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Were you injured, or did you lose someone you love in a collision involving a commercial vehicle in Carlinville, Illinois? If so, turn to the experienced Carlinville IL truck accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office for the aggressive legal representation you need and deserve. 

Truck accident cases are often more complex than regular car crashes since the injuries and damage are often much worse. And multiple parties could be responsible for your injuries and losses, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, shipping company, insurance companies, and even government entities. 

It’s crucial to act quickly after a commercial truck crash. The trucking company is only required to keep hours of service (HOS) logs and the truck’s black box recorder data for a few months. After that time passes, they can legally destroy this potentially crucial evidence. An experienced truck accident lawyer could secure evidence before it is erased, destroyed, or cleaned up, identify all liable parties, and hold them accountable for the harm you’ve suffered and the losses you’ve incurred.

There is a reason why so many people turn to the lawyers at the Noll Law Office for help after commercial vehicle accidents. Attorneys Daniel Noll and Sarah Noll are fifth-generation lawyers continuing a proud tradition of providing quality representation to those injured in this community. The firm has earned a reputation for aggressive advocacy, transparent communication, and compassionate representation. If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash in Carlinville, or anywhere in Illinois, call (217) 414-8889 or contact the firm online for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Accidents involving big vehicles like 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and delivery trucks can result in devastating injuries and significant property damage due to their massive size and weight. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Failing to adjust driving to road and weather conditions
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Speeding and driving recklessly
  • Negligent hiring by the truck company
  • Poor training 
  • Failure to maintain the vehicle 
  • Failure to observe or enforce hours of service regulations

Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents

Some of the most common injuries suffered by drivers and passengers involved in commercial vehicle accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – These injuries occur when the brain is jostled inside the head or when the skull is punctured. They frequently happen in collisions when the force of impact causes the victim’s head to hit a hard surface in the vehicle, like the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. TBIs can range in severity from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can result in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Recovery times vary, and some victims may require ongoing care and rehabilitation.
  • Spinal cord injuries – The significant force of impact or penetration of debris in a truck crash could cause severe spine and spinal cord injuries. An injury to the spinal cord, which transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body, could result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage. Rehabilitation and long-term care are often necessary for victims of these injuries.
  • Broken bones and fractures – The tremendous force of a commercial vehicle crash will often cause occupants in the smaller vehicle to suffer broken or fractured bones. Common sites include the ribs, collarbone, arms, legs, and skull. Bone breaks or fractures might require surgery, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation.
  • Internal organ injuries – Damage to organs like the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys or internal bleeding are common after commercial vehicle collisions. These injuries are not always easy to detect immediately and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. 
  • Whiplash and neck Injuries – Whiplash occurs when the head and neck jerk back and forth suddenly, causing tears in the muscles, and ligaments, and damaging the vertebrae in the neck. This injury happens most frequently in rear-end collisions and can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
  • Cuts, lacerations, and soft-tissue injuries – Broken glass, metal debris, and impact with other objects could cause cuts, lacerations, or contusions. While basic first aid can treat many cuts and bruises, more severe injuries might require stitches or surgery.

Wrongful Death Actions After Truck Accidents in Illinois 

In the worst-case scenarios, those involved in a collision involving a commercial vehicle might not survive the crash or their subsequent injuries. When this happens, the person’s surviving family members could potentially seek compensation through a wrongful death action. Under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/), family members of the deceased could seek economic and non-economic compensation from the at-fault party or parties. These include:

  • Economic compensation including financial contributions the person would have made, as well as funeral and burial expenses incurred by the family
  • Non-economic compensation including loss of companionship, grief, and emotional distress

Surviving family members have two years from the date of the crash to file a wrongful death lawsuit under the state’s statute of limitations. Failure to file before the deadline expires means the court would be barred from hearing your case. This means it is crucial to hire an experienced attorney right away if you’ve lost a loved one in a truck crash in Illinois. 

FMSCA Violations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs the transportation of goods by commercial trucks. The agency’s regulations are designed to protect the safety of those who share the road with these massive vehicles. Unfortunately, trucking companies and drivers who fail to comply with these regulations put others at risk of severe or catastrophic injury or death. Investigating whether any FMCSA violations have occurred after an accident is essential. Some common violations include the following:

  • Failing to maintain vehicles and neglecting routine safety inspections
  • Failing to load and secure cargo appropriately
  • Allowing drivers to exceed the allowable driving hours
  • Hiring unqualified drivers
  • Failure to ensure that brakes are in good working condition

In some instances, records could show that the trucking company was negligent in the maintenance and inspection of the vehicle. Hiring documents and background checks (or lack thereof) might indicate that the company failed to do its due diligence when hiring the driver. And the driver’s log or the truck’s black box recorder might show a failure to adhere to federal hours of service regulations. These are just a few things that an experienced truck accident attorney would look for when investigating a truck crash.

How Do I Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me?

The road to recovery can be long and challenging when you’ve been involved in a truck accident. In addition to physical injuries, you may face financial burdens, emotional trauma, and a complex legal landscape. To protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve, choosing the best truck accident lawyer for your case is essential. Take the following steps to find the best lawyer for you:

  • Start by researching – Look online or ask your friends and family for recommendations on lawyers in your area who handle truck accident cases. 
  • Check their credentials – Once you have a list of potential lawyers, check their credentials. You’ll want to look at their education, experience, and any awards or recognitions they may have received. Reviews from previous clients are also a good indication of the results they obtain and the level of service they provide. 
  • Schedule a consultation – Some truck accident lawyers offer a free initial consultation, which allows you to meet with the lawyer and discuss the specifics of your case with no obligation to hire them. Use this time to ask questions and find out the strengths and weaknesses of your case and how the lawyer plans to handle them if you hire them. 
  • Ask about fees – Make sure you understand the lawyer’s fee structure before hiring them. Injury lawyers will usually represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you receive a settlement or judgment in your favor. This is beneficial because it means your lawyer’s goals will be aligned with yours – they’ll be looking to secure the maximum compensation possible in your case. Be sure to ask about any additional fees or costs associated with your case.

By considering the attorney’s experience, reputation, communication style, and your specific needs, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision and find the legal representation best suited to your situation.

What To Do After a Truck Accident in Carlinville

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Carlinville, Macoupin County, Illinois, it’s essential to take swift action to protect your rights, your health, and your injury claim. Remember that every accident is unique and may require additional steps depending on the situation. In general, you should take the following steps at the accident scene:

  • Call the police – The police could help secure the accident scene and will perform a preliminary investigation after the crash. They can help coordinate emergency medical care, issue citations for traffic violations, and file a crash report that could be a crucial piece of evidence for your injury claim. 
  • Get medical attention – If you or anyone else involved in the crash appears to be injured, request medical attention immediately. If the injury seems serious, request transportation to the nearest emergency room. Many injuries like internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), might not show symptoms right away but could be life-threatening if left untreated, so make sure to get a diagnosis even if you’re unsure if you’ve been hurt. 
  • Take pictures and video of the crash scene – If it’s safe, take pictures of the accident scene, including the points of impact on the vehicles, any debris, nearby traffic signs, the weather conditions, your injuries, and anything else you believe might be critical to your case.
  • Get contact information from witnesses – If any witnesses saw the crash, take down their full names and contact information. Eyewitness accounts can be vital evidence if the truck driver tries to blame you for the crash or otherwise denies responsibility.
  • Get the truck driver’s information – Write down the truck driver’s name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information. If the driver works for a trucking company, get the company’s name, address, and phone number as well.
  • Provide your information, but don’t say too much – Give the truck driver your name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Avoid discussing the accident with the driver or anyone else at the scene, since anything you say could potentially be used or misconstrued and could harm your injury claim.

You should also take the following steps in the hours or days after the truck crash:

  • Contact an attorney – You should talk to a lawyer with specific experience handling truck accident claims as soon as possible after the crash. Time is limited to take legal action, and crucial evidence could be lost, cleaned up, or destroyed as time passes. Your attorney will want to investigate the crash right away and secure the evidence needed to build a strong case.
  • Keep records – Keep all medical records, receipts, insurance documents, and other information about the accident. Your attorney will likely need this to demonstrate your injuries and calculate your losses after the crash. 
  • Notify your insurance company – Contact your insurance company and let them know that you have been in an accident caused by a commercial truck driver. Keep your comments brief and make sure not to say anything that might indicate that you were at fault. 
  • Continue treatment– Follow your doctor’s advice and do not skip any appointments for follow-up treatment. This will show that you are serious about treating your injuries and head off questions about their severity. 
  • Do not speak with the truck driver’s insurance company – If a representative from the trucking company or their insurer contacts you, refer them to your lawyer. 
  • Do not sign anything or accept money without talking to your attorney -If the truck driver’s insurance company asks you to sign anything or offers you a quick settlement, politely refuse and request the offer in writing to discuss with your lawyer. Initial settlement offers often are not enough to cover all of your accident-related expenses both now and in the future, so your lawyer will likely need to negotiate for a full and fair settlement or file a lawsuit to seek compensation in court. 

Local Resources After a Truck Crash In Springfield

Carlinville Emergency Resources

If you have been injured, you should seek medical treatment. Below, you will find resources to help you if you have been injured:

Carlinville Law Enforcement

Carlinville Police Department – Macoupin County

Address: 570 N Broad St, Carlinville, IL 62626

Phone: (217) 854-3221

Website: https://crimewatch.net/us/il/macoupin/carlinville-pd

Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department

Address: 215 S East St # 1 

Phone: (217) 854-3135

Website: https://www.macoupincountyil.gov/sheriff_dept.htm

Emergency Rooms in Carlinville

Carlinville Area Hospital

Address: 20733 N Broad St, Carlinville, IL 62626

Phone: (217) 854-3141

Website: https://www.cahcare.com

How The Noll Law Firm Could Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Carlinville, know that the qualified truck accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office are ready to help. Truck accidents are among the most serious collisions on the roads and highways in and around Carlinville and often result in severe or life-altering injuries and significant out-of-pocket expenses. 

Attorneys Daniel Noll and Sarah Noll have experienced trial attorneys who are not afraid to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. While some lawyers look to settle cases quickly to reduce their caseload, the lawyers at the Noll Law Office prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This means they will be ready to go the distance for their clients to make sure they recover the money they need to rebuild their lives after a devastating truck crash. 

Remember that time is limited to take legal action after a truck crash. Any delays in pursuing your case might result in lost evidence, fading eyewitness memories, and the expiration of the statute of limitations. By taking immediate action and hiring an experienced truck accident attorney from the Noll Law Office, you can rest easier knowing that the legal legwork will be handled while you focus on what is most important: getting treatment and recovering from your injuries.

Don’t let the opportunity for justice and fair compensation slip through your fingers. Reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer today and begin the journey toward healing and recovery. For your free consultation to discuss your truck crash case, call the Noll Law Office at (217) 414-8889 or fill out a contact form right away.