Can I Sue If an Illinois Truck Crash Left Me Paralyzed?

 Posted on September 11, 2024 in Personal Injury

Chicagoland is home to many major freight hubs, with thousands of trucks traveling throughout the area daily. Although these tractor-trailers are a vital part of America’s supply chain, they are capable of causing catastrophic injuries when they crash. Preliminary 2023 data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports 6,695 truck accidents in Illinois, injuring 3,203 people and killing 172.

If you were paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury sustained in a truck accident, you deserve compensation. Unfortunately, these claims are often extremely complex. Working with an experienced lawyer from Carlson Law Group, P.C. can help you overcome challenges and maximize your settlement.

Why Are Truck Crash Claims Complex?

Unlike most car accidents, several parties may share liability for the truck’s role in your collision. You will need evidence to establish why your crash happened. Once liability is established, you know who should be responsible for paying your claim, which may include:

• Truck drivers who make various errors, such as speeding, distracted driving, drowsy driving, failing to yield the right of way, violating hours-of-service regulations, and other moving violations.

• Cargo loaders who might not balance or secure loads properly, increasing the chance of rollovers or the driver losing control of the truck.

• Maintenance companies that could fail to repair or replace worn tires and faulty brakes; they might also disregard other necessary maintenance that creates safety risks.

• Trucking companies that may expect drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines or provide unsafe trucks.

If you are paralyzed after your crash, the damages you could receive are probably high. Liable insurance companies do not want to pay your claim, and they usually fight harder when you deserve a substantial settlement. Carlson Law Group, P.C. will investigate your accident thoroughly, gathering the evidence we need to make the at-fault parties pay.

What Damages Are Available for Paralyzed Victims?

Spinal cord injuries are classified as catastrophic. Depending on the location of your spinal cord damage, you might be paralyzed from the waist or neck down. You may retain partial muscle control and sensation, but you may lose both permanently. Paraplegics and quadriplegics may have associated problems, such as:

• Heart and lung issues

• Being unable to engage in physical relations

• Infections

• Losing control of bladder and bowel movements

You may need ongoing care to help you with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. You may need to add accessibility features to your home and car. You may be unable to return to work, making it impossible to earn an income to pay your bills.

In personal injury cases, damages are monetary payments that reimburse or compensate you for injury-related losses. These losses can be strictly financial, like medical expenses and lost wages, but you may also qualify for damages intended to compensate you for the impacts on your quality of life.

People who handle their own claims often settle for much less than they deserve because they do not understand how to calculate their eligible damages accurately. With paralysis, your attorney from Carlson Law Group, P.C. will calculate your current and future losses, as they will affect you for the rest of your life.

Call Our Knowledgeable Joliet, IL Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If a truck accident paralyzes you, you need an effective lawyer from Carlson Law Group, P.C. to protect your best interests. As a former prosecutor and judge, Attorney Carlson has the legal knowledge and experience needed to help you get the highest possible amount of compensation. Call 815-710-3700 now for your free consultation with our dedicated Morris, IL personal injury attorney.