Truck Driver Negligence

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Although some trucking accidents are purely accidental, the unfortunate truth is that the majority of trucking accidents are the result of a negligent truck driver. Due to the sheer size and weight of heavy trucks and tractor trailers, the victims of such accidents often sustain catastrophic injury. The Chicago trucking accident and injury attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. believe that the victims of such devastating trucking accident should be compensated for injuries sustained as a result of a negligent truck driver.

Commonly, trucking accidents occur as a result of a truck driver traveling at an excessive speed, or traveling too fast for the weather or road conditions. Often times, truck drivers are paid at a per mile rate, and as such, the driver of a tractor trailer driver may speed in an effort to receive higher pay. Our Chicago trucking accident lawyers feel that truck drivers who, solely for the purpose of self-motivated reasons, risk the life and limb of other motorists sharing the same roadway, should be held accountable for such careless actions.

Accidents involving tractor trailers may also occur as a result of a trucker’s driving error. Truck drivers may misjudge distance while maneuvering a turn, resulting in wide turns that can obstruct the right of way of other motorists, cause collision with other vehicles, as well as cause other serious accidents involving jack-knifing and rollovers. Improper lane change, pulling out in front of a motorist, or cutting another motorist off are examples of other common errors of truckdrivers that can result in disastrous accidents. Such accidents may occur through a truck driver’s failure to yield to other motorists, or for failure to properly adjust rear-view mirrors, which can result in the truck driver’s failure to observe another motorist altogether.

Driver fatigue is another frequent cause of trucking accidents. Fatigue can result in inattentiveness or carelessness, and unfortunately can also lead to a driver falling asleep behind the wheel. Another common cause in trucking accidents is distracted driving. Negligent truck drivers may be talking on the phone or texting while driving, and sometimes even performing other tasks such as completing paperwork, each of which can lead to horrific consequences. Our Chicago trucking injury and accident attorneys believe that truck drivers should always be cognizant of the responsibility that comes with the safe handling of massive machinery such as heavy trucks and tractor trailers.

Truck and tractor trailer accidents also may occur due to a trucker’s abuse of drugs or alcohol. Driving while impaired is a serious criminal offense, and should never be taken lightly. Our team of trucking accident lawyers feel that in addition to civil liability for injury and death caused by a trucker’s impaired driving, such accidents should also result in the maximum criminal penalties permitted by Illinois law.

If you were the victim of a trucking accident injury, or if you suspect that a loved one was killed as a result of a negligent truck driver, the Chicago attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. want to see to it that you and your family receive the compensation that you deserve. Contact our office today at 773-516-4100, for a free personal injury consultation with a licensed Illinois attorney experienced in trucking accidents.