Commercial truck drivers must obey a number of federal and state laws, the purpose of which is to keep everyone on the road safe. In populous areas like Chicago, obeying these regulations can help prevent catastrophic losses, yet some drivers still violate these commercial truck rules in Illinois.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a truck accident, one of the legal options you can pursue is to file a claim. At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our team can assist you as you navigate this process. To learn more about the rules that commercial drivers must abide by and how our Illinois truck accident lawyers can help, contact us now at (312) 635-5400.
How Powell And Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After A Truck Accident In Chicago, IL
A commercial truck’s sheer size makes serious impairments, like traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and disfigurement, more likely to occur if it is involved in a collision. Passenger vehicles can easily be crushed by these trucks, leading to injuries that (if not outright fatal) require extensive medical care and prevent victims from working.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our team of Chicago truck accident attorneys is here to help if you’re planning on filing a claim after a collision. We provide services that include the following:
- An evaluation of your case during a free consultation
- An investigation of your truck accident to gather as much evidence as possible
- Communication and negotiations with insurance companies
- Litigation if a settlement with insurers isn’t possible
We are a client-centered law firm with decades of combined legal experience. Coupled with our dedication and understanding of Illinois law, we have been able to recover $250 million for our clients in settlements and jury verdicts. If you’ve suffered losses in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact us to learn more about how we can help.
Understanding Illinois Trucking Laws
Recognizing which rules and regulations commercial truck drivers must follow can sometimes be confusing, as there are both state and federal laws in place. In Illinois, though, most of the state’s rules match federal ones, which makes things slightly easier.
Some of the most important laws in place are those that restrict the number of hours that a driver can be on the road. Illinois follows federal working hours for truckers and requires the use of electronic logging devices to monitor driving times. There are provisions for intrastate drivers, as well, which means that they could have different driving hours while in Illinois.
One Illinois-specific law enforces different truck weight and size limits depending on the type of street the truck is driving through, the cargo being transported, and the kind of vehicle itself. These regulations help to prevent damage to roads while also working to prevent trucks from getting out of the driver’s control and leading to catastrophic injuries.
Illinois also has very strict regulations in place regarding how truckers can obtain a commercial license. Any driver operating a vehicle that either weighs over 10,001 pounds, is designed to transport 16 or more people, or needs to be placarded when transporting hazardous materials must obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
To apply for a CDL, the driver must be at least 18, though only those who are 21 or older will be able to drive these particular trucks across state lines and carry passengers.
Why These Rules Matter To Other Drivers
One of the ways truck rules in Illinois prevent accidents from taking place on the state’s roads and highways is by ensuring that truckers don’t spend more time behind the wheel than is safe. Truck accidents occur often as a result of driver fatigue, which can affect a trucker’s reflexes and coordination in the same way as being intoxicated can.
The state’s rules also help those who have been in truck accidents determine who may be liable. If you know the trucker drove for longer than both Illinois and the federal government allow, you can hold the person liable.
You may also be able to go after the trucking company if it encouraged the driver to skirt the rules; understanding the intricacies of these laws will provide you with greater insight into which parties are most liable for your accident.
Contact Our Chicago, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Truck accidents often cause serious injuries and that means you may be in need of substantial compensation, which you put at risk if you attempt to negotiate with insurance companies on your own. If you’ve suffered injuries in an Illinois truck accident, your next step should be to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to represent and guide you through the claims process.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our team of Chicago truck accident lawyers offers the aggressive assistance you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.