If you were driving a car and got into an accident with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, you are likely dealing with more than just a damaged vehicle. These crashes are severe, complex, and often involve multiple parties, including powerful trucking company insurers.
This blog post is for people involved in car vs. truck crashes in Illinois. We’ll explain what makes these cases unique, what defenses trucking insurers use, and why you should never face them alone.
Top Concerns After a Truck Crash
- Who is actually responsible: the driver or the company?
- What if the truck driver was speeding or distracted?
- Will their company try to blame me?
- Can I afford medical care before a settlement?
- What happens if they claim it was my fault?
Here’s What Makes Truck Cases Different
- Multiple Parties: The truck driver, the freight company, a leasing entity, and even the truck manufacturer may be liable.
- Federal Regulations: Trucking companies are governed by strict safety and maintenance laws (FMCSA). If they violated any, it may strengthen your case.
- Black Box Data: Commercial trucks often have data recorders that capture speed, braking, and driving time—critical evidence your attorney can request.
Common Insurance Defenses in Truck Accidents
- “Our driver was within hours-of-service limits.” – Logs can be falsified. Your attorney can subpoena GPS and delivery data.
- “The truck was in its lane and the car swerved.” – Eyewitnesses and debris patterns may tell a different story.
- “The crash was unavoidable due to weather or traffic.” – Many of these claims don’t hold up when video and vehicle data are reviewed.
Why Legal Representation Is Essential
Trucking companies are aggressive in denying liability. They often dispatch investigators to the scene within hours. Their goal? Minimize your compensation before you even consider filing a claim.
Here’s how a truck accident lawyer can help:
- Preserve and analyze truck logbooks, video, and electronic data
- Investigate the trucker’s background and training
- Handle communications with commercial insurers
- File suit if needed to uncover hidden evidence
At Fabbrini Law Group, we know how to fight back against national trucking defense firms. We’ve recovered significant settlements for drivers and passengers hurt in truck crashes throughout Illinois.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly in these cases, and the law limits how long you have to file. Contact a truck accident attorney immediately.