Were you or a loved one injured in a truck accident because of improper cargo weight distribution in Chicago, Illinois? You may be entitled to compensation by filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers can handle your case while you focus on your health and recovery.
Accident victims in Chicago have trusted us since 2011. In that time, our Chicago personal injury attorneys have recovered tens of millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements. With 30 years of combined experience, we are qualified to help you with any type of truck accident case.
Call us today at (312) 929-2884 to receive more information about your legal rights and options. We offer a free consultation to review the facts of your case.
How Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Truck Accident Caused By Improper Weight Distribution
You may have multiple legal options after getting into a truck accident. Filing a claim against the truck driver could be possible, but they might not be able to pay for your losses. Depending on the nature of your crash, the trucking company and/or its insurance provider might be held liable for your damages and injuries. A cargo loader or the party responsible for loading the truck could also share responsibility.
Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you maximize the value of your claim. Our award-winning Chicago truck accident attorneys are comfortable in the courtroom and aren’t afraid of going up against anyone at trial. If that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you need and deserve, we won’t bat an eye.
If you hire us to help, we can:
- Identify your best course of action
- Calculate all of your damages
- Protect you from blame
- Hire leading expert witnesses
- Negotiate a favorable settlement
- File a lawsuit in Cook County court if necessary
Learn more by contacting our law offices in Chicago, IL, today. We can provide you with some initial legal advice during your free initial consultation.
How Does Improper Cargo Weight Distribution Cause Truck Accidents?
Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), such as large trucks, 18-wheelers, semis, and tractor-trailers, are often required to transport large amounts of weight. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has strict limits on how this cargo is to be distributed, as does the federal government through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
When these laws aren’t followed, it can make these vehicles much more dangerous to operate. For instance, if the vehicle’s cargo is improperly distributed, its weight may not be balanced correctly – possibly leading to the truck veering off course. Improperly distributed cargo can also make it more difficult for the truck to come to a complete stop.
Considering how much CMVs can weigh and how much force they carry, the resulting accidents can cause life-changing injuries and damage that the victim(s) may never fully recover from.
What Damages Can I Recover After an Improper Cargo Weight Distribution Accident in Chicago?
Full economic and non-economic damages could be available to victims of truck accidents in Chicago. In rare cases that reach the trial stage, punitive damages might also be awarded.
The financial consequences of your accident are your economic damages, such as:
- Lost wages
- Related out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Medical equipment
- Diminished earning capacity
The more subjective kinds of losses you might be experiencing are your non-economic damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of companionship
Punitive damages require you to bring strong evidence showing that the at-fault party acted outrageously. For example, if they intentionally caused the crash in a fit of “road rage,” these damages might be an option.
What if I’m Being Blamed for a Chicago Improper Cargo Weight Distribution Crash?
Illinois has a modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar in place. Per state statute, you can still receive compensation as long as you weren’t mostly to blame for your improper weight distribution crash.
However, your damages can be reduced according to your assigned percentage of responsibility. So, sharing 20% of the blame would reduce your damages by that percentage. An experienced truck accident attorney in Chicago can help you respond to these allegations appropriately.
How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?
The Illinois statute of limitations for most truck accident cases is two years from the date the collision took place. That means you must file your lawsuit or finalize your insurance claim before two years pass.
However, the time limit is not two years for every case – there are exceptions. Contact our Chicago truck accident lawyers right away. We can help you determine the deadline for your circumstances during your free case review.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Chicago Improper Cargo Weight Distribution Accident Attorneys
Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers can help if you’ve been injured in a truck crash due to improper cargo weight distribution. We understand the relevant laws and can apply them to your case, aiming to increase your compensation as much as possible.
Contact our experienced Chicago improper weight distribution accident lawyers to set up your free consultation.
