Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer

If you've been involved in a truck accident, it is not recommended to speak to the trucking company's insurance company directly after an accident, as they may try to minimize the compensation you receive. Insurance adjusters are trained to do this, and any statement you make could be used against you to accomplish it.

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Instead, contact our experienced truck accident attorneys before speaking with the insurance company. We will advise you on the best course of action, represent you in dealing with the insurance company, and negotiate a settlement that fully compensates you for your damages.

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If the truck driver was working for a company at the time of the accident, the company might also be held responsible for the accident under the legal principle of "vicarious liability." This means the company can be held accountable for the actions of its employees while performing work-related duties.

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In some cases, the trucking company may be directly responsible for the accident, for example, if they failed to maintain the truck properly or required the driver to violate federal safety regulations, such as driving for longer hours than legally allowed. If the company is found liable, it may be responsible for paying damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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Our expert truck accident attorneys can help determine if the trucking company is liable and help you pursue compensation for your damages.

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The duration of a truck accident lawsuit depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate a settlement. Some cases can be resolved in months, while others may take several years. Other factors that can impact the timeline of the lawsuit are:

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• Investigation: A thorough investigation of the accident and the parties involved can take time.
• Discovery: The exchange of information and evidence during the discovery phase can take several months.
• Negotiations: Settlement negotiations may take several rounds, and parties may go back and forth with offers and counteroffers.
• Trial: If the case goes to trial, it can take several days or weeks to complete.
• Appeals: Either party may appeal the verdict, further prolonging the process.

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While each case is unique, our expert truck accident attorneys will give you an approximate estimate of how long your case may take based on its specifics.

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The discovery phase of a truck accident lawsuit is a pretrial stage where both parties gather evidence and information from each other to build their case. Here's what you can expect during the discovery phase of a truck accident lawsuit:

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• Document requests: We will request documents from the trucking company, such as driver logs, maintenance records, and employment contracts.
• Written interrogatories: We will also send a list of written questions to the trucking company or other parties involved in the accident, asking for details about the accident, the truck driver's training and experience, and other relevant information.
• Depositions: Depositions are sworn testimony given by witnesses, including the truck driver, the trucking company's employees, and other witnesses to the accident. These depositions are recorded and may be used as evidence at trial.
• Expert testimony: We will consult with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking industry professionals, and medical experts to support your case.

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