Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous for Car Occupants?

 Posted on October 28, 2024 in Truck Accidents

Have you ever noticed that when you hear about a semi-truck accident, truck drivers often escape with minor or no injuries, while drivers and passengers in cars sustain severe or catastrophic injuries? If you are injured in a truck accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may qualify for compensation. Damages are usually high in truck accident claims, meaning liable insurance companies will likely resist paying you.  

Why are truck accidents so deadly? How do you know if you are eligible for compensation? A knowledgeable lawyer from Carlson Law Group, P.C. can determine your eligibility and explain your legal options.

Trucks Vs. Cars: The Disturbing Facts

The following statistics from 2022 demonstrate how severely truck accidents can affect motorists:

• 70 percent of truck accident fatalities are drivers or occupants of other vehicles, with 19 percent being truck occupants and 11 percent primarily bicyclists and pedestrians.
• 73 percent of truck crash injuries happen to occupants or drivers of other vehicles, with 26 percent being truck occupants and 1 percent being non-occupants.

As of October 25, 2024, there have been 4,091 crashes involving large trucks this year in Illinois. These accidents injured 1,994 people and killed 99. Not only were the victims affected, but their families were also impacted.

Why do truck accidents cause so many injuries and fatalities to motorists? A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds compared to an average of 4,000 pounds for a passenger car. Trucks are 13.5 feet tall, and most are 72 feet long.

A truck’s weight creates devastating impact forces, and cars cannot withstand them. In addition, cars can become wedged under the front or rear of much taller trucks, potentially causing devastating injuries.

Am I Eligible for Compensation for My Truck Collision?

In Illinois, you can collect compensation from at-fault parties if you are less than 51 percent at fault for causing your accident. However, the amount you could receive is reduced accordingly. For example, if you are 20 percent responsible, your total damages are reduced by 20 percent.

Your eligible damages may include:

• Property damage
• Lost income
• Medical and ongoing care costs
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If you are an eligible survivor of a fatal truck accident victim, you may qualify for compensation through a wrongful death action. Your attorney will calculate your damages and then negotiate with liable insurers to reach an acceptable settlement amount. If the insurance company refuses, we can file a civil lawsuit and take your case to trial.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Frequent truck accident causes include:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Shifting or overweight cargo
• Tire blowouts
• Brake failure
• Drugs or alcohol

Several parties may share liability for a truck crash, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, parts manufacturers, and truck maintenance companies. Your lawyer from Carlson Law Group, P.C. will investigate your accident, establish liability, and pursue the highest possible compensation on your behalf.

Call Our Skilled Joliet, IL Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Experience matters if you want optimum results. Attorney Carlson has extensive experience as a former prosecutor and judge and knows how to win cases. Call Carlson Law Group, P.C. at 815-710-3700 for your free consultation with our dedicated Will County, IL personal injury attorney.