Garage trucks can weigh around 18,000 pounds and are substantially larger than a passenger vehicle. Therefore, accidents with garbage trucks in Chicago, IL, can cause catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths when they collide with passenger vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. Victims need experienced legal representation to seek fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
At Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of auto accident lawyers have over 30 years of legal experience between them. Since opening our personal injury law firm, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We fiercely advocate for injured victims when negotiating personal injury settlements and arguing cases before a jury.
Contact us today by calling (312) 929-2884 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago garbage truck accident lawyers.
How Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help if You’ve Been Injured in a Garbage Truck Accident
Garbage trucks can be seen throughout Chicago each day. They are on busy streets in business districts and along residential roads in neighborhoods. They make frequent stops and often change direction without warning.
Unfortunately, companies and government entities often dispute the cause of a garbage truck accident. They use their considerable resources to fight claims to avoid paying accident victims compensation for their damages.
When you need a Chicago truck accident lawyer, you need a law firm with a winning track record, significant resources, and substantial experience to handle your case. Our lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers have received numerous awards and distinctions for their legal services and committing to clients. We have been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40 lists, in addition to being highly rated by Super Lawyers.
When you hire our top-rated Chicago personal injury lawyers, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the garbage truck accident to determine how it happened and who is responsible
- File insurance claims and personal injury claims with all responsible parties
- Document damages and gather evidence proving fault, including working with expert witnesses when needed
- Determine how much your case is worth and negotiate settlements that compensate you fairly for your damages
- File a lawsuit and take your case to court, if necessary
We understand how stressful and challenging it can be to deal with the legal issues after a garbage truck accident. Our trusted Chicago trial lawyers will take care of all the legal matters so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact our law firm to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced garbage truck accident lawyer in Chicago, Illinois.
Who Is Liable for a Garbage Truck Accident in Chicago, IL?
Driver negligence is often a factor in garbage truck accidents. Garbage truck drivers have a challenging job even under the best conditions. When you add large blind spots around the garbage truck, poor weather conditions, and other factors, drivers can easily make a mistake that could lead to an accident.
Examples of garbage truck driver negligence include, but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to check blind spots
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
In many cases, the garbage truck driver’s employer could also be liable for damages under vicarious liability. Depending on where you live in Chicago, the employer could be a private waste company or a government entity.
City authorities could be liable if the condition of the streets and roads contributed to the cause of the accident. Likewise, truck manufacturers, maintenance crews, and garbage truck owners could be liable if their negligence contributed to the cause of the accident.
Proving Liability for a Garbage Truck Accident Claim in Chicago, Illinois
You could receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages because of a garbage truck accident. However, you must prove that the at-fault party caused the garbage truck accident before you can recover damages.
A Chicago garbage truck accident lawyer gathers evidence to prove causation and fault. Evidence includes, but is not limited to:
- Video of the accident from traffic cameras, dash cams, surveillance cameras, and other sources
- Statements from the drivers and passengers
- Eyewitness testimony
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Data from vehicle system records and black boxes
- Testimony and opinions from accident reconstructionists and other experts
Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a garbage truck accident is important. Evidence can disappear or be destroyed over time. Prompt investigations improve the chance of recovering evidence to prove your claim.
How Long Do I Have To File a Garbage Truck Accident Claim in Chicago, IL?
The Illinois statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. However, factors in the case could change the deadline.
For example, the deadline to file claims against government entities is shorter. You may have just one year to file a claim against a public entity.
Prompt legal advice is the best way to avoid missing a filing deadline.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Chicago Truck Crash Attorneys
Were you or a family member injured in a garbage truck accident? At Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the complexities of these cases and what is necessary to pursue these claims. Call now for a free case review with an experienced Chicago garbage truck accident attorney.