TrucK ACCIDENT LEGAL REPRESENTATION - Frankfort

Expert Legal Representation for Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving a Commercial Truck

Wojcik Law - Top-Rated LAW FIRM

Selecting the best legal representation is vital to your motor vehicle accident case. The automobile accident legal team at Wojcik Law stands ready to represent you with decades of legal experience recovering compensation for our clients involved in commercial truck accident cases.

At the Law Offices of William S. Wojcik LTD. we have an outstanding track record as the most well-accomplished trucking accident injury legal experts, at providing award-winning legal representation in Frankfort - and the surrounding Chicagoland area.

Wojcik Law Firm: Ready To Represent You!

Results-Driven Trucking Accident Attorneys in

William S. Wojcik, Ltd. is renowned for its expertise in a wide range of legal matters related to truck accidents in the State of Illinois. A team of experienced automobile accident attorneys dedicated to providing high-quality legal representation to individuals who have been involved in truck accidents.

During your moment of need of legal representation in Frankfort, you can depend on William S. Wojcik, LTD., the top-rated commercial truck accident attorney serving Chicago to represent you, reach out to Wojcik Law today! See Wojcik Law Firm - Top-Rated Reviews of our past clients. 

What Are The Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Illinois?

There are many factors that can lead to a commercial trucking accident. Wojcik Law has been handling commercial and semi-truck accident cases for decades. The investigative team at Wojcik Law will work to find the root cause of the accident. The details uncovered in this investigation will help ensure that you receive the proper compensation that you are entitled to. 

• Driver Error - Despite the increased size and impact of truck accidents, truck drivers often drive recklessly. They often drive drowsy to reach mileage goals set by their companies and may be operating their truck while under the influence or while distracted. 

• Poorly Maintained Trucks - Trucks are often driven thousands of miles per week and if they are not properly cared for, they can become dangerous quickly. While worn brake pads or a cracked windshield must be dealt with if they occur on smaller vehicles, they can be the cause of a major traffic accident on a truck.

• Defective Parts Failure - Defective parts on a truck may not be the fault of the driver, but they can turn deadly. Your attorney will be able to tell if a trucking company or manufacturer may be liable for your accident in addition to the truck driver. 

• Improperly Loaded Cargo - Loading the beds of commercial trucks must be done carefully and in accordance with the law. If they are loaded improperly, the contents on the truck may spill out onto the road and cause accidents and injuries

• Commercial Truck Driver Fatigue 

• Truck Driver / Operator - Distracted Driving 

• Truck Driver Speeding and Reckless Driving 

• Trucking Company Negligent Hiring Practices

• Trucking Company - Maintenance Issues 

How Truck Accidents Are Different From Car & Automobile Accidents

Commercial freight trucks tend to weigh 80,000 pounds or more, twenty times the weight of passenger cars. Despite regulations that exist to ensure truck drivers do not drive more than ten hours per day, they are often given financial incentives for traveling large distances faster, which can directly impinge upon other drivers’ safety. 

Larger Insurance Policies - Truck drivers’ insurance policies are up to fifty times larger than car accident policies. This often is the total value of insurance in the millions, consequently, you can bet that the different insurance carriers named in a lawsuit will do everything in their power to prove they were not liable. Veteran insurance adjusters will be called in and employ intricate tactics, such as offering a seemingly-large payout, when your case might be worth far more. Having a trusted lawyer by your side can help make the process considerably less stressful. - Increased 

Property Damage - As noted above, the weight and overall size of an 18-wheeler commercial freight truck are much larger than that of a typical vehicle. That means that any surrounding property is going to be affected much more than in a crash involving two cars.

More Serious Injuries - Similarly, the injuries that are common in car accidents are also far more severe and can include intensive medical care and bills. From serious whiplash and broken bones to brain trauma and severe lacerations, injuries following a truck accident are often life-changing. 

Much Larger Medical Bills - The amount of time spent in a hospital tends to be much longer than car accident-related injuries. Victims of truck accidents are unable to return to work for a prolonged period of time, if at all. By working with an experienced lawyer at Wojcik Law, we can more accurately calculate your current and future pain and suffering to obtain the compensation you truly deserve. - Greater Chance of Death - An accident with a large commercial truck is far more likely to result in death than a crash between two passenger cars. 

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are between 3,000 and 5,000 deaths due to truck accidents every year. 

Considering the number of variables involved in truck accidents and the considerable resources wielded by the trucking companies and their insurers, getting a no-cost case assessment is a recommended first step when deciding whether to obtain the services of a lawyer in Chicago Ridge.

Chicago Ridge Trucking Accident Legal Justice

Legal Advice & Representation for Commercial Truck Accident Injury Claims

The most important thing to remember following an accident is getting medical assistance and then calling our Law Office. Do not talk to any insurance companies as they are only interested in providing you with the absolute minimum compensation possible.

After you or a loved one has been involved in a collision involving a commercial truck in or near Chicago Ridge, IL - it is understandable that you want your questions answered by a legal expert.

Commercial Truck Drivers - Legal Representation in Chicago Ridge

Commercial truck accidents in Chicago Ridge are not always simple motor vehicle accident cases. As a result, only the most experienced attorneys at Wojcik Law should handle your claim.

Was your commercial trucking accident due to any of the following? 

• Being overworked by your employer 

• Put in an unsafe, improperly maintained truck

• Were told to drive in unsafe weather 

• Being overloaded 

No matter how safe the driver handles the vehicle, unfortunately, some motor vehicle accidents can not be avoided. Consequently, people suffer from the negligence of others, we work day and night to investigate the crash, uncover any evidence, and hold those accountable so victims can begin to heal alongside their loved ones. 

• Be forced to take time off of work 

• Have to replace your vehicle 

• Deal with endless paperwork 

• Undergo intense treatments 

• Be in agonizing pain

In the event, you are a commercial truck driver and took all of the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself, as well as others on the road, yet still were involved in an automobile accident, contact the experienced team at Wojcik Law for trucking award-winning accident legal representation in Chicago Ridge, Illinois.

At Wojcik Law, our experienced personal injury and automobile accident attorneys have represented Chicago Ridge clients in all types of motor vehicle accident cases - including those involving commercial trucks. 

SEMI-Truck & COMMERCIAL TRUCKING Accident Injury Claims

I Was Recently the Victim of a Trucking Accident; What is My Claim Worth? 

Truck accidents require specialized knowledge, especially if they involve an 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer, as Federal and State laws come into account. Truck accident injury claims require extensive fact-finding, detail digging, witness testimonials, evidence, timeline manifests, and medical records. Allow a professional Chicago automobile accident attorney to expertly prepare your legal stance to position yourself to receive the compensation and justice that you are entitled to.

HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN A COMMERCIAL TRUCK ACCIDENT IN THE CHICAGO RIDGE AREA?

At William S. Wojcik, LTD. we have comprehensive motor vehicle accident legal knowledge and decades of legal experience required to provide exceptional legal representation and support during your claim for compensation. Get in touch with Wojcik Law for commercial truck accident expert legal advice, right away!

What to do if Involved in a Trucking Accident in CHICAGO RIDGE

It is vital to know exactly what to do at the moment you are involved in one. Chicagoland’s top-rated truck accident Law Firm, we have the experience to provide sound legal advice and exemplary, in-depth legal representation.

The amount of confusion immediately following a truck crash can be massive. You’ll want to ensure that the police and any necessary emergency workers are contacted immediately to assist with any injuries or burns. The local Chicago Ridge police will take extensive notes, take photos as part of their accident report, obtain statements from all the involved parties and any witnesses.

If possible, you will also want to document as much information regarding the motor vehicle accident as you can, including witness statements. With your phone’s camera, take as many pictures as possible of the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you and any other passengers sustained. Taking photos may assist in ensuring that anything the police missed is still well-documented.

Do not agree to just “let the accident go”, even the slightest of accidents have the potential to cause physical injuries, that may not be felt immediately. In a similar manner, your vehicle may have sustained structural damage that may not visible at the time of the accident. Never take responsibility, even partially, for an automobile accident involving a commercial truck or sign anything regarding who is at fault for the collision.

Your health and safety come first, get Immediate care The first thing to always do following an accident is to seek immediate medical care. Any injuries you have sustained need to be treated right away. Document Everything from the Accident If you’re able to, make sure to gather anything from the accident to support your claim.

Your personal health and well-being always come first. At the moment you have recently been involved in an automobile accident involving a truck, seek medical treatment right away, even at the time of the accident you feel fine. Allow for a medical specialist to assess your health and document any injuries you may have sustained from the crash.

Gather evidence following the motor vehicle accident, involving a commercial truck. Every automobile and motor vehicle accident case is unique in its own way, and the specifics of your case are important in determining the value of your claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Chicago Ridge will consider the complete picture, from the severity of your injuries to how they impact your daily life and ability to work. 

Never agree to pay for damages at the scene of an automobile accident, accept money from the driver at the scene of the collision, or accept any offers or sign any documents related to settlement; until you have spoken to an attorney at Wojcik Law Firm. 

Importantly never accept any monetary offers to settle your claim before seeking proper medical evaluation and talking with your Wojcik Law truck accident lawyer. 

Who is Responsible for My Commercial Semi-Truck Accident in Chicago Ridge?

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, there are a number of parties who may be liable for your losses. It is not uncommon for these parties to deny fault or liability for a crash. The liable parties can include the following: 

• Commercial Truck driver 

• Commercial Trucking company 

• Owner of the commercial truck

• Company leasing the truck 

• Company leasing the trailer 

• Shipper that ordered the transported load 

Truck, trailer or parts manufacturer Injuries sustained in truck accidents can be severe, including severe brain trauma, spinal cord damage, disfigurement, burns, broken bones, lacerations, paralysis, or even death. Types of truck accident lawsuits include: 

How Compensation is Determined Following a Truck Accident?

Like other personal injury lawsuits, the types of compensation available to those affected as the result of an accident involving a truck falls into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Compensation involving economic truck accident damages serves to cover the specific monetary costs, including the following: 

Loss of Earning Capacity: If the victim can demonstrate that their ability to earn a living has been negatively impacted, compensation may be available. The awarding party will look to establish the amount victim could have earned had the car accident not occurred. Non-economic damages compensate the victim and/or family for non-financial, intangible losses, including Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain suffered as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The nature of the injury, the extent of the pain, and the length of time the victim is expected to suffer are all included in the calculation of the award. 

Mental Anguish: Compensation for emotional pain stemming from a truck accident, including fright, embarrassment, nervousness, worry, grief, and other forms of emotional distress caused by the accident. 

Loss of Consortium: Compensation awarded to a spouse, parents, and minor children loss of services, assistance, aid, society, and companionship/care of a loved one, a child, or parents. In addition to economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages may be applicable if the defendant’s actions causing the injury were willful, malicious, fraudulent or reckless. Punitive damages serve to punish the offender and dissuade similar behavior in the future.

Commercial Trucks & Semi-Truck accidents can cause serious and long-lasting injuries to the person and major damage to possessions. The cause of automobile accidents and other accidents on the road can range from rain and poor surfaces to speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving. At William S. Wojcik Ltd, our legal team provides expert legal advice in motor vehicle accident cases in the State of Illinois. 

Current Medical Expenses: This may include fees for emergency room visits, hospital care, surgery, assistive devices, and appointments with approved medical professionals. 

Future Medical Expenses: Compensation for extended medical attention and care. 

Lost Wages: Compensation for the wages lost between the time of injury and the conclusion of the lawsuit. 

What Will My Wojcik Law Firm Attorney Do To Help My Case?

At William S. Wojcik, LTD. not only are our truck accident lawyers deeply familiar with the different tactics used by insurance companies to reduce the compensation amount you deserve, but we also boast a deep network of expert witnesses and investigators to investigate every aspect of an accident. Following a crash, the trucking company and their insurance company will start an immediate investigation of the scene. They may record statements from witnesses, take photos of the accident scene, and examine the vehicles to determine the extent of damage caused by the crash. State authorities may also launch their own investigation into the accident, which may prove beneficial for your claim. 

Once you’ve chosen to retain the service of a Wojcik Law truck accident lawyer, we go right to work examining every aspect of your case. Our lawyer may record statements from witnesses, take photos of the accident scene, and examine the vehicles to determine the extent of damage caused by the crash. These steps include: 

• Review camera footage, if available Interview witnesses 

• Review mandatory police and accident reports Analyze and review medical records Interview medical staff 

• Consult experts to reconstruct the accident scene and recreate the accident Help ensure that important evidence is preserved by the truck company and driver 

• Obtaining alcohol and drug testing from the truck driver Obtain data from the truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM)

Experiencing a motor vehicle accident in Chicago Ridge can be very frightening, but after seeking medical attention, it’s important to:

• Report the details of the accident to the police & your insurance provider

• Get the information of other parties and witnesses

• Record expenses incurred due to the accident

• Photograph the accident scene

• Contact the #1-Rated Truck accident attorney in Chicago Ridge, IL

If you would like to look more closely at your options for claiming compensation after an automobile accident, call William S. Wojcik Ltd to speak to a qualified truck accident attorney in Chicago Ridge, IL.

Have you suffered severe injuries following an automobile accident involving a commercial truck in Chicago Ridge from the inexcusable actions of someone else's negligence and are stuck with provoking medical bills, loss of work, and a lifetime of physical and emotional pain? If yes, it is essential that you seek motor vehicle legal advice right away from Wojcik Law.

Our Wojcik Law Firm team of experienced automobile accident attorneys will meet with you directly to discuss the injury and explain to you the rights and compensation that you are entitled to. Consult with William S. Wojcik, LED. and allow us to start preparing your case to recover compensation for any emotional and physical damages that you have endured.  

William S. Wojcik Law specializes in evaluating, negotiating, and winning severe automobile accidents & personal injury cases that cause: 

• Physical or emotional pain

• Cognitive impairment

• Hospitalization or rehabilitation

• Movement issues

• Loss of work and income

• Frustration with life tasks 

• Disruption of your everyday routine

Trucking Accident Legal Advice & Representation in Chicago Ridge

Though so many people travel from place to place countless times, they rarely pause to contemplate possible risks that are involved. Driving for those who obey the rules is generally safe, negligence from other drivers cannot be avoided at times and can lead you to suffer severe injuries. If you have recently been injured in a truck accident in Chicago Ridge and want to know your legal representation options, a Wojcik Law attorney is ready to help you. 

It is important to know that you have a limited period of time after an accident to file a claim. We understand that a serious car accident leaves the victim in distress, and that is why, after contacting our firm, we handle the case with the utmost care and respect.  

Trucking accident scenarios:

• Driving under the influence 

• Texting behind the wheel

• Failure to follow traffic signals

• Exceeding speed limits

• Driver exhaustion

• Neglected vehicle maintenance

Each motor vehicle accident in Chicago Ridge is distinct, but our experienced lawyers exercise precise evidence-gathering techniques so that we have the proof to get you the most compensation. After an accident, all you or a family member needs to do is contact us, and we will start with your claim.

Contact Wojcik Law Firm for the best legal services in Chicago Ridge and the surrounding Chicagoland area!  

Top Trucking Accident Attorney In Chicago Ridge

Our highly-skilled trucking accident lawyers in Chicago Ridge have represented thousands of people who have endured severe injuries. Truck accidents have an increased chance of being fatal, and those who survive them experience intense injuries. Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries suffered:

• Back and neck trauma 

• Permanent muscle damage

• Nerve damage

• Broken bones

• Road rash and cuts 

• Severe foot, ankle, and arm injuries
  

Contact Wojcik Law today for a free LEGAL consultation

Award-Winning Automobile & Truck Accident Legal Representation in Chicago Ridge

If you’ve sustained injuries in a commercial 18-wheeler or semi-truck vehicle accident in the State of Illinois, you need legal representation, as soon as possible. Wojcik Law stands ready to assist victims of trucking accidents in Chicago Ridge - and the surrounding Chicagoland area.

Always Seek Legal Advice Before Talking with an Insurance Company. Insurance providers representing the people at fault may soon be in contact with you. It is crucial to not take any deal without communicating with your legal team.

Our motor vehicle accident legal team at Wojcik Law is experienced in every area of motor vehicle accident legal representation and personal injury law. Following a commercial vehicle accident in Chicago Ridge, IL - Contact Wojcik Law for a legal consultation; without delay.

Top-Rated Trucking Accident Lawyer Reviews In Chicagoland

When faced with an injury from a motor vehicle accident involving a commercial truck, 18-wheeler or Semi- Truck, you need a law firm that has your best interests in mind and will fight day and night for justice. When another party's negligence is the cause of serious injuries, Wojcik Law is prepared to seek maximum compensation. See here what our past clients have said about us and find out why Wojcik Law is rated as one of the best and most dependable law firms in the Chicagoland area. 

Driver Negligence Lawsuits in the State of Illinois

Lawsuits filed to recover compensation for injuries sustained in a truck accident will often be based on the truck driver’s negligence. Some common indications of driver negligence may include: 

- Lack of truck driving experience 

- Overloading trucks 

- Operating oversized trucks on narrow roads 

- Failure to see other vehicles due to the truck’s large blind spot

- Failing to obey traffic laws

- Driving for too long without taking a break 

- Failure to monitor the driving hours of the truck driver 

- Not keeping the tractor and/or trailer in a safe, working condition 

- Hiring an unqualified or unfit truck driver 

- Failure to properly supervise the truck driver 

- Failure to properly train the truck driver 

- Selecting an unqualified or unfit truck company 

To prevail in a negligence lawsuit, the injured will have to show the truck driver had a duty of care to other vehicles on the road, the driver breached this duty through some action or failure to act, an injury was sustained, and the breach of duty caused the injury. In some instances, the owner of the trucking company and manager, the owner of the truck, the employer of the driver, and their respective insurance companies may be liable after a crash.

Product Liability: If a defect in the truck or one of its components contributed to the accident, there may be a viable claim against the product manufacturer(s). Product liability lawsuits based on manufacturer’s negligence will require the injured party to show: - The defective truck or a particular part was “unreasonably dangerous” - The truck was being operated as the manufacturer intended - The truck’s performance had not changed since its initial purchase. Product liability suits may also be sought under strict liability where proof of negligence is unnecessary; however, claimants must prove the defect originated in the manufacturing process to prevail. This will require analysis, testing, and testimony by experts. 

Wrongful Death: Many times, truck accidents are so severe that the victim does not survive the crash. In some cases, the family may bring a claim on behalf of their loved one to recover compensation for their losses. Wrongful death claims require the family to prove the same facts as the deceased, had they survived and pursued a claim on their own. An attorney can help family members recover economic, non-economic, and, in certain cases, punitive damages for the loss of their loved one.

How Negligence is Established Following a Truck Accident

If you or a loved one were injured by a commercial truck driver and you wish to pursue legal action to receive the compensation you deserve, you will have to prove negligence on the part of the truck driver and any other parties you believe are responsible. To establish that the accident resulted due to negligence, your lawyer will establish the parameters of the truck driver’s duty of care and demonstrate that there was a breach of that duty that led to your injuries and related damages. 

A few common examples of negligence for truck drivers include texting while driving, speeding, running a red light or stop sign, and falling asleep at the wheel Due to the high-risk nature of truck drivers’ type of work, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations stipulate drivers must adhere to the following regulations: 

>Maintenance of logbook detailing hours driven 

>Documenting hours of service and rest breaks 

>Adhering to scheduled and legally-mandated maintenance requirements 

>Proper loading of truck cargo, including hazardous materials 

>Non-use of controlled substances and alcohol Driving no more than ten hours per workday.

>For a full list of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) related to truck drivers, (HERE).

State of Illinois Commercial SEMI-Truck Accidents - STATS to Know

You are not alone, Chicagoland area residents almost never hit the open road without seeing a commercial truck of all types. Though you may have taken all of the proper precautions, you cannot rely on the other drivers to do the same. Instantaneously, a trucking accident may happen at any given moment. *Statistics from The Illinois Department of Transportation

• There were 43,830 pickup truck crashes which resulted in 202 being fatal and 9,286 resulting in some kind of injury

• There were 8,611 single-unit truck crashes which resulted in 31 being fatal and 1,384 resulting in some kind of injury

• There were 13,071 truck-tractor with semi-trailer accidents which resulted in 122 being fatal and 2,235 resulting in some kind of injury 

• There were 12,267 crashes involving tractor-trailers (Semi-Trucks) 

• Fatalities resulting from tractor-trailer crashes increased by 5.2% from 2017 to 2018

• Trucks, Buses, and Recreational Vehicles 4% make up all drivers on the road. 

TRUCKING ACCIDENT REPRESENTATION - Nearby Cities We Represent

Blue Island, IL
Bridgeview, IL
Burbank, IL
Chicago Ridge, IL
Evergreen Park, IL
Frankfort, IL
Hickory Hills, IL
Homer Glen, IL
Palos Heights, IL
Palos Hills, IL
Worth, IL
Tinley Park, IL

Wojcik Law FIRM - LOCAL Truck ACCIDENT SETTLEMENTS

LOCAL MOTOR VEHICLE Accident Settlement Cases

Over the years, Wojcik Law has represented many victims of motorcycle accidents, auto accidents and trucking accidents. Below, you can read three of our previous cases and see how we have helped our clients receive the compensation they were entitled to after an accident on the road:

3.4 Million Dollar Auto and Car Accident Verdict

Female auto passenger who suffered a cardiac tamponade when struck by alleged drunk driver who crossed center line of traffic. Plaintiff returned to full-time work 3-1/2 months after accident. The jury's verdict included $3.25 million dollars in compensatory damages, $50,000 to plaintiff's husband (who did not appear at trial) for loss of consortium, and $100,000 in punitive damages.

3.37 Million Dollar Semi Tractor-Trailer Settlement

Deft tractor-trailer driver made a left turn from northbound Archer into the Dolphin Cartage truckyard near Knox. Defendant driving a Pontiac in rainy conditions, struck the rear tandem wheels of the trailer, causing F-16 backseat passenger to sustain torn descending aorta requiring a Hemishield graft, epidural hematoma, closed head injury causing ongoing headaches, and traumatic Bell's Palsy which resolved. 

$950,000 Auto & Car Accident Settlement

42 year old woman injured in 3 car accident near 40th and Western in Chicago, IL. Defendants disputed liability, and the nature and extent of plaintiff's injuries.

$515,000 Auto & Car Accident Settlement

Deft Durley, waived on by stopped drivers in two of three lanes of traffic on southbound Cicero, made left turn onto westbound 78th St. Deft Talvera, driving a Custom Staffing Inc. (CSI) club wagon van (15-seats), switched to the open lane to bypass traffic and swerved onto 78th St. when he saw Durley, and broadsided plaintiff's vehicle as they waited at a stop sign. F-51 sustained C6-C7 herniations with fusion ($53,000 medical, $26,000 LT as computer tech for IRS) and M-5I had two broken ribs ($7,000 medical. expense). Plaintiff brought willful and wanton entrustment count against CSI based on Talvera's poor driving record and alleged illegal alien status. Joint settlement paid $40,000 by Affirmative for Durley and $475,000 by Progressive for CSI.

$200,000 Personal Injury - Motor Vehicle Settlement

$200,000 settlement on May 21, 2014 one deft struck another deft who struck plaintiff M-32 at the intersection of 179th Street and Oak Park Avenue (Tinley Park). Plaintiff suffered aggravation of pre-existing shoulder injury, for which he underwent capsular release and debridement surgery ($41,000 medical expenses). Paid by State Farm: $100,000 for Driver No. 1, $50,000 and $50,000 for Driver No 2 UIM – all policy limits.