Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Commercial vehicles are an important part of daily life across Illinois. From heavy-duty trucks delivering goods to buses transporting passengers, commercial vehicles are essential to the economy and infrastructure. However, when an accident involving these vehicles occurs, the consequences can be severe.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, it’s important to understand your rights and the potential path to compensation. A skilled commercial vehicle accident attorney can provide valuable assistance and help you fight these complex cases.

What Is Considered a Commercial Vehicle?

A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes, typically to transport goods or passengers for profit. These vehicles are usually larger, heavier and more difficult to maneuver than regular passenger cars, which contributes to how bad the accidents can be.

Here are the main types of commercial vehicles:

• Semi-Trucks/Big Rigs/18-Wheelers: These large trucks transport goods over long distances, and their size makes them among the most dangerous vehicles on the road in a crash.
• Box Trucks: Often used for local deliveries, these trucks are smaller than big rigs but still pose significant risks.
• Delivery Trucks: Trucks like Amazon, FedEx and UPS are heavy and can cause serious harm, especially in urban areas.
• Tanker Trucks: Carrying hazardous liquids, these trucks pose extreme danger due to the risk of explosions or spills.
• Tow Trucks: Used to move vehicles, tow trucks can cause serious injuries, especially when other vehicles are involved.
• Construction Vehicles: Dump trucks, cement mixers and cranes are large and can be deadly, especially on construction sites or when transporting materials.

• Buses (School, City, Private, Tour): Buses carry many passengers, and accidents can result in multiple injuries, often affecting vulnerable individuals.
• Shuttle Vans: Used by businesses and airports, these vans frequently stop and can cause accidents, especially when transporting passengers to and from various locations.

Commercial Vehicle Requirements

Commercial vehicle operators are subject to stricter regulations than those who drive personal vehicles. To operate these vehicles, drivers must hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which involves specialized training. They are also required to undergo routine drug testing to ensure they’re fit to drive.

Additionally, commercial vehicle drivers must adhere to hours-of-service regulations, which limit the amount of time they can drive without resting. This helps prevent driver fatigue, one of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents.

How Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents Different Than Other Accidents?

While any accident can be devastating, commercial vehicle accidents can be much worse because of the size and weight of these vehicles. Commercial vehicles can weigh between 8,000 and 26,000 pounds. The larger the vehicle, the more damage it can cause in the event of a crash.

For example, a collision between a passenger car and a semi-truck could result in catastrophic injuries due to the significant weight difference. Large trucks also have longer stopping distances, meaning they require more time to come to a full stop. They can also be harder to maneuver, especially when navigating tight spaces or congested areas.

These factors make commercial vehicle accidents particularly dangerous for everyone involved, but especially for pedestrians.

Who Can File a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawsuit?

If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Injured victims, including passengers, pedestrians and other drivers, can file a lawsuit. Family members of those killed in the accident may also file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Who Is Liable in a Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident can be tricky. In most cases, the liability may fall on one or more of the following parties:

• The Commercial Driver: If the driver was negligent, distracted or fatigued at the time of the accident, they could be held responsible for the crash.
• The Employer or Company: If the driver was employed by a company, the company could be liable for the actions of the driver, especially if they failed to maintain the vehicle properly, didn’t enforce safe driving practices or didn’t follow regulations.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, the manufacturer of the vehicle or its components might be held responsible.
• Third Parties: In some cases, other parties may be involved, such as another driver who contributed to the accident or a government entity that failed to maintain safe road conditions.

An experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney can help identify the parties involved and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your damages.

Common Injuries from Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, injuries from accidents involving these vehicles can be severe. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A TBI can be life-changing, leading to long-term cognitive, physical and emotional challenges. In some cases, it can result in permanent disability or death.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Commercial vehicle accidents can cause significant damage to the spine, leading to paralysis or chronic pain.
• Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs and ribs are common due to the impact of the crash.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage are common in serious accidents involving large vehicles.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, strains and sprains can occur, particularly in rear-end accidents.

Wrongful Death Due to a Commercial Vehicle Accident

If a loved one has died in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This legal action can help recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income and the emotional impact of the loss.

How Do Commercial Vehicle Accidents Happen?

Commercial vehicle accidents occur for various reasons and often involve multiple factors. Some of the most common causes include:

Driver Fatigue

One of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents is driver fatigue. Commercial drivers are only required to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Due to these long work hours, drivers can become drowsy or fall asleep at the wheel.

Distracted Driving

Commercial vehicle operators can be distracted while driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that 71% of large truck crashes occurred when the driver was distracted by other activities, such as eating, using a cell phone or checking a map.

Overloading or Improper Loading

Improperly loaded cargo can cause a commercial vehicle to become unstable or difficult to control, especially when making turns or driving on uneven roads.

Mechanical Failures

When commercial vehicles are not properly maintained, mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts—can cause accidents.

Speeding or Reckless Driving

Some commercial vehicle drivers may exceed speed limits or drive recklessly, especially when under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules.

Weather and Road Conditions

Bad weather can make roads slippery and difficult to navigate, especially for large trucks that take longer to stop.

Compensation After a Commercial Vehicle Accident

If you've been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Future medical costs
• Lost earning capacity (in cases of permanent injury)

A commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you determine what compensation you may be eligible for and pursue the necessary legal actions to recover these damages.

What To Look for in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

When choosing a lawyer for your case, consider the following factors:

• Free Consultations: Most accident attorneys will offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine if you have grounds for a claim.
• Proven Track Record: Look for a lawyer with experience handling commercial vehicle accident claims and a history of successful outcomes for clients.
• No Fee Unless You Win: Many accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless they win your case.

Don't hesitate to ask questions during the consultation to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout the legal process.

You Need a Strategic Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

Filing a commercial vehicle accident claim is no small feat. Insurance companies will try to minimize your payout, and determining liability can be a headache. Without the right legal support, you could be left with far less than you deserve.

At The Collins Law Firm, our commercial vehicle accident attorneys don’t just handle cases—we take action. We offer free consultations and are committed to putting you first. Available 24/7, we’ll come to you, whether you’re at home or in the hospital. Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact us now to get the aggressive representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve.