When you see that semi-trailer bearing down on you from your rear-view mirror, it’s traveling at more than 55 mph. The gigantic piece of machinery is at least 65 feet long and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Even on dry pavement, it takes the semi-trailer at least 20% longer to stop than a passenger car. If it rear-ends you, at least half of your car is going to be flattened. If you live through that impact, you’re likely to be severely injured. These types of accidents happen every day across the United States. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, here are some of their most common causes:
- Faulty brakes and tires
- Speeding and driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or a combination of the two
Some Common Truck Accident Injuries
When semi-trailers are involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle, the truck driver is riding much higher off of the ground than the driver of the passenger vehicle. That’s one of the reasons why truck drivers suffer far fewer injuries in accidents than the occupants of other vehicles. A truck accident lawyer in Rockford will see some of these common injuries to passenger car occupants:
Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
- Damage to vital organs
- Multiple severe fractures
- Traumatic or medically necessary amputations
- Severe burns
- Joint and spinal structure damage
- Damage to muscles and other soft tissue
Illinois law gives the injured victims of truck crashes the right to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. You’ll only have one opportunity to protect that right, and you need to begin protecting it right away. When you retain a truck accident lawyer in Rockford to represent you, they will not just protect your right to compensation, but they’re also going to pursue the maximum compensation that you deserve for your injuries and damages.
If you or a family member were seriously injured in a crash that was caused by a large truck, contact The American Law Firm in Rockford as soon as possible to arrange for a free consultation and case assessment.
