Truck Accident Attorney in Peoria

Assisting the Victims of Serious Semi-Truck Accidents

When large commercial trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, the occupants of the smaller vehicle tend to suffer the brunt of the injuries. Due to their sheer size and weight, semi-trucks can cause extensive damage, serious physical harm, and, often, fatalities when accidents occur.

In contrast to car accident and motorcycle accident cases, truck accident claims tend to be more difficult to pursue, as there may be a number of liable parties involved. Furthermore, trucking company insurance providers often go to any length to devalue or deny a claim—even when they are liable.

If you were injured or your loved one was killed in a truck accident, reach out to the Peoria truck accident attorney at Joel E. Brown, Attorney at Law for a free consultation. Our firm is committed to helping injured individuals and the families of loved ones killed in truck crashes fight for the full, fair recovery they are owed.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?

As mentioned above, there are several different parties that may be responsible for an accident involving a semi-truck. The liable party or parties will depend on the specific circumstances involved but can include the driver of the truck, the company that owns or leases the truck, the manufacturer of the truck or a truck part, and others.

Some common causes of truck accidents that result from negligence include:

• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driver error
• Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
• Overloaded trucks
• Unrealistic quotas/schedules
• Lack of proper training
• Insufficient supervision
• Faulty truck brakes or tires
• Dangerous road design
• Unsafe truck speed limits
• Violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)

This list is not exhaustive. There are many factors that can lead to a truck accident and, in many cases, multiple parties can be held liable for your injuries, pain, and suffering. 

It’s wise to consult with a skilled truck accident attorney in Peoria who has experience handling these types of complex claims. At Joel E. Brown, Attorney at Law, we are not afraid to take on large commercial vehicle insurance companies in our pursuit of justice and recovery on behalf of our clients.

Trucking Laws and Regulations

Because semi-trucks have the capability to inflict such catastrophic damage to other motorists in the event of an accident, truck drivers are required to follow more laws than other motorists on and off the road. One of these such rules is called the hours of service regulation. One of the main focuses of this set of rules is to prevent fatigued driving, a major cause of truck accidents. Truckers are often overworked, either from pressure from the companies they drive for or in an effort to meet a deadline. 

According to this law:

• Truck drivers can work a maximum of14 hours in a one day. Of these 14 hours, however, truckers can only drive for 11 hours. The remaining time spent on rest or meal breaks
• Truck drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before starting a new workday
• Truck drivers are required to take days off work at regular intervals

If you have been injured by a negligent truck driver, don’t wait to get help! Contact our firm for help today.

Contact Our Firm for a Complimentary Case Evaluation

We only accept select cases in order to better provide our clients with the care and attention they deserve. Attorney Brown is adept at handling very complex truck accident cases, including those involving severe, catastrophic injury and wrongful death. With more than 25 years of experience, we are well-equipped to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish. 

Our firm offers honest, personalized legal counsel and dedicated representation as we aggressively advocate for the rights and recovery of our clients. We serve clients throughout Peoria and Tazewell Counties and offer our services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.