March 4, 2010

National Trucking Company Had Remarkable Reduction in Trucking Accidents

A national trucking company has recently announced that in 2009 they saw a large reduction in their trucking accident rates, with about a 13 percent decrease in accidents from the 2008 rates. The trucking company also reports that over the past five years their safety records have gotten better with each year, with 2009 showing the safest numbers yet. In addition to the decrease in accidents over the past several years, the trucking company has received more than 70 safety awards in the last year. These number are a great improvement to the trucking world and show the commitment to safety that some companies are choosing to make and what a remarkable difference that choice can make. To read more about these trucking crash statistics, click on the link.

The Chicago trucking accident attorneys at Levin & Perconti are pleased to see this reduction in trucking accidents and the care that some companies are putting into their safety efforts. We hope that other companies will choose to follow this lead and make their safety standards higher, causing their trucking accident numbers to decrease as well. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website offers several ways in which trucking accidents can be avoided, such as assuring that drivers drive no faster than the posted speed, that drivers never drive while they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that drivers are always well-rested when driving and that drivers always where their seat belts when driving to protect themselves in the case of a trucking accident. If other trucking companies can take these precautions into their training and find ways to ensure that drivers follow these simple precautions, the number of trucking crashes should continue to decrease.

March 2, 2010

Many Truck Drivers Suffer From Sleep Apnea

A recent article by Business Insurance magazine has roused attention surrounding the issue of sleep apnea among truckers. The article cites a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that revealed that the percentage of commercial truck drivers with sleep apnea is very high. The study showed that about a quarter of commercial truck drivers suffer from some type of sleep apnea, however many people do not know that they have this sleep disorder. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s airway is constricted while sleeping, which causes constant waking up during the night and interrupted sleep. The symptoms sound like snoring or gasping in one’s sleep. Sleep apnea is most common in people with a body mass index of over 30 and a neck circumference of higher than 17 inches and have other health issues related to weight, and is seen mostly in obese individuals. To read more about sleep apnea and trucking accidents, click on the hyperlink.

The reason that this high percentage of sleep apnea in truck drivers can be so dangerous is that a common effect of sleep apnea is daytime drowsiness, due to interrupted sleep during the night. Studies have shown that drivers suffering from sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a car accident than drivers that are not suffering from this condition. Given the high number of truck drivers that are believed to have sleep apnea, this is clearly a problem with truck drivers, in that they need to be alert and aware when driving so as to avoid trucking accidents. Many trucking companies are not aware of the prevalence of sleep apnea among their drivers and therefore are not taking any actions to try to reduce sleep apnea among drivers.

According to USA Today, one way in which the trucking companies may try to curb this problem is by suggesting that truck drivers undergo a sleep study once they hit a certain weight. The goal here is to try to detect sleep apnea in drivers and get them treatment for the condition before allowing them back on the road. Treatment options range from surgery to certain types of devices that can clear the breathing passage while the person is sleeping. This is a problem that needs to be addressed in order to hopefully try to limit the number of truck crashes.

February 28, 2010

Truck Accident Prevention Tips for Passenger Car Drivers

A Motor Carrier Transportation Truck Safety study that was conducted recently found that there are certain precautions that drivers can take when on the road with large commercial trucks to help avoid dangerous trucking accidents. The reason that it is so crucial for drivers of passenger cars to be aware and careful around trucks is because it is 15 times for likely for someone in a passenger car to be killed than it is for the truck driver to be killed.

In order to stay safe while on the road with trucks, our Chicago accident attorneys recommend that you always leave more space than you would behind a passenger car. Additionally, make sure to never cut off trucks and do not tailgate trucks. Also make sure to follow the speed limit because speeding is another leading cause of serious trucking accidents, as well as other types of traffic accidents. To read more about safety measures drivers can take to avoid truck crashes, please click on the link. Making an active choice to be cautious and around trucks can result in fewer trucking accidents and safer roads for passenger cars.

February 26, 2010

Trucking Accident Lawsuit Settles for Four Million

A trucking accident lawsuit has been settled in connection with a 2007 trucking accident that resulted in the death of a couple. The trucking accident occurred when a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and struck an Illinois woman’s vehicle, causing a chain reaction in which the couple was killed along with the Illinois driver. The case required the jury to decide what damages couple's sons should receive, because the trucking company conceded liability early on in the wrongful death lawsuit. The jury awarded $4 million to the couple's sons. To read more about this trucking accident settlement, please click on the hyperlink.

According to Trans Scan, almost half of long-distance truck drivers interviewed admitted to nodding off at the wheel at some point in their career and about twenty percent of all truck-drivers interviewed reported either an accident or near accident due to nodding off at the wheel. Given these high statistics and the extreme danger caused by fatigued truck drivers, it is important for trucking companies to enforce maximum driving hours and have safeguards in place to help keep tired drivers off the road. In addition to the horrible accidents that can result from tired drivers, trucking companies have added incentive to keep their drivers alert because the companies can be held liable for accidents that are caused by their drivers.

February 24, 2010

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Trucking Accident

A trucking accident lawsuit has been filed in connection with a December accident when a truck driver veered over the center line of the highway striking a passenger car head on. The family of the victim has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in connection with the accident against the trucking company, because it is believed that the company knew of the medical condition that caused the truck driver to black out at the time of the truck crash and kill the victim. According to Justice News Flash, the lawsuit alleges that since the company was aware of the driver’s medical conditions and had previous reports of his driving record, they should have respected these issues and should not have allowed him on the road alone. To read more about this trucking accident lawsuit, click on this link.

Wrongful death lawsuits may be filed against a person or corporation that can be held liable for the death of someone. Each state’s wrongful death claims are controlled by statute, laying out the requirements for filing a suit, but they are usually filed by a close relative of the victim. This is the appropriate recourse when a company is responsible for someone's death. In this case, the trucking company is being charged with wrongful death because they were aware of the driver’s condition that caused the fatal crash. To contact a Chicago wrongful accident attorney, please click on the hyperlink.

February 22, 2010

Chicago Trucking Accident Injures Three

A trucking accident that occurred on the Dan Ryan Expressway on February 20th left an Illinois adult and two children seriously injured. The accident occurred when the van they were traveling in blew a tire and crashed into a semi-truck. The man and two of the children were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident and were ejected from the vehicle, and are all listed in critical condition at local hospitals. According to The Chicago Sun Times, two other adults and one other child were involved in the crash, but luckily they were wearing their seat belts and therefore were not ejected from the car. If you would like to read more about this Chicago trucking accident, please click on the link.

Drivers and their passengers should always wear their seat belts whenever they are traveling in a car. Wearing seat belts have been found to be the best way to reduce injuries in car accidents. As this accident shows, accidents can occur even when you are paying attention to the road and driving cautiously, in the event of a tire blowing out or some other car malfunction. Because these types of accidents are possible, and because even though you may feel that you are a safe driver but you can never know about the other drivers on the road with you, it is crucial to always wear your seat belt. For seat belt safety statistics, please click on the link.

February 20, 2010

Car Hits Fire Truck in Chicago

A Chicago trucking accident occurred on February 16th at the intersection of Ogden and Sacramento when a car tried to speed through traffic that was stopped for an approaching fire truck. According to WGN, the speeding car crashed into the fire truck, injuring three people that were in the fire truck. The firefighters had to stop and help the victims at the scene of the accident. To read more about this fire truck accident, please click on this link.

Illinois law requires that all drivers pull to the right side of the road if an emergency vehicle is approaching. This applies to both emergency vehicles that are behind or in front of the driver. In addition to this being the law, it is very important to always yield to emergency vehicles because they are trying to get somewhere quickly and if cars do not yield, an accident is likely.

February 18, 2010

Trucking Accident Lawsuit Settles for $3.6 Million

The family of a man who was killed in a trucking accident has been awarded a $3.6 million settlement for their wrongful death lawsuit. According to About Lawsuits, the fatal trucking accident occurred in June of 2005, when the driver was crushed to death after a cradle of propane cylinders fell on top of him. The court found that the trucking company was negligent in allowing four layers of propane cylinders, when only three layers were safe. Another driver for the company testified that the company allowed for this dangerous load because they wanted to get the cylinders loaded into the truck as quickly as possible, and that the driver that was killed had no idea that these safety precautions were ignored. To read more about this tragic accident and the settlement, please click here. According to The Times Reporter, the trucking company is planning on appealing the verdict citing Motor Carrier Safety Regulations as their reason for fighting the case, specifically that the safety issue in question is supposed to be under the truck driver’s watch and is the driver’s responsibility. To read more about the trucking company fighting this claim, please click here.

It is important to remember that trucking companies can often be found liable for trucking accidents. It is important that companies take all appropriate safety precautions to keep their drivers and trucks safe for the road and to keep the number of trucking accidents to a minimum.

February 16, 2010

50 Car Pile Up Caused by Dangerous Weather Conditions

An Illinois man was killed when he was involved in a fatal trucking accident on February 10th, in which 50 vehicles were involved. According to WPXI, the trucking accident involved 30 tractor-trailer trucks and 20 cars and is believed to have been caused by the dangerous weather conditions in the area at the time of the accident, and started when one truck jack-knifed causing a domino effect on all the vehicles behind the truck. At this point it is known that at least 18 people were injured, but no more is known on the extent of the injuries. To read more about this multi-vehicle crash, please click on this link.

It is extremely important to remember that winter weather conditions can make the roads a much more dangerous place to travel. Even slight weather can greatly effect the conditions of the road and drivers ability to control their vehicle. Please always be aware of the road and extra cautious when driving in icy, snowy or even rainy conditions, and always drive a slower speed if necessary and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.

February 14, 2010

Fatal Trucking Accident Caused by Trucking Company Negligence

A trucking accident lawsuit has been filed by the family of a trucker who was killed this past October when the coal truck he was driving crashed. The trucking accident occurred when the truck went off the road, into a ditch, hit a tree and then rolled over. According to The Oak Ridger, the trucking accident lawsuit names the coal company as the Defendant, after investigations revealed that the independent contract driver that hired the trucker had not provided initial mine training and that the engine brake accelerator on the truck has not functioning properly at the time of the crash. The wrongful death lawsuit seeks $17 million dollars in damages. To read more about this tragic accident, please click on this link.

This type of trucking accident is completely preventable, and it is the responsibility of trucking companies to make sure that their trucks are completely safe and up to speed and that their drivers are prepared for the road. Trucking companies can be held responsible for their vehicles and drivers if it can be found, like in this case, that the trucking company was acting negligently in fulfilling the duties they owe to the driver. It is important for all employers, including trucking companies, to be able to ensure a safe and reliable environment for their drivers to work in.

February 12, 2010

Trucking Accident Victim’s Family Settles

The family of the victim of a trucking accident has settled their wrongful death lawsuit. The trucking accident occurred almost two years ago when a dump truck crossed the center line of the highway it was traveling on and crashed into a school bus, killing one teenager and injuring 10 other children. The lawsuit alleged that the dump truck driving was driving too fast on a curve, which caused the tragic trucking accident. According to the KY Post, the state lowered the speed limit by ten miles per hour following this accident as well as another fatal accident that occurred less than one month later. To read more about this trucking accident, click on this link.

Recently, a increase in the speed limit for truckers has been put into effect, with the intention that allowing trucks to travel at the same speed as other vehicles would be safer overall for all of the drivers. This law has been very controversial because while the uniform speed could have benefits, allowing large trucks to be traveling at a faster rate of speed could easily be very dangerous as well. While the law is new, it just went into effect at the beginning on this year, it is difficult to determine what the actual result will be. To read more about this new law and the different views on its enactment, please click on this link.

February 10, 2010

Truck/Train Accident in Effingham

A trucking accident in Effingham occurred when a train crashed into the side of a garbage truck on February 8th. According to WJBD Radio, a Dietrich man was driving a garbage truck and attempted to cross train tracks, but did not have enough time to safely cross the tracks and the garbage truck was struck by a train. The driver of the truck was thrown from the truck and suffered severe personal injuries but luckily was conscious and alert when emergency vehicles arrived. To read more about this trucking accident, click on this link.

In this accident there were no gates at the crossing to alert drivers when a train was coming. When there are no gates at the crossing it is important to take extra care and be extra cautious before crossing a train track in order to avoid an accident. Please click on this link for some safety tip and information about train tracks.

February 8, 2010

Dangers Resulting from Trucking Accidents

Each year many crashes occur and lead to many deaths and many dangerous road spills. According to a compiled list of trucking crash statistics, in 2008, over 4000 fatal large semi-truck accidents were reported resulting in even more deaths than accidents. Close to 130,000 non-fatal accidents were reported in 2008. In that same year over 2,500 collisions involved Hazmat spills. To read more trucking accident , statistics please click on this link.

Given the high number of trucking accidents it is crucial to take steps to try to reduce these accidents and the dangers associated with them. Fatalities are so high in these types of accidents because of how big the trucks are compared to cars that the accidents often involve. The road spills can be very dangerous to people in the surrounding areas as well very difficult to clean up, often causing the road where the trucking crash occurred to be shut down for great lengths of time. Given the dangers that arise from these accidents, it is very important for truck drivers to be very cautious and for other drivers to also be alert when driving around large trucks. Hopefully, the recent bann of text messaging for truck drivers while operating their vehicles will reduce the number of injuries and deaths that occur on our roadways.

February 4, 2010

Federal Ban on Texting While Operating Trucks

Earlier this week the federal government passed a ban which forbids truck drivers (as well as bus drivers) from text messaging while driving. This ban goes along with the trend that many states are following that ban text messaging while driving in passenger vehicles. The reason for these bans going into effect is because how many car and trucking accidents have been directly linked to drivers not focusing on the road while being distracted from their cell phones. The intent of these bans is to cut down on the number of accidents that are caused by distracted drivers.

According to USA Today, this recent ban does not address passenger vehicles and only sets a federal ban for operators of vehicles carrying at least eight passengers. While many people feel that this is a definite step in the right direction, advocates of the texting ban feel like the federal government needs to go a step further. While many states individually ban passenger vehicle texting, there is no federal law against texting while driving on a passenger vehicle level. Some Senator advocates propose taking away up to a quarter of a state’s federal highway funds to states that do not impose a texting ban.

Texting while driving is a very serious problem and many car and trucking accidents are caused daily by this distraction. These avoidable accidents can be prevented by making sure not to use your cell phone for texting while you are driving, regardless of whether or not a law exists banning it where you are driving. In the city of Chicago, a texting ban went into effect at the beginning of this year. If you would like more information on this recent federal trucking texting ban, please click here.

February 2, 2010

Truck Accident Caused by Dangerous Road Conditions

A trucking accident occurred a couple of weeks ago in which four people were fatally injured. The fatal trucking accident occurred when a tractor-trailer was driving too fast given the current weather conditions, slid across the highway and crashed into a bus. According to The Washington Post, the bus driver and 3 of the bus passengers, which were residents of a special needs home, were killed and six more passengers were injured in this terrible accident. At this point it is unknown whether criminal charges will be filed or if the family of any of the victims will be filing wrongful death suits. To read more about this accident, please click on this link.

It is very important for drivers of both trucks and passenger cars to always remember to drive at a speed appropriate for the weather. When the weather is snowy and icy, drivers may need to drive much slower than the posted speed limit and want to make sure that they drive at a speed in which they can always maintain control of their vehicle. The added danger with ice and snow is that not only can it be more difficult to see what is around you but the road itself may become icy and dangerous to drive on. If the weather seems to be too unsafe for driving, or if you feel uncomfortable driving in the conditions, please do not drive until the weather clears up and if you need to drive be extremely cautious. Cautious driving can greatly reduce the number of car and trucking accidents and hopefully safe lives.

January 25, 2010

Semi Truck Accident Kills Two Members of Chicago Family

A tractor trailer accident on January 23rd resulted in the death of two Chicago area residents. The truck accident occurred when a semi struck a van carrying the family, after the truck was reportedly weaving on the highway. The trucking accident resulted in the death of the two family members as well as personal injuries to sixteen other people involved in the fatal accident. According to The Chicago Tribune, samples were taken from both drivers to test to see if they were under the influence at the time of the trucking accident. If you would like more information on this trucking accident, please click here.

January 21, 2010

South Pekin Trucking Accident Kills one Woman

A South Pekin woman was killed in an Illinois Route 29 trucking accident on January 20th. According to The PJ Star, the trucking accident was likely due to ice that had just formed on the road causing a pickup truck to skid into a semi-truck. The driver of the pickup truck was killed as a result of the trucking accident. Several other car accidents in the area were also believed to have been due to the icy weather. To read more about this trucking accident, please click on this link.

January 20, 2010

Trucking Accident Lawsuit Filed

The victim of a trucking accident that occurred in 2007 is suing the company he worked for as well as the individual that was driving the truck that struck him. The victim was a paramedic and was riding with a patient in the back of an ambulance when the trailer of a truck struck the ambulance after the ambulance driver attempted to avoid the truck with the trailer. According to The West Virginia Record, the victim is seeking over $30,000 in damages. To read more about this trucking accident lawsuit, click here.

January 19, 2010

Lawsuit Filed By Trucking Accident Victims

The families of the victims of a fatal trucking accident have filed a trucking accident lawsuit against the driver of the truck. The trucking accident occurred in 2008 when the victim’s car struck the trailer of a truck that was stopped across several lanes of traffic while waiting for a traffic light. Both of the people in the front seat of the passenger car were killed and the backseat passenger suffered serious personal injuries. According to The Aspen Times, the trucking accident lawsuit is against the trucking company alleging failure to adequately prepare the rig safely. To read more about this trucking accident lawsuit, click on this link.

January 18, 2010

Illinois Accident on Highway 53

A trucking accident that occurred on the morning of January 16th on Illinois Highway 53 in Rolling Meadows, resulted in the truck’s load of milk being spilled. According to Chicago Breaking News, the trucking accident occurred when a vehicle tried to cut over into another lane and a different vehicle was forced to swerve and then hit the milk truck. The driver of the original car has been charged with improper lane usage, but is unharmed. The other two drivers involved in the truck accident were taken to local hospitals, however their condition is non life-threatening. To read more about this Illinois accident, click here.

January 17, 2010

Truck Accident Lawsuit Settled

A trucking accident lawsuit filed by one the people injured in a trucking accident in which a five people died, which occurred back in 2005, has been settled and will not be going to trial. According to Chippewa.com, many other people were injured when the semi-truck struck a motor coach that the Plaintiff was a passenger on. To read more about this truck accident settlement, click on the link.

January 16, 2010

Two Die in Fatal Trucking Accident

A trucking accident that occurred on January 15th resulted in the death of two sisters that were involved in the terrible crash. According to ETruth.com, the truck driver was an Illinois resident, and the crash occurred when the truck driver struck a car in which the two sisters were traveling. At this point no citations have been issued in connection with the fatal accident, and to read more about this tragic trucking accident please click on this link.

January 15, 2010

Illinois Trucker Injured in Trucking Accident

A trucking accident that occurred earlier this month resulted in the serious injury of an Illinois man. According to Alamogordo Daily News, the trucking accident happened when a tractor-trailer in which the victim was driving veered off of the road and hit a pole, causing the truck to roll onto its side. The victim was able to crawl out of the truck following the trucking accident and is now in a local hospital for treatment of the severe personal injuries incurred in the accident. To read more about this Illinois victim, please click on the hyperlink.

January 14, 2010

Chicago Trucking Accident Injures At Least One

A trucking accident earlier this morning occurred when a semi-truck crashed into a car on the Bishop Ford Freeway on the South Side of Chicago. According to The Chicago Sun Times, at least one person involved in the trucking accident was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center and is listed in critical condition. Not much more is known about what caused the Illinois trucking accident at this time, but to read more please click on this hyperlink.

January 13, 2010

Salem Trucking Accident Injures Illinois Woman

A Salem trucking accident early this morning left one Illinois woman injured. The trucking accident occurred when the victim was attempting to turn left and a semi-truck driver apparently failed to stop at a red light and crashed into the victim’s car. According to WJBD Radio, the victim had to be extricated from her vehicle but has since been treated and released from a local hospital. To read more about this trucking accident, please click on the link.

January 11, 2010

Joliet Trucking Accident Injures Two

A trucking accident that occurred on December 29th resulted in the injury of two people. The Joliet trucking accident was caused by a sports utility vehicle hitting a semi-truck on I-80. According to Suburban Chicago News, the SUV driver failed to stop in time and ended up underneath the semi-truck requiring the driver of the SUV to be extricated from the vehicle. The two people that were seriously personally injured in the trucking accident were the driver of the SUV and the passenger of the SUV. The driver will be cited with failure to reduce speed and possibly may face a DUI charge. If you would like more information on this Illinois trucking accident, please click on this link.

January 10, 2010

Interstate 70 Trucking Accident Kills Four and Injures Six More

A fatal Interstate 70 trucking accident resulted in the death of four people and seriously injured six other people. The truck accident occurred when an awful snowstorm caused a truck to lose control and crash into a shuttle bus. According to The Springfield News Sun, the shuttle bus was carrying people with developmental disabilities, and all of the people that died in the trucking accident were passengers, and the driver, of the shuttle bus. The six people that suffered personal injuries were also passengers of the bus and were all Springfield residents. The driver of the truck suffered minor injuries and was released from a local hospital shortly after the trucking accident. If you would like to read more about this tragic accident, please click on this link.

January 8, 2010

Seemingly Odd Trucking Accident Not Uncommon in Aurora

A strange trucking accident that occurred in Aurora and resulted in the near death of a driver occurred when a semi-trailer drove under an overpass and ice that was on the overpass got caught on the truck and detached and struck a car driving behind the semi-truck. According to The Daily Herald, while this odd trucking accident seems like a very strange occurrence, several other people have reported similar accidents of this type on this same stretch of highway on Butterfield Road. The most recent of these trucking accidents occurred on January 4th when an Aurora man suffered multiple personal injuries and the ice crushed his windshield sending glass everywhere. To read more about this odd trucking accident problem, please click on this link.

January 5, 2010

Load of Pigs Tips Over Truck in Champaign

A trucking accident in Champaign caused one lane of Interstate 57 to be closed for several hours on January 4th. The trucking accident occurred when the load of pigs that the driver was carrying shifted in the truck and caused the truck to trip over. The truck then slid into the road blocking both of the southbound lanes. The truck driver was not injured and the veterinary teaching hospital and several students from the University of Illinois program were called in to assist in helping the pigs. According to The News-Gazette, the rescue was rather difficult due to the freezing temperatures and the truck driver was cited for failing to reduce speed in order to avoid an accident. To read more about this Champaign truck accident, click on the link.

January 4, 2010

Lake Forest Accident Leaves Two Dead

A Lake Forest trucking accident on December 26th left two people dead. The trucking accident occurred on Route 60 and involved a semi-truck and a pickup. According to Justice News Flash, the accident occurred when the driver of the pickup lost control of his vehicle due to dangerous road conditions and spun into oncoming traffic, where a semi-truck crashed into the pickup, which caused the two people in the pickup to be fatally injured. If you would like to read more about this fatal Illinois trucking accident, please click on this hyperlink.

January 3, 2010

Chicago Car Accident Believed to be Caused by Hit-and-Run Semi Truck

An accident that occurred on December 29th that injured a couple and their young children on the Dan Ryan Expressway is believed to have been caused by a semi-truck that then immediately fled the scene. This Chicago trucking accident occurred near 59th Street when, as authorities now believe, a semi-truck caused a pick-up truck to lose control of the car and hit a wall. According to Chicago Sun Times, while the semi-truck is not believed to have made actual contact with the pick-up truck the semi still may have caused the pickup to crash. The truck fled the scene and there were no witnesses to the trucking accident. The three passengers in the pickup were taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County and University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital, and all conditions are currently unknown. To read more about this Chicago accident, please click on this link.

January 2, 2010

One-Truck Accident Results in No Injuries

A one truck trucking accident occurred on December 21st when for unknown reasons a semi-truck caught fire and became completely engulfed. The trucking accident resulted in major traffic jams, closing off an entire direction of traffic. According to New York Injury News, local firefighters were able to get the fire under control rather quickly and the truck driver had been able to get out of the truck before it had caught on fire. To read more about this fiery trucking accident, click on this link.

January 1, 2010

Young Boy Killed in Trucking Accident

A trucking accident resulted in the death of one young boy and injured his two siblings and their parents. According to Savannah Now, the fatal accident occurred on December 27th when the family’s van was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer carrying paper products that was going very fast. The victim’s car had just slowed down due to holiday traffic congestion and the truck had not responded to the slowing speed and when it hit the car, the car was pushed off the roadway. While the truck driver is suspected of driving too closely, at this time no citations have been issued and no charges have been filed at this point. To read more about this fatal trucking accident, click here.

December 31, 2009

Trucking Accident Kills One Woman

A trucking accident that occurred on December 22nd left one woman dead. The tragic trucking accident occurred when a passenger car lost control, likely because of weather, and crossed into oncoming traffic causing a tractor-trailer to strike the vehicle. According to New York Injury News, the driver of the passenger car was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries and passed away shortly following the trucking accident. Many similar Illinois trucking accidents occur in the dangerous weather conditions common at this time of year. To read more about this tragic accident, click here.

December 30, 2009

Scott County Trucking Accident Injures Three People

An Illinois trucking accident occurred on December 27th, causing three people to suffer from personal injuries. The Illinois accident occurred when the driver of a van tried to pass a tractor trailer semi and the van lost control and hit the back of the truck. The driver of the van was ticketed for failing to reduce his speed to avoid an accident and the truck driver was ticketed for driving with a suspended license. According to the Quincy Herald Whig, all four of the people involved in the trucking accident were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. To read more about this Scott County trucking accident, click on this hyperlink.

December 28, 2009

2010 Laws will Affect Trucking Drivers in Illinois

Certain laws will go into effect on January 1st that will affect trucking drivers in Illinois. A law banning texting while driving was approved and will go into effect at the start of the new year. Additionally, trucking drivers can be cited for not talking on hands-free devices if they are in a school or construction zone, and other fines have been raised for citations that occur in school zones. An Illinois law is also going into effect raising the speed limit for truckers from 55 to 65 miles per hour because many believe that if the entire flow of traffic is going at the same speed there will be less trucking accidents. Several fees, such as registration and license plates, will also go up at the beginning of the new year. To read more about these new laws going into effect affecting Illinois truck drivers, please click on this link.

December 27, 2009

Truck Accident that Killed Teenager Under Investigation

A trucking accident that occurred on December 17th in Alton is under investigation as to who was at fault for the accident. The accident, which left an Illinois teenager dead, is said to have been caused by the teenage driver according to police reports but an eyewitness says that the accident was caused by the truck driver. According to The Telegraph, the trucking accident that occurred on Illinois Route 140 occurred when the teenage driver was driving through an intersection and the truck turned in front of the car, and the issue is whether the teenage driver had a green light at the time of the accident. To learn more about this fatal accident, please click on the hyperlink.

December 26, 2009

Trucking Accident Lawsuit Filed in Connection with Fatal Accident

A trucking accident lawsuit has been filed by the mother of the victim of a trucking accident that occurred earlier this year. According to the trucking accident lawsuit, the accident occurred when a truck smashed into the car the victim was riding as a passenger in while the car was waiting at a stop light. The lawsuit names both the truck driver and the trucking company as defendants in the lawsuit. According to Sunday Gazette Mail, the complaint alleges that the truck driver was drunk at the time of the trucking accident. The truck driver is currently in custody awaiting trial on drunk driving charges. Please click on the hyperlink in order to read more about this trucking accident lawsuit.

December 24, 2009

Laptop May Be Cause of Trucking Accident

A truck accident that occurred on December 12th and left one woman dead is under investigation to see if the driver of the tractor-trailer that caused the trucking accident was using his laptop at the time that the accident occurred. According to Buffalo News, the state troopers found a laptop in the cab of the truck involved in the accident and tests are being run to see if the laptop was running when the accident happened. The trucking accident occurred when the truck struck the victim’s car causing the driver to die. The victim’s car was on the side of the road because the driver had just been in an accident with a deer and police were wondering why the truck was unable to stop in time to miss the car. To read more about this trucking accident, click here.

December 22, 2009

Maine Township Trucking Accident Lawsuit Filed

A truck accident lawsuit has been filed in connection with a January Maine Township accident. The Suit was filed by State Farm Insurance and alleges that a Maine Township Highway Department truck backed in a car at the intersection of Church Street and Greenwood and was the fault of the truck driver backing up suddenly as the car entered the intersection. According to Pioneer Local, the complaint seeks over $4000 in damages. To read more about this trucking accident lawsuit, please click here.

December 21, 2009

Streator Trucking Accident Kills One

A Streator man was killed in a trucking accident on December 16th after his car was struck by a semi truck, The trucking accident was caused by the truck failing to stop at a stop sign and crashing into a passenger car in which the victim was driving. According to The Pantagraph, the victim was traveling on Illinois 23 when struck by the truck and the victim appeared to be dead at the scene of the trucking accident. If you would like to read more about the fatal Streator trucking accident, please click here,

December 20, 2009

Trucking Accident Lawsuit Filed over Wrongful Death of Family Member

The family of the victim of a trucking accident has filed a trucking accident lawsuit in connection with the wrongful death of their loved one. According to the complaint, the trucking accident occurred when the truck driver was following too closely and lost control, striking a median. The impact of hitting the median caused a chunk of concrete to break off and go through the windshield of the victim’s car, killing him instantly. According to Top Wire News, the trucking driver already was been indicted on criminal charges and according to the family’s personal injury attorney the family is worried about aggressive driving and unsafe roads and so they brought this lawsuit. To read more about this trucking accident lawsuit, click here.

December 18, 2009

Kane County Truck Accident Lawsuit Filed

A trucking accident lawsuit has been filed in connection with a Kane County accident that occurred that spring in Sugar Grove Township. According to The Daily Herald, a Marengo man was killed after a pickup truck crashed into oncoming traffic and slammed into the victim’s van. The wrongful death suit is against the County because the driver that caused the truck accident had been pulled over just minutes before the accident for erratic driving but then was allowed back on the road. The truck accident lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in damages and is scheduled for early next year. To read more about this Kane County wrongful death suit, click here.

December 15, 2009

Man Killed After Truck Collides with His SUV

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.

December 13, 2009

Two Illinois Men Injured In Fed-Ex Truck Accident

Two Fed-Ex employees from Illinois were injured in the Poconos when the tractor-trailer they were operating drove off an embankment and collided with the front entrance of a vineyard. According to reports, the truck driver lost control of the truck, causing it crash through a guardrail and plunge down the embankment. Local emergency personnel had to free the driver, and both he and his passenger were taken to a local hospital. Fortunately, they did not suffer any serious personal injuries. Read about this Fed Ex trucking accident.

December 9, 2009

Woman Injured in Mettawa Trucking Accident

A Mettawa trucking accident injured a Lake Bluff woman who is now in stable condition at a local hospital. The accident occurred on December 3rd on Illinois Route 60 when the driver of the car failed to yield while turning in front of a semi. According to WBBM 780, the trucking accident caused the semi to careen off the roadway, but luckily the truck driver did not suffer any injuries. The accident is still under investigation. If you would like more information on the Illinois trucking accident, click here.

December 8, 2009

New Illinois Trucking Law in Effect at New Year

A new Illinois law will raise the speed limit for truckers from 55 to 65 starting at the beginning of the new year. The bill has been in the air for years and just now was passed. According to WSIL TV, many truckers are excited about the increase in speed limit because of the time it takes to cross the state at the lower speed limit. Proponents of the new law claim that the higher speed limit should actually make truck driving safer and lead to fewer trucking accidents because the trucks can now drive more at the speed of other traffic. To read more about this new Illinois trucking law, please click on the hyperlink.

December 7, 2009

Trucking Accident Lawsuit Settles for Over One Million Dollars

A trucking accident lawsuit recently concluded, resulting in a $1.5 million dollar settlement for the Plaintiff in connection with a trucking accident that occurred in 2005 in which the Plaintiff’s vehicle was struck by a tractor-trailer. According to The Morning Call, the complaint alleged that the truck hit the Plaintiff’s car while the Plaintiff was stopped at a light waiting to turn. The plaintiff’s trucking accident attorney sought damages for Plaintiff’s injured back, head, arms, neck and legs incurred in the trucking accident. If you would like more information on this trucking accident lawsuit settlement, click on this hyperlink.

December 6, 2009

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in Connection With Trucking Accident

A trucking accident lawsuit has been filed in connection with the death of two teenagers who were killed on November 9th while working on the median of I-75 after a truck driver was driving negligently and veered off the road, striking the two young kids. According to The Examiner, the wrongful death lawsuit seeks $5 million dollars. The trucking accident attorney for the Plaintiff represents the mother of one of the victims’ young daughter. The lawsuit alleges that the truck driver either fell asleep at the wheel, was under the influence at the time of the trucking accident or was texting when the accident occurred. No criminal charges have been filed at this point. If you are interested in reading more about this trucking accident, click here.

December 5, 2009

Monee Trucking Accident Leaves One Person Dead and Another Severely Hurt

A trucking accident that occurred in Monee on November 20th left person dead and one person with severe personal injuries. The trucking accident occurred on I-57 and according to The Herald-News, it is believed to have been caused by the semi failing to observe a traffic stop. One person involved in the accident was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident and another victim has to be airlifted to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Citations are supposed to issued, but at this time none have been issued. To read more about this Monee trucking accident, click here.

December 4, 2009

Lake County Trucking Accident Closed Road for Several Hours

A trucking accident on December 3rd left a Lake County Road closed down for about two hours. The trucking accident occurred when a semi was traveling west on Illinois Highway 60 and a car collided with the semi. The semi swerved about 30 feet off the road, knocking over a traffic light pole. According to Chicago Breaking News, the driver of the car was taken to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and at this point the extent of her personal injuries is unknown. The truck driver was also taken to the same hospital, although not for treatment of any injuries but for drug and alcohol testing. At this point no charges have been filed but the trucking accident still remains under investigation. If you would like to read more about this Lake County trucking accident, please click here.

December 3, 2009

Illinois Woman Injured in Vernon Hills Trucking Accident

A Vernon Hills trucking accident left a woman injured. The trucking accident occurred on December 2nd at the intersection of IL Route 60 and St. Mary’s Road and seems to have occurred when the woman’s car was trying to turn left in front of the truck and the truck then struck the car. According to Pioneer Local, the woman was taken to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville for treatment of her personal injuries and the driver of the truck did not suffer any injuries in the accident. To learn more about this trucking accident, please click on the link.

December 2, 2009

Young Mother Killed in Trucking Accident

A young mother was killed in a trucking accident on November 30th on her way back from a Thanksgiving holiday in Illinois. The trucking accident is believed to have occurred when the young woman fell asleep at the wheel and a semi tried to avoid her but she hit the last set of his wheels and she was killed instantly. According to WNDU.com, the victim’s two children who were in the back seat were fine after the trucking accident and their lives are being credited to the child safety belts. The woman is also survived by her husband who could not go along on the family trip because of work. To read more about this horrible accident, please click on the link.

December 1, 2009

Hazardous Material Spill Closes Bridge Following Trucking Accident

A trucking accident on November 30th left a bridge closed for several hours after hydrochloric acid was spilled all over the roadway. The trucking accident occurred when a tractor-trailer hit a barrier and turned over, spilling its load of about 400 gallons of hydrochloric acid. According to KansasCity.com, not only were road closures required but the area has to be evacuated because of the danger of the hazardous materials that had been spilled. The truck driver, two police officers and a construction worker were taken to a local hospital after they inhaled fumes but none of the injuries were life-threatening. At this point in the investigation, speed is believed to have been a contributing factor to the trucking accident. Click here to read more about the trucking accident.

November 30, 2009

Personal Injury Attorney Wants New Hearing for Trucking Accident Case

A Belleville personal injury attorney wants a new hearing and monetary damages from an insurance company that the attorney feels bribed a witness in connection with a trucking accident in 2006. According to The Chicago Tribune, the trial has since ended, but the attorney claims that the witness that claims to have seen the driver swerving prior to the accident from her apartment could not have actually seen this because her lease started six months after the trucking accident occurred. If you are interested in more about this possibly fraudulent verdict, click on this link.

November 29, 2009

Chicago Resident Involved in Trucking Accident

Police have released the name of a person killed in a fatal trucking accident that occurred on November 20th. The trucking accident occurred when a tractor-trailer was stopped in connection with another crash and a pickup truck struck the stopped truck. According to RGJ.com, another vehicle then crashed into the pickup truck from behind. The passenger in the pickup truck was fatally inured, and the trucking driver was a Chicago resident and had to be extricated from his vehicle and taken to a local hospital. For more information on this fatal trucking accident, click here.

November 28, 2009

Trucking Accident Leads to Large Gasoline Spill on Stevenson Expressway

A trucking driver has been cited for spilling 65 gallons of gasoline onto the Stevenson Expressway on November 27th. The trucking accident occurred near Pulaski Road and the Expressway was shut down in both directions for several hours so crews could clean up the spill. According to Chicago Sun Times, the spill was caused by a trucking accident in which the truck carrying the gasoline collided with a passenger car. The reason that the spill was so dangerous and lanes had to be shut down until all the gasoline was cleaned up was because gasoline is extremely flammable. The truck driver was issued citations for improper overtaking on the right and for disobeying a traffic control device. For more information on this Illinois trucking accident, please click on the hyperlink.

November 27, 2009

Kankakee Trucking Accident Results in No Injuries

A trucking accident on I-57 near Kankakee on November 24th occurred after the driver of a truck fell asleep at the wheel. According to The Daily Journal, the truck driver lost control after falling asleep and the truck flipped over, causing traffic to be stalled for almost an hour while the truck was removed from the area. The driver was alright following the trucking accident and as of now no charges have been filed. For more on this Kankakee trucking accident, click here.

November 26, 2009

Plaintiff in Trucking Accident Lawsuit Receives Over Half a Million in Damages

The Plaintiff in a trucking accident lawsuit has received $600,000 in damages. According to Lawyers and Settlements, the trucking accident lawsuit was initially problematic because the victim has extensive pre-existing conditions and difficult pre-injury medical records, however after it was revealed that the Defendant truck driver has destroyed certain documents in connection with the crash, the value of the case increased greatly. If you would like to find out more about this trucking accident lawsuit, click here.

November 24, 2009

Wrongful Death Trucking Accident Lawsuit Ends

A wrongful death lawsuit in connection with a 2006 trucking accident resulted in a $5.1 million verdict for the Plaintiff. The Plaintiff was involved in a truck accident in which his wife was killed when their car was struck by a trucker than allegedly ran a stop sign. According to staugustine.com, the Defendant tried to argue that the accident was due to poor signage and not his fault, however the jury found that the Defendant was 60 percent responsible for the accident, the trucking company was 40 percent responsible and the county was not responsible for any of the trucking accident. To read more about this trucking accident lawsuit, click here.

November 23, 2009

Monee Trucking Accident Kills One

An eight-vehicle Monee trucking accident that occurred on November 20th killed a Harvey man and hurt two others. The truck driver that caused the trucking accident has been cited with failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and improper lane usage. The trucking accident occurred while cars were stopped on Monee Manhattan Road from previous accidents and when the truck was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting the cars. According to The Chicago Sun Times, the victim that was killed was pronounced dead at the scene of the truck accident. For more information on this trucking accident, click here.

November 22, 2009

Trucking Accident May Have been Caused by Suicide Attempt

An Anderson woman was injured on November 16th when she was struck by a tractor trailer heading down I-69. According to The Herald Bulletin, witnesses to the trucking accident claim that they had been trying to calm the woman down but that she then ran in front of the truck in what is believed to have been a suicide attempt. The truck driver had slowed down because he was trying to merge into a different lane. The woman was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a broken pelvis, leg and arm and a cut to the forehead. For more information on this Anderson trucking accident, click here.

November 21, 2009

Flipped Semi Slows Traffic in Rockford

A Rockford trucking accident that occurred on November 20th slowed traffic at the 20 Bypass and I-90 and traffic had to drive slowly along the should to pass. According to WREX, the trucking accident occurred when a semi-truck flipped over and blocked both lanes for about 45 minutes. The trucking accident occurred near Kishwaukee River and luckily no injuries were reported. For additional information on this trucking accident, click here.

November 20, 2009

Deer Trucking Accident Injures Driver

A Fulton County trucking accident injured the driver when a deer that was in the air after being hit by another vehicle flew into the truck driver’s windshield. The accident occurred on November 19th on Route 24 and after the deer crashed through the truck driver’s window the semi went off the road and crashed into a guardrail and then into a ditch. Luckily, the truck driver was wearing his seat belt. According to PJ Star, the truck driver was hospitalized with serious personal injuries. Please click here to read more about this Liverpool trucking accident.

November 19, 2009

Salem Man Injured in Illinois Trucking Accident

A Salem man was seriously hurt in a three-automobile crash on Route 50 on the morning of November 18th. According to WJBD Radio, the trucking accident occurred when the driver of a mini-wan tried to pass a semi-truck and then struck a semi-truck that was headed in the opposite direction. The truck driver had tried to pull on to the shoulder to avoid a truck accident but the minivan struck the back wheels of the truck. The driver of the minivan was ticketed for improper overtaking and the driver and his two passengers were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their personal injuries. To read more about this Illinois trucking accident, click here.

November 18, 2009

Settlement Reached in Fatal Trucking Accident

A truck accident wrongful death lawsuit resulted in a $5.1 million judgment for the victim’s family. The truck accident occurred in 2006 when a tractor-trailer ran a stop sign and stuck the vehicle the victim was riding in. The victim was killed in the trucking accident, and her husband was injured but has since recovered. The truck accident attorney for the trucker claims that the signage was bad and the rumble strips needed replacing. The jury found that the trucking accident was the driver was 60 percent to blame and the trucking company was 40 percent to blame. By clicking on the link, learn more about this trucking lawsuit settlement.

November 17, 2009

Illinois Three Car and Truck Accident Closes Road for Several Hours

A four vehicle collision in the Naperville area earlier this afternoon occurred when a driver that was impaired by diabetes caused a three-car collision and then veered into traffic, hitting a semitrailer truck. The truck then struck an electric pole, causing a the power in the are to go out temporarily. According to Chicago Breaking News, Naperville-Plainfield Road was closed in both directions following the trucking accident. For additional information about this Illinois trucking accident, please click on the link.

November 16, 2009

Trucking Accident Lawsuit Settles for Slightly Under $2 Million Dollars

A trucking accident lawsuit was concluded and a man that was involved in a trucking accident in 2006 with a dump truck was awarded close to $2 million dollars. The Plaintiff is this lawsuit was riding his motorcycle when he crashed into a dump truck. The Plaintiff suffered was severely injured with many fractured bones and other serious injuries and according to her attorneys, Plaintiff will suffer lifetime disabilities. The car accident attorney for the truck driver allege that the motorcycle driver failed to stop at a stop sign and therefore the accident was his fault. The jury found that the Plaintiff was 20% contributorily negligent in the accident and that the Defendants were 80% responsible for the accident. For more information on this car accident lawsuit and settlement, please click here.

November 15, 2009

Christian County Truck and Train Accident Leaves No One Injured

A trucking accident in Christian County that occurred on November 11th resulted in no injuries. According to My State Line, a truck driver claims to have not seen a train coming as we waited on the track for traffic to clear the road ahead, and it was too late to get off the track once he realized and the train drove through the trailer of the truck. Luckily, while there was a mess following the trucking accident no one was injured as a result of the accident. There were apparently no lights or arms at the intersection to warn of possible oncoming trains. For more information on this Taylorville trucking accident, click on this link.

November 14, 2009

Trucking Accident Civil Lawsuit Begins

A lawsuit is underway in connection with a trucking accident that killed a teenage girl in May of 2008. The civil trucking accident lawsuit seeks $15 million in damages. According to The Daily Progress, the trucking accident occurred when the teenager’s car was struck by a tractor-trailer. The truck driver has already been convicted of involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving in a criminal lawsuit in connection with this fatal trucking accident. The civil suit filed by the family of the victim names the trucking company as the Defendant, claiming that the truck was not maintained properly and that the driving was not following the appropriate procedures at the time of the trucking accident. For more updates on this trucking accident lawsuit, please check back at this hyperlink.

November 13, 2009

Cause of Fatal Trucking Accident Still Unknown

A fatal truck accident occurred on November 9th and left a truck driver dead after his truck plunged over the side of a bridge and into an island. According to The Examiner, the highway patrol is claiming that investigators found that the fatal trucking accident was caused by the truck driver’s excessive speed. However the victim’s family is saying that the detour that is in place on the bridge, and that has resulted in 43 accidents in the past couple months, is to blame for the fatal accident. The actual cause at this time is not yet known, however the driver was going over the posted speed limit at the time of the accident. Information shows that most of the other accidents that occurred at this detour happened when drivers were going at excessive speeds. No trucking accident lawsuit has been filed at this time, and since the driver owned his own truck there is no trucking company that could be sued. Similar trucking accidents occur in Chicago and it is important to ensure that all safety precautions are taken by the city and also that truck drivers follow speed limits. For more in-depth information on the issues that come into play with this fatal trucking accident, click here.

November 9, 2009

Motorcyclist Dies in Trucking Accident

A motorcycle struck a semi on I-74 on November 9th in Carlock and resulted in the death of the motorcycle driver. The victim was a Lexington man and the accident occurred when the driver apparently lost control of his motorcycle and hit the driver’s side of the truck. According to The PJ Star, the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the trucking accident. The accident is still under investigation. For more information on this Illinois trucking Accident, click here.

November 8, 2009

Investigation into Trucking Accident Reveals Other Defects

An investigation into a trucking accident that occurred in April of this year, led to findings that other truck’s within the company were also unsafe. Four other trucks in the fleet were cited within the last 2 years. The trucking accident that triggered the investigation occurred in April resulted in the death of one person. According to Republican American, the trucking company says that they have an enviable safety record and that these trucking accident were not a result of unsafe trucks. For more information on this trucking accident finding, click here.