Michael J. Lucas & Associates, LLC helps clients examine commercial vehicle crashes with attention to both the collision itself and the business operations behind the truck.
Commercial Truck Cases Generate Different Evidence
Depending on the vehicle and carrier, relevant evidence may include electronic logging data, driver qualification records, hours of service information, inspection reports, maintenance records, dispatch communications, bills of lading, cargo records, onboard camera footage, electronic control data, and company safety policies.
Some records may be retained for limited periods. Early preservation can therefore be important.
Driver Conduct Is Only Part of the Analysis
A truck crash may involve fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, unsafe following distance, improper lane changes, inadequate training, poor vehicle maintenance, defective brakes or tires, overloaded cargo, or unsafe loading.
The carrier's hiring, supervision, maintenance, scheduling, and safety practices may also be relevant depending on the facts.
Federal motor carrier regulations can apply to many interstate commercial operations, while Illinois law and other rules may apply as well. The regulatory framework should be matched to the specific vehicle and operation rather than assumed.
Multiple Defendants and Insurance Policies
Commercial transportation often involves layered contractual relationships. The tractor and trailer may have different owners, the driver may work for a carrier, and another company may control the load or route.
Insurance can likewise be more complicated. Commercial liability policies, excess coverage, cargo coverage, and other policies may need to be identified.
Serious Injuries and Future Losses
The size and weight of commercial vehicles can produce severe orthopedic, neurological, spinal, and traumatic brain injuries. A complete claim may involve medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, future care, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of normal life.
When long term consequences are significant, expert medical, vocational, or economic evidence may become appropriate.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?
Preserve photographs, witness information, police documentation, vehicle information, company names, and any available video. Avoid assuming that the trucking company or insurer will retain every potentially relevant record indefinitely.
If you or a family member has been injured in a truck collision, Michael and his team can identify the commercial parties involved, preserve available evidence, review insurance coverage, and help you understand the potential claims arising from the accident.
Areas We Serve
Michael J. Lucas & Associates, LLC assists clients throughout Boone County, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, and Will County.
Our office serves clients throughout Northern Illinois, including Addison, Algonquin, Antioch, Arlington Heights, Aurora, Barrington, Bartlett, Batavia, Belvidere, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Cary, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Evanston, Fox Lake, Fox River Grove, Frankfort, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Glenview, Grayslake, Gurnee, Hanover Park, Hampshire, Harvard, Highland Park, Hoffman Estates, Huntley, Joliet, Lake Barrington, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Lisle, Lockport, Lombard, Marengo, McHenry, Mokena, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Naperville, New Lenox, Northbrook, Palatine, Park Ridge, Plainfield, Poplar Grove, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Romeoville, Roselle, Schaumburg, Shorewood, South Elgin, St. Charles, Streamwood, Sugar Grove, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, West Chicago, Wheaton, Wheeling, Wilmette, Winfield, Wood Dale, Woodridge, and Woodstock.