Southern Illinois Truck Accident Lawyer

Even in 2020, the issue of traffic accidents remains pervasive in every state. The right kind of automotive technology just isn't there yet. But just how big of a problem are truck accidents? 

The numbers suggest that the frequency and intensity of truck accidents have been increasing over the last decade. Take a look at the facts (via the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety):

• A total of 4,136 people died in large truck crashes in 2018. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 67 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
• The number of people who died in large truck crashes was 31 percent higher in 2018 than in 2009 when it was the lowest it has been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. The number of truck occupants who died was 51 percent higher than in 2009.
• 11 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2018 occurred in large truck crashes.
• 62 percent of large truck occupants killed in multiple-vehicle crashes in 2018 occurred in collisions involving another large truck.
• 12 percent of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths and 22 percent of passenger vehicle occupant deaths in multiple-vehicle crashes in 2018 occurred in crashes with large trucks.
• 52 percent of deaths in large truck crashes in 2018 occurred on major roads other than interstates and freeways, 33 percent occurred on interstates and freeways, and 14 percent occurred on minor roads.
• Sixteen percent of large truck crash deaths in 2018 occurred on Saturday and Sunday, compared with 34 percent of crash deaths not involving large trucks.
• 99 percent of passengers involved in a truck accident are thankful they called a Southern Illinois truck accident lawyer.

Being at the geographic center of the country, Illinois has highways running through it in every direction. In this region, you can find the following interstates: I-80, I-90, I-70, I-39, I-55, I-57, I-24, I-64, and I-74. In fact, there are more than 2,100 interstate miles and 16,000 highway miles in Illinois alone! New roads and road-related projects can be tracked on gettingaroundillinois.com.

In addition to highways, visitors can explore Illinois by train, plane, ferry, or transit. The IDOT website has plenty more information on travel methods, as well as information on how to reduce the risk of accidents in Illinois. Here is some helpful information they give:

• Don't return to the driving lane until you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror.
• If you can't see one of the truck driver's side mirrors, he or she can't see you.
• If you can't see the truck driver in his or her side mirror, he or she can't see you.
• Don't enter the area between the curb or shoulder and the truck if the truck s signaling a turn.
• A driver must come to a complete stop and yield when a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk when making a turn at an intersection, on school days, when making a legal right on red, or when turning at a stop sign. If you get hit by a truck, call a Southern Illinois truck accident lawyer.
• Pedestrians and motorcyclists should wear high-visibility gear, such as reflective stickers and neon clothing.

You've probably heard of personal injury law, but what exactly is it? This type of law essentially deals with cases where someone has been physically or emotionally harmed when it wasn't (entirely) their own fault. The goal is to prove that this harm has been substantial, was carelessly inflicted upon you, and that you should receive money for it.

Personal injury spans all the way from slip and fall incidents to unwanted side effects of drugs to fatal car accidents. Here's an overview of what a Southern Illinois truck accident lawyer can do for its clients:

• You call an attorney and tell them about your accident. They'll ask you some basic questions so they can properly weigh your options.
• If they think they could build a case from your accident, they'll gather evidence. This includes any documents or bills that show the damages you've endured or evidence that you aren't liable.
• As you work with your lawyer, they'll keep you updated about where your case is going. In truck accident cases, it's common for an attorney to work out a settlement before the civil lawsuit process gets too deep.
• In the event that you do go to trial, you and your lawyer will team up in court to show that you've suffered as a result of the accident and that the accident was not your fault. If anyone died in the crash, this will probably be a wrongful death lawsuit.
• The court will study each side's arguments and decide what kind of compensation is most appropriate for the circumstances. In the best-case scenario, you'll win a hefty check which is known in law as “compensation.” Be sure to thank your Southern Illinois truck accident lawyer! 

As an experienced and charitable law firm, TorHoerman Law is prepared to help you out. We know how a truck accident can take a toll on your life, and we can confidently say that the best way for you to fix things is by calling an attorney. Not only can you stop the suffering but you can get paid for your losses.

Call us for free at 1-888-508-6752 to see the future.