Truck drivers may be aware that this city has some of the nation’s worst traffic bottlenecks for commercial shipments. Maneuvering a truck across crowded lanes can be difficult enough on a long country highway, but in a city, it can cause devastating accidents.
Victims of truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Chicago should consult an attorney who understands how to investigate these crashes. Our experienced truck accident attorneys can protect you from insurance companies attempting to reduce the compensation you deserve.
Why Can Truck Lane Changes Be Dangerous?
Larger vehicles generally have larger blind spots than smaller cars. Commercial trucks, especially semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, cannot avoid this problem when changing lanes. If a driver neglects or misjudges their blind spot before moving, the sheer weight of the truck can crush a vehicle in the adjacent lane.
When a truck driver causes a crash by unsafely changing lanes on a Chicago road, vehicle pile-ups and cascading accidents can result. Collision victims may be left with:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord fractures or other paralyzing injuries
- Crush injuries
- Complex fractures
- Amputated limbs
These catastrophic injuries can significantly affect the lives of victims and their loved ones.
The Aftermath of Lane Change Truck Accidents
After a truck driver causes an unsafe lane change crash in Chicago, the victim may have to focus entirely on recovery. They may miss work for weeks or months, if they can return to their career at all. In many cases, they will also require:
- Extensive medical treatment, beginning immediately after the crash and continuing through surgeries and other procedures
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation, which may involve regular appointments for months
- Home health equipment and mobility aids such as braces, canes, or wheelchairs
- Help with domestic work, childcare, and other everyday tasks they can no longer do themselves
For these reasons, a catastrophic injury may quickly become extremely costly.
When a family loses a loved one due to an accident, the burden of their shock and grief can change their lives forever. They must also manage fatality-related expenses, including funeral and burial costs, as well as the last medical bills and losses of their loved one.
Challenges in Pursuing Compensation After a Truck Accident
Although trucks are required to carry at least $300,000 in insurance, this amount is not always enough, especially when truck is large or multiple parties are involved. The insurer, and sometimes even the trucking company, will often make it difficult for victims to receive the compensation they need.
That is why it is critical to seek legal guidance from a Chicago attorney who understands how to handle truck wrecks resulting from dangerous lane changes. The collision itself often generates crucial data that may disappear over time. A skilled lawyer can preserve the truck’s HVEDR (heavy vehicle electronic data recorder) and the company’s documentation to obtain the evidence needed to support your case.
Call a Chicago Attorney About Truck Wrecks Caused by Unsafe Lane Changes
At Kaveny Sarmas Injury Lawyers, we take pride in the successes we have achieved for accident victims and their families. While we cannot promise an outcome, we can promise dedication and compassion through every step of the legal process.
Truck accidents caused by unsafe lane changes in Chicago can have devastating consequences, making it essential to work with an experienced attorney. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
