Urbana Truck Accidents Lawyer
Trucking crashes in and around Urbana are often among the deadliest types of traffic collisions. While many large truck accidents occur on highways around Urbana like I-74 or I-57, it is important to remember that trucking crashes can also happen on local streets and rural roads. In many truck accidents, a truck driver or another party may be liable for injuries. Accordingly, it is critical to get in touch with an attorney who can help you to determine who you can sue in a truck accident lawsuit and who may be responsible for paying damages. Contact our experienced Urbana truck accidents lawyer to get started on your claim.
Learn More About Truck Accidents in Urbana
It is important to understand how often truck accidents can happen and to learn more about key factors involved in many trucking collisions. The following facts and figures come from the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
- Nearly 5,000 fatal large truck collisions occurred in 2020;
- Nearly 70 percent of all people who sustain fatal injuries in trucking accidents are occupants of smaller passenger vehicles in collision with the truck;
- Approximately 15 percent of people who sustained fatal injuries in truck crashes are truck drivers;
- Truck accident deaths have increased in recent years and show a generally upward trend (with a 33 percent increase in deadly trucking accidents between 2011 and 2019);
- Nearly 50 percent of all deadly truck accidents happen on major roads that are not interstates, and about 36 percent of those collisions occur on interstates and freeways; and
- Large truck collisions occur relatively evenly throughout the week and during daytime hours.
Common Causes of Urbana Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can have various causes, such as:
- Truck driver negligence (like distracted driving or drowsy driving);
- Driver negligence from another motorist on the road;
- Inadequate maintenance;
- Improper loading;
- Defective truck parts (such as brakes or tires);
- Dangerous road conditions; and
- Inclement weather.
Who Is Liable for an Urbana Truck Accident?
Liability for a truck accident will depend upon the specific facts of your case. In general, the following parties are commonly responsible for trucking collision injuries:
- Truck driver;
- Employer of the truck driver;
- Truck owner;
- Loader of the truck;
- Mechanic for the truck;
- Designer or manufacturer of a truck part or the truck; or
- Property owner (who failed to clear debris from the road or to repair a pothole, for example).
To be eligible to file a truck accident lawsuit, you will need to make sure that you file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out. Most truck accident lawsuits have a two-year statute of limitations. When you are the one injured and you are planning to file a personal injury claim, you will need to file within two years from the date of the accident in order to remain eligible for compensation. In truck accident cases where a person dies from their injuries, the wrongful death statute of limitations is also two years in most cases. However, the clock will start ticking on the date of death as opposed to the date of the truck accident.
Contact Patel Law, PC
Trucking accidents in Urbana can be serious and deadly, but it may be possible to file a claim for compensation. The dedicated advocates at Patel Law, PC can help. Contact an experienced Urbana truck accidents lawyer today for assistance.
