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Types of Truck Driver Negligence (Part B)

Mechanical Negligence in an Illinois Truck Accident

Drivers of commercial trucks are also responsible for the maintenance and safe operation of their vehicles. Independent operators have routine inspections to conduct before, during and after a route, while drivers who work for a larger transport company have mechanics to report to.

The loads hauled during a route also play a critical factor in the cause of many Illinois truck accidents. An improperly balanced or unsecured load can shift during driving, causing spillage or loss of vehicle control. Drivers also need to be aware of adverse road conditions where it would be unsafe to operate their vehicles.

During a route, a driver cannot be negligent in responding to unfavorable vehicle responses. Many drivers try to ignore unusual engine sounds or vehicle conditions until they are off duty or at a more preferable area to break down. In many cases delaying proper attention to mechanical issues can cause unexpected vehicle failures which often result in Illinois truck accidents.

The Difficulty in Proving Illinois Truck Accident Negligence

Truck drivers have the added advantage of normally having their transport company dealing with the insurance companies. Many transport companies have an agent on site immediately following an accident to document the situation for their use as evidence.

The keeping of records also poses a challenge when you attempt to file your insurance claim. The federal laws for retaining records regarding crash data (driver's logbook, vehicle maintenance, etc.) only require them to be kept for as little as 90 days before they can be destroyed. Having a Chicago truck accident attorney can help you file a notice to cease document destruction.

Hiring a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney

When you are involved in an Illinois truck accident your injury claims will usually be going against a trucking company's insurance provider. Because the providers often dispatch adjusters to the scene immediately following your accident, you need to act quickly as well to protect your claim.

A Chicago truck accident attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. knows the ins-and-outs of Illinois car insurance coverage and can help you understand the claims process. Contact us today for a free case evaluation - 312-263-1080.

The Law Offices of
Barry G. Doyle, P.C.
5215 Old Orchard Road
Suite 710
Skokie, IL 60077
Phone: 312.263.1080
Fax: 312.263.0153

Proudly Serving Many Illinois Cities and Counties, Including:
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