The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can cause severe damage on Urbana-Champaign roads. If you are in a collision with one of these vehicles, you can suffer thousands of dollars in damages, and must file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim to recover from these injuries.
Truck accident claims can be difficult to handle alone, but Duncan Law Group can help. Our attorneys will advocate tirelessly on your behalf, working to build a compelling case in your favor and identifying your optimal pathways toward maximum compensation. We are the best personal injury attorneys in Urbana-Champaign.
Illinois, like most states, uses a fault-based system for accident claims. This means the party responsible for your injuries must pay for the damages you sustain due to the injury. For truck accident claims, identifying the at-fault party can be tricky.
In car accident cases, you usually name the at-fault driver in your lawsuit or file a claim with his or her insurance company. In truck accident cases, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver, but you will likely hold his or her employer liable. Depending on the cause of the accident, a government agency or the manufacturer of a defective part may also be liable.
You can collect economic and non-economic damages in your truck accident lawsuit or insurance claim. Economic damages refer to your tangible monetary losses, while non-economic damages involve your mental and physical pain and suffering. Some of the most common truck accident damages include the following:
In certain lawsuits, the court may also award punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to help you recover from your losses due to the accident, punitive damages punish the at-fault party for especially negligent or reckless behavior. Illinois courts award punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party acted in a way that is intentional, fraudulent, or willful and wanton.
For example, the court may award punitive damages in truck accident cases where the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You may also receive punitive damages if the driver’s company attempted to hide evidence proving they breached federal regulations.
If you are in a truck accident in Urbana-Champaign, don’t wait to seek help. Contact the Contact the attorneys at Duncan Law Group today to discuss your legal options and strategize your next steps.
Our attorneys will work tirelessly to advocate for your right to compensatory damages. Schedule your free consultation today with one of our truck accident lawyers and begin the claims process.