Types of Truck Accident Settlements Illinois Victims Might Receive

Crashing into a commercial vehicle can be a terrifying experience. Because semi-trucks weigh significantly more than passenger cars, a full-on collision at high velocity often results in severe injuries. According to Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2014 Crash Report, out of 12,000 crashes involving tractor-trailers, over 17 percent of them resulted in serious injury or fatality. Unfortunately, victims of Illinois truck accidents can be left burdened with mounting medical bills and other expenses.

When you are injured in a crash with a truck, you may be entitled to seek compensation by pursuing a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the liable party. Illinois law requires truck drivers to be covered by commercial liability policies with higher coverage than standard vehicles. Depending on the situation, you may be able to receive a settlement from the negligent driver’s insurer, or the company they are employed under.

What Type of Damages Can My Settlement Cover?

Before pursuing legal recourse, you will need to establish liability, and identify the party at-fault. This step may prove to be particularly challenging in dealing with truck accidents. Multiple factors such as the driver’s employer, scope of employment, and cause of the crash can all come into play.

If your claim or lawsuit is successful, a resulting settlement can cover various types of accident-related damages, including, but not limited to:

• Medical care: For most victims, unexpected medical expenses become a huge source of stress on top of healing from physical injuries. A settlement can pay for the cost of your medical treatment, hospital or doctor visits, x-rays, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and pain management.
• Lost wages: When you have been critically injured, you may be forced to take unpaid time off work in order to fully recover. The lost wages you suffer will most likely have a negative impact on your family’s financial situation, and future career opportunities.
• Loss of future earning potential: A devastating truck accident can lead to permanent disabilities or disfigurement. Your future financial losses based on earnings prior to the accident will be factored into a potential settlement.
• Property damage: In addition to physical injuries, you may have suffered significant property damage. In many cases, a collision with an 80,000 pound loaded semi can completely destroy your car.
• Pain and suffering: – The aftermath of a serious truck accident can cause physical and mental distress, and emotional suffering for you and your loved ones.

To successfully file a claim, and win a legal settlement, you will need the help of a knowledgeable Illinois truck accident injury attorney. The dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. has decades of combined experience in helping victims recover. We will be able to assess your case, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and guide you through every step of a legal proceeding.

Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. Contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. today to meet with a skilled Illinois truck accident injury attorney. Call (312) 236-2900 to receive your free, no-obligations case evaluation. We will be happy to answer any legal questions you may have.