Swansea Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents involving large commercial vehicles can cause significant damage, physical injuries, and financial hardship. Drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians may suffer when a truck operator or transportation company fails to follow safety protocols or acts recklessly on the road. These situations require careful examination of the facts and a thorough review of liability.

At The Cates Law Firm, our legal team is committed to pursuing justice for clients affected by truck crashes in our area. The legal process following a truck accident may involve multiple parties, from drivers to logistics companies. Having skilled legal counsel to assess liability and determine responsibility is important when facing substantial injury claims. Our Swansea truck accident lawyers investigate each case thoroughly and tirelessly advocate for those harmed.

Who May Be Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

Liability in a truck accident may not be limited to the driver of the truck; other parties frequently play roles. In many cases, the trucking company is held responsible for failing to properly train the driver, disregarding safety standards, or ignoring vehicle maintenance requirements. A shipping company may also be involved if improperly loaded cargo contributed to the crash.

In other instances, a vehicle parts manufacturer could be liable if defective brakes, tires, or other components failed. Maintenance contractors may have played a part if poor service was a contributing factor. A detailed legal review can identify the responsible parties and support efforts to build a strong case.

How Do Truck Accidents Differ From Car Accidents?

Truck accidents differ from passenger car accidents in many ways:

• Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than standard vehicles, which means the damage and injuries can be much more severe. 
• Pursuing compensation is also different, as truck accidents often involve multiple insurance policies.
• Truck drivers must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, which cover driver qualifications, hours of service, maintenance logs, and more. When these regulations are violated, it can support a claim for liability. 
• The presence of black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs provides more sources of evidence that can be examined in the course of a typical car accident legal claim.

What Evidence Is Important in a Truck Accident Case?

Our Swansea truck accident lawyers rely on a wide range of evidence to establish what happened and who is responsible. One key piece of evidence may include data from the truck’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD), which records driving hours, speed, and braking activity. This information can show whether the driver exceeded legal limits or failed to respond appropriately before the collision.

Other evidence may include maintenance records, company safety logs, dashcam footage, and driver background checks. Witness statements, police reports, and accident reconstruction findings are also commonly used to present a clear picture of the incident. Preserving this evidence quickly is important, as companies may have limited requirements for how long they retain digital or paper records.

How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Fault in a truck accident is determined through an analysis of the facts, physical evidence, and witness statements. Legal teams often work with crash reconstruction professionals and review black box data to understand vehicle behavior before and during the collision. The driver’s history, training records, and compliance with federal safety standards are also reviewed.

Comparative fault laws in Illinois may apply if more than one party contributed to the incident. For example, if a passenger vehicle cut off a truck while merging, the passenger vehicle’s driver might share a portion of the responsibility. The degree of fault each party holds will influence any financial recovery. Identifying all parties involved in the operation, ownership, and maintenance of the truck is part of the legal process used to determine fault.

Can a Trucking Company Be Held Accountable for Driver Negligence?

Yes, under certain legal theories. One common legal principle is known as “respondeat superior,” which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees if those actions occurred within the scope of employment. If the driver was operating the truck during a scheduled delivery or job assignment, the company may be liable for the consequences.

The company may also be directly liable if it failed to enforce safety policies, ignored violations, or hired a driver without performing appropriate background checks. A pattern of ignoring industry regulations or pressure to meet delivery quotas can also support a claim against the company.  

How Are Truck Accident Cases Resolved?

Truck accident cases may be resolved through settlement negotiations or litigation. In some situations, the trucking company’s insurance provider may offer a financial settlement to resolve the matter without court involvement. These discussions typically involve a review of the evidence and an evaluation of the injuries, lost income, and medical expenses.

When a resolution cannot be reached outside of court, our Swansea truck accident lawyers are prepared to go to trial. A judge or jury will then review the facts, listen to testimony, and determine liability. Litigating a truck accident case can take longer due to the number of parties involved and the amount of evidence required. Still, it may provide an opportunity to recover damages if a fair settlement cannot be reached.

Why Is Legal Representation Important in a Truck Accident Case?

Truck accident claims frequently involve large trucking companies and national insurance carriers with significant resources, and legal representation allows injured parties to pursue fair treatment under the law. Truck accident cases involve extensive investigation, documentation, and negotiations. A legal team can manage communication with the parties involved and handle the legal requirements of filing a claim or lawsuit.

In addition, our Swansea truck accident lawyers can review transportation records, obtain electronic data, and consult with outside professionals when necessary. These efforts may increase the likelihood of identifying responsible parties and presenting a detailed account of the incident. Each case is different, and the unique facts must be carefully examined to pursue a fair outcome.

Let the Experienced Swansea Truck Accident Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm Fight to Protect Your Rights and Get You the Compensation You Deserve

Truck accident cases involve extensive evidence gathering and multiple parties, and the Swansea truck accident lawyers at The Cates Law Firm have the resources to successfully pursue justice for clients. For a free consultation, call our Swansea, Illinois office at 618-277-3644 or contact us online. We proudly serve clients in St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout Southern Illinois.