Can Cargo Loaders Be Liable for My Illinois Truck Accident?

 Posted on September 12, 2024 in Truck accidents

Many major freight companies have distribution hubs in Chicagoland, which means that truck traffic is usually heavy on the area’s interstates. If you travel along I-90 and I-294 regularly, you have probably seen the aftermath of at least one truck crash. Cargo issues likely contributed to causing some of those accidents. If you were injured in one of those collisions, you deserve compensation.

How do you know who should pay you? Will your claim be complicated? Call Quinn Law Group, LLC today to discuss your accident with our knowledgeable attorney so he can give you case-specific answers.

How Can a Truck’s Cargo Cause a Crash?

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds, with its cargo accounting for most of that weight. Whether the trailers are enclosed, flatbeds, or step-deck, they have multiple axles, with four tires per axle. Loading cargo onto a trailer correctly takes planning and skill:

• There should not be loose individual items that might dislodge during transit.

• The overall cargo weight should be distributed evenly.

• Pallets and large items must be tightly secured to prevent sudden shifting.

• An enclosed trailer’s doors must be securely latched.

Along with a semi’s tremendous weight, its 72-foot length and 13.5-foot height make it challenging to maneuver even in ideal conditions. Chicago’s frequently windy conditions make controlling high-profile vehicles like large trucks even more difficult.

When cargo is not balanced or secured correctly, it can shift. Drivers may lose control of their trucks, often leading to rollover accidents. Surrounding vehicles may be crushed under or pushed by the overturning trailer.

In other situations, a sudden shift can cause freight to spill from the trailer, falling onto nearby cars or creating dangerous roadway obstacles. In this scenario, the truck itself may not be directly involved in a collision, but its cargo can still be the culprit.

How Does Liability in Truck Accidents Work? 

There are several potentially liable parties when a truck causes a collision. In most cases, you need to investigate how and why the crash occurred to determine who is responsible. There may be more than one at-fault party; for instance, improperly loaded cargo can unbalance the truck, but the truck driver’s fatigue could delay his reaction times. You may even be partially to blame.

In Illinois, you can obtain compensation from other liable parties if your degree of fault is less than 51 percent. However, your settlement amount will be reduced accordingly.

Many truck accidents cause severe or catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, paralysis, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, broken bones, and extensive bruising. Most victims with serious injuries are also left to deal with various adverse effects on their quality of life. Damages in these cases are usually high, meaning that liable insurance companies are likely to use underhanded tactics to try to avoid paying you.

At Quinn Law Group, LLC, we have the resources to conduct a full investigation into your truck crash. We know how to identify liable parties and find the evidence we need to support your claim. Your legal team will calculate your damages accurately and work hard to help you achieve the best possible result for your claim.

Call Now for Your Free Consultation With Our Winning Des Plaines, IL Truck Accident Lawyer

Establishing liability in truck accident cases can be challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. At Quinn Law Group, LLC, we will handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on recovery. Call us at 847-232-7180 to speak with our highly effective Glenview, IL personal injury attorney.