Accidents involving a commercial vehicle can be particularly devastating to passengers in cars. The size and weight disparity between a semi-truck and a standard vehicle may cause severe injuries to the car’s driver and passengers. However, proving that a trucker was negligent in causing the crash is often difficult.
When you are hurt in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, an Aurora truck accident lawyer could help you recover fair compensation for your injuries. Contact a hardworking injury attorney at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. to schedule a consultation.
Who is Responsible for a Trucking Accident?
Collecting compensation following a big rig crash requires proving that another person caused the wreck. Proof may include that someone failed to act reasonably when the accident occurred. In most tractor-trailer accidents, this is relatively simple—either the other driver acted reasonably, or they did not.
That said, depending on the circumstances of the accident, multiple parties could be liable for a truck crash Not all of them may be present at the scene of the accident. For example, the parties responsible could include:
- The truck driver if they were speeding, driving recklessly, or texting while driving
- The trucking company if they failed to take proper safety measures or pushed the trucker to drive beyond the federal mandate
- The truck manufacturer if they failed to design or assemble the truck properly
- The truck maintenance company if they failed to maintain braking or steering systems properly
An attorney with experience handling trucking collisions in Aurora could help an injured driver or passenger investigate the accident to determine who is responsible based on the facts of the incident.
What Are Standard Federal Trucking Regulations?
Even when it seems clear that the truck driver caused the accident—for example, by running a red light or driving under the influence—the company that employs them could also share liability.
An example is when the trucking company fails to comply with any rules and regulations that apply to driving time limits. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, multiple rules apply to trucking companies and drivers who operate commercial vehicles nationwide. Additionally, the State of Illinois has passed its own regulations.
For example, 625 ILCS 5/15-111 provides that the total weight for a commercial vehicle—including those carrying cargo—cannot exceed 80,000 pounds altogether or 20,000 pounds on a single axle. It may not be evident at the scene of the accident that a trucking company failed to comply with this regulation. However, a legal representative could investigate the crash and collect evidence proving that the company was negligent in ignoring the mandate.
A hardworking lawyer in Aurora could help you determine which rules apply to the trucking company and work to hold them accountable for the injuries you suffered.
Make an Appointment with a Truck Accident Attorney in Aurora
Being involved in an accident with a semi-truck could lead to serious injuries and, unfortunately, a drawn-out battle to receive compensation for those injuries.
When you are injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, an Aurora truck accident lawyer could help you recover the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on healing and returning to your normal life. Call a dedicated legal representative at the Law Offices of R.F. Wittmeyer, Ltd. to schedule a confidential consultation and get started on your legal claim.