
The number of people killed in collisions involving large commercial trucks or semi-trailers rose 16% from 2016 to 2017, and the number of people injured rose 9%. In addition, the total number of large trucks involved in crashes rose 4% in 2017, while the total number of every other type of vehicle, from cars to motorcycles, declined.
Why Are Large Truck Crashes on the Rise?
Some experts blame the same government department that collects these statistics, the National Highway Transportation Safety Agency, for not taking tougher regulatory actions that could prevent more of these semi-truck crashes. In particular, the agency has been faulted for not requiring commercial trucks to have forward collision avoidance systems, which can help prevent trucks from rear-ending other vehicles on crowded highways.
Increasing highway congestion contributes to traffic slow-downs that make rear-end collisions and other accidents involving large trucks more likely. Some causes cited for this increased congestion include insufficient investment in the nation’s highway infrastructure over the past few decades and increased truck traffic related to online shopping.
Chicago area highways are among some of the most overcrowded in the nation. The intersection of I-290 at I-90/I-94 near downtown Chicago is rated third among the 100 most congested truck bottlenecks in America. Other Chicago area locations making the Top 100 list are the spots where I-90 and I-94 split on both the north and south sides of Chicago.
What to Do if You Are Severely Injured in Crash With a Semi-Truck
It is entirely possible to be in a crash involving a tractor-trailer truck and not be
If you or a loved one has been badly injured or killed in a semi-truck crash, here are a few things you need to know. First, remember that many of these trucks are owned by huge companies that can afford the best lawyers, in addition to having the backing of a huge insurance company. Second, you may be pressured by a representative of the company to make a quick settlement when you are at your most vulnerable.
Before you make any decisions, speak to an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you about what your case may be worth. Do not make any decisions for at least a few weeks, until you know the full extent of your damages. Vehicle crash injuries can take years to recover from, and many people never fully recover. While a check for tens of thousands of dollars may sound great
However, do not wait too long; you have just two years from the date of the accident to file a legal claim for compensation.
Consult a Successful Arlington Heights Truck Crash Lawyer
To speak to a knowledgeable Palatine truck crash attorney, call the law offices of Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC at 847-934-6000. There is no charge for your initial case review.
About the Author: Attorney Ken Apicella is a founding partner of DGAA focusing in the areas of personal injury, employment, insurance coverage disputes, and civil litigation. Ken earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1999. He has been named a SuperLawyers Rising Star and a Forty Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch. Ken has written and lectured for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and regularly serves as a moderator at Northwest Suburban Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education seminars.
Sources:
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812696
https://atri-online.org/2018/01/25/2018-top-truck-bottleneck-list/