Truck accidents are not like regular car accidents. When a big truck crashes into a smaller vehicle, occupants often suffer life-changing injuries and even death. In addition to fractures, whiplash, and concussions, many people suffer catastrophic injuries. The effects of a truck accident can last a lifetime.
Contact Michael J. Lichner today if you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident. You might be eligible to receive financial compensation from the trucker, trucking company, or another party. We have brought many successful claims, and we’re eager to help advocate for the justice you deserve. Don’t delay. The trucking company deploys investigators and insurance adjusters to the scene of the crash to defend them—you need a Joliet truck accident lawyer on your team!
Types of Accidents We Handle
Michael J Lichner is a dedicated lawyer who can help those hurt in a trucking accident seek the justice they deserve. Some of the types of trucking accidents we handle include:
- Rollovers. A truck can roll onto its side when the weight inside the truck suddenly shifts. A dump truck can roll over when material is stuck in the box. A tractor-trailer might roll when the cargo shifts because it wasn’t secured.
- Blown tire accidents. Commercial trucks put a lot of pressure on their tires, any one of which might blow during a trip. A truck can become unmanageable when a tire blows, often due to underinflation or defect.
- Head-on collisions. These are especially deadly wrecks. A truck might enter your lane because the trucker is distracted or fell asleep. A head-on collision with a big rig is often deadly for everyone in the smaller vehicle.
- Override accidents. Trucks can ride up onto other vehicles when they can’t slow in time. A distracted trucker can cause this type of accident, while others are caused by intoxication or fatigue.
- Underride accidents. This is a common accident with semi-trucks, where a vehicle slips under the side of the trailer and gets stuck. This accident can cause horrifying injuries as the leading edge of the trailer peels off the hood of the car.
- Flying debris. The material in the back of a dump truck could come flying out and strike nearby cars or force vehicles to swerve.
Our firm can also handle a wrongful death claim if you lost a loved one in a truck accident. Call today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll ask targeted questions to find out more about how the accident unfolded and the extent of your injuries.
Why You Need a Joliet Truck Accident Lawyer
You should hire a Joliet truck accident lawyer for these reasons:
- We can find evidence to use in a claim. You can receive compensation if we identify who was at fault for the crash. Someone struggling with painful injuries probably can’t leave the house. Some evidence is in the possession of the trucking company, including data from the vehicle or employee files. Let us roll up our sleeves and find the evidence you need. Attorney Michael J. Lichner is part of a larger firm with the resources to perform a thorough investigation, which typically costs tens of thousands of dollars.
- Trucking companies defend themselves with zeal. Many cases involve a trucking company on the other side. They do not easily admit fault or pay reasonable compensation. Instead, they will make you work hard to receive any money at all.
- There are many possible defendants. The trucking company isn’t always the sole defendant. We might also bring claims against the driver, mechanic, truck manufacturer, broker, tractor/trailer owners, etc. We will sift through all the evidence to identify all correct defendants and sue them.
- A lot of money is in play. Truck accidents often cause major injuries and vehicle damage. Settlements tend to be much larger than for car accidents. You need an experienced truck accident lawyer who knows how to negotiate for favorable compensation.
- Defendants are quick to blame victims. Illinois has a contributory negligence law that prohibits a victim from receiving compensation if they are more than 50% to blame for a crash. Insurance companies know this fact, so they are often quick to blame victims for driving carelessly. You need a seasoned advocate who can fight back against these often frivolous allegations.
Deadlines for Truck Accidents in Joliet
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injuries is only two years. The clock usually begins on the day of your wreck.
Please don’t blow this deadline. You are only hurting yourself if you do. A judge can dismiss your case if you don’t file in time, and you will lose any possibility of compensation. By calling us, you protect yourself. If we see the deadline approaching, we can quickly file suit in an appropriate jurisdiction.
Schedule a Consultation after a Will County Accident Today!
Michael J. Lichner is pleased to help accident victims and their families navigate the insurance claims process. This is a stressful time for everyone. Let our team help your family!
A Joliet truck accident lawyer can review what you know and analyze whether you have a solid claim. If hired, we immediately start compiling evidence to use. You can trust Michael J Lichner to use the latest techniques to get compensation for your injuries. We also proudly serve personal injury clients in DuPage County, Cook County, and all other Northern Illinois counties. Call us to schedule your complimentary case evaluation.