style type of accident. Additional research revealed that the likelihood of a jackknife fatality substantially increases when there is a speed limit of 55 or above, questionable weather conditions, and/or a curved road.

More often than not, there are some motor vehicle accidents that cannot be avoided. One the other hand, when someone is seriously or fatally injured in an accident caused by careless driving, the driver should be held legally liable for any damages that subsequently result. Large commercial vehicle drivers are required to adhere to a standard of care that requires them to operate their vehicles safely in order to avoid accidents. When that standard of care is violated by a factor such as driving too fast for conditions and an accident ensues, the driver and their trucking company may be held liable for negligence if the victim sustains injury. If a death results at the hands of a careless or negligent driver, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed against the truck driver, as well as, his/her trucking carrier. If you have been involved in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our Chicago accident lawyers for a free consultation to see what legal rights may be available to you.

The driver of a semi tractor-trailer who caused a fatal trucking accident earlier this week is faced with preliminary charges of driving while intoxicated causing a serious bodily injury, according to TheStarPress.com. According to the news report, the accident transpired when the 52 year-old semi truck driver, hauling a cargo of grain, collided into a pickup truck being driven by an 82 year-old man along an interstate highway. The driver of the pickup truck required advanced medical attention and had to be flown by medical helicopter to an area hospital. He remains in an intensive care unit for injuries sustained but it believed to be in stable condition.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read that witnesses saw the semi truck driver enter the roadway’s intersection, blowing through a red light, before colliding into the accident victim’s vehicle. Crash scene investigators revealed that they found no evidence that the truck driver made any attempt to apply his brakes or maneuver to avoid hitting the pickup truck. According to the police report, a blood test further revealed that the truck driver had meth, marijuana, as well as, amphetamines in his system prior to the accident. It was later discovered that the truck driver had a tube containing meth in his shirt pocket; a pipe and a plastic bag both containing marijuana found in a nearby field, as well as, a plastic container containing more meth in a nearby parking lot.

A witness at the scene told authorities that he witnessed the truck driver walking into a field prior to the devastating accident and “throwing items” which was later revealed to be various amounts and types of illegal substances. The truck driver has been preliminarily charged with driving while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, a violation with is deemed a Class D felony. The charge may ultimately carry a standard 18-month prison term. The driver is currently being held in jail under a $5,000 bound. The 52 year-old is also expected to face additional drug-related charges.

Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers share widespread knowledge when handling civil cases involving Illinois trucking accidents in which marijuana or other drug use played a contributing factor in a devastating accident. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of an Illinois family who sustained severe injury and loss as the hands of a negligent semi truck driver. During the investigation process, it was discovered that at the time of the accident, the semi truck driver was under the influence of marijuana, as well as, operating an overloaded tractor-trailer.

FoxToledo.com reports that a 78 year-old driver of a large commercial vehicle has been charged with vehicular homicide for his role in a fatal truck accident that occurred earlier this week. According to the police report, the semi truck driver admitted that he failed to see the 16 year-old accident victim’s pickup truck before he slammed his commercial vehicle into the motor vehicle upon making a left-hand turn. The accident victim was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the accident. If convicted, the driver of the semi truck may face up to six months in jail, as well as, a fine of up to $1,000.

Although the news report does not confirm whether or not the family of the 16 year-old accident victim wishes to seek civil legal action against the semi truck driver and his trucking carrier, from the experience of a Chicago truck accident lawyer, the family may have a cause of action for a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits are claims on the basis that the wrongful or negligent conduct of another caused a premature death. The family of the deceased may be able to obtain damages that occurred as a direct result of the accident, such as medical, funeral, as well as, burial expenses.

Our Illinois trucking accident blog frequently discusses the adverse consequences that often result from collisions involving 80,000 pound commercial vehicles. A number of efforts must be taken in order to reduce the substantially high number of injuries and fatalities that occur from the negligent operation of large commercial vehicles. Unsafe truck driving, whether it is through cell phone use, driver fatigue, or operating an unsafe commercial vehicle, poses a severe threat to the safety of all roadway users. With over 416,000 semi trucks involved in collisions each year, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, negligent drivers and their carriers must be held responsible for thousands of injuries and fatalities that result.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our Chicago truck accident attorneys. Our experienced accident lawyers will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal representation may be available to you. Harm resulting from another’s negligence should never be dealt with alone and our attorneys will ensure that clients will receive compensation for the injuries sustained, as well as, hold wrongdoers accountable for their negligent conduct.

Recently, our Illinois trucking accident blog posted a report which detailed the settlement of a trucking accident lawsuit. The $3 million settlement was awarded to the family of a man who died as the result of a devastating trucking accident that occurred in May 2010. The lawsuit marked the first time in which sleep apnea was acknowledged for playing a prominent role in a fatal trucking accident. During the course of the trial, it was found that in addition to the driver of the large commercial vehicle refusing to treat his diagnosed sleep apnea prior to the accident, the trucking company failed to ensure that follow up care was provided.

MarketWatch.com reports that as part of the agreement of the trucking accident lawsuit settlement, the trucking carrier has agreed to implement a program that educates its employees in the area of sleep apnea and the dangers that will likely ensue by driving with the condition. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers read that when reinforcing sleep apnea education, it is important to distinguish to commercial vehicle drivers that as long as a driver treats their sleep apnea condition, they will not be subject to invalidation of their commercial driver’s license. Current policy in the trucking industry reveals that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration does not require that commercial vehicle driver’s be tested for sleep apnea, despite the significant treat the condition poses.

Despite current statistics that show that almost one-third of all commercial vehicle drivers suffer from sleep apnea, the article points out that trucking companies must implement an effective sleep program that mandates companies to treat at-risk drivers, all the while remaining productive in the transportation industry. One group, called Sleep Health Center’s National Services Group, has garnered nationwide attention for their ability to guide transportation companies through policy development, sleep apnea program education, as well as, sleep disorder management in order to avoid the recurrence of devastatingly fatal trucking accidents.

The article points out that educating drivers on healthy sleep is extremely beneficial. Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys read that healthy and adequate sleep is imperative to a truck driver’s wellness and safety. Additionally, with more trucking companies implementing sleep apnea education systems, it has proven to lower overall healthcare costs and fatigued-related accidents. Overall, these types of programs seek the improve employee performance, retention, and most of all prevent additional fatal accidents that are attributed to the medical condition of sleep apnea.

The family of a student who was killed after being struck by a city leaf collection truck has filed a legal notice, a precursor to a potential lawsuit, with the city. A Chicago truck accident lawyer in our office read on SheboyganPress.com that legal action has not been officially sought, given that the accident is still currently under investigation. The decision whether or not to seek legal action will not be made by the family until the completion of the official accident investigation, as well as, a third-party investigation. The state statute requires that an individual that pursues legal action against a city must first file a notice of circumstances within 120 day of the accident – which the family has done.

The accident in question transpired in late November when the 18 year-old accident victim was crossing a city roadway when he was struck was a city public works truck traveling northbound. The victim was subsequently pronounced shortly after arriving at an area hospital. The driver of the city truck remained unharmed. State Police, who are currently conducting the crash investigation, have released no information as to why the accident victim and the city worker did not see each other before collision – given that there were no parked cars and/or other objects in the area that would have affected either driver’s visibility.

Having represented hundreds of victims of negligence, our Chicago accident lawyers know first-hand the devastating effects that these types of motor vehicle accidents can have on its victims, as well as, their family members. Recently, our attorneys obtained a $10 million settlement on behalf of an 8 year-old Chicago boy who received devastating injuries after being struck by a City of Chicago Fire Truck. The accident occurred when the fire truck’s front bumper hit the boy who subsequently fell under the truck, causing the back tire to roll over him. The accident caused the young boy to remain hospitalized for two months undergoing numerous operations, including the amputations of his leg to the hip.

When an accident victims sustains severe harm as a result of the negligence of another, our accident lawyers in Chicago ensure that our clients receive compensation to cover the immense and increasing amount of medical bills – both present and future. If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our attorneys at Levin & Perconti to see what legal rights, representation, and relief may be available to you.

Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys recently read a report posted on PressOfAtlanticCity.com detailing a $1 million settlement awarded to three accident victims of a tow truck accident. The settlement comes in light of a devastating tow truck accident that occurred in 2008. According to police records, the accident occurred when the driver of a tow truck attempted to drive his vehicle around a passenger vehicle that was awaiting a train to cross the railroad. The tow truck driver made an attempt to cross the railroad before the train arrived, but was unsuccessful.

The train struck the back of the tow truck which in turn caused the truck to strike three pedestrians who were walking on a nearby property. One of the accident victims sustained serious leg fractures and lacerations, while the other two victims incurred severe back injuries. Subsequently after the accident, the three accident victims filed suit against the 22 year-old driver of the tow truck. In turn, the tow truck driver filed suit against the railroad, claiming that the railroad crossing did not have gates that lowered when trains approach. Shortly thereafter, the three victims included the railroad company as defendants to the personal injury lawsuit.

Although a trial was set for later this month, both parties involved in the lawsuit reached a settlement through mediation. The accident victim who sustained the most injury received $750,000, while the other two received $200,000 and $50,000 respectively. The driver of the tow truck who struck the pedestrians has agreed to pay 90 percent of the $1 million settlement, while the railroad company had agreed to compensate the victims for the balance.

Without a doubt, any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that any time a vehicle collides with a pedestrian the results are almost always tragic – subsequently resulting in severe personal injury or even death. According to recent accident statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities account for over 11 percent of motor vehicle fatalities. Additionally, over 180,000 pedestrians have been killed in motor vehicle accidents between 1975 and 2005. With the alarming number of these types of devastating accidents, negligent drivers must be held accountable for their accidents in hope to prevent future recurrence.

If you have been injured in an Illinois trucking accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent commercial vehicle driver, please contact our experienced Illinois truck accident lawyers to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Earlier this week, our Illinois accident attorneys read a report on Pal-Item.com detailing a destructive semi truck accident that occurred along an interstate highway. According to the report, a semi tractor-trailer hauling a cargo of microwaveable popcorn overturned – subsequently spilling the truck’s cargo all along the highway. Only the driver of the commercial vehicle sustained injury that required advanced medical attention. Fortunately, no other passenger vehicles were involved in the semi truck collision. The accident caused interstate traffic to remain closed for more than two hours. Ultimately, it took cleanup crews well over 10 hours to clean up the debris from the accident. The cause of the accident remains unknown and no citations have been issued.

When these types of devastating commercial vehicle accidents occur, it is important to look at a wide varies of factors when determining cause. More often than not, semi truck accidents commonly result from error on the part of the semi truck driver. Some of the most common semi truck driver errors that result in tragic accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driver Fatigue
- Drug/Alcohol Use
- Failure to Take Mandated Rest Breaks
- Failure to Modify Driving to Roadway Conditions

Another common factor when determining causes of Illinois trucking accidents is failure to properly maintain the commercial vehicle. This results when proper truck maintenance is ignored and/or the vehicle is improperly equipped for travel. Some of these common causes include:
- Improperly Loaded/Unsecured Trucks
- Overweight Trucks
- Failure to Maintain Brakes
- Failure to Maintain and Replace Tires

When any of the above mentioned factors contribute to a semi truck accident, the results can be devastating for the truck’s driver, passenger vehicles, as well as, property. Given that each year in the state of Illinois there are approximately 5,500 semi truck accidents – with 200 resulting in fatality, according to the Center for National Truck and Bus Statistics, commercial vehicle drivers and their trucking companies must be held responsible for the careless actions on our roadways.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident or have lost a loved one due to semi truck driver error or improper vehicle maintenance, you may be able to receive compensation for damages incurred as a result of the driver’s action or inaction. Please contact our Chicago truck accident lawyers to see what legal rights, representation, and relief may be available to you.

TheHour.com recently released a news report which revealed that a semi truck driver who caused a devastating fatal collision in early August of this year will not face criminal charges for his role in the collision. According to the report, the initial accident occurred along an interstate highway when a semi tractor-trailer collided into a van owned by the YMCA, which was transporting children on the way home from an amusement park. The collision resulted in the untimely death of a 12 year-old girl who was a passenger in the van. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers read that despite the review conducted by the prosecutor which revealed that the semi truck driver was operating his commercial vehicle 11 miles per hour over the posted speed limit when he lost control of his vehicle; there are no findings of criminal negligence that is required by law to pursue a criminal case of vehicular manslaughter.

Although the article does not reveal of the family of the 12 year-old accident victim wishes to pursue civil legal action against the truck driver, from our experience as accident attorneys in Chicago, the family of the deceased may have a cause of action for wrongful death. Wrongful death cases arise when the wrongful or negligent conduct of another, through action or inaction, caused the untimely and premature death of another. In this particular case, by the semi truck driver deviating from the posted speed limit and operating his semi tractor-trailer 11 miles per hour over the limit at the time he lost control of his vehicle, he may be found liable through civil litigation.

If pursuing an Illinois trucking accident lawsuit, under current Illinois statute, those bringing about a claim of wrongful death must assert that the negligent or default act of the accused party would have entitled the injured party to seek legal relief to recover damages if premature death has not incurred as a result of the accident. Additionally, those asserting the claim of wrongful death must prove that monetary damages have resulted as a direct result of the victim’s death.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our experienced accident attorneys as soon as possible. Having represented hundreds of victims of negligence, our attorneys know the devastating and tragic effects that accidents have on victims and their entire families. Often times, those individuals who sustain serious injury in these accidents incur large medical bills; lost income, love recovery time, as well as, life-long disability. Contact our Chicago truck accident attorneys for a free consultation to help determine what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Our Chicago trucking accident attorneys recently read an interesting article posted on AHWatukee.com detailing a unique enforcement strategy taken by a state law enforcement agency that not only provides training for commercial vehicle enforcement but additionally aimed at improving the safety along interstate highways. The operation, which took place between 7 a.m. until 11 a.m., assigned twenty new officers to veteran officers with the hopes to provide advanced training in the field of specialized commercial vehicle enforcement. In total, policing authorities stopped and inspected 33 vehicles and placed 11 of the vehicles out of service for severe violations – or a series of severe violations. According to the news article, a majority of the violations were ones that had a direct negative impact on the overall safety of the commercial vehicle and/or the ability for the truck driver to safely operate the vehicle. The effort to improve the overall safety of the motoring public resulted in over 100 documented violations.

Any Chicago truck accident lawyer will tell you that when local law enforcement agencies implement safety measures that stop unsafe commercial vehicles during travel, it significantly reduces the number of accidents that may have ensued as a result of the unsafe vehicle. Often times, these types of commercial vehicle violations include:
• Commercial Vehicle Log Book Violations
• Truck Speeding
• Lane Violations
• Violations of roadway weight specifications
• Violations of downhill speed zones and grade restrictions

The most recent up-to-date accident statistics for trucking accidents provide a harrowing insight into how debilitating and destructive these types of accidents can be. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2010 over 500,000 large trucks and commercial vehicles were involved in accidents across the nation. Of those accidents, 100,000 individuals sustained serious injury and 5000 fatalities resulted. Compared to trucking accident statistics from 2009, the rate of fatalities has substantially increased … with only 3200 fatalities resulting from commercial vehicle accidents.

Commercial vehicle drivers are held to an advanced standard of care when operating their vehicles. This means that they are required by law to exercise the utmost safety when traveling along our nation’s roadways in order to avoid any and all types of accidents that may result in property damage, personal injury, and even fatality. In the event that a commercial vehicle driver deviates from their standard of care and an accident ensures, victims of these destructive accidents may be able to seek legal relief for damages incurred. If you have been involved in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our Illinois truck accident lawyers to see what legal rights may be available to you.

TodaysTrucking.com reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has created a proposal for the White House Office of Management and Budget that would require all large commercial vehicles to become equipped with stability control systems. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers read that this proposal comes in light of numerous rollover and loss of control tractor-trailer accidents. According to recently published statistics, these types of accident are responsible for over 2,700 injuries, as well as, over 300 fatalities each year. Many commercial trucking fleets have already adopted stability control technology, which has found to be effective in up to 56 percent of single-vehicle tractor-trailer rollover accidents. Additionally, it was found that control systems are effective in up to 14 percent of accidents caused from vehicle skidding.

Despite these noticeable safety benefits, not all trucking fleets have adopted this form of technology for their commercial vehicles. Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that these stability control systems may annually save as many as 66 lives and prevent nearly 1,000 injuries, these pricey systems would cost the trucking industry up to $107 million a year. Regardless of the increased cost, the article points out that the cost would ultimately be outweighed by the $372 million in savings from preventing property damage and travel delays. Currently, no word is out yet on whether this planned proposal will be implemented by the exact terms in the proposal created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Agencies are presently awaiting vetting (examination and evaluation) by the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers are pleased to read that continued steps are being taken by our governmental agencies to implement adequate safety equipment in large commercial vehicles. With so many violent and debilitating trucking accidents taking place each day on our busy Illinois roadways, the implementation of safety equipment will hopefully in turn give drivers a peace of mind that proper safety measures are being taken to ensure that a semi tractor-trailer traveling alongside a passenger vehicle will not ultimately prove deadly in the event that the truck becomes unstable during travel. In the unfortunate circumstance that you have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, or have lost a loved one in an Illinois trucking accident, please contact our accident attorneys in Chicago to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Our Chicago accident lawyers recently read a report posted on WashingtonPost.com detailing the settlement of a fatal commercial vehicle collision between a charter bus and a semi tractor-trailer that took the lives of four individuals and resulted in 19 injuries. According to the report, the accident initially transpired in January of 2005 when a charter bus transporting a youth hockey team swerved off an interstate highway and collided into a tractor-trailer that was parked alongside of the highway.

Fatalities in the tragic accident included the 46 year-old coach of the youth hockey team, his 13 year-old son, a 50 year-old passenger of the bus, in addition to, the 42 year-old driver of the semi tractor-trailer. 19 passengers in the charter bus sustained additional devastating personal injuries which included but were not limited to: broken bones, brain trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Despite reports that the inexperienced 24 year-old charter bus driver was driving erratically before the collision and was suspected to be operating while fatigued, he has avoided facing criminal charges. The bus driver has pleaded guilty to violations that involved his commercial vehicle logbook. It was reported that the driver lied about previous travel hours he worked a few days earlier during another transportation job and failed to report these driver hours in his logbook. An additional violation included a $300 traffic violation for failing to stay in the proper lane.

As part of a series of lawsuits stemming from the fatal trucking accident, our Chicago truck accident attorneys read that a settlement has been reached in the first trial. $36 million settlement has been awarded to the accident victims and their families with two of the insurance agencies for the charter bus paying $22.5 million. An additional settlement contribution of $13.5 million will be issued by the three insurers for the truck operator and the trucking trailer owner.

Our accident lawyers in Chicago send their sincere condolences to the accident victims of this devastating accident and are pleased to read that they have received adequate compensation for the untimely death of four individuals and the debilitating personal injuries sustained by the 19 charter bus passengers. These types of accident lawsuits are often beneficial in ensuring that accident victims and their families are properly compensated for the various expenses that incurred as a result of the accident, in addition to, guaranteeing that wrongdoers are held accountable for their wrongful and negligent conduct.

Earlier this week, our Illinois trucking accident blog posted a report detailing an upcoming meeting held by National Transportation Safety Board members to determine the cause of a devastating 2010 multi-commercial vehicle accident that took the lives of two individuals and injured 38. The meeting also prompted that the National Transportation Safety Board members consider the proposal of new safety recommendations on the ever-present issue of distracted driving.

According to Lake County News-Sun online, the Board held an official meeting Tuesday and has since publicly released the safety recommendations they wish to address to drivers and legislators nationwide. The Board advocates that all 50 states, as well as, the District of Columbia implement a nationwide ban on using a personal electronic device while driving any and all types of vehicles. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers read that this recommendation would prohibit driving while using electronic devices for non-emergency uses or reasons not essential to operating a vehicle.

With current statistics revealing that more than 3,000 individuals around the United States were killed last year as a direct result of accidents caused by driver distraction, the National Transportation Safety Board recommends that an advertising campaign be employed to garner public awareness of distracted driving, proposed electronic device ban, as well as, potential enforcement by local authorities. Despite the current ban upheld in Illinois that prohibits texting while driving and the use of cellular telephones in school and work zones, a majority of states around the country have neglected to establish comparable legislation.

As Chicago accident lawyers, our legal team maintains extensive first-hand knowledge and experience of the devastating results of motor vehicle collisions and have seen lives turned upside-down as the result of careless and negligent drivers. While many of the accidents that transpire on our busy Illinois roadways are often unavoidable, accidents caused by distracted driving is completely 100% avoidable. Even looking down for a quick second to read a text message or answering a cell phone call while driving can prove tragic or fatal for any driver, passenger, and/or surrounding motor vehicles.

Although it may not be easy to avoid the convenience that a cellular telephone provides during vehicle travel, our Chicago trucking accident lawyers urge all drivers to avoid this type of distraction at all costs. With countless lives prematurely ending as a result of these accidents each day, safe vehicle operation should always be a top priority for drivers of all types of motor vehicles.

Within the upcoming week, members of the National Transportation Safety Board are set to meet in order to determine the cause of a devastating fatal commercial vehicle accident that transpired in 2010, which ultimately resulted in two fatalities and thirty-eight injuries. According to a report posted on STNOnline.com, board members will additionally consider purposed safety recommendations on the issue of distracted driving within the realm of commercial vehicles, particularly the school bus industry.

The multi-vehicle accident in question occurred on August 5, 2010 when a pickup truck rear-ended a stopped semi tractor-trailer on an interstate roadway. The initial crash caused a domino-effect of collisions which including two school buses transporting a high school band that were following from the rear. The first school bus collided into the rear of the pickup track, which was subsequently hit by the second school bus. As a result of the collisions, a 15 year-old passenger in the school bus and the 19 year-old driver of the pickup truck were killed.

Our accident lawyers in Chicago read that an initial investigation was conducted shortly after the accident by the National Transportation Safety Board and the state’s Highway Patrol. The preliminary report revealed that inattentiveness on behalf of the first school buses driver caused the initial collision, while close following distance between the first and second school bus caused the last rear end collision. Originally, the NTSB was looking into whether the use of safety belts for passengers in the school buses should have been used.

With over twenty-four students sustaining injuries, two requiring hospitalization, the deputy of director of the NTSB’s Office of Highway Safety released a statement after review of the accident stating that it was “inexplicable” why the driver of the first school bus failed to alter the vehicle’s travel path and adequately react to the slowing traffic on the roadway. Given evidence gathered since the accident last year, it is believed that the bus driver was texting prior to the fatal collision.

Distracted driving by commercial vehicle drivers is a commonly discussed issue on our Illinois trucking accident blog. Time after time, every Chicago truck accident lawyer at Levin & Perconti reads about or personally handles devastating accidents that are a direct cause of driver distraction. Any time any type of vehicle is operated by a driver who becomes distracted, commonly through cell phone conversations – verbal or texting, the risk for driving errors substantially increase. Distracted driving can be eliminated when drivers avoid multi-tasking and stay focused on safe travel.

A number of months ago, our Illinois trucking accident blog reported the devastating story of 5 year-old boy that was killed when a semi truck hauling a cargo of logs collided into his house. The latest report posted on WMTW.com states that no criminal charges have been filed against the 57 year-old driver of the semi truck. Although the driver of the semi tractor-trailer admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel when his logging truck tipped over onto a house – subsequently killing the 5 year-old boy who was asleep on the couch, the prosecutor in this case revealed that a reconstruction of the accident proved there was no basis for criminal charges.

Despite the tragic nature of this accident which caused additional injury to other individuals in the house, no criminal charges have been filed after it was proven that speed, roadway conditions, as well as, the condition of the truck did not play a contributing factor in the fatal collision. The prosecutor stated that in order for a charge of manslaughter to be filed, recklessness and criminal negligence must be proven -- which was not the case in this accident. The report states that the 57 year-old driver of the commercial vehicle has had no previous criminal record.

The news report does not confirm if the family of the accident victim wishes to seek civil litigation against the truck driver for his role in the fatal accident. From the perspective of a Chicago truck accident lawyer, the accident victim’s family may have a cause of action for a wrongful death claim. In Illinois, a wrongful death claim asserts that the death of an individual was caused by the wrongful act, either through negligence or default, of another.

Illinois statute also provides that those bringing about a wrongful death claim must prove that the negligent or default act would have entitled the injured party to seek legal relief to recover damages if premature death had not occurred, in addition to, proof that monetary damages have resulted from the victim’s death.

When a devastating accident caused by another’s negligence does not constitute criminal charges, civil litigation can provide adequate relief to those who have been harmed as a result of a negligent driver. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed at the hands of a negligent driver, please contact our Illinois trucking accident attorneys to see what legal rights may be available to you.

A Chicago truck accident lawyer in our office recently brought attention to an article published on TruckingInfo.com detailing the release of the newest truck safety data and its effect on pending legislation concerning truck driver’s hours of service. Data gathered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that large truck accidents accounted for over 4,000 fatalities in 2010, a substantial increase in the 3,380 fatalities reported the previous year.

In light of these recent statistics, the Truck Safety Coalition issued a press release stating that that the latest data further supports the reformation of truck driver’s hours of service. The Truck Safety Coalition, which is a partnership between the Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH) Foundation and the Parents Against Tired Truckers (P.A.T.T.), says that the new data supports the firm positions of safety groups, families or truck crash victims, and labor to issue a safer alternative to the current truck driver hours of service rule in an effort to reduce driver fatigue.

According to their website, our Chicago truck accident attorneys learned that the Truck Safety Coalition is highly dedicated to: reducing the number of fatalities and injuries caused by large truck related crashes, providing compassionate support to truck accident survivors and the families of large truck accident victims, as well as, educating the public, policy makers, and the media about various trucking safety issues – such as the trucking industry’s current hours of service rules.

Under current hours of service regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Transportation Administration, property-carrying commercial vehicle drivers are regulated to various operational limits that include:
- 11 Hour Driving Limit: Drivers are permitted to drive a maximum of 11 hours only after they have received 10 consecutive off duty hours
- 14-Hour Limit: Drivers are not permitted to drive past the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, which must be followed by 10 consecutive hours off duty. The 14 hour limit is not extended during off duty
- 60/70 Hour On-Duty Limit: Drivers are not permitted to driver after 60/70 hours on duty within 7/8 consecutive days. A driver is permitted to restart a 7/8 consecutive day period only after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
- Sleeper Berth Provision: Drivers using their in-cab sleeper berth are required to take at least 8 consecutive hours, in addition to, a separate 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or a combination of the two.

Our accident lawyers in Chicago commend the dedication of various agencies, such as the Truck Safety Coalition, in their efforts to garner nationwide attention to the severity of trucking accidents and jump-start legislative reformation on federal trucking laws.

A truck accident lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a woman and her two children who were struck by a tow truck in an accident that transpired early last year. VCStar.com reports that the accident occurred in August 2010 when the tow truck driver struck a woman while she pushed her two children in a stroller across a crosswalk. Upon striking the victims, the tow truck continued travel even though the stroller containing the two children was caught under the truck’s bumper. Multiple motorists at the scene of the accident made several attempts to get the tow truck driver to stop. Fortunately, no fatalities resulted in this devastating collision, although the accident victims did sustain severe, as well as, long-term injuries.

Filed yesterday, the lawsuit charges both the defendant tow truck driver, as well as, his two trucking companies with negligence, battery and assault. During the investigation, our Chicago truck accident attorneys read that it was revealed that the truck driver was not only an illegal immigrant, but has maintained a 25 year criminal history. Some of the tow truck driver’s prior convictions include both drug abuse and traffic violations. The driver was also on parole at the time of the tragic collision. In addition to being named defendant in this personal injury lawsuit, the tow truck driver is currently incarcerated pending trial for driving under the influence of alcohol, causing an injury, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Victims of these types of devastating accident are often able to seek legal relief from the damages they have incurred as the result of another’s negligence. Through civil litigation, truck accident attorneys can help compensate accident victims and their families for the harm they have sustained due to any and all types of motor vehicle accidents. These damages commonly include, but are not limited to: cost of medical expenses, loss of wages, physical and emotional pain and suffering, in addition to, punitive damages that aim to punish the wrongdoer’s negligent behavior.

Those who knowing commit negligent acts, whether it be the truck driver or their trucking carrier, must be held legally liable for the harm they have carelessly inflicted on their accident victims. In these types of complex cases, it is important to seek legal aid from experienced Chicago accident attorneys. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident, please contact our Chicago truck accident lawyers to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

A volunteer firefighter remains in critical condition after a devastating collision involving a semi tractor-trailer last week. BeaumonteEnterprise.com reports that after a previous tanker exploded on the roadway, firefighters were on the scene redirecting traffic around the wreckage. A female firefighter was directing traffic around the explosion when an 18-wheeler semi truck backed up and subsequently ran over the woman. The woman sustained traumatic injuries to the left side of her body, requiring her arm to be amputated above the elbow – she currently remains in intensive care. The driver of the commercial vehicle has received a citation for unsafely backing.

Large commercial vehicles are notorious for the severe harm and injury that is often sustained as a direct result of a collision. Given that a majority of semi trucks range from 10,000 – 80,000 pounds, injuries from these types of accidents are often very serious and frequently result in fatality. Some of the most common injuries sustained in a semi truck accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken Bones
- Amputation
- Injuries to back/neck
- Whiplash

Numerous studies and published statistics have revealed that a majority of these injury-resulting accidents occur for various reasons. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently conducted a study which found that the most common associated factors in large commercial vehicle accidents are due to: driver fatigue, illegal drug or alcohol use, interruption in traffic flow, unfamiliarity with roadway, driving too fast for roadway conditions, in-attention, distractions (such as cell phone use), as well as, false assumption of other road user’s actions.

Our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers know that efforts must be taken in order to decrease the increasingly high number of truck accidents that occur each year. More often than not, these trucking accidents occur as a direct result of negligence on behalf of the semi truck driver and/or the driver’s trucking carrier. When the driver of a large commercial vehicle operates in a manner that poses a significant threat to public safety, the risk for accidents resulting in personal injury or wrongful death substantially increases.

If you or a loved one has sustained severe injury, or even death, as a result of an Illinois semi truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation for damages incurred due to another’s negligent actions. Please contact an Illinois semi truck accident attorney to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Yesterday, our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys read a report on Statesman.com discussing the common link between a semi truck driver’s health and their driving ability. With over 86% of the nation’s 3.2 million truck drivers overweight or obese, driver health has become a terrible problem in the trucking industry. The article reports that not only is truck driver health an issue for truck drivers, but also for anyone who travels the roadway with them. Research conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed that 87% of accidents involving large commercial vehicle drivers was a direct result of various types of driver error. Of that percentage, 12% of semi truck accidents were because the driver fell asleep, had a heart attack, was in diabetic shock, and/or had another type of health problem.

The article continues to go into detail and discusses that even though the United States Department of Transportation requires commercial vehicle driver license holders to regularly pass a medical exam every two years, many driver are found to be in extremely poor physical conditions. During these medical exams, truck drivers are check for various medical ailments, including: severe heart conditions, high blood pressure and respiratory maladies (i.e. sleep disorders). Given the increasingly poor health conditions and rising insurance costs, trucking carriers and industry groups have been on a crusade to curb this increasing epidemic and fix driver habits.

With preventable semi truck accidents commonly attributed to truck drivers who were tired, diagnosed with sleep apnea or physically unfit, transportation carriers have developed initiatives that encourage truck drivers to lose weight, get in shape, as well as, improve overall health. Some of the initiatives trucking carriers are implementing include: conducting health seminars for truckers, constructing on-site work out facilities, bringing in nutritionists and fitness trainers to work with drivers and even offering drivers financial incentives to stop smoking and lose weight.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers commend the efforts of trucking carriers for encouraging healthier practices for their commercial vehicle drivers. When a healthier lifestyle is taught and encouraged, it allows drivers to safely perform the demanding job of operating a large commercial vehicle, as well as, keep our roadways safe. With over 5,000 fatalities resulting from semi truck accidents in 2010 and over 100,000 sustaining serious injury – according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, any measure taken to help prevent these life-altering accidents and make our roadways a safer place to travel is highly beneficial.

Yesterday, Jacksonville.com reported that a 28 year-old woman has been killed in a tragic semi truck accident. According to the report, the woman was traveling on an interstate highway when she began to slow down to make a left hand turn. A commercial vehicle hauling a cargo of lumber failed to stop and rear ended the woman’s passenger vehicle. Upon collision, the woman’s motor vehicle burst into flames -- subsequently resulting in her untimely death. The semi truck continued to strike an additional vehicle before ultimately overturning on the roadway. Both the driver of the commercial vehicle, as well as, the driver of the second vehicle that was hit by the semi truck sustained minor injuries. No charges have been filed and the accident remains under investigation.

When the driver of a large commercial vehicle follows another type of vehicle too closely, the risk for semi truck accidents resulting in injury or death significantly increases. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration defines following too closely as, “situations in which one vehicle is following another vehicle so closely that even if the following driver is attentive to the actions of the vehicle ahead, he/she could not avoid a collision in the circumstance when the driver in front brakes suddenly.” Given that commercial vehicles take significantly longer to stop than smaller passenger vehicles, it is no surprise that 5% of truck crashes occurred as a direct result of a commercial vehicle driver following a vehicle too closely.

In order to avoid following another vehicle too closely and prevent fatal accidents such as the one previously mentioned, our Chicago truck accident attorneys urge drivers of all types of vehicles to maintain a safe following distance and always increase following distance during adverse weather conditions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends that if you are driving below 40 mph, you should leave at least one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length. When traveling over 40 mph, the FMCSA recommends that drivers should always leave an additional second. Additionally, given that braking distances can be significant affected by road conditions during adverse weather conditions, drivers should adjust their following distance to ensure the utmost safety.

If you have been injured in an Illinois semi truck accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver, please contact our experienced Chicago semi truck accident lawyers to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

KCCI.com reports that the driver of semi truck has been charged in connection with a devastating fatal semi truck accident that transpired in late September. Police records state that the 43 year-old driver of the semi truck was traveling southbound on an interstate highway when he failed to stop at a traffic signal. A passenger vehicle carrying four occupants was traveling eastbound when the semi truck collided into the vehicle. The 86 year-old driver and one of the passengers were pronounced at the scene of the accident. The other two passengers were transported to an area hospital where they later died from their sustained injuries. The semi truck driver has been charged for failure to obey a traffic control device. If the driver is convicted, he will face a $1,000 fine, in addition to, license suspension.

The news article does not confirm whether the families of the deceased vehicle occupants wish to seek civil trucking litigation against the commercial vehicle driver. Looking at this case, from our experience as Chicago semi truck accident attorneys, the families may have a cause of action for a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits are claims on the basis that the wrongful or negligent conduct of one person caused the premature death of another. In this particular case, the commercial vehicle driver’s failure to properly handle his vehicle in order to avoid a collision, in addition to, disobeying a traffic safety signal was a direct cause of the of victims’ fatalities. If the driver is found negligent, the families of the accident victims may be able to obtain damages including medical, funeral, as well as, burial expenses.

Due to the fact that semi truck accidents tend to substantially more severe in terms of damage, it is important to obtain experienced accident attorneys to help handle your claim. Since 1992, our Chicago truck accident lawyers have expertly handled numerous personal injury and wrongful death claims for victims of any and all types of motor vehicle accidents and ensure that our clients are properly compensated for their devastating injuries and losses. Accident victims may also receive additional compensation for various damages including: lost wages, physical/emotional pain and suffering, as well as, punitive damages that aim to punish the wrongdoer’s negligent behavior.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact our Illinois wrongful death attorneys to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Chicago truck accident attorneys read a report on SunHerald.com detailing several laws that have been implemented by a number of states which permit heavier commercial vehicles to operate on our nation’s roadways. Despite the national weight limit of commercial vehicles on interstate highways as a mandated 80,000 pounds, numerous states are now legally permitting and granting exceptions to semi trucks that weigh up to 100,000 pounds. With these exceptions in place, many individuals are now arguing the safety of allowing such massive vehicles to share the roadways with significantly smaller vehicles.

Those in favor of the increased weight limit argue that higher weight restrictions actually encourage highway safety due to the fact that it will require fewer commercial vehicles to transport the same amount of cargo. Supporters state that with fewer commercial vehicles on our roadways, the amount of pollution and cost of doing business will significantly decrease.

On the other end of the spectrum, critics of this exception argue that heavier commercial vehicles create a significant threat to highway safety because larger vehicles take considerably longer to stop and are noticeably difficult to maneuver. Additionally, those opposed to the increased weight limits contend that heavier trucks will cause substantial highway damage which will ultimately cost taxpayers more money each year.

In light of the heated debate on the issue of increased weight restrictions on large commercial vehicles, a new bill has been submitted to the United States Congress, titled the Safety Highway and Infrastructure Preservation Act, which would put a freeze on the 80,000 pound limit. Legislators argue that heavier vehicles are considerably more likely to be involved in semi truck accident, in addition to, causing severe highway damage. A study recently conducted in Illinois revealed that raising the weight limit of commercial vehicles to 97,000 pounds would cause an additional $162 million in damage to federal highways in the state each year.

Our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers urge lawmakers to take careful consideration when enacting laws that may ultimately pose a significant threat to safety of those traveling our roadways. Given the already substantial amount of semi truck accidents that occur each day throughout our nation, increasing the weight limit of large commercial vehicles will in the end do more harm than good. When a vehicle’s weight increases, the stopping distance required for the vehicle increases as well … eventually causing more frequent, as well as, seriously life-threatening accidents.

FirstCoastNews.com recently reported that details have been released in connection to a destructive semi truck accident involving three large commercial vehicles. Local authorities state that one of the semi trucks was blocking a number of lanes on an interstate highway when an oncoming semi was unable to stop in enough time to avoid collision. An additional oncoming third semi truck collided into the two commercial vehicles. The series of collisions ultimately caused the interstate to remain closed for several hours while roadway crews worked to clean up the disastrous accident. Luckily, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read, only one of the third semi truck drivers required medical attention for minor injuries.

Fortunately, the injuries sustained in this semi truck accident were relatively minor. Truth of the matter is, when a large commercial vehicle crashes into another vehicle or property … the results are often substantial, as well as, tragic. According to the United States Department of Transportation, around 500,000 semi truck accidents occur annually in the United States. Of the 500,000 accidents that occur each year, over 5,000 unfortunately result in fatality. Some of the most common locations of these devastating accidents surprisingly do not occur in busy cities, but rather rural regions throughout the United States. The Department of Transportation also revealed that 66% of all semi truck accidents that result in fatality occurred during daylight hours as opposed to during the evening.

Our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys know that truck drivers, as well as, their trucking companies are required by federal and state law to ensure that their commercial vehicles are well maintained and safely driven. When the driver of a large commercial vehicle deviates from mandated regulations and operates in a manner that may pose a threat to public safety, the results are almost always tragic. Even though semi truck drivers are held to a higher standard of safety when traveling on our roadways, it is also important for drivers of passenger vehicles to share the road safely with large commercial vehicles. Smaller passenger vehicles should always exercise defensive driving measures when traveling near commercial vehicles which often weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

In the unfortunate event that you have been injured in an Illinois semi truck collision or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver, please contact our Chicago truck accident lawyers to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys recently read a report on KESQ.com detailing a fatal semi truck accident that took the lives of two individuals. According to police reports, a semi tractor-trailer transporting a cargo of more than 30,000 pounds of fruit was traveling northbound on an interstate highway when the truck collided with a passenger vehicle traveling eastbound. Eye witnesses at the scene of this fatal collision stated that the passenger vehicle failed to make a complete stop before entering the intersection. Upon collision, the semi-tractor trailer burst into flames, causing the immediate death of the motor vehicle’s driver and passenger. Highway patrol released a statement saying that they believe alcohol may have played a factor in the devastating collision, but investigation is still pending awaiting the coroner’s report.

With the holidays rapidly approaching, our Chicago truck accident lawyers urge readers to refrain from operating intoxicated. Whenever any type of motor vehicle is operated by an impaired driver, the risk for accidents resulting in life-threatening harm substantially increases. According to DUI.com, 4,000 Illinois residents were arrested in 2009 for driving under the influence. In the same year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a study which revealed that of the fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2009, 32% involved alcohol-impaired drivers – with Illinois being responsible for 311 drunk driving related deaths.

Truth of the matter is, when alcohol is consumed, it absorbs in the blood of the consumer – ultimately causing more blood to be supplied to the brain than to any other organs. This subsequently causes alcohol to impair your brain functions and cognitive abilities within minutes. According to KnowYourLimits.com, other alcohol related factors that significantly alter the consumer’s ability to properly function include: decreased reaction time, diminished muscle coordination and depth perception, in addition to, suppression of cautiousness and concentration.

Our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti urge readers to become familiar with the severe dangers associated with unsafe driving practices … such as alcohol-impaired vehicle operation. Drunk drivers not only put themselves in danger, but pose a significant threat to the safety of their passengers, as well as, surrounding motor vehicles. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of an alcohol-impaired driver, please contact our Illinois personal injury attorneys. Our experienced accident attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

GazetteExtra.com reports that a semi truck driver has received a 10 year prison sentence for his role in a fatal semi truck accident that took the life of the driver’s father-in-law. The prison sentence stems from a collision that occurred last April when the semi truck driver crashed his big rig into an embankment on an interstate highway, causing the immediate death of the driver’s father-in-law who was in the truck’s sleeping compartment.

Although the semi truck driver was not intoxicated, blood tests administered during the investigation revealed that the truck driver had taken several prescription medications that likely impaired his ability to drive. The truck driver ultimately pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle by using a controlled substance. The driver received a ten year prison sentence which will be followed by ten years of extended supervision.

Despite implemented regulations enacted by both our state and federal government which prohibit large commercial vehicle drivers from operating 80,000 pound trucks if they are under the influence of any type of substance (illegal or prescription), the harrowing fact is that it is consistently a common contributing factor in semi truck accidents resulting in devastating injury or death. According to a recent study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, around 44% of semi truck accidents were the direct result of the commercial vehicle driver taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication that negatively affected their driving ability.

Driving ability is almost always adversely affected by prescription medications due to the fact that many prescription medications impair systems in the brain which affect driving ability. In fact, a majority of prescription medications come with severe warnings against operating heavy machinery while taking the medication. Additionally, when prescription drugs are consumed without the supervision of a medical doctor often times impaired driving, as well as, motor vehicle accidents result.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys know that large commercial vehicle drivers have a significant obligation when taking prescription medications to know if any potential side effect may affect their ability to drive. Semi truck drivers have a duty to report to their trucking carriers if at any time they are administered prescription medications. Failure to do this is a severe violation of a truck driver’s standard of care, as well as, Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact our experienced Chicago semi truck accident lawyers for a free consultation.

Earlier today, TruckingInfo.com reported that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has ordered a trucking company to shut down for the second time in the past decade. The carrier was ordered to shut down on November 8 after investigators found substantial patterns of hours-of-service and vehicle maintenance violations. After a lengthy investigation conducted by the FMCSA, the trucking carrier has been deemed an imminent hazard to public safety. The investigation stems from a two-year assessment of the carrier’s safety performance.

As a result of the investigation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration declared the trucking company “seriously deficient” in four out the seven BASIC categories: unsafe driving (66.9%), fatigued driving (99.3%), driver fitness (77.3%), and vehicle maintenance (100%). During the course of the investigation, the carrier’s 18 commercial vehicles were inspected 192 times of which numerous vehicles were placed out of service 58% of the time. Additionally, the trucking carrier’s drivers were inspected 245 times in the past 24 months … with drivers placed out of service 16% of the time. The national average out of service rate for drivers is only 5.5%.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the trucking company has been involved in seven serious crashes within the past year, of which four resulted in injury and one in fatality. Additional evidence obtained during the investigation revealed that the trucking carrier allowed or required drivers to falsify driver’s log records. All of these violations substantially increase the likelihood of a semi truck accident resulting in serious injury or death.

Regrettably, our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers read, this was not the first time this particular carrier has found themselves in trouble with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In 1995, the trucking company was the first carrier to be criminally charged for altering log books. Former employees of the carrier testified that the carrier’s supervisors and the company’s president taught drivers how to falsify their books, in addition to, ordering the destruction of incriminating driver logs before the criminal trial began.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys commend the efforts to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to help make our roadways a safer place to travel. Trucking carriers and their drivers are held to increased standards of care when transporting 80,000 pound vehicles and when any type of violation occurs, the increased risk of semi truck accidents resulting in debilitating injuries or death considerably increases.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact our experienced accident attorneys to see what legal rights may be available to you.

A 59 year-old semi truck driver is currently awaiting charges in connection with a devastating semi truck accident that took the life of a construction worker. Cleveland.com reports that the commercial vehicle was traveling northbound along an interstate highway when the truck began drifting off the roadway. A construction crew was working alongside the interstate setting up a lane merging warning sign when the semi tractor-trailer struck a 40 year-old roadway worker. The accident victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Local authorities are currently awaiting the results of a toxicology test before officially citing the semi truck driver for the accident. Police additionally obtained the semi truck driver’s cell phone to investigate whether or not the driver was talking or texting at the time of the collision.

Unfortunately, there has been a substantial increase in tragic semi truck accidents such as the one previously mentioned. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that an estimated 150 people are killed each year due to large truck collisions in work zones. Given the immense size and weight of large commercial vehicles, the consequences of these accidents are almost always resulting in serious injury or even fatality. An additional study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration determined that in most trucking accidents, the truck driver is considerably less likely to be injured or killed in a crash. Only 14% of the individuals killed in semi truck accidents are truck drivers, while 74% are occupants of passenger vehicles and 12% are non-motorists -- such as roadway workers.

While the news report does not confirm if the semi truck accident victim’s family wishes to seek civil legal action against the commercial vehicle driver, through our experience as Chicago semi truck accident attorneys, the family may have a cause of action for a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death lawsuit asserts that the victim died as a direct result of a negligent or unjust action. In this particular case, the commercial vehicle driver’s failure to properly handle his vehicle in order to avoid a collision was a direct cause of the victim’s fatality. Wrongful death lawsuits are noticeably different from personal injury claims on the basis that the victim’s family brings about the cause of action.

If you have been injured in an Illinois semi truck accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver, please contact our Chicago truck accident lawyers to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys recently read a report on TruckingInfo.com detailing the latest published truck data by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Published last month, the “2009 Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts” shows continued improvement in commercial vehicle safety. According to the data, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has dropped 31% from 2007 to 2009, with the number of accidents decreasing from 4,633 to 3,215. Furthermore, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes per 100 million vehicles dropped 26%.

Additional key points from the 2009 Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts included:
- Of the 33,898 individuals killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2009, 10% died in crashes involving a commercial vehicle
- In 2009, commercial trucks accounted for 10% of all miles traveled and 4% of registered vehicles. These trucks accounted for 7% of vehicles in fatal crashes, 2% of injury-resulting accidents and 3% only involving property damage
- Semi tractor-trailers accounted for 61% of commercial trucks involved in fatal crashes
- Of the commercial trucks involved in fatal crashes, 3% were transporting hazardous materials (hazmat)
- Only 2% of truck drivers in fatal accidents were determined legally intoxicated compared to 23% of passenger vehicle drivers.
- Police reports state that of the 82% of truck drivers involved in fatal accidents were wearing their seat belts – compared to 63% for drivers of passenger vehicles.
- Driver-related factors such as speeding or failure to stay in lane accounted for 31% of fatal truck crashes – compared to 62% for passenger vehicles.

In light of these statistics, our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers continue to encourage safe driving habits by drivers of all types of motor vehicles. Despite recent evidence of improved semi truck safety, devastating semi truck accidents transpire each and every day.

Since 1992, our Chicago personal injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti continue to fight for the legal rights of those who have been harmed by the negligent acts of all types of drivers. Semi truck drivers are required to operate their vehicles to an increased level of safety to ensure the safety of surrounding motor vehicles. Often times, failure to maintain the safety of a semi truck results in devastating and life-altering consequences. If you or someone you know has sustained injury in Illinois semi truck accident, you may be able to obtain compensation for damages incurred, in addition to, punishing the wrongdoer for their careless conduct.

DailyJournal.net reports that nine individuals have been injured as a result of a semi tractor-trailer accident involving a school bus containing several children. Reports state that the school bus had stopped to let out a child on a local highway when a semi truck traveling behind the bus failed to reduce speed and collided into the school bus. Nine out of the ten elementary school students traveling on the bus, as well as, the bus’s driver were taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries. Our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers read that local authorities believe the semi truck driver’s inattentiveness is likely to blame for the semi truck accident.

Each year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducts research to determine the number of injury-resulting or fatal semi truck accidents that occur nationwide. Recent research indicates that there are well over 4,000 fatal semi truck accidents, in addition to, over 77,000 injury-resulting semi truck accidents that unfortunately transpire every year. Of those accidents, well over 287,000 result in damage to property.

A variety of factors are commonly attributed to these types of potentially fatal accidents. Some of the most common causes of semi truck accidents include:
- Unqualified Commercial Vehicle Drivers
- Driver Fatigue
- Alcohol or Drugs
- Improperly Loaded Commercial Vehicle
- Unrealistic Imposed Deadlines and Schedules
- Hazardous Materials
- Improper Vehicle Maintenance

When the driver of a large commercial vehicle engages in behavior or acts that put the safety of other motorists at risk on our roadways, the results are often serious and life-threatening. Each year thousands of individuals lose their lives as a direct result of semi truck driver negligence and even more sustain devastating injury. Drivers of large commercial vehicles are legally required to exercise a reasonable standard of care when operating large trucks which may weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When this standard is deviated from and an accident ensues, the truck driver, as well as, his/her trucking carrier may be liable for negligence or wrongful death.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys know that any and all types of motor vehicle accidents have the potential to cause serious injury. However, due to the sheer size and weight of large commercial vehicles, trucks have the ability to cause substantial injury or even death if they are operated in a negligent manner. If you have been injured in an Illinois semi truck accident or have lost a loved one due to a negligent driver, please contact our Illinois semi truck accident lawyer to see what legal rights may be available to you.

KCStar.com recently reported that the family of a semi truck accident victim has received a $7 million settlement in their truck accident lawsuit against a negligent truck driver and his trucking company. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read that the fatal accident initially transpired when the semi truck driver’s trailer crossed the center line while maneuvering a roadway curve and struck several passenger vehicles before colliding head-on into the semi truck the accident victim was driving. The accident victim died from the injuries he sustained shortly after the devastating collision. The deceased truck driver was survived by his wife, daughter and son.

The civil trucking litigation in this case involved whether or not the defendant semi truck driver had the proper qualifications to drive a commercial vehicle. Over the course of the trial, evidence was introduced that the defendant truck driver lied on his applications and had received two previous license revocations. Despite these infractions, the trucking company still permitted the defendant to drive a large commercial vehicle and failed to conduct an adequate background check. The fatal semi truck accident occurred only 19 days after the defendant was hired by the trucking company.

A trucking industry expert, who testified at trial, stated that the defendant should have never been permitted to driver because he had received two license revocations for substance abuse, which ultimately disqualifies a driver from driving a commercial vehicle. Additional expert testimony revealed that:
- at the time of the accident, the truck driver lacked adequate knowledge and experience to operate a tractor trailer
- the trucking company failed to have a training system in place to educate and train truck drivers who lacked commercial vehicle driving experience
- the trucking company violated federal trucking regulations by assigning the defendant to a trip that the driver could not complete within the maximum allowable hours of service
- the truck driver falsified his log books to cover up the hours of service violation

When a devastating collision, such as this one, occurs the results can be life-altering for the victims and their families. The untimely death of a family member is a devastating loss and can cause substantial grief. When this type of severe harm is sustained, civil trucking litigation can help victims and their families receive compensation, in addition to, punish the wrongdoer for their negligent behavior.

If you have been injured or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver, please contact an Illinois semi truck accident attorney so see what legal rights and remedies may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read a report on TruckingInfo.com detailing how one state has implemented a new tool for state police that uses automated license plate readers to help determine if a semi truck driver is violating hours of service regulations. The new system will automatically and electronically screen commercial vehicles who pass weigh stations for the vehicle’s weight, size, registration, safety records, as well as, how long the trucks have been traveling that day. The system uses a computer program to help validate if the commercial vehicle driver’s logbook is accurate and if hours of service are being violated.

The implementation of this program comes in lights of numerous semi truck accidents where driver fatigue was a contributing factor. During the subsequent investigations after these collisions, it was discovered that a number of drivers has falsified the information contained in their logbooks so they could travel longer distances and drive more hours. Despite the number of large commercial vehicle drivers traveling our roadways each day that operate safely and adhere to rules and regulations, there are still a number of those drivers who are irresponsible and negligent. This program will hopefully help remove unsafe drivers and ensure that all truck drivers are not driving over hours.

Hours of service regulations puts limits for when and how long a commercial vehicle driver may operate. These regulations have been implemented after substantial scientific review which ensures that semi truck drivers get the adequate rest they need in order to safely operate on our roadways. The implementation of hours of service regulations further aides in deterring semi truck accidents that transpire as a direct result of truck driver fatigue. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, research has found that truck drivers who operate behind the wheel for more than eight hours have a twofold increase in crash risk.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers encourage more states to adopt new and improved highway tools which recognize hours of service violations for commercial vehicle drivers. When the driver of a large commercial vehicle, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, operates fatigued the results can be devastating for the driver, as well as, surrounding passenger vehicles. When a truck driver operates beyond the maximum hours of service and an accident ensues, the driver and his/her carrier may be held liable for negligence if an injury or death results.

If you have been injured or have lost a loved one at the hands of a fatigued semi truck driver, please contact the Chicago semi truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti. Our experienced accident attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Recently, our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers read a report on KAJ18.com detailing the felony convictions a semi truck driver faces after driving his commercial vehicle the wrong way down an interstate highway for 14 miles. According to the report, numerous passenger vehicles had to serve in order to avoid a head-on collision during the vehicle’s wrong way travel. The semi truck additionally struck a reflector post which caused his vehicle to leak diesel fuel onto the interstate. Local authorities at the scene stated that they believe that the semi truck driver was under the influence of an illegal substance but toxicology reports have not been finalized. The 48 year-old driver currently faces three felony counts of criminal endangerment.

Fortunately, no other passenger vehicles were harmed during this illegal, as well as, severely dangerous semi truck operation. Although the report does not confirm if the driver was under the influence of any illegal substances during the 14 mile wrong way travel, the use of illegal substances by drivers of large commercial vehicles is regrettably all too common. A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on commercial vehicle drivers found 15% of all drivers had marijuana, 12% had non-prescription stimulants, 5% has prescription stimulants, 2% had cocaine, and less than 1% had alcohol in their systems during vehicle operation.

In light of these shocking statistics, in 2010 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enforced a strict governmental crackdown of commercial vehicle drivers for violating federal drug and alcohol laws. The agency placed over 109 commercial truck and bus drivers out of service for violating these regulations. Additionally, more than 175 commercial truck companies and carriers faced enforcement actions for violations such as failure to conducted mandated drug and alcohol testing programs.

When truck driver drug or alcohol use plays a key factor in an Illinois semi truck accident resulting in injury or death, the results can be devastating and life-altering for accident victims and their families. Drivers of large commercial vehicles are legally required to adhere to a minimum standard of care when operating 80,000 pound vehicles. This means that drivers are obligated to safely operate their vehicle to avoid collisions of any kind. When a driver deviates from this standard and an accident ensues, accident victims may be able to pursue legal action against the driver and his/her trucking carrier for negligence.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident, please contact our experienced Chicago truck accident attorneys to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Earlier this year, a tragic fatal semi truck accident took the lives of six individuals after a semi truck crashed through a railway crossing and into an Amtrak train carrying over 200 passengers. The accident has spawned two lawsuits with both the train company, as well as, the trucking company filing suit against one another. According to a recent report posted by FleetOwner.com, Amtrak was granted a motion with the federal court which requires the trucking company to provide a truck for investigation that is the same make, model, and year as the one that caused the fatal collision in order to create a proper accident reconstruction. Additionally, Amtrak was ordered by a federal judge to give the trucking company video footage of the crash taken by an on-board train recorder.

In the federal suit filed by the railroad company, Amtrak alleges that the trucking company was negligent in training and hiring its drivers, as well as, maintaining the safety of their vehicles. Conversely, the trucking company asserts in their federal lawsuit that the railroads failed to maintain a safe crossing which aided in contributing to the fatal semi truck accident. The extensive investigation into the accident is also being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board, but a final report into the cause of the collision will not be provided until early next year.

In the event that you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a semi truck accident, truck accident litigation may help compensate accident victims for their devastating injuries and losses. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys know that commercial vehicle accidents often create significant financial burdens, as well as, debilitating personal injuries. Accident victims may be able to file suit against a negligent truck driver and their company to receive compensation for their damages which include, but is not limited to:
- Medical Expenses
- Funeral Expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of Companionship
- Addition economic or non-economic relief (punitive damages)

Our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers have extensively handled numerous accident cases and have obtained settlements on behalf of our clients. Recently, our firm obtained a $6.5 million settlement for the family of a 32 year-old Illinois woman who was killed when a semi truck rear-ended the family’s vehicle. The woman’s husband, as well as, her son both sustained significant personal injury in the collision caused by a negligent semi truck driver who was operating an overloaded semi tractor-trailer, in addition to, operating under the influence of marijuana.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Illinois semi truck accident, please contact the accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti to see what legal rights and representation may be available to you.

An 81 year-old woman was walking during the early morning hours when she was struck and killed by a garbage truck in Geneseo, Illinois – according to QCTimes.com. Illinois police reports state that the woman was traveling south on the sidewalk west of Center and Main Streets in Geneseo, when she -attempted to cross Main Street. An oncoming garbage truck made a right turn and struck the pedestrian in her attempt to cross the street. The 81 year-old woman was immediately transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead. The article states that the Illinois State Police will handle the commercial vehicle aspect of the collision and help Geneseo police reconstruct the accident throughout this extensive investigation.

Our Illinois semi truck accident lawyers know that when any type of vehicle, especially a large commercial vehicle, collides with a pedestrian – there is high potential for serious injury or even death. Recent pedestrian accident statistics for the United States provided by the National Highway Traffic Association and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show just how severe the results of pedestrian accidents can be:
- Pedestrian Fatalities account for over 11% of motor vehicle fatalities
- Over 180,000 pedestrians have been killed in motor vehicle accidents from 1975-2005
- On average, a pedestrian is injured in a traffic-related accident every 8 minutes
- On average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic-related accident every 111 minutes
- In 2009, there were a reported 59,000 pedestrian injuries
- In 2009, over 4,092 pedestrians were killed in a collision with a motor vehicle

When a pedestrian is struck by a large commercial vehicle, the injuries sustained are often severe and life-threatening. Some of the potential pedestrian bodily injuries sustained are: fractured bones, traumatic brain injury, injury to spinal cord, paraplegia, and even coma.

Every year, our Chicago personal injury lawyers handle a variety of cases involving motor vehicle accidents and pedestrians and have obtained successful verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. Recently, we obtained a $1.25 million settlement on behalf of a 50 year-old woman who was struck by a bus while crossing a Chicago crosswalk. The accident victim suffered multiple injuries including fractures to her pubic, rib, and spinal cord as a result of the accident. The driver of the vehicle ultimately pled guilty for failure to exercise due care and striking a pedestrian.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as the result of a Chicago pedestrian accident, please contact an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

The amount of time it takes a large commercial vehicle, which may weigh up to 80,000 pounds, to come to a complete stop takes twice as long as a passenger vehicle operating at the same speed. Unfortunately, this is only accurate if the commercial vehicle’s brakes are in proper working condition. ReadingEagle.com recently published a report detailing frequent findings of brake deficiencies in large semi trucks during routine safety inspections across the nation. Brake deficiencies consistently top the list of violations discovered during these state police conducted inspections. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys read that when a large commercial vehicle travels with poorly maintained or out of adjustment brakes, it significantly affects their ability to stop – which may ultimately play a contributing factor in semi truck accidents that results in injury or even death.

According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, more than half of the trucks taken out of service this year during roadside inspections were for brake-related violations. The executive director of the CVSA commented on the issue stating that, “brakes are a major factor in being able to operate a commercial vehicle safely and continue to be cited as one of the leading factors in semi truck accidents due to defects and improper maintenance and adjustment.” With the increase in commercial vehicle safety within the past month, with initiatives such as Operation Safe Driver, state troopers patrolling our roadways nationwide are frequently inspecting large commercial vehicles for excessive weight, equipment violations, driver violations (exceeding hours of service), in addition to, brake deficiencies.

Research conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently determined that brake deficiencies account for over 30% of large truck accidents each year. Some of the most common brake deficiencies include: excessive wear of brake components, improper brake pressure balance, or out of adjustment brakes. In the event of an Illinois semi truck accident, the truck driver as well as his/her trucking carrier may be found liable for negligence if the vehicle had not been properly maintained or inspected prior to travel. Drivers have a duty to themselves and others to operate their vehicles safely and maintain proper vehicle maintenance. When that duty is breached and injuries occur, legal action can and should be sought.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of an accident at the hands of negligent driver, please contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer to see what legal rights may be available to you.

A fatal semi truck collision took the life of a 78-year-old Illinois woman earlier this weekend – according to a report published by Madison.com. The Peoria woman was pronounced dead at the scene after her vehicle crossed an interstate highway median and struck an oncoming large commercial vehicle. The driver of the semi truck remained unharmed in the collision. It took road crews over four and a half hours to clean up the wreckage from the tragic semi truck accident. Local authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.

Motor vehicle crashes attributed to crossing a roadway median has become an increasing cause of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Over the past couple years, a majority of these devastating accidents involved improper vehicle handling on the part of a large commercial driver. Earlier this month, our Chicago truck accident lawyers read a report published by the National Transportation Safety Board that discussed that a contributing factor in the severity of these median crossing crashes is due to inadequately designed median barriers.

A majority of median barriers were not designed to safely contain or redirect a heavy vehicle. Additionally, safety of median barriers has been unable to improve given that “median crossing crashes” is a broad definition that is not included in Fatality Analysis Reporting System data. To help prevent the cross median accident rate, states must develop sufficiently wide medians that allow drivers who leave the roadway to recover control of their vehicles and re-enter the highway in the correct direction. According to RoadSafetyToolkit.com, wider medians significantly reduce the number of head on collisions.

With concern about cross median crashes increasing nationwide, our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys urge readers to safely operate their vehicle when traveling on our busy Illinois roadways. With large commercial vehicles accounting for a majority of roadway users, extreme caution must be exercised during travel to avoid a potential Illinois semi truck accident. Due to the sheer size and weight of a commercial vehicle, a head on collision with a semi tractor-trailer causes significantly more damage than a similar type of collision involving a passenger vehicle.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois semi truck accident lawyer. Our experienced accident attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

Earlier this week, a personal injury lawsuit was filed on behalf of a woman who sustained severe injury and damages as a result of a semi truck accident. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers read on SeTexasRecord.com that the tragic accident occurred in 2009 when the plaintiff was traveling along an interstate highway when she was rear-ended by a Freightliner truck towing a semi-trailer. According to court documents, the plaintiff states that the semi truck driver failed to control the speed of his commercial vehicle and struck the rear end of the plaintiff’s passenger vehicle. The lawsuit names both the semi truck driver and his trucking carriers as the defendants in the semi truck lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that the semi truck driver acted negligently for failure to maintain an assured clear distance between his vehicle and the victims, failure to maintain a proper lookout, failure to timely apply brakes, failure to control vehicle, failure to act or respond in a reasonable manner that would avoid an accident, in addition to, failure to control the commercial vehicle’s speed. The semi truck driver’s two trucking carriers face additional charges including: negligent entrustment to an unlicensed, incompetent or reckless driver, hiring and retaining an unlicensed, incompetent or reckless driver, as well as, failure to properly train their commercial vehicle drivers.

The accident victim is currently seeking an undisclosed amount of damages for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, physical disfigurement, loss of earning capacity, interest, court costs and fees.

When severe harm is sustained as a direct result of another’s negligent or careless actions, civil trucking litigation can help accident victims and their families receive compensation for their losses, as well as, punish the wrongdoer for their negligent conduct. Injuries suffered as a result of negligent semi truck accidents can be life-altering and often results in various damages including medical expenses, lost wages, on top of the emotional pain and suffering incurred as a result of the accident.

If you or a loved one has sustained serious injury as a result of an Illinois semi truck accident, it is important to obtain experienced legal aid from knowledgeable Illinois semi truck accident attorneys. The attorneys at Levin & Perconti will examine the facts of your case, evaluate your claim, review available options, as well as, work with insurance companies and other involved parties in your case to ensure that you or your loved one is properly assisted in your time of need.

Earlier this morning, CBSNews.com reported a devastating semi truck accident that took the lives of seven individuals and sent an additional four to the hospital. A minivan carrying ten occupants was traveling along a state toll road when the vehicle was rear-ended by a semi tractor-trailer traveling behind it. While exact accident details remain unclear, witnesses at the scene state that the minivan had began to slow down in the eastbound lane after striking a deer prior to being rear-ended by the large commercial vehicle. Seven occupants of the minivan were pronounced dead at the scene while the remaining three passengers, as well as, the semi truck driver were immediately hospitalized. The accident currently remains under investigation.

When a large commercial vehicle travels too closely behind a passenger vehicle, such as stated in the article, the results can be tragic. In a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it was determined that aggressive driving, such as following too closely, is the second leading violation committed by drivers of commercial vehicles. Due to the sheer size and weight of semi tractor-trailers, the amount of time it takes to stop these 80,000 pound vehicles substantially increases. In an addition study conducted by the NHTSA, it was found that the average stopping distance for a fully loaded large commercial vehicle traveling at 55 mph is 196 feet – compared to 133 feet for passenger vehicles. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys know that when you combine a semi trucks weight and size, in addition to, close traveling distances with passenger vehicles – accidents involving injuries and fatalities are likely to occur.

Our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti maintain extensive knowledge when handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving large commercial vehicles. Victims of Illinois semi truck accidents may be able to obtain legal relief from the damages they have incurred as a result of another’s negligence or carelessness. Types of damages that may be obtained include: cost of medical expenses, loss of wages, as well as, physical and emotional pain and suffering. If you have been involved in a semi truck accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of negligent semi truck driver, please contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer. Our experienced accident attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Illinois semi truck accident lawyers recently read a report published on KSPR.com detailing the arrest of a semi truck driver upon discovering marijuana in his commercial vehicle. The article reports that during a routine inspection of the semi truck by a commercial vehicle officer at an interstate highway weigh station, the officer discovered discrepancies between the conversation with the truck driver and the inspection of his vehicle. The inconsistencies prompted the officer to ask to search the commercial vehicle where 213 pounds of marijuana were uncovered. The driver of the commercial vehicle was immediately arrested and is currently facing charges of drug trafficking.

Although the article does not state if the driver of the commercial vehicle was under the influence of marijuana during vehicle operation, the subject of semi truck drivers and marijuana use has proven to be an increasing epidemic in the past few years. According to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Traffic Safety, is was discovered that over 15% of semi truck drivers involved in the research tested positive for marijuana during the study. An additional study was conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that 12.5% of all fatal truck accidents involved the use of marijuana.

Marijuana use by the driver of an 80,000 pound vehicle can pose a significant threat to driving ability, in addition to, the safety of surrounding vehicles. Marijuana directly impairs a commercial vehicle driver’s central nervous system, which can cause side effects such as: slowed reaction time, temporary memory loss, as well as, difficulty concentrating. These side effects will ultimately hinder a driver’s ability to properly control his/her vehicle and may result in a semi truck accident resulting in property damage, injury, and tragically -- even death.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers share comprehensive knowledge when handling civil cases involving Illinois semi truck accidents in which marijuana use played a contributing factor. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of an Illinois family who sustained severe injury and loss at the hands of a negligent semi truck driving accident. During the accident investigation process, it was discovered that at the time of the accident, the semi truck driver was under the influence of marijuana, in addition to, operating an overloaded trailer.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact the experienced Illinois wrongful death attorneys at Levin & Perconti to see what legal rights may be available to you.
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In the recent months, nationwide attention has been garnered on commercial vehicle safety through initiatives campaigned by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, as well as, the United States Department of Transportation. Due to this, a large number of commercial vehicle inspections have been conducted in the past couple weeks resulting in numerous issued violations. A recent report by the Wall Street Journal Online detailed how surprise commercial vehicle inspections have led to an increasing number of commercial vehicle and driver violations.

According to the report, federal authorities have conducted more than 30,000 surprise inspections nationwide of commercial vehicles (mainly large buses) through a variety of actions aimed at improving passenger safety in light of numerous high-profile tour bus crashes in the past year. Our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers read that through thorough investigations and compliance reviews, over 46 motor coach companies have been shut down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration due to unsatisfactory evaluations. Strict regulations have been imposed on commercial vehicles due to a number of fatal accidents, such as one bus accident that occurred last March which resulted in over 15 fatalities.

The article points out that many commercial vehicle carriers are finding the new safety initiatives favorable and believe that surprise inspections will consistently encourage safe operating habits of commercial vehicle drivers, as well as, regular vehicle maintenance. On the other hand, many carriers would like to see law enforcement cracking down on commercial vehicle operators traveling at unsafe speeds. Given that one of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents is driver control, law enforcement nationwide must make it a priority to rigorously enforce speed regulations.

In an effort to continue safe regulation, administrators at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are developing a smartphone application that would give consumers full access to information regarding the safety records of all commercial vehicles, especially bus companies. The application will also provide an easier way for motorists to report commercial vehicle safety violations to the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database. The application is expected to hit markets next month.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys commend the efforts of agencies across the country to enforce federal and state commercial vehicle rules and regulations on a regular basis. By holding commercial vehicle drivers and their carriers to a higher standard, it encourages safe driving habits every time a vehicle is operated on our nation’s roadways and in turn help prevent that thousands of injuries and fatalities that result each from semi truck accidents.

Yesterday, the Chicago Tribune reported a destructive semi truck accident that occurred just outside of Illinois state lines. At around 4:20 in the morning along the Borman Expressway and I-80, a semi truck hauling a load of steel coils interchanged two lanes on the interstate – ultimately smashing a minivan into the roadway’s median. The truck driver told local authorities that he lost control of his commercial vehicle due to the adverse weather conditions, which in turn blew out his left front tire.

Through a further police investigation, it was discovered that the commercial vehicle had no evidence of a flat tire and the driver was issued a citation for unsafe lane movement. Fortunately, as our Chicago truck accident lawyers read, the driver of the minivan was able to climb out of his vehicle and only sustained a mild contusion and head lacerations.

Midwestern states, especially Illinois, are notorious for their severe adverse weather conditions that seem to occur almost every season. Certain weather conditions (such as snow, rain, and wind) often create poor road conditions, as well as, reduced visibility for motor vehicle drivers.
This especially holds true for drivers of large commercial vehicles, whose vehicles often weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Due to this, many Illinois semi truck accidents occur as a direct result of a truck driver’s failure to maintain a reasonable standard of care when operating their vehicle during questionable weather.

Under state and federal regulations, semi truck drivers are required to operate their vehicle in a safe and appropriate manner that avoids potential hazardous collisions. When a truck driver deviates from this standard of care and causes an accident resulting in injury or death … the driver, as well as, their trucking company may face civil and/or criminal charges.

Our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti share comprehensive knowledge and experience in motor vehicle accidents caused by driver negligence. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of the family of a 32-year-old woman who was killed in an Illinois semi truck accident. In an accident that also resulted in the woman’s husband and son sustaining severe injuries, it was discovered that the driver of the commercial vehicle who caused the accident was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the collision, in addition to, operating an overloaded trailer.

Those who knowingly commit negligent acts should be held legally liable for the various harms they inflict. If you have been injured in a semi truck accident, or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver, please contact an Illinois truck accident lawyer to see what legal rights may be available to you.

NAFA Fleet Management Association is strongly urging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to quickly enacted legislation that outlaws the use of cell phones during commercial vehicle operation – except in emergencies. TruckingInfo.com reports that the NAFA has expressed strong support of the National Transportation Safety Board recent recommendation to prohibit the use of cellular telephones, both handheld and hands-free, by all holders of commercial driver’s license during vehicle operation.

However, the FMCSA is taking their time to develop an outright ban and it currently contemplating a ban that only prohibits handheld cellular telephone use. In a letter composed by the NAFA and forwarded to the Secretary of Transportation, as well as, the administer of the FMCSA, the group states that the ban will be an important tool against distracted driving and will support the efforts of fleet managers to encourage their companies and agencies to strengthen safety programs with further restrictions on cell phone and text message usage.

In a response given by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the organization cites research conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute which proved that it is unclear if simply talking on a mobile device presents a significant risk. On the other hand, research shows that the act of reaching for an object increases the risk of a safety-hazard even by three times, while dialing increases the risk by six times. The research concluded that these risks are present due to the driver taking their eyes off the road.

The National Transportation Safety Board made these recommendations last month after a devastating semi truck accident took the life of 11 people. Through an extensive investigation, it was discovered that the driver of the 18-wheel semi truck was using his cell phone as the time of the collision. The driver had made four calls in the minutes leading up to the crash, with the time of the last conversation coinciding with the time his vehicle crossed an interstate median and collided with a 15-passenger van.

Research, conducted at the University of Utah, shows that using a cell phone while driving, whether hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver’s reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers strongly encourage the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to enact updated regulations which outright ban the use of cellular devices by drivers of large commercial vehicles. Illinois semi truck accidents caused by distracted drivers are 100% preventable when drivers adhere to strict regulations and operate their vehicle with the utmost care.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers recently read an article, published on SeTexasRecord.com, detailing the recent filing of a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit stems from a devastating fatal semi truck accident that occurred last month which resulted in the death of three family members. The accident ensued when the driver of a commercial vehicle lost control of his vehicle on an interstate highway and crossed the center median. Upon entering the oncoming lanes, the semi truck struck a minivan – causing the passenger vehicle to explode into flames, resulting in the death of all three of the vehicle’s occupants.

The wrongful death lawsuit, filed by the accident victim’s son/brother, alleges that the driver of the commercial vehicle: failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to avoid the incident in question, drove inattentively, failed to maintain his vehicle, failed to take proper evasive action, in addition to, failure to operate the vehicle as a reasonable and prudent person would have done under the same or similar circumstances. Due to these impeding factors, the wrongful death lawsuit names the driver’s trucking company as the sole defendant in this matter.

The plaintiff argues that the trucking company is responsible for their driver’s action under the theory of respondeat superior. Additionally, the trucking company is accused of negligent entrustment, negligent supervision, negligent hiring, as well as, negligent training. The plaintiff is seeking wrongful death and survival damages for mental anguish, loss of consortium, loss of advice and counsel, loss of services, funeral and medical expenses, loss of companionship, physical pain, disfigurement, physical impairment, court costs and interests.

Even though drivers of large commercial vehicles are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations enacted by our state and federal governments, semi truck accidents continue to occur each day – commonly resulting in devastating injuries and most often, untimely death. These accidents are commonly caused by the careless or negligent operation of vehicles that require the utmost care during travel. In a civil court of law, truck drivers and their companies are often found legally liable for negligence or wrongful death in semi truck accidents that result in the injury or fatality of another.

If you have been injured in an Illinois semi truck accident or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver, please contact a Chicago semi truck accident attorney to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

A 21-year-old motor vehicle driver has been charged with a number of offenses, including homicide by vehicle, due to his role is a recent fatal semi truck accident. In an article posted by LehighValleyLive.com, the driver was traveling the wrong way down an interstate when he collided with an oncoming commercial vehicle -- despite maneuvers by the semi truck to avoid the passenger vehicle. The collision caused the motor vehicle’s passenger to be ejected from the vehicle and resulted in his premature death.

During the investigative process, it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle had a blood alcohol content of 0.25 – more than three times the legal limit to operate a vehicle. The other charges filed against the driver include: homicide by vehicle while intoxicated, drunken driving, involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, in addition to, driving the wrong way.

Any time a vehicle is operated by an alcohol-impaired driver, the risk for motor vehicle accidents involving injury or even death substantially increases. Every day, at least 30 fatalities results from motor vehicle accidents in the United States due to an alcohol-impaired driver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2009 over 10,800 people were killed in accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver. Drunk driving accidents account for nearly 1/3 of all traffic related fatalities in the United States.

In order to prevent the devastating loss that results each year from collisions caused by alcohol-impaired drivers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that:
- Law enforcement actively enforce existing legal limits for driving under the influence
- Zero tolerance for drivers under the age of 21 operating intoxicated
- Using sobriety checkpoints
- Encourage community based approaches to alcohol control and DUI prevention
- Require DUI offenders mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment options

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys strongly urge our readers to avoid driving under the influence. Alcohol-related accidents are severe and life-altering … especially when a large commercial vehicle is involved. Semi trucks are capable of doing immense damage in a collision – whether through the fault of the semi truck driver or even a passenger vehicle driver. Not only can an injury or fatality result from these types of accidents, but as the previously mentioned article highlights, drivers may be subjected criminal or civil charges.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an alcohol-related accident, please contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer to see what legal rights and relief may be available to you.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has kicked off their annual Operation Safe Driver campaign this week. According to TruckingInfo.com, the campaign is designed to help reduce the aggressive and distracted driving of commercial vehicles around the country by garnering nationwide driver awareness. Throughout this week, law enforcement agencies across the United States will be rigorously monitoring any exhibits of aggressive or distracting driving behaviors of commercial, as well as, passenger vehicle drivers. The executive director of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance commented that many of the 4,000 deaths that result from large truck or bus accidents each year are attributed to unsafe and aggressive driving practices by both passenger and commercial vehicle drivers.

Operation Safe Driver will take place all across the United States, as well as, Canada and Mexico. The campaign, sponsored by agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, as well as, American Trucking Association, aims to increase activities related to commercial and non-commercial vehicle traffic enforcement. Additionally, Operation Safe Driver seeks to rigorously enforce: use of safety belts, driver roadside safety inspections, driver regulatory compliance, implementation of commercial driver educational and awareness programs, in addition to, raising public awareness about safe operation around large trucks and buses.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers continue to advocate safe driving practices by passenger vehicle drivers, especially around large commercial vehicles. Here are some helpful tips to avoid a potentially life-altering Illinois semi truck accident:
- Avoid semi truck blind spots. If you cannot see a truck driver’s mirrors – they cannot see you
- Never cut off a semi truck. Trucks take significantly longer to brake than passenger vehicles
- Never tailgate a semi truck. The greater the distance between your vehicle and a commercial vehicle will decrease the risk of a collision
- Never speed. Always obey posted speed limits
- Always wear your safety belt

The Illinois semi truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti encourage readers to recognize unsafe driving practices and operate their vehicle with the utmost standard of care. Even a minor driver error can often prove fatal on our busy Illinois roadways. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident as a result of a negligent driving error, please contact our experienced Chicago accident attorneys to see what legal rights and representation may be available to you.

Coal City, Illinois, recently amended their city’s code pertaining to large commercial vehicles operating or parking within the area. According to an article recently published by CoalCityCourant.com, Coal city’s Planning and Zoning Board amended the city’s definition of commercial vehicle, as well as, prohibited certain vehicles from operation within the district. After immense feedback from Coal City residents within the past year, the new district ordinance defines commercial vehicles as: buses, buses used as recreational vehicles, tractors, semi-trailers, motorized farm vehicles and earth-moving equipment, in addition to, any commercial trucks or vans with license plates that exceed the legal limits of class D plate as provided within the Illinois Vehicle Code. The ordinance requires that each and every type of vehicle defined as “commercial vehicle” be properly maintained.

The new amended code also details a strict new implemented policy as requested by town residents. Much of the feedback the town received dealt with the issue of parking and storage of recreational vehicles. In order to give more of a definition to existing codes which will ultimately lead to better law enforcement of city codes, the new ordinance: restricts parking of commercial vehicles unless the vehicle is parked in a fully enclosed building or structure and only one type of these vehicles can be parked on a residential lot or parcel of land. In addition, if a commercial vehicle is parked on a residential lot, the vehicle must be on an interior side or rear yard. The amended code prohibits any of the previously mentioned types of vehicles be used for living or sleeping purposes.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys know first-hand that when steps are taken to improve traffic safety laws pertaining to large commercial vehicles, it can have a significant impact on preventing the hundreds of Illinois semi truck accidents that occur every year. When commercial vehicles are properly regulated at the state and local level, it continues to encourage semi truck drivers to operate their vehicle with the utmost standard of care. With over 900 Illinois residents losing their lives in motor vehicle accidents in 2009 – according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – rules and regulations must continue to be properly enforced.

Every year, our Chicago semi truck accident lawyers fight for the legal rights of those who have endured serious harm as the result of a negligent driving accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident at the hands of a careless driving and sustained a serious injury as a result, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. In the event that the negligent driving accident caused a fatality, you may be able to file suit against the driver for wrongful death. Please contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer to see what legal rights may be available to you.

A 55-year-old semi truck driver is currently facing numerous criminal charges for his role in a destructive semi truck accident which resulted in four individuals requiring medical treatment. According to local law enforcement, the semi truck driver will be charged within the upcoming week for causing a series of accidents due to what police have deemed as a severe case of road rage. Although the accident continues to remain under investigation, it was reported on CJOnline.com that the driver of the 18-wheel tractor-trailer intentionally forced vehicles off the roadways and collided with several vehicles. The driver was immediately arrested in connection with attempted murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and criminal damage to property.

When an 80,000 pound vehicle is operated in a careless or reckless manner, it poses a significant threat to drivers in surrounding vehicles. The consequences that may result from a negligent semi truck accident are severe and life-altering. There are many dangerous driving behaviors that may be exhibited by a reckless driver, those actions may include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Disregarding traffic safety signals
- Making sudden lane changes or cutting other vehicles off
- Aggressive Driving

When a semi truck accident occurs as a result of one of the previously mentioned dangerous driving behaviors, the driver, as well as, their trucking carrier may be found legally liable for their role in the negligent accident. Trucking companies may be found liable for their failure to properly monitor their drivers or violations of relevant trucking laws and regulations.

Our truck accident attorneys in Chicago share comprehensive knowledge when handling any and all types of motor vehicles accidents. Victims of these types of devastating accidents may be able to seek legal relief from the damages they have incurred as a direct result of another’s negligence and carelessness. These damages include: cost of medical expenses, loss of wages, in addition to, physical and emotional pain. Those who knowingly commit negligent acts should be held legally responsible for the various harms they inflict. If you have been injured in a semi truck accident, or have lost a loved one at the hands of a negligent semi truck driver, please contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer for a free consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

The United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently participated in a coordinated effort to administer unannounced safety inspection detail on numerous commercial vehicles. A report published by MohaveDailyNews.com detailed the inspection of over 237 commercial vehicles that resulted in over 470 observed violations. The inspection, conducted primarily on passenger-carrying vehicles such as tour buses, uncovered that drivers were found to be operating without mandated log books, without possession of medical certificates, in addition to, failure to have appropriate vehicle registration.

Additionally, it was discovered that the vehicles of the previously mentioned drivers failed to have the required safety equipment, as well as, the mandated company information on the vehicles. These drivers have been placed out of services for the various citations they have received, all of which are deemed criminal violations. With commercial tour operators continuously committing various violations many of which involving hours of service, the risk of driver fatigue and potential accidents has substantially increased. This investigation is only one of many that will continue to be conducted by the United States Department of Transportation.

When large commercial vehicles fail to adhere to federal and state safety regulations, the results can often turn tragic. Drivers and their carriers have a responsibility to maintain safe operation in order to avoid potentially hazardous accidents. When safety regulations are violated and an accident ensues, the truck driver as well as their trucking company may be subject to a civil lawsuit for their negligent actions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration identifies the primary types of commercial vehicle carrier safety violations:

- Hours of Service: Drivers operating in excess of the regulated hours of service
- Unqualified Driver/Drugs and Alcohol: Drivers who have not been medically examined and certified or operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Unsafe Equipment: Poor vehicle maintenance and/or improperly secured loads
- Motorist Complaints: motorist reporting the unsafe driving or commercial trucks or buses

The experienced Chicago semi truck accident lawyers at Levin & Perconti have extensively handled a variety of cases involving driver negligence. Our attorneys recently recovered a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of a family who was involved in a devastating Illinois semi truck accident. The driver of the commercial vehicle was found to be under the influence of marijuana, as well as, operating an overloaded trailer when he collided with a passenger vehicle -- resulting in the death of 32-year-old woman. In addition to driver negligence, the lawsuit also alleged that the trucking carrier violated federal regulations by failing to properly drug screen their drivers.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Illinois semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois truck accident attorney to seek what legal rights and representation may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Illinois semi truck accident lawyers read a report posted on TruckingInfo.com detailing a newly proposed study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Through this study, the FMCSA aims to investigate the various characteristics of individual commercial vehicle drivers that may be a potential factor in semi truck accidents. On October 3, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published an Information Collection Request to the Federal Register for a study to identify, verify, quantify, as well as, prioritize commercial driver risk factors.

The three part survey, titled “Commercial Driver Individual Differences Study," will help determine risk factors by connection similar characteristics exhibited by individual drivers, their driving records, and Department of Transportation reportable crashes. The study will also look at various personal factors including: demographic characteristics, medical conditions, personality traits, performance capabilities, in addition to, work environmental factors. In a statement made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the information gathered in this study will be used to develop future safety initiatives for large commercial vehicles.

Our truck accident attorneys in Chicago applaud the efforts made by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to help determine the various underlying causes of semi truck accidents. Any initiative established to help make our roadways a safer place to travel will help prevent the thousands of injuries and fatalities that occur each year from collisions with large commercial vehicles. In a previously conducted study by the FMCSA, it was reported that there was over 286,000 accidents in 2009 involving large commercial vehicles in the United States. Of those accidents, over 2,900 resulted in at least one fatality while 51,000 resulted in at least one non-fatal injury.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys have provided experienced legal representation to those who have sustained harm as the result of a semi truck accident. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of an Illinois family who sustained severe damages as the result of a negligent semi truck driver. Through an extensive investigation, it was found that the truck driver was operating under the influence of marijuana, as well as, operating an overloaded trailer. The devastating accident caused the death of a 32-year-old woman and substantial injury to her husband and son and resulted in a record Kane County $4.7 million wrongful death settlement.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois truck accident lawyer. Our knowledgeable attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois semi truck accident lawyers read an article on Kens5.com detailing a semi truck accident victim’s account of the deadly accident that took the life of her husband. The accident, which occurred in May of 2010, transpired when the women and her husband were traveling along an interstate highway when they had come to a stop in a construction zone. The semi truck traveling behind the couple failed to notice the reduced speed and slammed into the back of their vehicle while traveling at a speed of 65 mph. The woman’s husband suffered severe brain injury as a result of the accident and died a few days later.

During the accident investigation process, it was discovered that the driver of the commercial vehicle had been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea two months prior to the fatal collision. Given the increasing epidemic of semi truck drivers with sleep apnea, in addition to, the shocking statistics of accidents caused by truck driver sleep apnea, the accident victim’s widow created a foundation to help garner nationwide attention towards this prevalent issue. The mission of the foundation is to “promote and/or improve public awareness of the sleep apnea problem in the commercial motor vehicle industry.” The foundation’s overall goal is to ensure the future safety of our roadways, as well as, encourage the trucking industry to establish and administer programs that identifies and treats sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is defined as a disorder in which an individual exhibits one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep – according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. This chronic condition significantly disrupts the sufferer’s sleep and causes poor sleep quality. One of the most substantial side effects of the disorder is ongoing daytime fatigue. When the driver of an 80,000 pound commercial vehicle is diagnosed with this condition, it can pose a significant threat to safe operation. According to a study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, up to 28% of all licensed commercial vehicle drivers have sleep apnea.

Our truck accident attorneys in Chicago encourage trucking companies and their drivers to help prevent, as well as, decrease the increasing epidemic of semi truck accidents caused by driver sleep apnea. When the unsafe operation of a large commercial vehicle causes a fatal accident, such as this one, victims may be able to obtain legal relief. If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois truck accident attorney to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers recently read an article on KTVZ.com reporting a recent semi truck rollover. The commercial vehicle driver told local authorities that he was traveling along an interstate highway when he attempted to turn a corner and lost control of his vehicle. The semi truck veered off the roadway and subsequently overturned – causing the truck’s cargo of woodchips to expel from the trailer. Fortunately, no one – including the driver was injured as a result of the semi truck accident. Local authorities stated that neither alcohol nor drugs appeared to play a role in the accident. The driver has been cited for failure to driver in lane.

Although no one was harmed as a result of this semi truck rollover, more often than not, accidents in which a semi truck’s cargo is expelled onto the road has devastating consequences for the vehicle’s driver, property, as well as, all surrounding vehicles. When an 80,000 pound vehicle is operated, even the most minor driver error or distraction often results in injuries or even fatalities. Some of the most common semi truck driver error or distraction includes:
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted Driving (i.e. cell phone use)
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance (i.e. brakes, tires)

Semi truck rules and regulations are established by both federal and state governments to ensure the safety of our roadways. These rules are enacted to prevent the thousands of injuries and deaths that result from semi truck accidents each year. These regulations require that large commercial vehicle drivers adhere to a minimum standard of care when operating their vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial vehicle driver standard of care is defined as the prevention of accidents by anticipating hazardous situations and adjusting driving behavior to compensate. Any violation of this standard may be grounds for negligence if an accident ensues.

Every year, our Chicago truck accident attorneys provide experienced legal representation to those who have been harmed or killed as a result of a motor vehicle accident. When large commercial vehicles are operated in a careless or negligent manner – the results can be life alternating. Accident victims and their families may be able to seek legal action against negligent semi truck drivers and their trucking companies. Truck accident litigation can help compensate accident victims for the various expenses incurred as result of a semi truck accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois semi truck lawyer. Our attorneys will provide a free initial consultation and determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Illinois truck accident attorneys read a report detailing a semi truck accident that resulted in the fatality of a passenger vehicle driver. A pickup truck was traveling along the shoulder of an interstate highway when the vehicle attempted to entered a busy interstate highway. Upon entering the highway, the pickup truck was struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer. A semi truck hauling a propane tank was traveling behind both vehicles and was unable to brake in time – subsequently causing a second collision. The collision ignited the second semi truck’s propane tank causing all three vehicles to ignite in flames. The driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene from the injuries sustained. Both drivers of the semi trucks surprisingly remained unharmed in the fiery collision.

While our blogs frequently discuss semi truck accidents caused by semi truck driver error, another frequent common cause of semi truck collisions is due to unsafe acts by drivers of passenger vehicles. Drivers of passenger vehicles are required to operate with the same operational standard of care as those who drive large commercial vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently conducted a study which determined that of the 40,000 people killed in motor vehicle accidents each year, about 12% (or 5,000) people were killed in collision involving commercial vehicles. Of that number, it was concluded that commercial vehicle drivers were held liable for the accident about 44% of the time. In another study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, it was found that in 2010, over 500,000 large trucks and commercial vehicles were involved in accidents – with over 100,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths resulting.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers continue to encourage safe driving habits each and every time a motor vehicle is operated. Every year, our experienced accident attorneys handle cases for victims whose lives have been turned upside down as the result of semi truck accidents. When the negligent driving of another vehicle results in severe injury or even death, civil litigation can often be sought. Accident victims may be able to seek compensation for their damages including: loss of wages, medical bills, physical and emotion pain, as well as, punitive damages aimed to punish the negligent party’s wrongful behavior. If you have been involved in an accident, please contact an Illinois truck accident lawyer. Our attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Last week, our Illinois semi truck accident blog reported a fatal semi truck accident that took the life of four individuals, including an Illinois semi truck driver. In the first news report, WCFCourier.com described the collision that transpired after a semi truck became disabled along Interstate 80. The semi truck was in the process of being assisted by two tow trucks when an oncoming commercial vehicle sideswiped the first tow truck causing a subsequent second collision with the disabled semi truck. The driver of the disabled semi truck, two tow truck employees, in addition to, the driver of the second semi truck died as a result of accident-sustained injuries.

In the following days since this tragic accident, the Des Moines Register published a follow up article discussing local authorities inability to determine the cause of the semi truck accident. During this investigation, authorities have checked into several factors to determine why the accident occurred. The following factors have been thoroughly examined, but have proven inconclusive:
- Witness statements from fellow drivers stated that there was no issue with the setting glaring sun that would provide for a potential distraction.
- The last text message or phone call the semi driver transmitted or received was seven hours before the crash.
- The 54-year-old truck driver that caused the collisions was within his maximum hours of service operation.
- The semi truck driver’s company uses electronic records for vehicle operation hours that cannot be misrepresented.
- No mechanical problems were found on or within the vehicle.

Another important key factor into the cause of this devastating accident could stem from alcohol or drug use. The news report states that the toxicology reports will not be available for several weeks. In addition, collision experts have been unable to determine the speed of the semi truck at the time of the collision. Crash investigators at the scene did note that there were roadway marks of tires skidding during the impact --- but no indication of brake attempts afterwards. It is unknown if this was due to the driver’s incapacitation or inability to take swift action.

More often than not, accidents involving large commercial vehicles are severely complicated and involve a variety of factors. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident, it is important to seek legal assistance from an experienced Chicago semi truck accident lawyer. Complex cases, such as this one, must be handled carefully and knowledgably in order to help accident victims obtain the maximum compensation for damages (such as injury or death) that has occurred as a direct result of a negligent motor vehicle accident. Please contact an Illinois truck accident attorney for a free consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Illinois truck accident lawyers recently read on Fox59.com another devastating account of a fatality resulting from a semi truck colliding with a disabled roadside vehicle. A small passenger vehicle had stopped on the shoulder of a busy interstate highway to change a flat tire when another vehicle stopped to help provide the vehicle assistance. Although both vehicles were completely off the roadway and had enabled their hazard lights, an oncoming commercial vehicle drove onto the shoulder, striking the driver of the vehicle who had stopped to provide assistance and killing him instantly.

The other drivers also sustained injuries as a result of flying debris due to the collision. Local authorities state that the investigation is ongoing and that alcohol or drugs were not a factor in the accident. The driver of the semi truck, as well as, his vehicle have been placed “out of service” for multiple violations. These violations include failure to maintain a logbook and a deficiency with the air brake connections.

When a large commercial vehicle collides with a disabled vehicle, the results are almost always tragic. Due to the sheer size and weight of semi trucks, a collision at any speed – especially with a stopped vehicle – will cause severe injury and often times death. With that in mind, when a semi truck is carelessly or negligently operated -- it is not only against the law but it is also an extreme safety hazard to our roadways.

Semi truck drivers are required under state and federal law to adhere to the rules and regulations provide by such administrations as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules are established to maintain safe roadways and prevent the thousands of injuries and deaths that result from semi truck accidents each year. These rules also require that semi truck drivers adhere to a minimum standard of care in order to maintain the safe operation of their vehicle. A semi truck accident caused by a violation of these standards is grounds for negligence.

Unsafe carriers and their drivers need to be held legally responsible for their negligent operation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi truck accident, please contact a Chicago truck accident attorney. Our experienced attorneys are well versed in federal and state trucking laws and can help accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve from the damages sustained as the direct result of a negligent semi truck accident.

Recently, our Chicago truck accident lawyers read a report on the DestinLog.com detailing a devastating semi truck accident which left three individuals in serious condition. A semi truck was traveling eastbound along an interstate highway when it collided with a disabled roadside pick up truck. The disabled vehicle was in the process of being towed by the driver’s father when it was struck by the semi truck. The semi truck also collided into tow truck, resulting in the severe injury of the 20-year-old pick up driver and his two sisters. The driver’s father also sustained injury but was later released from the hospital. A further investigation into the accident is currently being conducted. The semi truck driver has been charged with careless driving.

Our blogs frequently discuss the adverse consequences that result from semi truck collisions. Efforts must be taken in order to reduce the high number of injuries and fatalities that result from the negligent operation of large commercial vehicles. Unsafe semi truck driving -- through means of cell phone use, driver fatigue, or even overloaded semi truck trailers poses a severe threat to the safety of all roadway users. With over 416,000 large commercial vehicles involved in a collision each year – according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, careless drivers and their company must be held responsible for the 4,000+ fatalities and 5,000+ injuries that result.

Every year, our experienced Illinois truck accident lawyers provide legal representation to the victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents. We recently obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of a Huntley, Illinois family who endured a devastating loss and substantial injuries as a result of a negligent semi truck driver. During the investigation, it was discovered that in addition to the semi truck’s excessive speed, the driver was also under the influence of marijuana and operating an overloaded trailer.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a collision with a semi truck, it is important to have knowledgeable legal professionals working on your case. Our attorneys will help evaluate your case and help determine the best course of civil legal action. Personal injuries or wrongful death claims often causes severe hardship and our Illinois truck accident attorneys will help you obtain maximum compensation for damages incurred, as well as, hold the wrongdoer accountable for their negligent conduct.

Recently, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read a report on the StockMarketReview.com detailing a recent recommendation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board. These recommendations come in light of the frequent re-occurrences of fatal semi truck rollover accidents. With over 1,300 commercial vehicle rollovers occurring each year, roadways all around the country have been put in significant danger for accidents resulting in injury or even death.

The NTSB recently conducted an investigation into the cause of a cargo tank trailer rollover accident that occurred in 2009. The semi truck was hauling a cargo trailer containing 9,000 gallons of liquefied petroleum gas when it overturned on an interstate highway. The rollover caused the truck’s trailer to detach from the vehicle – subsequently colliding into a steel guardrail. The collision caused the cargo’s gas to be expelled from the trailer, igniting into a fireball.

Through the investigation, the NTSB determined that the cause of the crash was directly related to the driver’s action to avoid a car in the neighboring lane. Crash investigators determined that the semi truck trailer’s high center of gravity contributed to the rollover accident. These types of rollover accidents have been a severe concern by the NTSB for over 40 years. Given that tankers do not permit driver error and are highly susceptible to rollover accidents, the NTSB recommends that new trailer regulations be implemented to help stop the frequency of semi truck rollover accidents.

Although the NTSB is not permitted to change legislation applied to large commercial vehicles, the Board does recommend that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in addition to, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that would require all semi truck trailers containing cargo tanks exceeding 10,000 pounds be fitted with rollover stability control systems. Currently, two types of rollover stability control systems exist including Electronic Stability Control and Roll Stability Control. Each of these systems gives commercial vehicle drivers better control over cargo tankers in preventing jackknifes and rollovers.

Our Chicago accident attorneys commend the efforts of the National Transportation Safety Board to help make our roadways safer against devastating semi truck accidents. With semi truck rollover accidents accounting for over 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries each year, new rules and regulations must be enacted to help save lives on our roadways. If you or someone you know has been involved in any type of motor vehicle accident, please contact our Illinois personal injury attorneys. Our attorneys will provide a free consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys recently read an article on WCFCourier.com detailing a fatal collision involving a disabled semi truck that ultimately resulted in four fatalities. Although the accident currently remains under investigation, local authorities state that accident occurred when a semi truck became disabled along Interstate 80. Two tow trucks shortly arrived at the scene to assist the broke down commercial vehicle. A oncoming commercial vehicle traveling on the interstate sideswiped the first tow truck, causing a subsequent collision with the disabled semi truck. The driver of the disabled semi truck, two tow truck employees, as well as, the driver of the second semi truck died from the injuries they sustained as a result of the collisions.

When a vehicle becomes disabled alongside a busy interstate or even a local roadway, the possibility for a motor vehicle accident substantially increases. Many times, oncoming vehicles are unaware of an upcoming disabled vehicle and accidents resulting in injury or even death consequently occur. Although roadside pedestrians are duty bound to maintain an appropriate level of care to protect themselves against roadway dangers, oncoming vehicles are required to exhibit an increased standard of care when operating around these disabled vehicles and their drivers. Motorists have a responsibility to operate their vehicle and observant manner.

In order to prevent the reoccurrence of these fatal collisions, drivers of all types of motor vehicles should adhere to the following safety tips. The National Safety Council suggests that in the unfortunate chance your vehicle breaks down or becomes disabled on any and all types of roadways, drivers should:
- If able, try to maneuver your car to the nearest exit if you are along an interstate
- Make vehicle visible to oncoming vehicles.
- Place reflecting triangles behind vehicle and use vehicle’s emergency flashers
- Seek professional help if vehicle requires advanced maintenance
- Refrain from standing behind or next to vehicle. Stand off roadway until help arrives.

Our Chicago accident attorneys strongly encourage drivers to adhere to safe driving practices each time a vehicle is operated. Motor vehicle accidents, especially those involving semi trucks, are almost always destructive and the results can be devastating. With over 10.2 million motor vehicle accidents occurring in 2008 alone, driver safety is a top priority. In the event that a driver unsafely operates their vehicle and causes a collision involving an injury or even fatality, accident victims may be able to seek legal relief for damages incurred. If you have been harmed as the result of a motor vehicle accident, please contact our personal injury attorneys to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read an article on TruckingInfo.net detailing a recent recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board to outright ban cell phone use for drivers of commercial vehicles. This proposal stems from the recent investigation of a 2010 semi truck accident that resulted in eleven fatalities. The accident occurred when the 45-year-old driver of a semi truck crossed an interstate highway median and collided head on with a passenger van containing twelve occupants.

The collision resulted in the death of nine adults, a small infant, as well as, the driver of the semi truck -- with the only two small children surviving. Investigation into the accident concluded that the driver of the commercial vehicle has used his cell phone while driving for a total of 69 times for calls and text messages 24 hours before the accident. Further results showed that the driver had also made four calls in the minutes prior to the accident. The Safety Board determined that the probable cause of this semi truck collision was the commercial vehicle’s driver failure to maintain control of his combination vehicle due to mobile phone distraction.

According to the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, distracted driving is becoming increasingly prevalent … and can be especially lethal when the distracted driver is at the wheel of a vehicle that weighs 40 tons and traveling at highway speeds. Although the Safety Board does not have any legal power to change distracted driving laws for commercial vehicles – they do have the ability to advise other administrative agencies, The Board recommended to the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to outright prohibit the use of handheld and hands-free cellular telephones by all drivers of commercial vehicles during operation– except in emergencies.

Our Chicago accident attorneys commend the recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board. The rate of injuries and fatalities can substantially decease when laws are created to help eliminate traffic dangers on our roadways. With the increasing cause of accidents due to cell phone use, drivers or all types of vehicles need to limit cellular use in order to prevent the reoccurrence of this type of devastating accident.

Our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys recently read a report on WinonaDailyNews.com detailing a fatal semi truck collision that resulted in the death of one driver. A sports utilities vehicle was traveling eastbound on an interstate highway when the driver had reduced speed in order to make a left hand turn. The driver of a semi truck traveling behind the SUV failed to notice the vehicle’s reduced speed and subsequently rear-ended the SUV. The collision caused the SUV to launch into the westbound lane – resulting in an addition collision with an oncoming pickup truck. The accident caused the pickup truck to travel off the road, overturning several times before igniting in flames. The driver was pronounced dead after transportation to a local hospital. The drivers of the SUV and the semi truck remained unharmed. Although this accident is still under investigation, authorities state that alcohol did not appear to play a factor in the collision.

Multi-vehicle accidents involving semi trucks reoccur almost weekly and the results are almost always resulting in injury or even death. According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System complied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks are substantially more likely to be involved in fatal multi-vehicle crashes than passenger vehicles. In 2009, over 2,600 large commercial vehicles were involved in multi-vehicle collisions. Given the sheer size and weight of large commercial vehicles, any collisions in which these types of vehicle are involved have fatal results. It is no surprise that when typical commercial vehicles weighs around 80,000 pounds and an average motor vehicle weighs 5,000 pounds that in 2009 over 3,200 large trucks were involved in fatal collisions.

Semi truck drivers are legally required to adhere to a minimum standard of care when operating their vehicles. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, one standard of care objective for commercial vehicle drivers is to prevent accidents by trying to anticipate hazardous situations and adjusting driver behavior to compensate. When this standard is violated by an accident caused by driving errors such as cell phone use or driver fatigue, the truck driver and their company may be held liable for negligence if an injury or death results. If you or a loved one has been involved in an Illinois semi truck accident, please contact our experienced Chicago accident attorneys. Our attorneys will provide a free initial consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read a report on AZCentral.com detailing a multi-vehicle fatal semi truck collision. The initial accident occurred when the driver of a large commercial truck hauling a cargo of produce lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center median on an interstate highway – subsequently causing a collision with an oncoming minivan. A second collision resulted when another oncoming semi truck collided with the initial semi truck – which had overturned on the highway. In turn, the second accident caused another collision with an approaching passenger vehicle.

Upon the first collision, the minivan exploded into flames causing the death of all three vehicle occupants, in addition to, the death of the semi truck driver. Both the co-driver of the first semi truck and the driver of the second passenger vehicle were transported to a local hospital for their injuries. The driver of the second semi truck sustained severe injuries and is currently listed in critical condition. The multi-vehicle accident caused the highway to shut down for over seven hours.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently developed a system called Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System which compiles trucking companies’ safety data and related services for industry, as well as, public use. Through this concept, individuals are able to view the safety history for the companies of large commercial vehicles. This database details the amount of inspections the companies employees and vehicles has received, reported vehicle accidents for the past two years, in addition to, a safety rating.

According to the SAFER System, the trucking company of the driver who caused the initial collision maintains a satisfactory safety rating. A satisfactory safety rating means that records indicate no evidence of substantial non-compliance of safety requirements. In addition, the trucking company has had one reported fatal collision and one injury-resulting collision in the past two years. Although this company maintains relatively safe history, the error of one semi truck driver can cause substantial harm and devastating loss.

When driver error plays a role in a fatal collision, accident victims and their families may be able to seek legal relief for the damages incurred. Personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits may be filed when substantial harm or death has occurred as a direct result of another’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by driver negligence, please contact a Chicago accident attorney. Our experienced attorneys will provide a free consultation to help determine what legal rights may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read an article in WDay.com reporting a semi truck driver who has been criminally charged for causing a fatal semi truck accident. The accident, which transpired last December, occurred when the 65-year-old semi truck driver failed to stop at a red light at an intersection – ultimately colliding with a van carrying four occupants. The accident resulted in the death of the 8 and 5-year old passengers. The driver and the children’s father, as well as, his 3-year-old child sustained injuries that required a week long hospital stay. The semi truck driver has been charged with two counts of negligent homicide and one count of aggravated reckless driving. The driver has been sentenced to jail for one year with 305 days suspended. He will also be required to serve 18 months of probation, as well as, 100 hours of community service that emphasis on highway safety.

When the operator of a large commercial vehicle fails to adhere to traffic signals, the results are always disastrous. Semi truck drivers are required by federal and state law to safely operate their vehicles with a standard of care. When this standard of care is violated and an accident ensues, the truck driver and their company may be held liable for negligence. When this type of negligent driving causes an accident that results in a fatality, the driver and company may be subject to a wrongful death lawsuit in addition to facing possible criminal charges.

Our experienced Illinois truck accident attorneys have handled cases involving semi truck accidents. We recently obtained a record $6.5 settlement for the accident victims of an Illinois semi truck accident. Due to a negligent truck driver, who was later found to be under the influence of marijuana and operating an overloaded trailer, an Illinois family suffered a devastating loss in an accident that killed a woman and severely injured her husband and son. Our lawyers can help victim’s family members, as well as, those injured themselves seek justice against the negligence of wrongdoers.

Our Illinois personal injury attorneys provide qualified legal representation to those whose lives have been significantly altered at the hands of a negligent driver. Our attorneys ensure that our clients are properly compensated for their devastating injuries and losses. We hold truck drivers, as well as, their companies liable for their failure to safely operate large commercial vehicles. Victims of these accidents may be able to seek compensation for various damages including: loss of wages, pain and suffering, as well as, punitive damages that punish the wrongdoer’s negligent behavior. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a semi truck accident, please contact a Chicago accident attorney to help evaluate your case.

Earlier today, our Chicago semi truck accident attorneys read a report on WFTV.com detailing a deadly crash involving a semi truck and a pedestrian. The 48 year old pedestrian was stopped in the emergency lane of a highway to fix his vehicle when he was run over by an oncoming semi truck. The accident caused traffic to come to a complete stop for over several hours. Local authorities state that the accident is currently under investigation and charges are still pending.

Unfortunately, traffic crashes involving pedestrians has been increasingly on the rise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a study in 2009 evaluating the pedestrian traffic safety. In 2009 alone, over 4,092 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 59,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States. The study also found that on an average, a pedestrian is killed every two hours and injured every nine minutes in traffic crashes. In another similar study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, it was found that in 2007 over 265 pedestrians were killed and 101,000 injuries results from semi truck accidents.

Just last year, the state of Illinois developed a pedestrian law to help curb the increased number of pedestrian deaths. According to this law, all drivers must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian under the following circumstances:

At pedestrian crosswalks that lack traffic signals or stop signs

When making a turn at any intersection

When a pedestrian is leaving or entering a street or highway from an alley, building, private road, or driveway

To persons working on highway construction in a maintenance area

To a person with disabilities

Any driver found in violation of these pedestrian laws may be fined $50-$100.

In addition, pedestrians must also practice extreme caution near busy roadways. In the unfortunate chance that your vehicle disables on the roadway, always follow the proper safety precautions when pulling into the emergency lane:

Always pull far enough over to avoid oncoming traffic

Always use flashers or flares to notify approaching vehicles

Never exit vehicle if there is a lot of traffic

Our Illinois accident attorneys have dealt extensively with motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians and have obtained successful verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. Recently, we settled a lawsuit for $1.25 million on behalf of a 50 year old woman who was struck by a bus while crossing a Chicago crosswalk. The woman suffered multiple pelvic, rib, and spinal fractures as a result of the accident. The driver of the vehicle pled guilty for failure to exercise due care and striking a pedestrian.

The Chicago personal injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti know first-hand the devastating consequences that result from accidents involving pedestrians. If a pedestrian is killed, the victim’s family may be able to make a wrongful death claim. According to Illinois Statute, whenever the death of a person is caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default of another, the injured party or their family is entitled to legal action to recover damages. Please contact an Illinois accident lawyer if you or a loved one has been injured or died as the result of a negligent driver to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Earlier today, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read a report in the Mcalester News detailing a tragic semi truck accident that took the life of a 38 year old man. Reports state that the driver was traveling along a state highway when a semi truck coming around a road curve crossed the center line and collided with his vehicle head on. Although the driver of the automobile was wearing his safety belt at the time of the accident, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi truck sustained an injury to the shoulder. Investigations are still being conducted to determine the cause of the accident.

Unfortunately, there has been an increasing trend of semi truck accident fatalities. According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a total of 3,163 people died in 2009 as the result of a large truck accident. Of that fatality number, 70% of fatalities were occupants of cars or other passenger vehicles, with many occurring near curves in the road. Although many roadways contain advanced warnings cautioning drivers of an oncoming curve, semi trucks often find hard to maneuver these roads due to their sheer size and weight. The Department of Transportation encourages semi truck drivers to always proceed through a curve with the utmost caution and large trucks need to slow down to a speed even lower than the posted speed limit when maneuvering a curve.

The report did not state if whether the semi truck driver is facing charges or if the family of the deceased man is seeking legal action. However, depending on the state’s motor vehicle laws, the family may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits arise when the wrongful or negligent conduct of others causes a premature death. The family of the deceased may be able to seek damages including: medical, funeral and burial expenses; in addition to, punitive damages that would hold the semi truck driver responsible for his negligent behavior.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys strongly encourage safe driving practices by all vehicle drivers -- especially commercial vehicles. When a semi truck or any other large vehicle is operated carelessly , the results can be catastrophic. When these types of accidents occur, truck drivers, and in some cases trucking companies, should be held responsible for their wrongdoing if injuries or death result. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries as the result of a semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois semi truck accident attorney to see what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys recently read a report on WWLP.com detailing a devastating semi truck accident that took the lives of two individuals. While investigations are still being conducted to determine the cause of this accident, it is known that the accident did result from a passenger vehicle swerving onto an oncoming lane causing a head-on collision with a tractor trailer. Both occupants of the passenger vehicle were ejected from car upon impact and were pronounced dead at the scene. The collision caused a rupture in one of the truck’s diesel tanks and ignited the semi truck. The driver of the truck remained uninjured. Local authorities do not believe speed played a factor in the accident and are currently awaiting the results of a toxicology test.

Collisions involving semi trucks often times result in serious, as well as, tragic consequences. A recent study was conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on accidents in the United States involving semi trucks, tractor trailers, and commercial vehicles. In 2010, over 500,000 large trucks and commercial vehicles were involved in accidents – with over 100,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths resulting. These statistics are not surprising due to the fact that trucks are significantly larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road and any type of collision involving trucks are especially hazardous.

While it is frequently discussed on our blogs the importance of the standard of care that must be exercised by semi truck drivers … it is also important that passenger vehicles exercise extreme caution when driving near or around large trucks. Defensive driving measures should always been taken by automobile drivers to avoid an accident.

Drivers should always:

Take extra caution at intersections

Avoid a semi truck’s blind spot

Adapt to road conditions (such as: bad weather and evening hours)

Wear a safety belt!

Our Chicago accident attorneys continue to encourage drivers of all types of vehicles to exercise extreme caution when operating their vehicles to avoid accidents such as this one from reoccurring. Often times, vehicle accidents occur as a result of driver negligence. If you or a loved one has been a victim of an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be able to seek legal action. Please contact an Illinois injury attorney to see what legal relief may be available to you.

Battle Creek News Talk Radio recently reported a collision involving two semi trucks. It was determined that the accident was caused by one semi truck rear ending the other. The Illinois semi truck driver that caused the accident told police that he was on his cell phone at the time of the crash and was not paying attention. The Illinois driver was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries and received a ticket for the cell phone infraction.

In recent years, the United States Department of Transportation proposed a federal ban on cell phone use by drivers of commercial vehicles. As part of a movement to end distracted driving, the proposed regulation would prohibit any commercial vehicles from cell phone use during vehicle operation. The proposal also prohibits semi truck drivers from reaching for, holding, or dialing a cell phone while driving. Drivers who are in violation of these rules are subject to strict penalties, such as: a $2,750 fine, disqualification of their commercial driver’s license, as well as, license suspension if more than two violations occur. Additionally, trucking companies who permit driver cell phone use may be subjected to an $11,000 fine.

Distracted driving in the recent years has become an ever increasing problem. While reports show that cell phone use by any driver could prove hazardous, it is especially true for drivers of semi trucks. Due to a semi trucks sheer size and weight, any driver distraction could have devastating consequences. Even with the widespread use of truck drivers using hands-free headsets to talk on their cellular telephones, it takes significantly longer to detect problems and correctly react to them while driving – according to TruckingInfo.net.

Driving distracted, especially due to cell phone use, can be considered negligence if the driver causes an accident. Drivers have a duty when operating their vehicles to exercise the utmost reasonable care to avoid an accident of any kind. Failure to exercise that degree of care many times results in devastating injuries, even death.

If a fatality results from a negligent semi truck accident, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death suit against the truck driver, as well as, the trucking company for damages. Damages in a wrongful death may include: medical, funeral, and burial expenses, in addition to, punitive damages that punish the wrongdoer’s negligent behavior.

Our Chicago injury attorneys have successfully represented hundreds of victims of negligence and continue to fight for the rights of those who have been harmed as the result of another’s carelessness. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as the result of a semi truck accident, please contact an experienced Illinois semi truck accident attorney to see what legal remedies may be available to you.

Our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys recently read a report on SuwanneeDemocrat.com about a fatal semi truck accident that took the life of its driver. Shortly after midnight, a semi truck carrying a load of vehicle batteries drove off the side of the road – striking several trees. The truck proceeded to ignite upon impact, trapping the driver inside. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigative reports believe that the collision was caused by driver fatigue or due to an unknown medical condition because there were no signs that indicated that the driver had tried to avoid the accident.

When drivers of semi trucks become fatigued due to continuous daily driving hours, the risk of accidents substantially increases. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over 750 people are killed and over 20,000 injuries directly result from semi truck accidents caused by driver fatigue. In addition, fatigue was a prominent factor in 75% of the run-off-the-road crashes. A seven year study was conducted by the FMCSA on Driver Fatigue and Alertness to help thoroughly examine this increasing problem. The study found night driving, as well as, the duration of driving played a significant role in semi truck accidents due to driver fatigue. It was also established that many semi truck accidents occur because drivers are unable to properly assess the level of their own alertness, in addition to, their need for sleep
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This increasing problem has led to many proposed changes by the FMSCA. Recently, it was proposed that semi truck driver’s hours-of-service be amended. This new proposal requires that drivers rest between 9-12 continuous hours each day. Any disruption in this off-duty time (by dispatches or trucking companies) requires that the driver re-start the time of their off-duty period. Additionally, drivers are required to take a 2-3 while they are on-duty. The recent proposal also requires that semi truck drivers be equipped with tamper-proof devices such as Electric On-Board Recorders that monitor daily and weekly driving times.

The Chicago accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti sincerely hope that these proposed standards help decease the frequency of semi truck accidents due to driver fatigue. Too many lives have been lost at the hands of truck drivers who have been encouraged by their companies to drive excessive hours. When driver fatigue leads to accidents that result in serious injuries or death, the driver may be held responsible in a court of law. The trucking company may also be found negligent if they failed to follow FMSCA regulations surrounding hours of service. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to hold negligent truck drivers, as well as, their companies liable for your injuries.

Please contact an experienced Illinois semi truck accident attorney if you or someone you know has sustained serious harm or death as the result of a semi truck accident to find out what legal remedies may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois trucking accident attorneys read a report on WLFI.com detailing a semi truck accident that left two people dead. This accident was caused by semi truck’s failure to heed to posted speed work zone speed limits. Due to construction being done on the highway’s bridge, traffic had begun to slow down. Local authorities state that one of the semi trucks rear-ended the other because he was unaware that traffic had started to slow down. The semi truck that was hit collided with the semi truck in front of it. The driver and the passenger of the semi truck that caused the initial collision were pronounced dead at the scene. The collision caused the initial truck’s cargo of metal and fence posts to expel onto the road. The other two drivers remained unharmed and authorities state that neither drugs nor alcohol played a role in this accident.

A State Trooper who was on the scene stated that they are continuously seeing accidents as a result of a failure to abide by work zone related speed limits. In the United States, there was a reported 159 work zone related crashes involving large trucks – with 12 of those accidents occurring in the state of Illinois. While most fatal crashes only involve one vehicle, the majority of large truck fatal crashes occurring in work zones involve two of more vehicles – according to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to RoadSafeAmerica.org, almost one third of work zone fatal crashes involve large trucks. Drivers of passenger vehicles must remain alert when driving near semi trucks through work or construction zones. Road Safe America provides some great tips to avoid a work zone related accident. Drivers should always slow down when approaching a work zone, follow posted work zone speed limits, as well as, refraining from resuming to normal speed until you clear the construction. In addition, always leave plenty of room between you and another vehicle -- especially if it is a semi truck.

Our Chicago accident attorneys recognize the increasing problem that is resulting from work zone related accidents cause by semi trucks. A semi truck’s failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident can result in devastating consequences for all vehicles involved. If a semi truck driver’s negligence ultimately causes and injury or even a fatality, legal action may be sought. Contact an Illinois injury attorney if you or someone you know has sustained serious harm as the result of a semi truck accident to find out what legal rights may be available to you.

Our Illinois truck accident attorneys recently read a report on ToledoBlade.com which detailed a severely destructive accident which ultimately resulted in three deaths and one critical injury. The initial collision occurred when a pickup truck attempting to merge onto a busy highway collided with an oncoming semi truck. At the time, both drivers were unharmed and pulled over to the side of the road and exited their vehicles. Two additional vehicles, a semi truck and a passenger vehicle, pulled over to provide assistance for the first accident. As the four individuals remained outside of their vehicles along the side of the roadway, a motorcycle and a semi truck proceeded to collide into the stopped vehicles and their drivers.

The driver of the semi truck who pulled over to provide assistance sustained severe injuries after jumping off the overpass to avoid being struck. The pickup driver from the initial accident, the driver of the automobile who pulled over to provide assistance, in addition to, the driver of the motorcycle were pronounced dead at the scene. While initial investigations are still being conducted, local authorities describe the impact of the third semi truck to be substantially severe due to the fact that there were no major signs of braking prior to impact. Authorities believe that data provided by the semi truck’s speed recorder could provide valuable information to the cause of the second accident.

The trucking company that owned the semi that caused the second collision has had a long history of semi truck accidents. According to federal records, the company’s trucks have been involved in over 389 accidents in the past two years of which 12 resulted in fatalities. Employing over 5,467 drivers, the company continuously ranks low in federal scores for driver fitness and vehicle maintenance. On the other hand, the company did rank favorably for driver safety and compliance with hours-of-service regulations intended to decrease driver fatigue.

Our Chicago accident attorneys maintain extensive knowledge and experience when handling devastating accidents such as this one. We continue to provide legal representation to those whose lives have been turn upside down as the result of a semi truck accident. Negligent semi truck drivers and trucking companies need to be held responsible for the harm they have inflicted by means of compensatory and punitive damages. If you or someone you know have been severely injured as a result of a semi truck accident, please contact an Illinois injury attorney to find out what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois truck accident attorneys read a report on MyNorthwest.com which detailed a destructive semi truck accident. The semi truck was traveling onto a highway ramp when the driver collided with several lights poles and ultimately crashed into a guard rail. The collision caused debris to fall onto the traffic lanes below -- subsequently causing three additional accidents. Local authorities say six vehicles were damaged in the accidents caused by the debris and fortunately those vehicle’s occupants only reported minor injuries. The semi truck driver was arrested for suspicious of driving under the influence.

Intoxication of a semi truck driver is a severe violation of the federal regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In fact, the FMCSA defines strict policies for controlled substance and alcohol use and testing. The purpose of these regulations is to avoid accidents and injuries that are a direct result of an impaired driver of a commercial motor vehicle. Even though in many states forbid vehicle operation with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08, the FMCSA regulations prohibit semi truck drivers from operating if their alcohol concentration is 0.04 or greater. It is also required that trucking employers are prohibited from allowing the operation of a semi truck by an employee who is knowingly above the 0.04 limit. In addition, if any employee or employee is found in violation of these alcohol related regulations, they may be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties.

Every year, our Chicago injury attorneys provide legal representation to those who have been negatively affected as the result of a semi truck accident. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of an Illinois family who sustained severe damages as the result of a negligent semi truck driver. It was found that the semi driver was operating under the influence of marijuana, in addition to, operating an overloaded truck. This semi truck accident additionally caused the death of a wife/mother and resulted in a Kane County record $4.7 million wrongful death settlement. In addition to the driver’s negligence, the lawsuit also alleged that the trucking company was negligent because they did not properly drug screen their drivers, a violation of FMCSA regulations.

The Chicago accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti continue to fight for the legal rights of those who have been harmed by the negligent acts of drivers. Semi truck drivers are required to operate their vehicles safely to ensure the safety of vehicles around them. Often the failure to maintain safety of a semi truck results in devastating consequences. If you or someone you knows life has been seriously altered as the result of a negligent driver you may be able to obtain compensation for the damages incurred, in addition to, punishing the wrongdoer for their careless acts.

Recently, our Illinois truck accident attorneys read a report on TheIndyChannel.com that detailed an unfortunate semi truck accident that took the life of the semi’s 47 year old driver. Local authorities state that the accident occurred when the semi truck’s driver drove off the right side of an exit ramp and collided with various concrete construction barriers --subsequently rolling over into a nearby ditch. The driver of the truck remained trapped inside the truck’s cab when it overturned and was pronounced dead at the scene. The semi truck was hauling over 8,000 gallons of gasoline, of which 3,000 gallons of it was expelled upon impact. Local hazardous materials crews were called to the scene to transport the remaining gasoline, as well as, provide clean up for the expelled fuel.

According to the article, national transportation officials claim that this accident warns others of the severe risks involved with transporting hazardous materials. Officials also confirmed that more needs to be done to prevent the recurrence of this type of accident. Not only are these accidents often proving fatal for truck drivers, they often pose a severe environmental risk. A semi truck driving instructor addressed this issue by stating that there is currently not much extra training that can be provided for truck drivers who carrying hazardous liquid materials. The instructor asserts, “liquid has a mind of its own … it will keep the truck moving in the direction that it wants to go, which is to roll over.”

A 2005 study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration further highlights these types of fatal semi truck accidents involving hazardous material. According to the study, of the estimated 5,000 semi truck accidents that occur in the United States each year, over 200 of those semi truck accidents involved trucks containing hazardous material. In addition, spills occur in approximately 18% of all hazardous material related accidents. More often than not, the causes of these accidents are seemingly unknown due to the fact that the driver of the semi truck was fatally injured in the crash.

Our Chicago accident attorneys send their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the accident victim. Safety improvements need to be implemented by trucking companies in order to prevent the reoccurrence of this tragic accident. The transportation of hazardous materials has proven to be a very dangerous task that needs to be handled with the utmost responsibility in order to keep truck drivers and other motorists safe.

Earlier today, our Illinois semi truck accident attorneys read an article on TheStarPress.com reporting a devastating semi truck accident that left a 71 year old woman dead. Investigations concluded that the accident resulted from the 71 year old driver of an automobile crossing the center line of a two lane road, colliding head on with the oncoming semi truck. Witnesses at the scene reported that the automobile driver had traveled into the opposite lane and had tried to swerve back when the collision occurred. The accident, which transpired at around 4:30 p.m., killed the driver of the automobile instantly. Local authorities stated that it did not appear that drugs or alcohol were believed to be a factor in the collision and that both drivers were abiding by the posted speed limits.

These types of accidents are particularly devastating given that a minor driver error can turn tragic. According to a 2007 study of large truck crashes conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, these types of accidents are extremely common. The study determined that passenger vehicles which crossed the center line and collided head on with a large truck accounted for over 16% of fatal crashes. While only 1% of fatal accidents occurred as a result of a large truck crossing the center line and fatally striking a passenger vehicle. In this study, large trucks were defined as those weighing over 10,000 pounds.

With the increasing nationwide reports of fatal accidents involving semi trucks, safety precautions need to be implemented by drivers of all vehicles – especially automobiles. Various accidents between a semi truck and an automobile can be avoided by following proper safety tips. Most importantly, drivers of passenger vehicles should always remain alert when driving near a semi truck given that semi trucks operate a lot differently than automobiles. In addition to the various blind spots a semi truck has, it takes a large truck twice as long to come to a stop – even longer if the roadways has been affected by the weather. Furthermore, it is always recommended that drivers of all vehicles consistently wear their safety belt to avoid any harmful consequences of an accident.

Our Chicago accident attorneys send their sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends. These types of tragic accidents can be unpredictable and many times cause fatal consequences. Our injury attorneys continue to encourage that drivers of all vehicles adhere to proper safety precautions when operating their vehicles. To prevent any and all types of vehicle accidents, drivers should continuously share the roadways, adhere to posted speed limits, and always buckle up.

Recently, our Illinois accident attorneys read an article posted on LansingStateJournal.com detailing a fatal collision between a semi truck and an automobile. Although the accident is still being investigated, police reports state that the accident occurred as a result of a dual-trailer semi trucks failure to stop at an intersection – resulting in the collision with an automobile. The semi truck initially collided with the passenger side of the automobile and ultimately sent both vehicles into a nearby field. The 32 year old female passenger of the automobile was pronounced dead at the scene. Both the passenger’s mother, who was driving the automobile, as well as the back seat occupant sustained serious injuries. The driver of the semi-truck was also injured in the accident and is currently listed in stable condition. According to local authorities, the semi truck’s speed played a likely factor in this accident. Investigations are still pending as to whether the drivers of either vehicle had been intoxicated.

Across the nation, speed continues to be a reoccurring factor in the cause of semi truck accidents. The rate of speed at which a semi truck operates is directly correlated with the risk of an accident. The risk of a semi truck accident substantially multiplies when the speed of the vehicle increases. In a study conducted a few years ago by the Office of Motor Carrier Safety, of the 4,614 fatal accidents involving semi trucks, over 982 of those accidents were a direct result of driver speed. The study also concludes that various factors play a role in speeding related semi truck accidents. For instance, reports found that 25% of all speeding related crashes for semi trucks tend to be associated with poor weather conditions. Unfortunately, until semi trucks adhere to their designated posted semi limit, accidents such as this one will continue to occur.

Each year our Chicago accident attorneys provide legal representation to those seriously injured in an array of accidents, including those involving semi trucks. Recently, we obtained $6.5 million settlement of behalf of a Huntley, Illinois family who endured a devastating loss and substantial injuries as a result of a negligent semi truck driver. During the investigation it was discovered that in addition to the semi truck’s excessive speed, the driver was under the influence of marijuana and operating an overloaded truck.

The injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti continue to fight for the legal rights of those affected by any and all acts of negligence. Nationwide, the negligent operation of semi trucks continuously causes numerous injuries and fatalities. If the life of you or someone you know has been significantly altered as the result of a negligent driver, you may be able to obtain legal relief for the damages incurred, as well as, punish the wrongdoer for the harm they have inflicted.

The Lake County News-Sun.com reported an accident in Buffalo Grove that left a Hawthorn Woods man in serious condition. The accident, which occurred south of Kirchoff Road on Route 53, took place early Tuesday evening. An automobile driven by a 23 year old woman struck a tractor trailer in the center lane of highway and preceded to collide with a pickup truck that was parked near the road’s median. The driver of the pickup truck was outside of his vehicle changing a flat tire at the time of the accident, and was subsequently pinned between the road’s median and his truck. The pickup truck driver was hospitalized in serious condition. Further investigation concluded that the driver of the automobile was texting while driving when she lost control of her vehicle and collided with the both the semi and pickup trucks. The woman received various citations including: improper lane change, driving on the shoulder of the road, in addition to, texting while driving.

Our blogs frequently discuss the various Illinois driving laws and how they apply to our readers. A recent piece of Illinois legislation was passed banning texting while driving. The law, which came into full effect January 1st 2010, prohibits the use of a cell phone or any other electronic communication device while operating any vehicle. In addition to the texting ban, the law also requires law enforcement officials to keep a record of all motor vehicle accidents where cell phone use was involved. This requirement was created to compile statistics of cell phone related accidents by 2012.

It is easy to see why stricter laws were enacted by legislators to address frequent reports of Illinois accidents caused by distracted driving. Our lawyers strongly support any and all laws to ban driver distractions such as cell phone use. However, the state allows individual localities to make the final decision on whether or not to ban cell phone use for all drivers. According to the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles, Chicago is the only major city in Illinois where it is illegal to use a cellular device while operating a vehicle. For the rest of the state of Illinois, driving while using a cell phone is illegal for drivers under the age of 19, drivers of school buses, as well as, when driving through a school or construction zone.

While accidents like this involving semi trucks frequently occur as a result of the semi driver’s negligence, truck drivers are not always at fault – such as this case. Our Chicago accident attorneys strongly encourage drivers of all vehicles to adhere to Illinois driving safety laws. Failure to follow these laws could result in a strict fine – or even worse, a fatal accident.

Having represented hundreds of victims of negligence, our attorneys know first-hand the devastating effects that accidents have on victims and entire families. Many times, seriously injured victims are faced with large medical bills, lost income, long recoveries, and even life-long disability. Due to this, victims of life-altering accidents should seek legal relief to receive compensation if their accident was caused by the negligence of others. Contact a Chicago injury attorney to find out what legal rights may be available to you.

Recently, our Illinois accident attorneys read a report in the Chicago Tribune detailing a new Illinois Supreme Court decision that may affect drivers of all types of vehicles. The decision, ruled on in April, states that if a driver is found with any remnants of an illegal substance in their system – they will be charged with a felony if their bad driving caused a fatal accident. This means that even if a driver was not impaired at the time of the crash, they may be subjected to felony charges. For prosecutors, this means that it is no longer needed to prove in court that the illegal substance contributed to the crash, only that the substance was in the driver’s system.

While many commend the Supreme Court’s ruling in lowering the tolerance for drug use, defense attorneys believe the ruling to be an unfair advantage for prosecutors. They also claim that this new ruling may prove harmful against lawful prescription drug users. Even though this law applies to illicit substances, it also includes controlled substances that are used unlawfully – such as the use of expired prescriptions. Critics continue to argue that a driver may be unaware of how long a substance remains in their systems (which can last up to several days), therefore unknowingly operate a vehicle.

This ruling was recently upheld in the case of a fatal Illinois trucking accident. A 54 year old truck driver is currently serving a 14 year prison sentence as a result of a fatal crash that killed a 17 year old. Although the truck driver refused the administration of an alcohol and drug test, prosecutors were able to prove in court that he had marijuana in his system through the expert testimony of toxicology experts. Unfortunately, driving under the influence of an illegal substance is not an uncommon occurrence. In a report conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, found that 16.3% of drivers operated at night were under the influence of drugs – with marijuana being the most common.

Our Chicago accident attorneys know first hand the devastating effects that result from operating a vehicle under the influence. Recently, we obtained a $6.5 million settlement on behalf of a family who incurred catastrophic damages as the result of a semi truck accident. It was discovered that the operator of the semi truck was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. We hope that this current decision prevents future accidents, such as this one, from reoccurring and encourages drivers to think twice before stepping behind the wheel.

Recently, our Illinois trucking accident attorneys read a report on BangorDailyNews.com that detailed a destructive semi truck accident that took the life of a 5 year old boy. While the accident is currently still under investigation, reports state that the accident occurred as a result of the semi truck driver falling asleep behind the wheel. The 57 year old semi truck driver was hauling a tractor trailer loaded with logs on U.S Route 201 when he fell asleep and struck two utility poles and ultimately crashing into a nearby house. Upon collision with the utility poles, the semi truck’s contents fell onto the house, causing its collapse. The young boy who was killed was sleeping on the couch when the house collapsed. The other five residents of the house were taken to the hospital for their injuries.

Semi driver fatigue has played a reoccurring factor in trucking accidents across the country. Driver fatigue commonly occurs as a result of lack of sleep, lack of quality sleep, prolonged driving, in addition to, lack of breaks. Fatigue ultimately leads to deterioration in driving performance, weakened steering ability, inability to maintain distance with surrounding vehicles, and subsequently the increased inclination to mentally withdraw from the duty of driving -- according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Due to the common occurrence of semi truck driving accidents as a result of driver fatigue, the FMCSA regulates drivers with hours of service policies. These regulations limit the amount of hours a semi truck driver is able to operate.

The report does not confirm if whether the driver is currently facing any charges or if the family of the deceased boy is seeking legal action. From our experience as Chicago truck accident attorneys, it appears as though this is a wrongful death lawsuit. Wrongful death cases arise when the wrongful or negligent conduct of others causes a premature death. The family of the deceased may be able to seek damages including: medical, funeral, and burial expenses, as well as, punitive damages that punish the wrongdoer’s negligent behavior.

Our Chicago accident attorneys send our sincere condolences to those who have been negatively affected by such a devastating accident. Truck drivers are held to an increased level of responsibility to the public to maintain the safety of their vehicle. Due to a semi trucks sheer size and weight, a wrong move could prove deadly for the driver or anyone else in its path. When proper trucking regulations are followed, these types of accident can be easily avoided.

Earlier today, numerous reports surfaced involving the investigation of a semi-truck accident which caused an explosion of the truck’s cargo. The trucking accident occurred as a result of a semi swerving out of its lane – ultimately causing the driver to forcefully over steer the semi-truck to avoid hitting an automobile in the nearby lane. Due to a combination of the driver’s left and right steers to maintain stability, the semi-truck’s cargo detached from the truck -- proceeding to rollover into oncoming traffic. The cargo, which contained over 9,000 gallons of liquefied petroleum gas, escaped from the cargo tank and subsequently ignited. The fire caused substantial injury to both the drivers of the semi-truck and the automobile. Three other passengers sustained injuries as a result of the fire.

At the end of a two-day hearing to determine the cause of the accident, the semi-truck driver was ultimately held responsible. The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the cause of the accident was due to the semi-driver’s “excessive and rapid evasive steering maneuvers.” The Board did affirm that semi-trucks provide little to no lenience in the case of operational errors and that the training the driver received could not have prevented this type of accident. In addition, due to the fact that the driver’s logs were destroyed in the cargo fire, there was no way of determining whether the issue of driver fatigue played a role in the accident.

In light of this destructive semi-truck accident the NTSB has issued 20 new safety recommendations for semi-trucks in order to prevent another accident such as this one from reoccurring. Those recommendations include: implementing a rollover prevention program, development of stability control standards in vehicles that weigh over 10,000 pounds, in addition to, providing new standards for cargo tanks that were previously vulnerable to malfunctions.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys send our deepest condolences to those affected by such a devastating accident. We applaud the efforts of NTSB to improve conditions of semi-trucks in order to prevent the repetition of this type of accident. Semi drivers need to adhere to the utmost care when operating such large vehicles and carelessness or negligence should never be tolerated. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured as a result of a negligent semi-truck accident, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages sustained.

Our Chicago semi-truck accident attorneys recently read a report on WFIN.com about a devastating car-semi accident which sent two individuals to the hospital. It was reported earlier this morning that the collision occurred at the intersection of Ohio 65 and State Route 12 when the automobile driver failed to yield at the intersection, ultimately causing a collision with the oncoming semi-truck. The semi-truck overturned upon impact, causing its cargo of corn to be expelled onto the highway – subsequently shutting down the road for over four hours. Both victims were hospitalized and are currently listed in fair condition.

Unfortunately, these sort of automobile-semi truck collisions occur almost every day in the United States. Highways have proven to be a dangerous breeding ground for accidents as a result of careless driving. Most frequently these accidents are a result of the negligence of a semi-truck driver, but in this case, this was the result of an automobile. Safe driving should always be a priority for all drivers – no matter which type of vehicle they are operating. Nationwide, a notable car insurance agency, provides helpful tips for avoiding car accidents. The agency recommends that all drivers: avoid using their cell phones during while driving, avoid driving while tired, and always use caution when changing lanes and/or entering an intersection.

Most accidents occur as a result of cutting in front of other vehicles, failure to use turn signals, or even changing lanes too rapidly. Automobile drivers should always consider the fact that semi-truck drivers are unable to brake as quickly as cars can. With that considered, if an automobile cuts off a semi truck driver, it takes the semi twice as long to brake – consequently almost always causing an accident. According to the Illinois Crash Data Report (2005-2009), there were over 9,300 reported accidents that resulted from a collision with a tractor-trailer in 2009 alone. Of those 9,300 accidents, 1,600 resulted in injuries and 62 proved fatal.

Our Illinois accident attorneys continue to encourage safe driving practices for all drivers. Injuries and fatalities can be easily avoided when drivers respect each other and share the road. Regrettably, many times there are unforeseeable, as well as, unpredictable accidents that occur. Accident victims who incur serious harm as a result of an automobile collision may be able to seek legal relief for damages incurred.

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers read recently on JusticeNewsFlash.com about a fatal semi-truck accident that occurred in California. A semi truck that was carrying a four car load collided into shuttle bus carrying university employees. Upon impact, a passenger was thrown from the shuttle bus. In an unfortunate turn of events, the passenger that was ejected from the shuttle bus was pinned under the semi-truck – regrettably, he was pronounced dead at the scene. While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, three other shuttle bus passengers sustained minor injuries.

With the shocking increase in fatalities as a result of semi-trucks, a closer look needs to be taken at the rules and regulations of semi-truck drivers. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driver regulations are specifically laid out in Rule 380. According to these regulations, any driver that wishes to operate a longer combination vehicle (LCV) must successfully complete a LCV driver training program, must provide documented proof of program completion, in addition to maintaining proper health by avoiding excessive alcohol use.

Our Chicago injury attorneys have dealt extensively with victims of accidents that have been caused by the negligence of semi-drivers. Just last year, our attorneys obtained a record $6.5 million dollar settlement for the accident victims of a semi-truck collision. Due to a negligent truck driver, who was later found to be under the influence of marijuana as well as operating an overloaded trailer, an Illinois family suffered a devastating loss in an accident that killed a woman and severely injured her husband and son. Our lawyers can help victim’s family members, as well as, those injured themselves seek justice against the negligence of wrongdoers.

Our attorneys at Levin & Perconti send our sincere condolences to the victims and family members of those affected by such a devastating truck accident. Even though the cause of this accident remains unknown, truck drivers have an increased responsibility of safety to the public that needs to be adhered to when operating such large combination vehicles. Trucking companies should make it their top priority to review all of their drivers on a consistent basis to make sure all rules and regulations are being followed in order to prevent another accident like this one from reoccurring.

See Our Related Blog Posts:

Record $6.5 Million Kane County Settlement Reached for Huntley Trucking Accident Victims

Illinois Injury Lawsuit Filed By Family After Truck Crash

It takes a semi-truck up to 40% longer to come to a stop than an average car. Failing to bear this in mind seems to be one of the problems contributing to a collision between a truck and an Amtrak train that occurred on June 24 in Nevada.

Since the accident, several victims have already filed personal injury lawsuits. According to NBC Chicago, the suits were filed by two attendants on the train, one from Worth, Illinois, the other from Evanston, who were injured when the train was struck by a truck driven by an employee of the John Davis Trucking Company of Battle Mountain. According to allegations in the lawsuits, the truck driver ignored the crossing gates and warning signals and braked too late, causing his truck to skid into the side of the train.

Seven people were killed and others injured because of the truck driver’s negligence. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers see many cases involving negligent drivers and understand that these accidents can often result in death or significant injuries such as traumatic brain injury, paralysis, broken bones, and even loss of life. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation – Traffic Safety, in 2008 there were 15,049 truck accidents in Cook County alone. In fact, truck crashes account for one of every eight automobile accident fatalities in Illinois.

In general, trucking accidents occur for one of two reasons: equipment failure or negligence on the part of the truck driver, which is significantly more common. If the latter is the case, a lawsuit can be brought against both the driver and the company who employs the driver. Though at first glance an accident might seem to only be the fault of the driver rather than the company, businesses who employ truck drivers have an obligation to make sure drivers are properly trained, that equipment satisfies required standards, and that conditions are as safe as possible (i.e., making sure trucks aren’t overloaded or oversized for the driver’s level of experience).

Many area residents may be aware that a single Illinois truck accident can spur two different types of legal cases: criminal and civil. The civil case is what our Chicago truck crash attorney works on—seeking to provide real relief and compensation for those hurt in these events. At the same time, prosecutors may seek to hold those involved in the accident with criminal charges for specific laws that they may have broken during the accident. The two cases have different legal rules to apply and there is no direct overlap between them.

For example, WTHI TV reported earlier this week on the end of a criminal case related to a deadly trucking accident. In that case a truck driver was high on cocaine when he fell asleep at the wheel allowing his semi to slam into the car next to him. The 25-year-old driver of that car was killed in the accident. He left behind a large family, including a wife who he had married only a year before. The truck driver had a history of driving under the influence, and his license was actually suspended at the time of the crash.

Following the accident the prosecutors in the area determined that the driver had violated various laws and he was charged with crimes. The man eventually pled guilty to the charges and was recently sentenced to six years in prison for his conduct. Regardless of that criminal matter, the family of the victim was also able to file a civil lawsuit holding the driver (and probably the business that owned the truck) liable for the losses that the family suffered. Their action would be considered a wrongful death lawsuit.

Continue reading "Reckless Truck Driver Sentenced Following Deadly Truck Accident" »

On Monday, the Pekin Times website reported that a 70-year-old woman died instantly in an Illinois trucking accident on Route 9 in Mackinaw. According to the coroner who investigated the scene, the victim died instantly when a westbound semi-truck collided with her vehicle. There was no word on what caused the collision, but accident reconstructionists were called to the scene.

According to the Truck Safety Coalition, a group dedicated to decreasing the number of trucking accident related injuries and deaths, from 2001 to 2008, there were 1,356 people killed in accidents involving large trucks. Obviously, the sheer size and weight of tractor trailer trucks increase the risk of serious personal injuries, or even death. Therefore it is crucial for drivers of passenger cars and truck drivers to practice safe and smart driving when sharing the road.

For drivers, it is important to remember that it is usually the occupants of the smaller vehicle who are injured in car-truck crashes. Therefore, you should operate your vehicle carefully and remember a few tips. First, our Chicago accident lawyers recommend that you wear your safety belt at all times, even when there aren’t larger vehicles on the road. Second, you should be careful to never try to cut off a truck or move suddenly into the truck’s lane. Trucks cannot stop as quickly as passenger vehicles, so you risk a rear-end collision. Always use your signal when passing a truck, and make sure you are far enough ahead of the truck before entering the lane. Also, do not drive in a truck’s blind spots. These danger areas lie in the back, sides and front of the truck. A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck’s operator, he or she cannot see you so move quickly to avoid a collision.

For truckers, it is important to avoid driving if you are extremely tired. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving because it slows down a driver’s reaction time considerably. Truckers should also maintain a lookout for smaller vehicles at all times, and allow enough space between vehicles to allow for safe stopping. Additionally, trucks should operate at safe speed levels.

Trucking accidents can have devastating effects on the lives of victims and their families. Therefore, it is important to practice safe driving techniques to reduce your risk for serious personal injury or death. As Illinois injury attorneys, we have unfortunately seen too many cases where clients have been seriously injured or killed because of preventable mistakes. We stand by the belief that wrongdoers should be held accountable when innocent victims die as a result of negligence, and vow to help victims achieve justice.

The State Journal Register reported today on news about an Illinois truck crash that struck on Monday morning on a southern Illinois highway. According to the early initial reports, this latest accident involved two tractor-trailers.

A 72-year old truck driver was traveling northbound on Illinois 111 at Gun Club Road shortly before noon on Monday a few miles north of the town of Brighton. The driver was traveling behind another semi-trailer. The leading truck was eventually forced to slow down because the vehicle in front of him was preparing to turn left onto Gun Club Road. However, the second semi was perhaps traveling too fast and too closely to be able to stop in time to account for the slowing semi-truck in front of him.

As a result, the second semi slammed into the back of the first. The impact caused extensive damage. The negligent vehicle was sent careening to the left side of the highway, ultimately tipping over onto its side.

Both truck drivers were severely injured in the accident and rushed off to local hospitals. Police officers ticketed the driver which caused the accident for his failure to properly reduce his speed to avoid the truck crash.

Continue reading "Southern Illinois Accident Involves Two Semi-Trailers, Severely Injures Both Drivers" »

Another truck crash struck yesterday according to reports by the Tribune Local. The accident occurred at the intersection of Routes 41 and 21 in suburban Gurnee.

According to police reports, a 19-year old male driver was traveling in a Cadillac as he came upon the intersection. For reasons yet unknown, the driver failed to stop at the red light in front of him. As a result his car barreled dangerously through the intersection, hitting a large semi-tractor trailer that was traveling through it.

The Cadillac became wedged into the semi. It took rescue crews almost a half an hour to extricate the injured car driver from his vehicle. The man suffered a broken leg, but is fortunate not to have any life-threatening injuries. The Chicago truck driver was not injured in the accident.

The semi involved in this Illinois truck crash was carrying lithium at the time of the incident. In another stroke of luck, the hazardous material was not exposed in any way that posed a risk of contamination.

Continue reading "Man Extricated Following Illinois Trucking Crash" »

Necessary improvements in trucking safety often come only in the aftermath of tragic accidents. When deadly truck crashes strike, many members of the community step up to pressure decision-makers to enact procedural changes that likely should have been implemented sooner

Earlier this month we posted the story of a runaway gravel truck that took the lives of a family of three. The gravel truck involved was headed down a steep mountain pass when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The truck careened off the road and into a small wooden house shared by a young couple and their three year old son. The entire family was killed, and the community was shaken by the tragic crash.

Now that community is stepping up efforts to ensure similar accidents are avoided, reports KEYT News. A local governmental association is asking the state legislature to enact a ban on certain types of trucks from using the dangerous stretch of road involved in this truck crash. Lawmakers are considering the proposal. In addition, the local community is amping up enforcement and education efforts. Many drivers in the area are simply unaware of the dangers of driving in steep areas or fail to abide by current restrictions on speeding and lane usage put in place to ensure safe travel.

Continue reading "Truck Crashes Causes City to Re-evaluate Safety Measures" »

Frigid temperatures and the first signs of drifting snow this week have unequivocally rung in the winter season in Chicago. This time of year always involves skating in Millenium Park, lights down Michigan Avenue, and the Christkindlemarket on Daley Plaza.

However, the change in weather means something else to all Chicago travelers—new and dangerous road hazards. Of course it is only a matter of time before large amounts of snow and ice are dumped on our roadways. This often presents visibility concerns for many drivers and requires slower more calculated movement as the roads become slick and unpredictable.
At the same time, snowfall brings out droves of snow plowing trucks seeking to make the roads safe for travel. When not careful, however, the trucks themselves can cause unique truck accidents that injure others.

That is just what happened in Wyoming today, as a snow plow crashed into four walking children. Mlive News reported on the truck accident that struck in the early afternoon, around 12:54pm. Four children (ages 6 to 9) who attended a local school were walking together across the street after classes had ended. At the same time a truck with a snow plow came driving through the intersection, hitting the children. Three of the victims suffered minor injuries while one child, a 6 year old girl, was rushed off to a local hospital and remains in critical condition.

The truck driver claims that the light was green when he went through the intersection, but police are still investigating the scene to determine exactly what happened.

Continue reading "Snow Truck Hits Four Children Crossing the Street" »

Truck crashes are typically the most damaging type of crash on our roadway and the most costly type of truck accident often involves propane. Crashes that involve large semis carrying thousands of gallons of combustible fuel skyrockets the potential for serious physical harm to person and property. What makes these wrecks particularly devastating is the chance that they may cause explosions that damage things in a far wider radius that typically found in a regular truck accident.

The Boston Channel reported on one of those close calls involving a propane truck this weekend. The driver of a tractor-trailer hauling the fuel crashed into a utility pole on Friday evening. The truck immediately burst into flames, but in a fortunate bit of luck, the majority of the propane cargo had already been unloaded. That meant that only 100 gallons remained in the trailer of the machine at the time of the accident.

Still, the risk of these accidents is so severe that dozens of residents within a three quarter mile radius of the crash were evacuated to a nearby school as a precaution. Also, for the safety of the emergency personnel, the emergency management director decided to allow the fire to burn itself off. In that way firefighters were not placed in danger of being on top of the truck if it exploded.

Continue reading "Propane Truck Accident Sends Dozens From Their Homes" »

Heartland News reported on a deadly truck crash early last week that struck in southern Illinois. The accident occurred in Perry County shortly after 12:30am on Monday morning.

At that time a 22-year old driver was heading north in a car on Trico Road south of Pyatt-Cutler Road. There was one passenger in the vehicle at the time. At the time of the accident the young man behind the wheel entered the intersection between the two roads. Upon entering the intersection his car was sideswiped by a large, speeding Peterbuilt semi-truck.

As with most accidents involving a large tractor-trailer, the damage was severe. The driver of the car and his passenger were both killed by the impact. The 51-year old truck driver received minor injuries.

It is unclear exactly what mistake led to the truck accident. It appears that the truck driver did not have a stop sign at the intersection. The car driver may have either driven through a stop sign or accidentally pulled out in front of the oncoming truck. Investigators are still working to determine the exact circumstances around the accident.

Continue reading "Illinois Truck Crash Kills Two Men" »

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On this blog we have repeated emphasized the immense damage that often results from truck crashes. The bigger the vehicle the more destruction the machine is capable of causing. Most often the types of trucks involved in accidents are semi-trailers that haul products across the country non-stop every day. These commercial trucking accidents are more common simply because there are tens of thousands of these vehicles on the road at any given moment. However, the maxim about size causing damage is true for all big vehicles, not just commercial trucks.

Even the large vehicles that are supposed to help in emergency situations can themselves become stuck in deadly accidents. For example, ABC Local News reported earlier this week on a fire truck that was involved in a deadly highway crash.

On Tuesday afternoon a fire truck hauling a state prison fire crew was traveling west on a local highway. The large team (over 14 people) was part of a prison crew that included several low-security inmates and several local firemen. While heading back to their camp from a project, the truck was hit head-on by a white suburban Forester headed in the opposite direction. The SUV was being driven by an elderly man in his 70s. Investigators believe that the SUV crossed the center line and hit the fire truck.

The elderly driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash as was a member of the fire crew that was thrown from the vehicle in the accident. Four other crew members were rushed to local hospitals in critical condition and at least eight others were wounded.

Continue reading "Head-On Fire Truck Crash Kills Two" »

The Washington Times-Herald recently reported on a truck accident involving two of the largest vehicles on the road—a semi truck and a school bus. On Tuesday afternoon shortly before 4 p.m. a Washington Community school bus was traveling south along a rural road carrying many elementary students. The bus was attempting to stop and let children out after a day at school. While preparing to stop the bus turned on its caution lights.

At the same time a semi truck carrying coal was traveling in the opposite direction, northbound on the road. When the driver of the semi saw the bus’s caution light, he attempted to stop—vehicles traveling in both directions are required to stop when a bus’s caution lights are on.

However, the truck locked up and the driver lost control while attempting to slow down. As a result the truck sideswiped the bus. After that the truck jackknifed and ended up stopped blocking all lanes of traffic. A Department of Agriculture van was behind the bus when the accident occurred. The driver of the van had to swerve to miss the semi, ending up in a ditch.

When the collision occurred there were 15 to 20 students on the bus. Several students were brought to the hospital with minor injuries—however only one was kept overnight for observation. Many parents learned of the accident within minutes and rushed to the scene. Obviously there were many concerned family and friends.

Continue reading "Coal Truck Hits School Bus Injuring Twelve Students" »

The Day News reported last week on another truck accident that involved multiple big-rigs and sent one driver to the hospital in critical condition.

The injured truck driver was carrying a load of cranberries in his trailer last Thursday, around 7:15pm. He was traveling along Interstate 95 in Connecticut. As so frequently happens in these events, the truck driver came upon stopped traffic on the highway. However, the driver was unable to account for the slowed vehicles in front of him. As a result, his truck smashed into the back of another tractor-trailer—this one a flatbed—that was at the end of the traffic jam. The flatbed truck was then propelled forward striking a regular box truck that was in front of it. In total, three large trucks were involved in the crash.

The driver of the vehicle that caused the devastation was trapped in his cabin following the accident. Emergency crews who responded to the scene were forced to extricate him from the vehicle. He suffered life-threatening wounds and was flown to a nearby hospital. He remains in critical condition. Fortunately, the two other truck drivers involved in the accident were not hurt.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti continue to ring the bell for improved safety and awareness between trucks and all other drivers and pedestrians on or near the road. By far the most common form of highway accident involves fast-traveling vehicles coming upon slowed traffic and failing to stop in time. It is never a good idea to become accustomed to a certain roadway speed—the build-up of traffic takes only a short time. Failure to account for that build-up can literally cause life destroying accidents. Please remain alert to that possibility while on the roadway and contact a truck accident attorney if you know a victim of someone else’s failure to heed that advice.

When truck accidents strike our roadways, devastation and destruction are often the result. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti work hard to ensure that the victims and their families are legally protected following these tragedies. With so many feelings involved in these crashes, it is important to have knowledgeable experts managing the legal matters so that the more important emotional issues can be handled without distraction.

Of course legal assistance only comes into play after the wreckage is over and the victims are processing the losses. However, some community members are called upon to assist in the immediate aftermath of these truck accidents—when lives are still hanging in the balance.

A situation just like that occurred this weekend following an accident on Route 130, reports The Trentonian. A 55 year old female driver was stopped at an intersection when a tractor-trailer behind her slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting her. In the meantime, a second truck failed to pay appropriate attention and slammed into the braking semi in front of it. The initial collision between these two semis caused the first one to slam into the back of the woman’s car, a small 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The Chevy was then driven into a third semi-truck that was stopped in front of it.

The chaos ultimately caused the destroyed car to become sandwiched underneath and between three different trucks. The woman herself was pinned inside.

Amazingly, the accident happened directly in front of a heavy-duty towing company that helps lift and move large semis. The workers of the company were watching as the accident occurred. They quickly jumped into action, taking their equipment and going to the crash site to help move a trailer off of the woman’s car so that she could be removed from the wreckage. Their quick thinking got the woman out of the car and to the hospital, where still remains in critical conditions. Authorities believe that if the towing crew did not act as quickly as they did, the woman would have died waiting to be removed.

With all of the repeated stories of heartache caused by deadly trucking accidents, it is important to remember the real heroes who save lives with quick thinking and courage every day following these tragedies.

A Chicago man and his two sons today are mourning the loss their mother and wife, following a tragic truck accident that struck this weekend in Minnesota reports KARE 11 News.

Sophie Mitzel was traveling with a family friend and her sister to visit her elderly mother who was about to undergo serious heart surgery. While driving on I-94, their minivan came upon slowed down traffic on the interstate. Another vehicle had caught fire and was on the side of the road. The vehicle in flames on the road’s shoulder had brought traffic to a crawl.

Unfortunately, a truck driver behind the minivan was not paying close enough attention to the roadway. The driver did not anticipate the slowed traffic, and instead of stopping, the vehicle slammed into the back of the minivan. The impact was so severe that it caused a chain reaction, with three other cars ultimately begin dragged into the tangled wreck. All told several people were injured, and both Mitzel and the family friend were killed.

As one investigator into the crash explained, “It was a very violent crash. Based on the amount of damage and the amount of vehicles involved, obviously (the semi) was still traveling at a fairly high rate of speed.”

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti continue to be saddened by the number of truck drivers who refuse to abide by all safe driving techniques, placing themselves and all other drivers at risk. It is imperative that these reckless drivers and the trucking companies that allow them to remain on the roadways take responsibility for the harm they inflict with their careless driving following truck crashes. These several ton machines traveling at 60 miles an hour or more simply cannot be driven without extreme concern for the travelers around them. There is no excuse for failure to abide by ordinary degrees of care, caution, and concern.

A new truck crash lawsuit has been filed stemming from a tragic crash earlier this year that took that life of several people. The Twin Cities Pioneer Press is reporting that the lawsuit was filed by Todd Brinkhaus following his wife’s death in the accident caused by a driver for Reinhart Foodservice.

On May 24th, several cars were bunched up in a construction area on Highway 35 W near County Round 70. The close driving eventually resulted in a four vehicle fatal pile-up. Pamela Brinkhaus was in the middle of that accident. The vehicle that caused the accident was the Reinhardt Foodservice truck driven by Jason Styrbicky.

Styrbicky apparently did not slow his vehicle in nearly enough time as he came upon the three vehicles that were already bunched up. The accident occurred in a construction zone, and so the truck driver should have been on alert and driving more slowly anyway. He ultimately hit the other vehicles while traveling 68 miles per hour. Additionally, he was not wearing glasses or contact lenses as he was required. The driver claims that he was reaching for a drink at the time and temporarily took his eyes off the road.

The powerful impact of his truck smashing into the vehicles ahead of him caused immense damage. Brinkhaus, who was in the second car hit, was killed. A pregnant woman in another vehicle was also killed. The vehicle at the front of the collision was actually another truck that was carrying over 18 million bees. Upon impact, all of these insects escaped.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti work every day to ensure that the rights of victims and their families are protected following truck accidents like this. The devastation that these large trucks are capable of inflicting makes any slip-up unacceptable. It is imperative that the owners and operators of these vehicles take all possible precautions at all times.

A woman was killed this weekend following a tragic truck accident reports KDKA News.

Early Sunday morning, around 7:30 am, Vicki Gibbons was driving on Route 30 near Pittsburgh. She was traveling alone in a Chrysler Town and Country minivan. Driving along the same highway in the opposite direction in a large box truck was Ryan Anchors. The truck driver had a passenger sitting in the seat next to him.

Just as the two vehicles crossed paths, Gibbons inexplicably crossed the center line—her minivan slammed into the oncoming truck. Anchors, the truck driver, suffered only minor injuries; his passengers’ injuries were worse but life threatening. However, Gibbons was in critical condition when emergency crews arrived on the scene. She was rushed to a nearby hospital bur was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys send sincere condolences to all those suffering from this truck accident. Perhaps the most common form of accidents involves vehicles that cross the line dividing two lanes of traffic. Various factors ultimately cause the mistake of crossing the line—using a cell phone, driving while tired, fidgeting with the stereo, and many other actions are all distractions that often lead a driver to become careless and drift across the double yellow lines.

In almost all cases where a car collides with a semi truck, the driver of the smaller vehicle suffers serious to life-threatening injuries. With trucks filling the roads almost everywhere you go, it is all the more important for drivers to do everything in their power to avoid distractions when behind the wheel.

WHIO News is reporting on a new lawsuit that has been filed after a deadly truck crash struck early this year.

In early January, a truck driven by Zygmut Wieckowski was traveling along Interstate 70 in Ohio, near U.S. Route 40. At this particular stretch of the road, there was no physical barrier blocking the lanes of traffic that were headed in opposite directions.

Eventually, while traveling at highway speeds, the truck driven by Wieckowski slid across the median that divided the traffic headed in different directions. When it did so, it struck a bus head-on that was carrying several dozen people. Four people on the bus were ultimately killed and many others were injured.

Wieckowksi was charged with four counts of vehicular manslaughter for his conduct leading to the deadly truck accident. This new lawsuit was filed on behalf of a couple who was in the bus and suffered severe physical and emotional injuries since the tragic crash.

Our Chicago truck crash attorneys understand the complex emotions plaguing families following these tragic vehicle accidents. It is often difficult to consider the legal effects of these deadly accidents. With so many other issues to attend to, it is easy not to take steps to investigate whether the law provides protection for the losses that were suffered.

However, in most cases the legal system has rights put into place specifically to protect those injured in accidents that could have been prevented. It is important to take the time to consult with a truck accident lawyer so that you can be fully informed of those rights and able to make a decision about how to proceed.

WCCO News reported on a fatal truck accident that struck late last week. 42 year old Scott Judd was driving along a two lane highway last Wednesday afternoon. Police are still investigating the accident, but at some point during the drive, Judd’s van crossed the center line dividing the two lanes. It was then that his vehicle struck an oncoming semi truck head-on.

The crash sent the van to the other side of the road, with the semi careening into a ditch. Judd was not wearing a seat-belt at the time, and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. He leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Coincidentally, Judd was the founder of “DWI Ride Home,” a program which provided rides home to people from bars or parties to discourage drunk driving. He explained that he hoped to save lives on the road one person at a time. In fact, at the time of the crash, Judd was driving to seek out sponsors for the business.

Judd said, “If we could do a thousand rides a night in the state […] seven nights a week, I know we could make a difference.”

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti send heartfelt condolences to the victim and his family. The loss of a loved one in a road accident occurs too frequently on roads all across the country. While some accidents remain unavoidable, many are the products of poor decisions and risky driving. It is incumbent upon everyone to ensure that their own driving is as safe as possible so that fewer families suffer following these heartbreaking tragedies.

WLWT News reported yesterday on a tragic truck accident involving a young woman. Early yesterday morning, shortly before 4 a.m., Tanishia Elliot was getting sick and pulled her vehicle over to the side of the highway. Her friend, 27 year old Aujeni Washington, pulled her vehicle over to the side as well in order to help Elliot. Both friends had been out to celebrate Washington’s 27th birthday.

Washington got out of her car and started walking toward Elliot. As she was walking, she was hit by a semitrailer that was traveling down the highway. She was stuck under the truck and dragged down the freeway before she was able to free herself. Paramedics rushed Washington to the hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Investigators are still not sure what caused the truck driver to veer off the road and strike Washington. They believe that the driver may not have known that he hit anyone. They are still searching to find the driver of the semi.

Washington’s parents are shocked and angered by the highway accident. Her father explained, “I just want you all to track him down—that’s all. I just want some justice and closure.”

Stopping and walking along a highway remains an incredibly dangerous action. The risk increases tremendously after sunset, when visibility worsens. It is for the same reason that all drivers need to remain extra vigilant to ensure that they do not accidentally leave their designated lane and slip onto the road shoulder where other cars may be stopped. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys encourage pedestrians, drivers, and passengers to take all precautions when traveling on the highway to ensure that semi accidents like this are avoided in the future.

Three travelers were killed on Tuesday after getting caught up in a three-vehicle crash along Iowa Highway 2, reports the Des Moines Register. The truck accident occurred in the morning, around 8 a.m.

The two lane highway, like many similar roads, has no barrier between each lane of traffic that is traveling in opposite directions. On Tuesday morning, a semi truck driven by Thomas Ryan was traveling eastbound. Two other vehicles were traveling in the opposite direction, an SUV driven by Edna Downs and a Chevrolet truck driven by 24-year old Kenneth Matthews.

For unknown reasons, the semi driver somehow turned the vehicles too far left, causing it to cross the center line and travel into the other lane. As a result, the large truck slammed into the two vehicles that were headed in the opposite direction. Following the initial impact, the semi rolled over and caught fire. That fire spread to the Chevy truck as well.

All three drivers were killed.

The true costs of crashes such as this one are impossible to measure. The family and friends of each of these individuals will never truly be able to recover from the devastation. That is why every effort must be made to ensure that these tragedies never occur. In particular, semi trucks maintain the ability to take out several vehicles any time they veer out of control, making any crash that much more costly. It is imperative that drivers and owners of these trucking units give particular care to their driving to ensure the safety of everyone on the roadway.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have spent decades holding those who violate that duty of care accountable for their mistakes. We will continue to provide oversight of all negligent trucking operators so that fewer families have to suffer following these automobile deaths.

Interstate 57 has been the site of several deadly accidents recently. The highway that runs north-south from Chicago throughout the entire state took another life this weekend as a pedestrian was killed yesterday in a truck crash.

The Associated Press reported on the accident in central Illinois, near Mattoon. 31-year old Nicholas Cox was driving along the interstate when he pulled to the side of the road. For still unknown reasons he then attempted to walk across the highway. While attempting to traverse through the fast-moving cars on the highway, he was struck by a large semi tractor-trailer. The driver of the truck saw Cox as he was walking, but he was unable to stop the large vehicle in time.

Emergency personnel airlifted Cox to a nearby hospital following the crash, but the injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead on Monday morning.

The collision of a pedestrian with a semi almost always has deadly consequences. That is particularly true when the large truck is traveling at high speeds on the highway. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have helped families for decades who have suffered following these devastating road accidents.

These truck crashes have many causes, often stemming from negligent driving. While behind the wheels of these mammoth machines, the drivers of the semis owe a duty to the drivers around them to exercise care and caution. Even simple deviations from that care often have deadly consequences for all unfortunate drivers and pedestrians caught up in the situation. When that is the case, it is important for those involved to contact a truck accident attorney who understands the legal aspects of these situations and can help steer victims through the process.

When handling legal affairs following tragic accidents, our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have witnessed many heartbreaking examples of families suffering unspeakable losses. In particular, the most gut-wrenching vehicle crashes involve young children. Severe injury or death to children seems the most terrible consequences of some vehicle crashes.

The Associated Press reported last night on a truck crash that took the lives of two young babies. The crash was a chain-reaction collision on an Arizona highway.

Traffic had slowed somewhat after a minor fender-bender crash. An unidentified car cut-off a minivan in order to get a look at the minor crash. That caused the minivan to break quickly to avoid hitting the minivan. A small sedan which was traveling behind the minivan was unable to slow in time; it hit the minivan. The sedan was driven by a female driver, had a female passenger, and two babies were in the backseat—a 13 month old girl and 3 week old boy. A large tanker was behind the sedan, and it slammed into the sedan following the first impact.

The tanker overturned in the collision, but the driver was unhurt. However, the driver of the sedan and the two children in the backseat were rushed to the hospital in critical condition after the incident. The driver, believed to be the mother, remains in critical condition. The two babies did not survive.

Highway accidents often involve the most severe injuries because of the speed and size of vehicles using the roadway. The most dangerous portions of the highway are those where traffic has slowed—such as following minor accidents.

Our heart-felt thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of this tragedy.

Justice News Flash recently reported on a terrifying truck accident involving two of the largest vehicles on the road: a school bus and a flat bed semitrailer.

The collision struck on Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of two state highways. A school bus was carrying elementary students home from a special needs school that they attend. While traveling, the bus attempted to turn right at the intersection, which was covered by a traffic signal. At the same time, a semi flatbed trailer was traveling through the intersection on the road to which the bus was turning.

The semi driver failed to stop at the intersection, running a red light, slamming into the bus as it was turning. The damage from the collision between these two large vehicles was substantial. In total ten people were rushed to hospitals suffering various injuries—including the bus driver, truck driver, a school aide, and seven elementary students.

The negligent truck driver was owned by K & L Trucking. Police are still investigating the matter to determine any criminal citations.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti encourage all those injured in accidents where a semi is involved to ensure that their legal rights are protected. The nuances of the possible legal matters involved require a trained lawyer to explain how your case fits into the legal framework. Many different possible areas of law may be involved following these accidents: personal injury, product defects, the legal liability of an employer for the actions of his employee, among many others. Handling the aftermath of these accidents is not something that you should do alone. Please contact a truck accident lawyer to ensure that you are protected.

A community is still in shock after two high school boys were killed following a truck crash involving a semitrailer last week. As reported at WAFF 48 News, two 17-year olds were traveling in a 2002 Chevy Cavalier on rural roads on Tuesday afternoon. At one point the Chevy failed to stop at a stop sign near an intersection where a Peterbuilt logging truck was traveling.

The collision caused extreme damage to the smaller Chevy car. Both teens were wearing their seatbelts, but that protection was still not enough. Each was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency personnel arrived.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. The numbers of teen driving death are startling, with around ten drivers between 16 and 19 years old killed every day in auto accidents. In particular, the most frequent accidents involve teenage males driving with other teenage males in the car—just like in this recent tragic crash. Teens are less experienced behind the wheel and unable to recognize potentially hazardous circumstances.

While teens are more likely to get into accidents, crashes that involve trucks are more likely to cause severe damage to vehicles involved. Obviously the sheer size, weight, and force behind semitrailers make them menacing vehicles on the roadway. Any impact where that force is involved is likely to cause immense damage. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti continue to learn about semi crashes that involve severe injury and death. Be sure to remain extra vigilant when sharing the road with these machines.

Often in fatal vehicle accidents, the cause of the crash is a blatantly obvious driving mistake that everyone knows should never be made but that occur all the time. For example, the Evansville Courier & Press reported last night on a tragic truck crash in Illinois caused by a young driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign.

The accident occurred early on Friday afternoon in rural Clay County. The young driver of an SUV was traveling on a sparsely used country road when he failed to stop at a stop sign. While traveling through the intersection, he was broadsided by a large flatbed semi. The impact of the vehicle caused the SUV to careen off the road, ending up in a cornfield. Shortly after stopping in the cornfield, the vehicle burst into flames.

The semi also caught fire after the incident, but its driver and passenger were able to get out of the vehicle with only minor injuries. The truck driver and passenger valiantly attempted to rush to the SUV to help remove the driver before the flames engulfed it. However, there was too little time, and the driver ended up stuck the SUV. He was ultimately burned beyond recognition.

Hopefully all drivers know that all traffic signs must be obeyed intimately. Stop signs in particular can never be ignored. At stop signs in rural, unpopulated areas it is often tempting to perform only a partial yield or fail to stop all together, because it is assumed that if a driver does not see any other vehicles around than there must not be any risk to driving through. However, while behind the wheel our perceptions are never flawless. We often glance around the road so quickly and casually that we subconsciously feel that the road is empty, when in reality another vehicle is actually barreling down. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti offer sincere condolences to the victims in this tragedy and urge drivers throughout the state not to take any risk while on the road. The consequences of being on the wrong side of that risk are too great.

Tragedy struck twice yesterday in two separate truck accidents on Interstate 57. As noted in The Herald-News, the first semi-truck accident occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m about 30 miles south of Chicago. A truck was traveling southbound on the highway when it slammed into another truck in front of it. The impact caused the large vehicle to burst into flames. The driver of the engulfed truck was killed in the crash, while the truck driver who was rear-ended was brought to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

That fatal morning truck accident was not the only destruction on I-57 yesterday. About an hour after traffic resumed following the first crash, a second semi accident struck the roadway. About 4:30 p.m. a northbound semi struck the rear of another semi that was slowed on the roadway only a few miles from the morning crash. A third semi then struck the wreckage created by the collision. One of the drivers of this second crash was also killed, though at the time of the report it was unclear which driver had died.

Failing to properly stop in time to prevent a collision is an extremely common form of highway accident. This is especially true with large semitrailers. The size and speed of these large machines makes it difficult for them to stop quickly when necessary. It is for that reason that warnings are often posted about not following these vehicles too closely or in blind areas. They simply do not maneuver as well as normal vehicles and therefore are more susceptible to accidents when road conditions require them to stop suddenly.

Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have been involved in many forms of semitrailer accidents, including rear-end collisions. We encourage all drivers, including semi drivers, to take extra precaution whenever traveling near big rig vehicles. Many of our highways are currently undergoing construction work, requiring many stop and start construction zones. These locations in particular pose dangerous risks to large vehicles that cannot change speeds as easily as small cars. Please pay particular attention to surrounding vehicles at these locations to best lower the risk of being involved in a tragictruck accident.

Another tragic freeway crash this week proves once again that slowed traffic from one accident often leads additional crashes as on-coming drivers fail to notice the stand-still. As reported by Fox 2 Now, the combined accidents in the latest crash involved several semitrailers and claimed the lives of two individuals.

The destruction began early in the morning last week when a big rig that was too tall for the road hit an overpass, tipping over and loosing is seafood cargo all over the highway. The incident did not harm anyone, but it caused traffic to jam behind the accident. As traffic built up, the line of stopped cars grew behind the scene of the first distressed truck.

One semitrailer that came upon the stopped traffic was caught off-guard by the stoppage and was unable to slow down in time. As a result, the rig slammed into the back of another semi that was stopped in front of it. This truck crash caused a chain-reaction, with four more cars bouncing off one another. The semi that started the second crash by failing to stop ended up bursting into flames from the impact. The driver of the rig and his passenger were trapped inside the vehicle when it combusted. Both were killed.

Witnesses to the accident were incredibly shaken by the drama. One driver who was directly in front of the truck accident explained, “The fire was so hot and the smoke was just rolling out, that you just couldn’t get close to it. I really wanted to do what I could to help the victims inside, but I knew it was too late.”

This is the second truck crash that we have posted this week involving a driver’s failure to stop when coming upon slowed traffic on the freeway. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have been involved in several legal cases where similar accidents have occurred. Slowed freeway traffic spots are some of the most dangerous locations on the road. Please contact our offices if you or someone you know has suffered injury as the result of one of these vehicle accidents.

Please click here to read more about this tragic crash.

An Illinois man is in critical condition following a tragic accident in Southern Illinois. The Evansville Courier Press reported on the truck accident yesterday morning.

Dennis Smith was on his motorcycle westbound on the two lane highway, Route 13. At some point during his ride, Mr. Smith crossed out of his lane and entered the eastbound side of the highway. It was then that the motorcycle crashed into the front of a tanker headed in the opposite direction being pulled by a semi-truck.

This type of crash is one of the most devastating on our roads: a head on collision between a tanker truck and a motorcycle. However, our highways constantly present risks and driving hazards that make these types of accidents all too common.

Most of us have driven on old two lane roadways that do not provide much extra security room to avoid traffic going in the opposite direction. On these roads even the smallest swerve from one side of the lane to the other can have consequences like the one here. It is therefore imperative that all drivers maintain constant focus on the roadway during their travels. That challenge is made even more important if weather conditions or other factors complicate the driving effort.

Trucking accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on roadways today. Our truck accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti understand the harm caused by these wrecks. We represent all those affected by them, seeking to ensure that the rights of those involved are protected. Please contact our office if you would like to learn more about your rights following a similar accident.

WDEF News reported yesterday on deadly trucking accident that took the life of the driver and snarled highway traffic for hours.

Shortly after 9:30 in the morning on Thursday a tire blew on a semitrailer traveling along the freeway . The tire went out just as the truck was rounding a curve in the road, and the driver of the vehicle was unable to control it following the blowout. Eventually the out-of-control truck hit a guardrail, flipped over the rail, and careened down a ravine on the side of the road. Almost as soon as the trailer hit the bottom of the ravine, it burst into flames.

Witnesses saw the accident and rushed to the scene. However, with the flames rising instantly, no one was able to get to the driver in time. The flames were so intense for so long that the driver's body, the trailer, and all the material inside were virtually unidentifiable.

Our trucking accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti have decades of experience understanding the legal implications of these vehicle crashes. The size of these large moving machines and the speed at which they travel on our highways mean that they possess the potential to do immense harm. Fortunately in this case, the semi did not snare other vehicles in its wake. However, more often than not, when drivers loose control of these trailers, other cars, pedestrians, and property are devastated in their trail.

The potential for damage makes it all the more important for semi owners and drivers to take all possible precautions to ensure that safe driving is always practiced. From driving at the appropriate speed for conditions and making lane changes in a safe manner, it is imperative for semitrailer drivers not to make potential deadly driving mistakes.

Please contact a trucking crash attorney if you or a loved one have been involved in a harmful semi accident caused by someone else's mistakes.

A truck crash that occurred on the morning of July 31st on I-80/I-94 left seven people injured. The accident occurred when a car was slowing down for traffic and a semi-truck struck the back of the passenger car. Another passenger car also became involved in the accident, and in all seven people, including the truck driver, had to be taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries. Luckily, everyone involved in the accident is expected to be okay, but according to WGN TV, one of the passenger cars as well as the truck were totaled in the accident. To read more about this weekend trucking accident, please click on this link.

Accidents like this occur all the time, when drivers fail to pay attention to other cars on the road and do not allow themselves enough time or space to slow down behind traffic. This accident shows the importance of always maintaining an appropriate distance behind other vehicles, so when you do need to slow down quickly you will have enough space to slow down without striking another car. In addition to this being important to keep you from getting into an accident, usually when accidents occur for a slowdown in traffic, they lead to a chain reaction crash due to the close proximity of other cars. Illinois injury attorneys ask drivers to always make sure to leave adequate space between your car and the car in front of you and to always stay focused on the road so you will be immediately aware of a quick slow down in traffic.

A trucking accident occurred earlier today in which a semi-truck crashed into the side of a Metra train at the extremely accident-prone intersection of Nagle and Avondale. This exact intersection has been the location of five train accidents over the course of four years and has been named one of the most accident prone intersections in northeast Illinois. The cause of the accident, according to Chicago Breaking News, was that the semi was struck in traffic passing through the intersection and when the truck driver realized the train was coming he was unable to move forward and was also unable to back up because of the traffic behind him. Luckily, no one suffered any serious injuries as a result of this train-truck accident. To read more about this Illinois trucking crash, please click on this link.

Interestingly enough, this specific intersection had just been named one of the most dangerous in Illinois, and the article was published shortly before this accident occurred. Chicago Breaking News, earlier this morning and prior to the accident, posted an article discussing the most dangerous railroad stops in Illinois and specifically discussed how dangerous the Nagle and Avondale crossing had become. The main reason that many believe this intersection is so accident prone is that traffic is often stopped, waiting for a light next to the intersection to change to green, in the middle of the tracks. While this seems like an obvious danger and not something drivers would subject themselves to, many drivers are found waiting on the tracks all the time. A better system for traffic in this area, or at least stronger deterrents against waiting in the intersection, are not only greatly needed but would hopefully prevent more of these types of truck crashes in the future.

Sleep apnea is a serious problem for truck drivers and may be an underlying cause of many trucking accidents. According to Trucking Info, around three out of every ten truck drivers suffers from some level of sleep apnea, which leads to high rates of truckers driving while tired. Given the prevalence of this disorder among trucking drivers, many believe that sleep apnea will become a factor in proving negligence in trucking accident lawsuits. Plaintiffs attorneys could even use health reports to show that the trucker had symptoms of sleep apnea to help further their clients case against the trucking companies. Chicago injury attorneys remind companies that this could be a major problem for them and encourages letting this information lead them to address the severity of the problem and implement some kind of testing or regulation to ensure that their drivers are not on the road overly fatigued. One company that has taken this problem into their own hands reports that in a study done before and then after a fatigue management system was put into play, the percentage of crashes went down thirty percent. The way that this company handles the issue is by screening all applicant drivers and it they test positive for any level of sleep apnea to get them treatment and follow up with them for up to ninety days, if that amount of time is necessary given their issue. To read more about the connection between sleep apnea and trucking crashes, and what can be done to help fix this unnecessary problem, please click on this link.

A tragic accident that occurred earlier this year and left a six-year-old Edwardsville girl dead, has been ruled an accident. The accident occurred when a pickup truck was pulling out of a driveway and backed up over the young girl as she rode her bike near her home. The young girl did not die immediately following the accident, but died shortly after in a local hospital. According to The Chicago Tribune, the investigation into the tragic trucking crash has been closed, after a coroner’s jury ruled the death an accident. The driver of the truck has not yet and is not expected to face any criminal charges. It is unknown at this point whether the family of the victim will file civil charges against the driver. If you would like to read more about this terrible trucking accident, please click on this link.

Even though this specific accident was determined to be an accident, it shows us what can happen when a driver fails to pay enough attention to the road or fails to be extra cautious when driving in a neighborhood with children. Chicago injury attorneys want to remind readers of the importance of always looking around and being aware when driving. Small children are not going to be as cautious as adults and may dart out into the street to retrieve a ball or toy, so it is always worth taking the extra few seconds to look around especially when you are driving in an area which has small children around.

Videotape has been released showing the trucking accident in which an Amtrak train crashed into a fire truck. This accident occurred while the train was traveling to Chicago on March 1st and a fire truck was stopped on the train tracks. According to NBC’s website, the fire truck and a police car were in the area because they were responding to another trucking accident that had occurred in the area. The videotape shows that that a warning siren went off before the crash occurred and that the police car was moved just in time to avoid the accident. While luckily no one suffered any serious personal injuries as a result of this accident, an investigation is underway as to why the firefighters parked the truck on the train tracks instead of somewhere else in the close area.

It is important for safety and emergency vehicles to be careful and aware when dealing with other drivers in the same way that any passenger vehicle driver would. Emergency vehicles should make sure they are stopped in a spot that is not directly in the way of other vehicles that will not be able to avoid an accident. Emergency vehicles can obstruct traffic when they need to park somewhere to get to an emergency but should always try to stop in the safest spot that they can, given the situation. In this case, little information is known as to why the firefighters chose to stop on the tracks directly rather than somewhere else nearby, but it is likely that less destruction would have occurred had they parked the fire truck off the tracks. To read more about this trucking crash and the ongoing investigation, please click on the link.

A Chicago trucking accident occurred early on the morning of March 5th in which a semi-truck and a passenger car crashed. There is video footage of this accident which show the car being stuck between the semi-truck and the barrier of the Bishop Ford Expressway. One of the people involved in the accident had to be extricated from the car, however luckily according to Chicago Breaking News, the personal injuries were minor. To read more about this Illinois truck crash, please click on the link.

If certain precautions are taken, often times trucking accidents that could be fatal or at least result in personal injuries, can be much less severe. Truckers should always make sure that they are following the speed limits, not driving when they are fatigued, always remaining alert and paying attention to other drivers on the road and always wearing their seat belt. Additionally, drivers of passenger cars need to follow these same precautions as well as remaining a safe distance from trucks. If you are in a passenger car and involved in a trucking accident please remain calm and stay focused on the road and wait for emergency personnel.

An Illinois woman was killed in a terrible trucking accident in Champaign County that occurred on February 5th. The trucking accident occurred when the pick up truck in which the victim was riding crossed the median of I-74 and crashed head on into a semi-truck that was traveling in the opposite direction. The semi-truck then crashed into another passenger vehicle. According to PJ Star, the only person that died in the accident was the passenger of the pick up truck that originally struck the semi-truck. To read more about this terrible accident, please click on this hyperlink.

The winter months can cause dangerous driving conditions, so it is important to always make sure to be extra cautious when driving when it may be either snowy or icy. It is always best to drive slower when the roads are icy because it can be very hard to maintain control if your vehicle hits a patch of ice.

A fatal trucking accident occurred on January 20th when a Red Cross truck and a semi-truck crashed on Illinois Route 3. According to The Southern, the victim was a passenger in the Red Cross truck which caused the trucking accident when the truck crossed the center lane and crashed into the semi that was traveling in the opposite direction. The Red Cross driver has been cited with improper lane usage. If you would like more information on this fatal accident, please click on this link.

A truck accident in Wabash County resulted in the death of two people. The truck accident which occurred on January 10th occurred when a car crossed the center lane on Illinois Route 1 and crashed into a head-on into a pickup truck. The drivers of both of the vehicles involved in the truck accident were pronounced dead at the scene. According to The Courier Press, both of the victims were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the truck accident and the crash is still under investigation. To read more about this fatal truck accident, please click on this hyperlink.

An Aurora trucking accident that occurred on January 4th left an Illinois man with serious facial injuries. The accident occurred when the man was driving down Butterfield Road and a semitrailer in front of him passed under an underpass and knocked ice into the windshield of his car. According to The Chicago Tribune, the man was able to stop the car, move the ice and get out of the vehicle. The victim underwent surgery at Provena Mercy Medical Center, and is expected to recover from his personal injuries completely. Many people are concerned that there needs to be more awareness of this dangerous area of Butterfield Road because other trucking accidents of this type have occurred in this exact same location. To read more about this Illinois accident, click on this link.

A teenage boy that was visiting his family in Lake County for the holidays was killed in a tragic truck accident on December 26th. According to Chicago Breaking News, the truck accident occurred on Illinois 60, when the boy’s uncle was driving his truck and lost control of the car. The accident killed both the young boy and his uncle. If you would like more information on this fatal Lake Forest truck accident, please click on the link.

An Illinois truck accident occurred on December 20th causing three people to be sent to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries. The truck accident occurred in Illinois 96 when the driver of a pickup truck lost control of his vehicle and drove into the lane of oncoming traffic crashing directly into a car. According to the Daily Dem, the driver of the truck was charged with driving while his license was suspended, for having no insurance and for using lanes improperly. For more information on this Illinois truck accident, click on this link.

Recently, a 26-year-old man was killed, and an 8-month-old baby was seriously injured after a tractor-trailer collided with their vehicle. Two other passengers in the SUV suffered critical personal injuries and the truck driver suffered minor injuries. According to Justice News Flash, the driver stopped his vehicle in the center lane of the busy interstate and turned on his flashers. He exited the car for a brief time, and the semi-truck slammed into the back of the SUV just as he was getting back in. The report did not indicate why he exited his car. To read more about this fatal trucking accident, click on the link.

Recently, a semi collided with a school bus, a car and another tractor-trailer in a trucking accident that sent the truck driver and school bus driver to the hospital. According to Justice News Flash, the semi driver failed to slow down as he approached slowing traffic. His vehicle collided with the school bus; however there were no students on board. After hitting the bus, the semi barreled on and hit the car and tractor-trailer. The driver was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign in critical condition. Follow the link to read the full account of the trucking accident.

A father and daughter Plaintiff were awarded $6 million in connection with a truck accident that occurred in 2006 in Joliet. The father and daughter were riding a motorcycle when the driver of a pickup truck tried to turn left at a stop sign and struck the motorcycle. The two victims filed a personal injury lawsuit in connection with the truck accident and just recently were awarded damages by the Will County court. For further information on this truck accident lawsuit, please click here.

A trucking accident that occurred near Farina on November 9th, involved two semi-trucks. The trucking accident occurred when one semi ran off I-57 and hit a parked semi. According to The Sand Mountain Reporter, both of the truck drivers suffered serious personal injuries and were taken to local hospitals. For more information on this Illinois trucking accident, click here.

A Carlyle man was killed in a one-vehicle accident that occurred on I-64 in Washington County on October 23rd. The truck accident was caused by the front tire on the dump truck blowing out and then the truck crashed into the median and rolled over. According to The Belleville News-Democrat, the driver was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. The driver was taken to a local hospital but quickly died as a result of the severe personal injuries sustained in the truck accident.

Friends and family of the victim of a fatal bike/truck accident gathered at the cite of the crash to remember her. The bike accident occurred in the Lakeview area of Chicago when the victim was riding her bike and tried to pass in between a truck and a bus and fell of her bike and was then run over by the bus. According to The Daily Herald, no citations have been issued at this point in connection with the fatal truck accident.

Driver in fatal hit-and-run truck accident has surrendered and has since been released and no charges have been filed. The victim was a Chicago resident that was living in Baltimore and was a student at John Hopkins. According to The Chicago Tribune, the truck accident occurred on October 16th and the victim died the following day as a result of the personal injuries that she sustained in the fatal truck accident.

A fatal truck accident occurred in the Chicago suburb of Wilmette early on the morning of October 18th. The driver was from Portage Park and was ejected from his pickup truck on the Edens Expressway, dying from personal injuries sustained in the accident. According to CBS 2 Chicago, the driver veered into the right lane, hit the right shoulder and rolled over and the driver was ejected because he was not wearing his seatbelt. At this point the Wilmette truck accident is believed to have been caused by the driver’s excessive speeding.

A trucking accident occurred this past weekend, on October 10th, in which a garbage-hauling truck failed to slow down with traffic and hit a pickup truck on I-65. According to the Post-Tribune, no one was injured and the truck accident occurred when the garbage truck driver temporarily fell asleep at the wheel. At this point it is unknown whether the garbage truck drive was issued any citations. For more information on this I-65 trucking accident, click here.

A LaPorte County truck accident occurred on October 11th, in which a woman and her three children were seriously injured. According to the South Bend Tribune, the Westville truck accident occurred when the car the woman and children were in was stopped to turn left into a pumpkin patch and a pickup truck struck the car. The driver of the truck told police that he took his eyes off the road for a minute and this is what caused the accident. No one in the accident suffered life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover fully. For more information on this pickup truck accident, click here.

The family of the victims of a tractor-trailer accident that occurred in June of this year have filed lawsuits against the driver and his employer. According to Google, the family members of the ten people killed in the trucking accident seek compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $10,000. The trucking accident attorneys could not be reached for comment. For more information on this trucking accident lawsuit, click here.

A garbage company faces up to five lawsuits following a truck accident in which one of the garbage company drivers sped through an intersection, flipping his truck and crashing into a car and a motorcycle. According to Courthouse News, this truck accident occurred last summer and resulted in serious injuries to two adults and the death of two children. Lawsuits are to being filed by the driver of the car in respect to her permanent personal injuries, a lawsuit filed by her husband for loss of companionship, a claim filed by each parent over the wrongful death of their children and a claim filed by the motorcycle driver for his serious personal injuries. For more information on these lawsuits in connection to the truck accident, click here.

A Chicago man was killed on September 22nd after his car crossed the median on I-94 and crashed into a truck that was carrying cars, that was travelling in the opposite direction. The truck accident occurred near New Buffalo in Berrien County and the truck driver was not injured in the accident. According to WSJM, heavy rain may have been a cause of the accident. For more information on this fatal truck accident, click here.

A settlement has been reached in connection with a 2007 truck accident in which a teenage woman from Lawrence Park Township was left permanently disabled with a moderate brain injury. According to Go Erie, the truck accident occurred when a minivan collided with a tractor-trailer in Harborcreek Township at Nagle Road and Iroquois Avenue. The victim was a passenger in the van at the time of the truck accident and was not wearing a seatbelt. The settlement involved both driver’s insurance companies agreeing to pay a total of $450,000 with neither party admitting any wrongdoing. For more information on this truck accident settlement, click here.

A truck accident occurred early on October 3rd that left a Rushville man dead. The single-truck accident occurred when the truck rolled over and landed in a ditch. The driver was taken to a local hospital, however his personal injuries were so severe that he was pronounced dead shortly after the truck accident. According to the PJ Star, there is no further information as to what caused the driver to crash the truck. For more information on this Rushville truck accident, click here.

A truck accident in Vigo County on September 29th resulted in the death of one Indiana woman. According to My Wabash Valley, the truck accident occurred on State Road 63 and Durkees Ferry Road and occurred when the victim’s truck struck a van crossing State Road 63. No one else was seriously injured in the truck accident. For more information on this fatal Vigo County truck accident, click here.

A settlement has been reached with VH1 and the family of a West Side college student in connection with a fatal truck accident that occurred downstate last year. The truck accident was between a “Rock of Love with Brett Michaels” truck and a passenger car in which two college students were driving. The truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and struck the car killing both students. According to the Chicago Tribune, the family of one of the victims sued VH1, the parent company behind the show, and earlier this week the Judge approved a settlement agreement for $6.5 million. For more information on this fatal truck accident, click here.

A Morton truck accident that occurred last week and injured 12 people, 4 of which were children, is believed to have been alcohol-related. According to the Pekin Times, the truck driver that caused the truck accident was driving very fast and passing cars while in a no-passing zone. The driver also had his driver’s license suspended for a previous DUI and following the truck accident his blood alcohol content was more than 3 times the legal limit in Illinois. The driver has been cited with a DUI, reckless driving and driving on a suspended license and at this point criminal charges have not yet been filed. For more information on this drunk driving accident, click here.

According to the Contra Costa Times, a young man who was seriously injured in a truck accident in 2007 has been awarded more than $49 million in damages in connection with a truck accident lawsuit in which he was the plaintiff. The truck accident attorney for the Plaintiff convinced the jury that the truck drivers has been reckless, causing the truck accident that left the Plaintiff requiring medical care round-the-clock for the rest of his life. For more information on this truck accident settlement, click here.

According to the Chicago Tribune, on September 24th a Paw Paw man was seriously injured in a truck accident in which his motorcycle slammed into a semi-truck. The truck accident occurred on I-94 when the motorcyclist tried to exit the highway and ran into the side of a truck. The truck driver did not suffer any personal injuries but the Paw Paw man is listed in serious condition. For more information on this Lawrence Township truck accident, click here.

An Illinois woman is facing drunk driving charges after she rear-ended an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) truck early this morning. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the IDOT truck was stopped on I-57 with its lights on to help a stranded motorist when the drunk driver hit the back of the truck. The driver was temporarily pinned inside her car but was rescued and taken to a local hospital for treatment of her broken bones. The IDOT driver an the stranded motorist that the driver was helping were not injured in the Chicago truck accident. For more information on this Cook County truck accident, click here.

An Illinois woman was seriously injured when the car she was driving was struck by a truck in the South Loop of Chicago on September 24th. According to Chicago Breaking News, the impact of this Chicago car accident caused the victim’s car to fly about 15 feet in the air and then hit a metal pole and flip over. The victim is currently in Northwestern Memorial Hospital where she is being treated for her serious personal injuries. For more information on this Chicago truck accident, click here.

A former Peoria woman was killed on September 17th when a tire blew out on her pick-up truck and her vehicle was then struck by a semi-truck. According to the PJ Star, this Logan County truck accident occurred on the I-55 when the tire blew, the pick-up hit a barrier and then crossed into oncoming traffic where the other truck then hit the pick-up. For more information on this Logan County truck accident, click here.

A young boy was seriously injured after he was struck by a truck on September 16th in Lake County. According to the Mundelein Review, the young boy was walking on the shoulder of the road on his way to school when he darted out onto the road and was hit by a landscaping truck. The boy was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his severe personal injuries, including severe breaks all over his body including a broken pelvis and skull fracture. The driver of the truck does not seem to have been impaired and therefore no charges were issued at the time of the truck accident. For more information on this Lake County truck accident, click here.

A truck driver has filed a truck accident lawsuit in connection with a truck accident he was involved in back in 2007. According to the West Virginia Record, the complaint alleges that the truck driver was driving a truck that his company, Frito-Lay, knew had tires that were probably illegal and definitely unsafe at the time of the truck accident. Plaintiff is suing for costs incurred as a result of the personal injuries received due to the truck accident as well as compensation for any loss that workers’ compensation does not cover and well as other relief be may be entitled. The Defendant’s truck accident attorney claims that the Plaintiff is not entitled to any relief beyond what workers’ compensation is covering because there was no deliberate intent. Because the company is a Delaware Corporation (and the truck accident occurred in West Virginia) and the amount sought is higher than $75,000 the Defendant removed the case to federal court. For more information on this truck accident lawsuit, click here.

A Gallatin County truck accident occurred very early this morning and involved three tractor-trailers. For unknown reason a tractor-trailer crossed over into oncoming traffic and when another truck tried to avoid a truck accident he was unfortunately not able to get out of the way in time and the trucks collided. A third trucker tried to avoid the collision and ended up crashing into an embankment on the side of the highway. Luckily, no one was injured in this three-truck accident but all three trucks were very seriously damaged. For more information on this Gallatin County truck accident, click here.

A truck accident that occurred on September 19th left two with severe personal injuries. The truck accident occurred when a pick-up truck and car crashed and the pick-up truck flipped over, causing both passengers of the truck to have to be cut out of the vehicle. At this point the details of what caused the truck accident are unknown, but a witness mentioned that they believed that one of the vehicles involved in the truck crash had run a red light. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A truck accident earlier today involving a car that crashed into a tractor-trailer caused severe personal injuries to one woman and left several of the highway lanes closed for several hours. The driver of the car lost control of the vehicle and hit the tractor-trailer truck from behind. The driver of the car was trapped in the car and had to be extricated from the car by the fire department. Luckily, her personal injuries were treated and she has already been sent home. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

The driver of a car that was involved in an accident with a truck was killed as result of the truck accident that occurred on September 17th. The driver of the car crossed over the center line of the road and hit the dump truck, causing the dump truck to overturn and slide over an embankment. The driver of the car suffered fatal personal injuries, but the truck driver was fine. The roads were rainy and wet at the time of the truck accident. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A truck accident in Quincy on the morning of September 11th left the driver suffering serious personal injuries. The truck crash occurred when the driver had to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting a deer and the truck went off the side of the road and overturned. Luckily, the truck driver was wearing a seatbelt so his injuries were less serious than they could have been. For more information on this Hancock County truck accident, click here.

A truck accident near Sun River Terrace that occurred in the early morning hours of September 16th caused a section of Illinois Routes 1 and 17 to be closed for nearly six hours after a truck with a huge load of flammable ink overturned. The area where this truck accident occurred is known to be accident prone and a local resident said that she sees a couple of truck accidents in that exact spot every year. For more information on this Illinois truck accident, click here.

A young man received major personal injuries after a truck accident that occurred on September 14th. The truck accident occurred when the victim experienced a tire problem and lost control of his car, went over the median and struck a semi-truck. The truck driver did not receive any serious personal injuries. This was the second truck accident that occurred on the same highway, I-57, that day. All lanes of traffic had just reopened when this second truck accident occurred. At this point no citations have been issued and the truck accident is still under investigation. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

The family of a Wood River man who was killed following a truck accident last November has sued the truck driver and two transport companies. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed in connection with the truck accident that occurred when a tractor-trailer came up behind the car the victim was driving and hit the car. The car was then forced across the median into oncoming traffic, causing another collision and killing the victim. According to the truck accident attorney on the case the victim’s family is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 from each defendant on each of several counts, including negligence and traveling at excessive speeds. For more information on this Madison County truck accident, click here.

A formerly convicted felon was given a job as a truck driver, but immediately after starting was ticketed twice for driving for too many hours in a row, then immediately received another citation for running of the road and then one for lack of rest. Following the pressure he was receiving from the truck company, the driver ran a red light and got into a truck accident while he was trying to get his delivery done as quickly as possible. The driver now faces a truck accident lawsuit, brought by the daughter of the driver of the vehicle involved in the truck accident, for gross negligence. The truck accident lawsuit also names the truck company, stating that they rushed the driver onto the roads without adequate preparation as well as not assuring that he could actually comprehend the street signs due to a language barrier. The truck accident attorney for the Plaintiff states that the driver himself is not as big of a problem as the huge negligent mistakes that the trucking company is making in letting unprepared drivers make these trips. For more information on this truck accident lawsuit, click here.

A young child was killed in Mt. Carroll on September 11th after he was struck by a semi dump truck. The young boy was taken to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. The truck accident is still under investigation and the Carroll County police are not sure what caused the fatal truck accident. For more information on this tragic Carroll County accident, click here.

A teen was killed in a truck accident in which he was thrown from the bed of a pickup truck after it was struck by another vehicle. Four teens were in the truck, however only the one teen was killed from his personal injuries resulting from the crash. The driver of the other car was previously charged with driving while impaired and careless and reckless driving. For more information on this tragic truck accident, click here.

A truck accident lawsuit was settled in favor of the Plaintiff and he was awarded $5.5 million. The truck lawsuit resulted from a 2005 truck accident in which the Plaintiff was walking and was run over by another trucker while he was out of his own truck inspecting his load. His car accident attorney was able to get him a settlement this high because of how severe his personal injuries were, including permanent brain damage, loss of sight, smell, taste, crushed facial bones as well as other horrible injuries. For more information on this truck accident settlement, click here.

A Romeoville young man was killed earlier today when his car was struck by a semi-truck. The truck accident occurred in the early morning hours and the victim was pronounced dead shortly after the crash occurred. At this point the Illinois police are still investigating the cause of the truck accident. For more information on this Will County truck accident, click here.

An automobile driver was killed in a head-on collision with a semi-trailer truck in the Chicago suburb of Woodridge. The 19-year-old driver was pronounced dead after the truck accident. A preliminary investigation shows that the driver of the car lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line, striking the truck. The truck driver hit his break, but did not have time to avoid the collision. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to have been involved in the truck accident. To read more about the truck accident, please click the link.

A Granite City man has received a 28 year sentence for pleading guilty to aggravated drunk driving in connection with a February truck accident that killed an Illinois couple and their unborn child. The truck accident occurred when the man crashed into the victim’s car going approximately 91 miles per hour while he was more than three times over the legal alcohol limit for the State of Illinois. The Defendant had five prior arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol. For more information of this fatal truck accident settlement, click here.

A recent truck accident settlement resulted in the Plaintiff receiving over $1 million dollars for her personal injuries. The truck accident lawsuit was over an accident that occurred in 2006 when a gas tanker ran a red light, colliding with Plaintiff’s vehicle. Due to damage caps for non-economic damages the pain and suffering compensation that the jury awarded the victim will be reduced somewhat. Before trial, the truck company offered to settle for only $25,000.00 and the Plaintiff declined to accept that offer. For more information on this truck accident settlement, click here.

A DeKalb County truck accident on August 30th occurred when a police officer was involved in a crash while attempting to pursue an intoxicated driver. The drunk driver was driving his pick-up truck dangerously and had hit a sign and then continued to drive around. A police officer was driving behind the truck trying to apprehend the driver when she crashed into a different pick-up truck. The truck accident resulted in no serious injuries but remains under investigation. For more information on this DeKalb County truck accident, click here.

A Johnson County truck accident left the driver with minor personal injuries. The truck accident occurred after the driver fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the median and oncoming lanes and finally ended up crashing into an embankment. Another small truck was clipped during the truck accident, but the driver was not injured. For more information on this Johnson County truck accident, click here.

A Collinsville woman was killed in a truck accident on August 26th. A tractor-trailer struck a car which triggered a multi-vehicle accident which resulted in a fire. The driver of the original car that was hit is in critical condition but the passenger of the car was killed in the truck accident. Four other people involved in the crash were also hospitalized. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A Chicago truck accident that occurred on August 27th on the Dan Ryan Expressway left all northbound lanes of traffic closed for several hours. The reason for the closure was so the Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation could clean up the diesel fuel that spilled from the truck following the truck accident. Luckily, no injuries resulted and rain is believed to have contributed to the truck accident. For more information on this Chicago truck accident, click here.

A lawsuit over a truck accident that occurred last summer has been settled for over $18 million. The truck accident involved a truck driver who got distracted by his phone and then caused an accident that killed three and permanently injured another. The lawsuit was filed by the permanently injured victim and his wife after he was left unable to talk or walk as a result of the truck accident. The driver was originally cited for driving longer than the maximum hours allowed in eight days. For more information on this truck accident lawsuit settlement, click here.

Two people were killed in a truck accident on I-65 after their car blew a tire and hit a semi-truck. The truck accident occurred on August 29th and the police are still trying to figure out exactly what occurred, but it appears that the car blew a tire and then crossed the median and hit the truck. The truck then burst into flames. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A judge has awarded more than $18 million to a couple after the husband was permanently disabled in a fatal truck accident. The accident occurred after the truck driver was reaching for his cell phone. The 53-year-old man was severely personally injured in the truck accident which killed three people and personally injured 14. The crash was caused by a 49-year-old who now faces involuntary manslaughter charges. Prosecutors claim that the truck driver got distracted while reaching for a cell phone and that he was in violation of truck driving regulations because he drove longer than the maximum hours allowed over an eight-day period. As a result of the personal injuries, one man was left permanently disabled and unable to walk or talk. After a bench trial, the judge awarded $13.8 million to the man and another $4.2 to his wife. The judge found that the truck driver’s negligence was the most likely cause of the truck accident, awarding the damages against the truck driver and the company he was driving for. To read more about the truck accident, please the link.

A tanker truck accident that occurred on August 28th left an Illinois man dead. The victim was killed when his car drove into the back of a tanker truck which was stopped for a train to cross. The truck accident occurred on US 41 and the highway was closed for a little while following the fatal accident. The truck driver was uninjured in the crash. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

An Illinois woman was killed on August 28th when the motorcycle she was a passenger on crashed into a tractor-trailer. The motorcycle driver was hospitalized following the crash but is expected to be fine. The truck accident is believed to have been caused by a trash can that was in the road that the motorcycle driver had to swerve to avoid, causing the bike to hit the truck. For more information on this fatal motorcycle accident, click here.

A truck accident on August 25th left a truck driver dead after his truck left the road and struck a concrete pillar. The one-vehicle accident occurred when a UPS semi-truck that was pulling two trailers crashed for unknown reasons, and the fatal crash is still under investigation. State Road 31 had to be closed for most of the day following the fatal accident. For more information on this Fulton County truck accident, click here.

A recent study shows that many motor carrier companies, that in total represent over 200,000 trucks in the United States, are currently violating safety laws in their operation which can lead to truck accidents. Some of the violations that have been found on trucks that are currently in operation are things such as defective brakes, bad tires, exceedingly heavy load and drivers with inadequate training or even dependency problems. All of the these violations are likely to be the cause of many truck accidents and are easily preventable. For more information on how these violations can be fixed and hopefully truck accidents can decrease, click here.

A Chicago truck accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway earlier this morning shut down the northbound local lanes, after a truck jack-knifed and spilled fuel on the roadway. The truck accident occurred when the truck driver lost control on the rain covered highway and then crashed. The reason that the lanes had to be closed following the truck accident was because of the diesel fuel spill and the danger that created. The lanes have since been reopened to all traffic. For more information on this Chicago truck accident, click here.

A raised speed limit for trucks in Illinois is leading to questions as to what will result from this change. The goal is to create a smoother traffic flow, but many wonder if it will just end up leading to more truck accidents. The new law allows trucks to drive at the same speed limit as the cars. Many truck drivers already drive at these higher speeds, which leads to truck accidents with the trucks that obey the lower speed limit. The goal is that the uniform speed limit will help the traffic flow and keep the passing of vehicles down. For more information on this truck issue, click here.

A recent report shows that Illinois roads are most dangerous and accident prone late at night when the roads are virtually empty. The report points out that due to a combination of drinking and driving and failure to use seatbelts, these late night empty roads can prove to be much more dangerous than crowded rush hour streets. In order to try and help combat this problem, Illinois and local police are planning to step up traffic enforcement during these later hours. For more information on this car and truck accident study, click here.

An Illinois truck accident occurred this past weekend when a tractor-trailer collided with a car on I-95. The truck driver is in intensive care, and the four people that were in the car involved in the truck accident are in less serious condition. The truck accident occurred when the car was attempting to change lanes and hit the truck, causing the truck accident. The investigation is still being conducted and the police are asking for any witnesses of this 1-95 accident to please contact the local police. For more information on this Westbrook truck accident, click here.

An Illinois man was struck and killed by a semi-truck on the Northwest side of Chicago on August 22nd. The truck accident occurred when the pedestrian was crossing the street and was struck by a tractor-trailer. At this point no citations have been issued in connection with the truck accident. The truck accident is still under investigation. For more information on this Chicago pedestrian accident, click here.

A Chicago man died in a truck accident on Highway 142 on August 17th. The truck accident occurred when a semi-truck hit a four-wheeler and then crashed into a ditch. The victim that died as a result of the truck accident was the driver of the ATV and was from Chicago. The semi driver was trapped in his truck after the accident and had to be flown to a local hospital following the truck accident. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A St. Charles woman was killed in a truck accident while she was headed back to the Chicago suburbs on August 19th. The truck accident involved three vehicles and also resulted in the death of two children and the driver of the car the children were riding in. The truck accident may have been caused by the weather and seems to have occurred when the Illinois woman lost control and crossed over the center line and struck a semitrailer. For more information on this three vehicle truck accident, click here.

One man was killed and three were injured in a Canton truck accident on Illinois Route 9 on August 9th. The victim was walking back to his truck and was struck by the driver of a van. The victim had gotten out of his truck to retrieve some items that had fallen out of his vehicle, and was walking back when the driver of a van failed to slow down in time and clipped another car and then hit the walking man, his friend and the victim’s truck. Both men were taken to a local hospital following the truck accident and one was pronounced dead while the other has been listed in critical condition. For more information on this Canton truck accident, click here.

A 67-year-old Chicago, Illinois man was killed over the weekend after his motorcycle slammed into the rear of a pickup truck in southwest Morris, Illinois. The man died in a Peoria Hospital after the truck accident at 2:45 p.m. at West US Route 6. The man died of multiple personal injuries. If you have been personally injured in a truck accident, find an Illinois lawyer. To read more about the truck accident, please click the link.

One person was critically personally injured in a truck accident involving a Tollway Authority HELP vehicle and a pickup truck on the Regan Memorial Tollway in Lisle, Illinois. The pickup truck struck the HELP truck while it was parked on the shoulder to assist a motorist with a tire change. The Tollway worker was not personally injured, while the driver of the pickup truck was taken to the hospital in critical condition. To read more about the truck accident, please click the link.

A West Chicago truck accident that occurred on Route 59 on August 9th trapped the driver of the car in his vehicle until help arrived. At this point it is unclear whether the truck or the car was at fault for the truck accident. Airbags in both the car and truck were deployed, but both drivers still suffered minor personal injuries and were taken to local hospitals to be checked. The driver of the car had to be extricated from his vehicle following the West Chicago truck accident. The crash caused the road to be closed for about an hour. For more information on this DuPage County truck accident, click here.

A truck accident that occurred in Joliet on I-80 on August 12th resulted in the truck driver being cited with driving under the influence, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed and failure to wear a seat belt. The truck accident occurred when the truck entered the entrance ramp at too high of a speed, causing the truck to overturn onto the shoulder of the road. The truck accident caused a closure of the westbound ramp for seven hours. For more information on this Jolliet truck accident, click here.

A two-vehicle accident occurred on August 11th in Illinois, injuring one person. The driver of a passenger vehicle was merging onto the highway and was moving slowly, when the car was hit by a semi-trailer. Luckily both drivers involved in the truck accident were wearing seatbelts, but the car driver did still suffer minor personal injuries. The truck driver has been cited with failure to reduce speed in order to avoid the truck accident. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A truck accident earlier today left the driver of the truck with injuries. A local resident was able to free the truck driver from the cab of his truck following the truck accident. The truck accident occurred after the truck entered the I-80 and then rolled over onto its side. The trucker was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his personal injuries. The truck accident caused a leak, however the product that the truck was carrying was non-toxic. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A construction worker was killed earlier today when his brother accidently backed up a pickup truck over him, The worker was pinned between the truck and the garage of the home they were working on after the truck accident. An emergency crew managed to unpin the worker but he died later in the hospital as a result of his personal injuries following the truck accident. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

On August 3rd, a truck driver got into a truck accident when he lost control of his logging truck. He was trying to turn onto a highway but the truck flipped twice and landed upside down. The truck driver was killed from the truck accident and the truck was not equipped with seatbelts. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

An Illinois man was killed in a truck accident that occurred on August 6th in Illinois. The truck accident occurred when the driver of a passenger vehicle swerved across the center lane of traffic and collided with a tractor-trailer. The driver of the passenger car was killed in the truck accident and the truck driver suffered minor personal injuries and was taken to a local hospital following the accident. The highway was closed for several hours following the accident to clean up. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A firefighter died on August 6th when he was responding to a car accident. The incident occurred when the driver of the fire truck and the victim decided to move the truck in order to allow room for the ambulance that was one its way to the scene of the car accident. The driver did not see the firefighter behind the vehicle when he started backing up and found his body behind the vehicle once he had moved it. At this point it is not clear whether the truck hit the victim or the victim collapsed due to something else. For more information on this fire truck accident, click here.

A two vehicle accident occurred on Route 59 in the suburbs of Chicago on the morning of August 10th. The truck accident occurred when a passenger car and a box truck collided, causing the highway to be closed for close to an hour and a half to clean up the mess created by the truck accident. Both the car driver and the truck driver were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries, and are considered in pretty good condition. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A two vehicle accident occurred on Route 59 in the suburbs of Chicago on the morning of August 10th. The truck accident occurred when a passenger car and a box truck collided, causing the highway to be closed for close to an hour and a half to clean up the mess created by the truck accident. Both the car driver and the truck driver were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries, and are considered in pretty good condition. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

An Illinois man was killed in a truck crash earlier today. The truck accident resulted from the victim crossing the center line and veering into the path of a semi-truck. The driver of the car suffered serious personal injuries including blunt force trauma to the chest, and died shortly after arriving at the local hospital. The victim was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. The truck driver was also wearing his seatbelt at the time of the truck accident, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his personal injuries. For more information on this fatal accident, click here.

A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit relating to a truck accident in which a woman was killed. The wrongful death lawsuit is a result of a 2008 incident in which equipment fell off of a truck, killing a woman that was driving behind the truck when it crushed her car. The complaint stated that the load was not properly secured and the driver was not legally qualified to operate the truck at the time of the truck accident. A settlement of $16 million was reached during trial. For more information on this wrongful death lawsuit settlement, click here.

A truck accident occurred on August 2nd in Illinois in which an Illinois woman was killed when a pick-up pulling a trailer was struck by her vehicle after she crossed the center line. The driver of the car was an elderly lady that was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the truck accident and later died of injuries sustained during the truck accident. The truck driver and the passengers in his vehicle did not suffer any personal injuries during the crash. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A truck accident earlier this morning in Illinois caused road closures and the residents of nearby homes to have to be evacuated after it was discovered that the truck that had rolled over contained 7,000 gallons of gasoline. The truck accident occurred when the driver tried to turn onto a street and the truck ended up rolling over on its side, because either the driver was going too fast or the driver lost control. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A battery truck accident occurred on August 1st in Illinois when the truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and lost control, causing the truck to roll over on the side and block both of the southbound lanes of the I-57. The driver was ticketed with driving while fatigued and was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his personal injuries. Once the truck was removed, the lanes were still closed for hours in order to clean up all the batteries that were spilled in the truck accident. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A man who was killed in a motorcycle/truck accident on July 30th has been identified. The fatal accident occurred when the motorcycle driver lost control and struck the back of a truck. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene of the crime, as a result of his multiple injuries. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

An Illinois man pled guilty to three counts of aggravated driving under the influence and has been sentenced to 45 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections, of which he will have to serve at least 85 percent of that time. The truck accident occurred last fall when the victim was a passenger in her family’s pick-up truck which was travelling down I-90 and was crushed when it was struck by a semi. The truck driver had failed to brake and tested positive for marijuana in amounts that are shown to severely impair his judgment at the time of the accident. Chicago truck accident lawyers Levin & Perconti represent the family of the victim in the civil case against the driver. For more information on this fatal truck accident, click here.

A truck driver was killed earlier this morning in the Chicago suburbs, while he was standing outside of the truck attempting to reattach his trailer to the cab of his truck. There were no running lights on the rear of the trailer, and there is a report stating that the truck driver was trying to put out flares, but this report is not confirmed. The driver of the car that hit the truck driver swerved to avoid the truck accident but was not able to avoid the accident. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the truck accident. The driver of the car was not injured in the crash. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A truck driver was arrested after fleeing from a crash that he allegedly caused on the morning of July 26th in Chicago. This truck accident injured three people, which were taken to local hospitals and at this point none of them seem to have life-threatening injuries. When the police apprehended the truck driver, he was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

Excessive speeding by passenger car drivers leads to many truck accidents. Trucks’ blind spots are large and when cars are going fast and swerving in and out of traffic the chance of an accident is greatly increased. A recent truck accident on the 1-75 was due to speeding and swerving and left one person dead. While the car was attempting to pass the truck, the truck hit the car while it was in its blind spot and the car ended up underneath the truck. The driver was injured and has been charged with vehicular homicide by recklessness and driving with a suspended license, after the accident left his passenger dead. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

The driver of a passenger car was fatally injured when he crossed the median on I-90/94 and hit a semi-trailer truck that was heading in the opposite direction. The accident occurred early this morning and the truck driver was left uninjured. The car driver suffered serious head injuries and was trapped in this car following the truck accident and died shortly after the accident. At this point no citations have been issued, and it is unknown if the car driver had been drinking. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

An Illinois man was killed on July 22nd when his truck ran off the road and crashed, ejecting the driver from the truck. The truck caught fire and exploded after the truck accident. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the truck accident. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

Puppy missing after truck accident has been found safe. A truck accident occurred on the morning of July 14th when a semi-truck collided with a minivan in which a family and their puppy were traveling. The puppy jumped through the window after the truck accident and was missing for a few days. The puppy was found about a mile from the scene of the truck accident and returned to the family. Both the puppy and the family did not suffer serious personal injuries. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A fatal truck accident occurred in which a sports utility vehicle entered the highway on the exit ramp, causing the driver to drive into oncoming traffic. The car struck the back of a truck and then the SUV went into the air and struck another semi-truck. The driver of the SUV was ejected from the car and was pronounced dead immediately. There is currently no information as to why the driver entered the highway going the wrong way and toxicology reports are still pending. Neither truck driver involved in the truck accident were injured. For more information on this fatal accident, click here.

A car collided with a semi-truck earlier this morning in Chicago, injuring six people including three children. The car involved in the crash did not merge properly as it entered the highway and was struck by another car, which was then struck by the truck. The truck accident blocked lanes for a short while but all of the lanes have since reopened. No one that was injured seems to have suffered life-threatening personal injuries. For more information on this Chicago truck accident, click here.

A truck carrying a load of vegetables crashed on the highway and burst into flames, killing the truck driver. The truck accident occurred when the truck struck into a construction divider, hit a concrete median and then a light pole. A witness pulled the driver from the truck, but the driver was already dead. At this point there is no evidence as to what caused the terrible truck accident. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A semi-truck carrying a full load of beer crashed on the highway, causing the truck to turn onto its side and the beer and diesel fuel to spill out the back of the truck. No one was injured in the truck accident, but due to the blockage of three lanes of traffic, traffic was backed up for three hours. The driver has been cited for failing to control his speed. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A semi-truck driver was killed following truck accident on I-80 early in the morning of July 18th. The truck accident occurred when the truck struck a construction barrier and light pole and then burst into flames. The truck driver was declared dead at the scene of the accident, and even though a witness pulled the driver from the flames he was already dead. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

An Illinois man was killed after being hit by a pick-up truck early in the morning of July 16th. The bicycle accident occurred when the victim was riding his bike and fell off, and the truck driver hit him. After the accident the truck driver drove around the block but then returned to the scene and submitted to a breathalyzer test. The test results were not available, however, the truck driver was arrested for misdemeanor driving under the influence. The truck accident is still under investigation and the truck driver is set to appear in court in August. For more information on this fatal bicycle accident in Urbana, click here.

A lawsuit has been filed against two individuals and a trucking company in connection with a Granite City truck accident that injured two women. The suit alleges that the truck failed to stop and that was the cause of the truck accident. The Illinois truck accident occurred on Route 203 in August of 2007 and is apparently the result of a truck and a tractor-trailer both failing to stop and colliding with the vehicle in which the women were traveling. The truck accident caused one of the women to suffer severe and permanently disabling personal injuries and both women suffered mental anguish. For more information on this truck accident lawsuit, click here.

A major truck accident occurred when a truck crashed and exploded on July 15th. The truck accident ignited a bridge that it was passing under when it caught on fire. At this point the police are not sure if something collided with the truck or what exactly caused the fiery accident. Luckily, at this point, it seems that all people involved have not been seriously injured and are being treated at a local hospital for their minor personal injuries. The damaged bridge overpass is not only wrecked but is blocking part of the highway. They cannot determine the extent of the damage until the firefighter have completely extinguished the fires. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A Stockton truck accident killed one man on July 8. The victim was driving on US-20 when he lost control of his vehicle and entered the oncoming lane of traffic, causing his car to be struck by a tractor-trailer. The truck driver suffered minor injuries in the tractor trailer accident and refused medical treatment. At this point, no citations have been issued in connection with the accident. For more information on this truck accident in Stockton, IL, click here.

A two vehicle accident killed an Illinois man early this morning in Knox County, IL. The truck accident involved a flatbed truck that crossed into the passing lane and into the path of a box truck. The flatbed truck rolled over and the driver was killed. The box truck driver only suffered minro personal injuries. Reports show that both drivers were wearing their seatbelts and that the highway was closed for a couple hours for cleanup. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A truck accident that involved a truck and two cars injured six people on the Dan Ryan Expressway on the afternoon of July 10th. Four of the people injured in the Chicago truck accident were listed in serious to critical condition, one in fair to serious and one in good condition. Four other people involved in the truck accident refused medical attention at the scene. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A car rear-ended a semi-truck carrying 9,000 pounds of Chinese food, causing the food to spill out and block the southbound lanes of the Tri-State Tollway early in the morning of July 7th. The Chicago Tribune reports that two of the four lanes had to be closed temporarily for about 4 miles behind the truck accident. No one was injured as a result of the truck accident. For more information on this Chicago truck accident, click here.

A truck accident that occurred on July 9th left one Illinois man injured and in fair condition. The truck accident occurred when the victim turned left and struck the back of a semi on Highway 59 and became trapped under the semi-truck which then ended up in a ditch. The driver of the car has been charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

One Illinois man was injured when his car hit a semi-truck on Route 47 in the early morning hours of July 9th. The truck accident is likely to be a result of the driver of the car being under the influence of alcohol and improperly changing lanes. The driver involved in the truck accident has been charged for these actions as well as for driving without insurance. The injured man was taken to a local hospital by helicopter and the semi-truck driver was not injured. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

On July 7th, a truck accident occurred when several boys that were riding their bikes thought they could pass a semi before it turned into a truck stop. The truck driver did not have enough time to brake and stop and the truck ended up hitting the boy head on. The boy suffered severe head injuries and died as a result of these injuries. The driver seems very distraught as a result of the truck accident and says that he could not see the biking boys before the truck accident occurred. For more information on this terrible accident, click here.

A truck driver was injured when his semi went on the interstate in Illinois and rolled into a ditch on the evening of July 7th. The truck accident resulted in the spilling of the trailer’s load when the semi rolled onto its side. At this point there is no word as to what caused the crash, and the driver has been taken to a local hospital for treatment on his non life-threatening personal injuries. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

The family of a man that was killed in a truck accident last summer is suing the driver who they believe is responsible for the wrongful death of their family member. The truck accident occurred when the victim, who was driving a tractor trailer, drove off a bridge while attempting to avoid a car in which the driver has fallen asleep at the wheel. At the time of the truck accident, the car driver was cited for several misdemeanor charges and was fined, and while there were slight traces of alcohol in her system there was not enough evidence to prove that she was under the influence of alcohol when the fatal truck accident occurred. For more information on this suit involving a fatal truck accident, click here.

A suit has been filed against a truck company and one of its employees following a truck accident that occurred on May 23rd in Illinois. The crash occurred when one pickup truck was driving north on Illinois Route 3 and another pickup truck that was puller a trailer for a rental company lost control of the trailer and collided with the original pickup truck. The truck accident resulted in the death of the passenger of the pickup truck and serious personal injuries to the driver. The complaint against the rental company and the driver asserts that the driver of the truck pulling the trailer was driving too fast considering the size and load capacity of the trailer. For more information on this suit over a truck accident, click here.

The truck driver that was involved in a tragic truck accident has admitted to falling asleep at the wheel while driving. The driver fell asleep and crashed into a van that was caringly a family of four, all of which were killed in this fatal accident. The truck accident involved the truck hitting the van, pushing it into the intersection and then driving onto the can. The driver has not been charged with anything at this point. For more information on this tragic accident, click here.

An Illinois man was killed when the rental car he was driving was struck by a truck that was crashed into by a motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle that struck the truck that hit the victim’s car was not seriously injured. The family of the victim, of the truck accident, that were passengers in the rental car were also not inured. The family was from Illinois and the loss is being felt strongly within the community. For more information on this tragic truck accident, click here.

A truck accident that resulted in faulty brakes resulted in the death of one man and endangered several others. the driver of the tractor-trailer involved in the truck accident has admitted to knowing that his truck had no functioning break at the time of the accident. He had pled guilty to charges of homicide by motor vehicle. Two other defendants are also involved in the case, the owner of the trucking operation and the owner of the auto service business who had sold inspection stickers without properly inspecting vehicles. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

Two truck accidents occurred on the same stretch of highway within two days. The first truck accident occurred when the driver of a pick-up truck stopped short in order to avoid some construction. The driver of the pick-up as well as the semi-driver behind her lost control of their trucks and hit a guard rail. The second truck accident occurred when another truck swerved and then over-corrected, hitting another vehicle and tipping over. No one in either accident was seriously injured, but traffic was stopped for several hours following each accident. For more information on these truck accidents, click here.

An Illinois truck accident occurred when a semitrailer was heading west and a pick-up truck hit the semi head on after coming to a stop in the median next to the eastbound lane. One of the drivers involved in the truck accident was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy is pending. The police are still investigating the accident. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

Early in the morning of June 30th, a truck accident occurred when a delivery truck collided with an empty railroad car outside a chemical depot. The driver of the truck was taken to a local hospital by helicopter and an ambulance took a second person involved in the truck accident to a local hospital. At this point neither injured individual has been identified. For more information on this truck accident, click here.

A woman paralyzed in a tractor trailer accident in Illinois in 2008 has filed a suit against 12 parties, including people and companies in connection with the truck accident. The complaint alleges that the drive of the tractor-trailer failed to break in time and hit a car causing that car to hit another car and then a trailer. The vehicles were stopped on the side of the interstate and the defendant ended up colliding with the trailer, because she could not see the trailer in time to avoid the truck accident. The defendant contends that the rear impact guard that the trailer was required to be equipped with was not functioning properly and that is why the defendant’s car slid underneath the trailer when her car crashed into the trailer. She further contends that she would be unlikely to have been paralyzed in the truck accident if the rear impact guard had not been all corroded and had been functioning properly. The defendant’s seat belt was fastened and the airbags deployed, and the defendant says that these safety precautions should have been enough had the guard worked. The defendant is seeking a judgment of over $500,000 from all of the parties involved in the truck accident suit. For more information on this Illinois Truck accident case, click here.

A man was killed when he was riding his bike and was struck by a truck. This truck accident occurred on June 26th when the victim was riding his bike to work and a truck struck him on his way. The victim had begun riding to work a few days a week to improve his health and is survived by his wife, four children and seven grandchildren. There is no more information as to the cause of the accident. For more information on this truck accident, click here.