Driving a large commercial vehicle demands extensive driver training, additional caution, and an unwavering commitment to obeying all traffic laws. Even with all these factors in place, though, accidents can still happen. Due to their weight and size, truck accidents are often serious, resulting in severe injuries or even death. It is quite common for truck drivers, as well as the trucking company, to be liable for the accident due to their own negligence. While you can choose to deal directly with the driver, trucking company, and their insurance company on your own, a personal injury or truck accident attorney could efficiently handle all of that on your behalf. Hiring an experienced DuPage County truck accident lawyer may make the aftermath of a truck accident easier on you. Call and schedule an appointment with a caring personal injury lawyer to begin discussing your legal options.
DuPage County Auto Insurance Laws
625 ILCS 5/7-203 requires most motorists in Illinois to carry bodily injury and property damage liability insurance to help pay for damages they cause in an auto accident. The minimum amounts drivers are required to carry are:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
- $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
- $20,000 for damage to the property of another person
Parties who are injured in a truck accident can file a claim directly with the other driver’s auto insurance. However, there are several instances in which they may want the assistance of an experienced DuPage County truck accident attorney:
- If the truck driver or their employer does not have insurance or does not carry enough insurance to pay for the victim’s damages
- If the truck driver’s insurance company is refusing to pay for the damages or attempting to settle for less than the victim is willing to accept
- If the injured individual simply wants help dealing with the other party’s insurance company
Damages in a Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents can cause severe damages in even the best-case scenarios. Courts divide these damages into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are those which are easy to put an objective value on, such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages are more intangible and may include loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.
Unlike some other states, there are no laws in Illinois limiting the amount of compensation accident victims may receive. Plaintiffs should consult with a truck accident lawyer in DuPage County to outline which types of damages may be applicable in their case. Whether the case is settled before trial or goes to court, these damages should still be taken into consideration by an injured individual and their experienced lawyer.
Talk to a DuPage County Truck Accident Attorney
Even if you are not sure how your accident with a truck occurred, consulting with a seasoned DuPage County truck accident lawyer may be a good idea. They could assist in determining who may be liable for your injuries and work to hold them accountable according to Illinois civil law.
If a truck driver or the trucking company did not exercise care in their actions and caused you to suffer injury or damages as a result, they may be found legally negligent and obligated to pay damages. Your personal injury attorney could go to work for you to prove their negligence in a court of law, so call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.