A large number of commercial vehicle travel Illinois’ roads on any given day. These can include semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, and more. When such a vehicle causes an accident then the company which owns it can be held liable in addition to the driver. Such cases can result in serious injuries and can quickly become complicated. Retaining an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you can be vital in such matters. Damon Young is a Peoria commercial vehicle accident lawyer who protects the rights of victims over those of larger companies. He provides effective and aggressive representation to each of his clients. If you have been harmed in a company-related car accident then contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Personal injury lawyer for Peoria residents hit by a delivery vehicle or other company car
Employers are considered responsible for the acts of their employees. This vicarious liability applies to drivers of commercial vehicles who cause accidents and injure another. When such an accident occurs, the victim may bring a negligence action against the driver, the employer, and potentially against other third-parties. Additional causes of action, such as negligent hiring and supervision, may potentially be brought against the employer as well. The liability of such employer can be crucial as their greater levels of insurance coverage can help to ensure that a victim is able to recover the entire amount which they are owed.
There are many situations which can be considered a “commercial vehicle accident.” These include incidents which involve delivery drivers, commercial transportation services (such as limousine companies), Uber and Lyft rides, accidents involving an armored car, and more. If the driver was operating the vehicle while in the scope of their employment then the employer will be jointly liable for the accident. Illinois’ comparative fault laws will apply to any such situations. A victim may, therefore, be able to recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident.
The first step after such an accident is to identify all the possible defendants. This can include researching the responsible company through the Illinois Secretary of State as well as other resources. A letter will be sent to the insurer for the company, informing them of the accident. Once the victim has finished treating, then a demand letter will be sent to the insurer. If no settlement can be reached, then a lawsuit will be filed which names the driver of the vehicle as well as their employer. Discovery will typically be conducted which will be used to determine the extent to which the employer failed to adequately supervise the employee. If a settlement cannot be reached then a lawsuit will be filed on your behalf.
Damon Young is a Peoria commercial vehicle accident lawyer who handles matters involving car wrecks, delivery vehicles, semi-truck accidents, and more. Once retained, Damon will immediately take steps to identify each of the possible defendants and will deal directly with their insurance carriers. Our firm will also identify additional causes of action which may apply to the employer, or third-parties, but not to the driver. If a settlement cannot be reached then we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit. Our firm understands the serious nature of the situation. That is why we will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone today.
Personal injury lawyer protecting Peoria victims against commercial defendants
Cases which involve multiple parties can quickly become complicated. This will typically be the case in matters which involve a commercial vehicle. It is important that you retain an attorney with the experience necessary to handle such matters. If a potential party is left out of the litigation then it is possible you may not receive the full amount you deserve. Damon is a personal injury lawyer who has devoted much of his career to protecting the rights of the injured. He is familiar with the steps which need to be taken in multi-defendant cases. If you need assistance then contact us today.
In addition to Peoria, our injury lawyer also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
