TRUCK ACCIDENTS

PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

GETTING HELP AFTER YOUR TRUCK ACCIDENT INJURY

Call the office of MeyerJensen PC in Alton, IL today to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified attorneys.

The National Traffic Safety Administration estimates that every year, more than 400,000 large trucks (including 18-wheelers and tractor trailers) are involved in trucking accidents, including semi-trucks, tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. Being involved in a collision with a large truck increases the probability of fatal injury to the driver of a passenger vehicle by nine- fold, on the average, when compared to collisions between passenger vehicles.. If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call MeyerJensen PC today and we will begin the process of making sure the one at fault is held accountable.

The Trucking Industry

Investigating truck accidents requires knowledge of the regulations governing the operation of trucking companies and truck drivers. It also requires inspections of the trucks, trailers and other vehicles involved in the accident. It is important that an investigation begin as soon as possible after an accident in order to document skid and gouge marks, operational records and vehicles condition.


Large commercial vehicles and 18-wheelers can pose significant hazards to most other vehicles on the road, often resulting in a semi-truck accident. For example, when a semi-truck jackknifes on a highway, it can become an impenetrable wall resulting in a serious multiple vehicle collision. A trucker’s load may spill following a collision, creating an additional hazard for other drivers and potentially releasing dangerous chemicals. Because of their weight and size, commercial trucks can also be slow to come to a full stop.

Establishing The Liability

In addition, many kinds of truck driver negligence can contribute to serious accidents. Some of these include:

  • Driver fatigue of
  • Poor vehicle maintenance
  • Excessive speed
  • Unsafe driving

Unsafe driving factors by truck drivers which frequently contribute to accidents include:

  • Driving outside of the designated truck lanes
  • Failure to drive according to weather conditions
  • Aggressive driving
  • Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Failure to yield right of way

Although the commercial trucking industry is heavily regulated, many regulations are ignored by irresponsible truck drivers who try to shorten their time on the road. Ignoring regulations can be harmful to other drivers.

Determining the responsible party

When a commercial truck driver is the employee of a trucking company, both the driver and the company should be accountable. Many companies, in an effort to avoid liability, hire drivers as “Independent Contractors”. However the law provides a remedy for this situation especially when the company maintained supervision and control over the driver and equipment. Since the company will not roll-over without a fight we strongly urge you to contact MeyerJensen today.