Semi-trucks can be seen driving up and down Illinois, transporting goods from our state to other parts of the nation and back again. If you’ve ever shuddered when coming upon one of these rigs, we can’t blame you.
Large commercial trucks go by many names, semi-truck, big rig, tractor-trailer, and 18-wheeler. Regardless of the name, these are big and dangerous vehicles. If you have been hit by one, then you will probably suffer serious injuries, some of which could be permanent.
Tuite Law is here to help. Contact one of our Illinois truck accident lawyers for a free consultation.
Why Big Rigs Are So Dangerous
Semi-trucks might be necessary for economic growth, but they are still monsters on the road. These trucks are so dangerous that the federal government had to create a special agency in 2000 to regulate them—the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The number of people injured or killed by these trucks was so high that Congress felt compelled to act.
Why are semi-trucks so dangerous? Well, for one thing, they are much larger than small passenger sedans. A semi-truck has two parts—the cab and then a large trailer attached.
The trailer contains the goods that are being hauled to a destination. When a semi-truck rolls over, for example, it can easily block traffic on multi-lane highways and strike vehicles in its way.
Extremely Heavy
For another, semi-trucks are very heavy, thanks to the cargo. The federal government sets a maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds for each vehicle. This is about 20 times heavier than most passenger vehicles.
If something of this size and weight crashes into your Toyota or Chevy, you are likely to be severely injured.
Semi Truck Accident Injuries
Many of our clients suffer life-changing injuries in a truck accident. Among the more serious injuries we have seen are the following:
- Permanent nerve damage
- Multiple fractures, including facial fractures
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent brain damage
- Concussions
Even when a truck accident is relatively “minor,” the path back to recovery is often long and painful. Many people need months of rehabilitation before they can begin to regain lost bodily functions. Many clients will never return to their old selves.
Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death
It should not be surprising that many people involved in semi-truck accidents in Illinois end up succumbing to their injuries. They leave behind distraught family members who never thought such an event could befall them. In some cases, the victim was the family’s main breadwinner, and those left behind wonder how they will continue to pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads.
Fortunately, Illinois law allows family members to receive compensation in a wrongful death case. Please contact a seasoned Rockford truck accident lawyer for more information.
Tuite Law Offers a Free Consultation
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident, avoid delay. Please contact us to find out whether you have a legal claim to compensation. The sooner you start, the better.
Reach out to one of our Rockford truck accident lawyers for a free, confidential consultation.
