What causes truck accidents?

Truck accidents in Illinois can occur for a number of different reasons. In some cases, a truck driver’s negligent or passenger vehicle driver’s negligent actions cause the accident. In other cases, the trucking company that owns the truck and employs the driver is responsible for the accident by failing to adhere to state and federal trucking regulations. In fact, many truck accidents are caused by both negligent drivers and negligent trucking companies. Victims of truck accidents can file lawsuits against these negligent parties and recover damages for their medical expenses and other accident-related costs.

Non-truck drivers may be responsible for accidents involving commercial trucks. These drivers may drive their vehicles in the truck driver’s blind spot, change lanes or pass a truck in an unsafe manner, or improperly merging into traffic, thereby forcing a truck driver to swerve or brake suddenly. However, many accidents are caused by the negligence of the truck drivers themselves. Driving at an excessive speed, falling asleep behind the wheel, and overloading a truck are all forms of truck driver negligence.

Trucking companies can be vicariously liable for a truck driver’s negligence under the doctrine of “respondeat superior.” Companies can also be negligent in failing to properly train their drivers, failing to perform proper maintenance on their trucks, or forcing their drivers to violate federal regulations by driving too many hours straight without a break.

Truck accidents are responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths each year. If you or a loved one has been in a trucking accident, it may be in your best interest to contact an attorney in your area to discuss your case.