Were you injured in a truck accident as a result of negligent hiring practices in Chicago, Illinois? You may be entitled to compensation.
Negligent hiring happens when a trucking company fails to properly vet or train its drivers, putting unqualified or dangerous drivers on the road. When this kind of carelessness leads to a serious crash, victims often face devastating injuries and overwhelming costs.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we bring 35 years of combined experience and a record of more than $250 million recovered, including 75 verdicts and settlements of at least $1 million.
Call us today at (312) 635-5400 to speak with a Chicago truck accident lawyer about your case.
How Powell and Pisman Can Help After a Truck Accident Due to Negligent Hiring Practices in Chicago
Trucking companies are required to ensure the people they hire are qualified, safe, and properly trained. Unfortunately, when companies cut corners, the consequences often fall on innocent drivers and passengers
Our Chicago personal injury lawyers will do the following for you:
- Investigate the driver’s employment history, training records, and driving background
- Determine if the company ignored red flags, such as prior DUI convictions, reckless driving, or a lack of proper licensing
- Review federal and state regulations governing trucking company hiring and safety requirements
- Work with experts to reconstruct the crash and identify all contributing factors
- Handle all communication and negotiation with insurers and corporate defense teams
- Seek full compensation for medical costs, lost wages, long-term care needs, and pain and suffering
At Powell and Pisman, we take pride in standing up for injured victims across Chicago, Illinois. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a negligent hiring truck accident, contact us today for a free case review with a Chicago truck accident attorney.
What Are Common Negligent Hiring Practices?
Negligent hiring accidents happen when trucking companies fail to meet their duty to carefully screen and train drivers. Some of the most common causes include:
- Hiring drivers without a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Ignoring past records of reckless driving, DUIs, or drug use
- Allowing drivers with poor medical fitness or untreated health conditions to operate trucks
- Skipping background checks that would have uncovered criminal histories or safety violations
- Failing to provide proper training on handling large vehicles, securing cargo, or following hours-of-service rules
In Chicago, where traffic is dense and weather conditions can be harsh, unqualified drivers pose an even greater risk. A single lapse in judgment from an undertrained or unfit driver can cause catastrophic harm.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Many people hesitate to call a lawyer because they worry about costs. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no upfront fees, and our payment comes only as a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover for you. If we do not win your case, you will owe us nothing. This structure ensures that every victim has access to high-quality legal representation, no matter their financial situation.
What Are Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents?
When an unqualified driver is operating a vehicle that weighs up to 80,000 pounds, the results can be life-altering. Victims of negligent hiring in truck accidents often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe internal injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
At Powell and Pisman, we have seen the devastation these injuries bring to families in Chicago. That is why we fight for compensation that reflects medical costs and the full scope of your suffering and loss.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims?
Victims of negligent hiring accidents in Chicago may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and reduced earning potential. These damages are vital for helping families stay afloat after a crash.
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of an injury, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the emotional toll on victims and their loved ones.
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the trucking company’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional, such as knowingly hiring a driver with a dangerous history. These damages are designed to punish wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future.
Our job is to calculate the full value of your claim so nothing is left on the table when seeking justice.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Illinois?
The statute of limitations sets the time limit for filing a lawsuit. In Illinois, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation at all. Some exceptions may extend or shorten the timeframe, so speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible is important. The earlier you act, the stronger your case will be.
Contact Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a negligent hiring truck accident in Chicago, Powell and Pisman is here to fight for you. With over 35 years of combined experience and over $250 million recovered, we have a proven track record of success. Call us today to schedule your free consultation with a Chicago truck accident lawyer and start your path to justice.