Chicago Override Truck Accidents Attorney
Any accident involving a larger commercial truck has the potential for devastating injuries and property damage, and this is particularly true for an override accident. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, our team is standing by to help if you need a Chicago truck accident attorney. These types of incidents occur when the front end of a larger commercial truck collides with and rides up over a smaller vehicle, often resulting in tremendous devastation. If you have been harmed in an incident like this, let us help you today.
What Is an Override Truck Accident and How Do They Happen?
An override truck accident occurs when the front end of a large commercial truck, such as a tractor-trailer, rides up over the back or side of a smaller vehicle. This type of collision often results in the smaller vehicle being crushed under the immense weight of the truck, leading to severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants.
Override accidents are particularly dangerous because the impact is usually concentrated on the upper portions of the smaller vehicle, where occupants are most vulnerable. Override accidents can happen in several ways:
- Driver inattention or distraction. A truck driver who is not fully focused on the road can fail to notice a slowing or stopped vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Distractions such as mobile device use, eating or drinking, or fatigue can all contribute to a lack of attention that leads to an override accident.
- Following too closely. Large trucks need more stopping distance compared to smaller vehicles. When a truck driver follows too closely, they may not have enough time to stop if traffic suddenly slows down, resulting in an override collision.
- Brake failure or mechanical issues. Poorly maintained brakes or other mechanical failures can prevent a larger commercial truck from stopping in time to avoid an override accident. Regular maintenance checks are crucial to ensuring that these vehicles are safe to operate on the road.
- Poor weather conditions. Adverse weather can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. In such conditions, it is easier for a truck to lose control and collide with a smaller vehicle, resulting in an override accident.
Liability After an Override Accident in Chicago
Determining liability in an override accident can be complex due to the various factors that may contribute to the crash. Liability may rest with one or more parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of the truck’s components.
If the truck’s operator was speeding, distracted, or failed to maintain a safe following distance, they might be held liable for the accident. The trucking company may be held liable if they failed to properly train or supervise the driver or if they allowed a truck to be operated without proper maintenance.
In some cases, companies may push drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to reckless driving behaviors. If the accident was caused by vehicle or part defect, such as brake failure, liability may extend to the manufacturer of the truck or the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle.
It is crucial to investigate whether the truck had been adequately maintained and if any parts were defective. Sometimes, other drivers or external factors may have contributed to the accident. For example, a third vehicle cutting off a truck could lead to an override accident. In such cases, determining liability requires a thorough investigation of all parties involved.
What Compensation Can Override Truck Collision Victims Receive?
Victims of override truck accidents in Chicago may be entitled to compensation to help them recover from the financial, physical, and emotional impact of the crash.
The compensation available may include both economic and non-economic losses, including coverage of medical expenses (current and future), lost income, pain and suffering damages, as well as property damage.
Contact Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an override truck accident in Chicago, the experienced attorneys at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC are here to help. We understand the complexities involved in these cases and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your claim by visiting our website at Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC or calling us at (312) 586-1700.