Truck Accidents

Depending on where you are from, you may know them as tractor-trailers, semis, 18-wheelers, or big rigs, but no matter what you call them, large commercial trucks make up a substantial percentage of the vehicles on Illinois roadways. These massive vehicles are especially dangerous when they crash, as an accident involving a large truck can result in serious injuries and, in many cases, death. If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, the team at Fotopoulos Law Office is ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Northern Illinois is covered by thousands of miles of local roads, state highways, and interstates that connect the region. Every day, thousands of large trucks travel these roads—some of them with origins or destinations in the area and others that are just passing through on their way to somewhere else. With so many trucks on the road, accidents can and will happen, unfortunately. When they do, those in other vehicles tend to suffer the worst injuries. At our firm, we understand the challenges that you may be facing in the wake of a truck accident, and we have the knowledge and skill to hold trucking companies and negligent drivers accountable for the injuries they cause.

Compared to a “regular” car accident, truck crashes are more likely to lead to serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. A standard commercial truck is about 70 feet long and can weigh up to 40 tons. At highway speeds, the momentum of a fully loaded tractor-trailer is almost unimaginable for the average person.

A truck accident can also be complicated because of the number of entities involved that may be partially liable. Commercial trucks, for example, are often owned by multi-billion dollar companies with high-powered attorneys and numerous insurance policies to help them avoid responsibility after a crash. There are also many complex rules and guidelines that regulate the trucking industry. A skilled attorney can help you put all of the pieces together and build a case designed to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.

At Fotopoulos Law Office, we handle all types of truck accidents, including those caused by:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver error as a result of poor training
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Overloaded trucks
• Loose or unbalanced cargo
• Inadequate maintenance
• Speeding
• Distracted driving

A successful truck accident case begins with a detailed review of the crash and the circumstances that led to it. This allows us to determine what may have happened and which party or parties may be held liable. Several parties may actually share liability for a truck accident, including the driver, the transport company, the maintenance company, and the maker of the truck itself.

At our firm, we pledge to keep you completely up to date as your case moves forward. We will communicate with you often and openly, helping you to make the best possible choices along the way. Attorney John S. Fotopoulos is not afraid of trucking companies, their lawyers, or their insurance carriers. He and his team will fight for you until you receive the damages to which you are entitled under the law.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a large truck crash, contact our office to get the help you need. Call 708-942-8400 for a free consultation and case review today. We serve clients in Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Forest, Homer Glen, Alsip, Joliet, Palos Heights, Will County, Cook County, and the surrounding areas.