This is the first post in a series of articles discussing trucking accident cases in Peoria, Illinois. Local highways and streets are seeing more and more commercial truck traffic. Unfortunately, accidents involving delivery trucks, semis, or large work vehicles may be catastrophic and result in serious injuries or death. If a third party’s negligence is the cause of such an accident, victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for their damages. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure that your case is handled properly and that you receive the financial compensation to which you may be entitled. The goal of this series is to provide an overview of how truck accident cases are handled in Illinois. Another objective is to provide information to residents who have suffered injuries as a result of an accident when selecting an attorney to represent their interests. Contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
This series will discuss the following key topics:
- Identifying all defendants after a truck accident
- Why a trucking accident case can take a significant amount of time to resolve
- How comparative fault laws may impact a truck crash case
- The importance of discovery in trucking accident litigation
- The need for expert witnesses in such matters
- Calculating and proving damages after a trucking accident injury
- What to expect during a truck accident trial
- The possibility of facing a bifurcated trial
Truck accident victims and their families should understand these issues for several reasons. First, in many cases, it is not only the driver of the truck who may be responsible for the accident. Other potential defendants may include the vehicle’s owner, the driver’s employer, among others. It is important to identify all possible defendants after a crash occurs. Second, depending upon the seriousness of the victim’s injuries, the number of defendants, complications in establishing liability, etc., settlement negotiations and possible litigation may take a long period of time. Third, under Illinois’ comparative fault statute, a victim may still recover partial damages even if they bore some responsibility for the accident. I will explore this concept and explain how damages may be impacted. Fourth, discovery is the process by which attorneys gather evidence, such as witness statements, police information, phone records, etc. This is an essential element of truck accident litigation. Next, expert witnesses are often required in such matters to establish the liability of the defendants and the victim’s damages. Sixth, calculating and proving damages in a truck crash case can be challenging. This is particularly true when injuries are severe. Further, should the matter proceed to a trial, it is important to understand what to expect during the trial. Finally, when a crash involves commercial vehicles, multiple defendants, or significant injuries, sophisticated defense attorneys commonly request bifurcation of a trial. I will review what this tactic means for victims and how this tactic may impact their case.
The consequences of a commercial truck accident can be disastrous for injured victims and their families. It is important to select a lawyer with experience in trucking accident cases and who understands how to protect your interests. Contact my Peoria office today. Our firm also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
