Truck Accident Lawyer in Carbondale, IL

Truck Accident Lawyer in Carbondale, IL. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a truck accident because a truck driver, trucking company employee or another individual broke the laws we have in place to keep us safe, there is no time to waste. Call Burger Law right away at (618) 500-HURT or fill out our online contact form.

At Burger Law, we steadfastly represent Carbondale, IL residents who sustained injuries in truck accidents due to someone else’s negligence. Collisions involving trucks and passenger vehicles, as well as pedestrians and other people on the roadway, may lead to devastating injuries even at low speeds because of the sheer weight and size of trucks. Trucking companies and their drivers must follow federal and state trucking regulations, and any failure to abide by these laws presents a risk of harm to others in Carbondale, IL. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, our Carbondale, IL truck accident lawyers can help you pursue maximum compensation from the responsible parties. Give us a call now at (618) 500-HURT or reach out to us online for a no-cost, no-obligation case review.

Trucks can cause major damage when they are involved in accidents near Carbondale, IL. In fact, recent Illinois Department of Transportation data states that truck accidents make up approximately 10 percent of all fatal traffic accidents within the state. According to the same data, 18.6 percent of all Illinois truck accidents involved serious injuries. The Burger Law Carbondale, IL truck accident lawyers have years of experience fighting for clients and their families to get the best possible compensation and help them on the road to recovery.

When you have been seriously injured in a truck accident in Carbondale, IL, you should be fully compensated for the losses you have endured, but you have little chance of success without legal representation from a proven Carbondale, IL truck accident lawyer. See how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator. Call Burger Law as soon as possible at (618) 500-HURT or complete our online contact form.

What Are the Common Types of Truck Accidents in Carbondale, IL?

We have seen truck accident cases resulting from many different negligent behaviors and leading to a wide variety of serious and life-threatening injuries as knowledgeable truck accident lawyers in Carbondale, IL and throughout Illinois. We are committed to assisting truck accident victims like you navigate the intricacies of your claim and holding the truck driver, the trucking company, insurance company and other negligent parties accountable for the harm they have caused and we have the experience to do just that. Some of the types of truck accident cases we have seen in the Carbondale, IL area are:

• Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents
• Overloaded and Overweight Truck Accidents
• Rollover Truck Accidents
• Commercial Truck Accidents
• Big Rig Truck Accidents
• 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
• Tractor Trailer Crash
• Night Time Truck Accidents
• Jackknife Truck Accidents

The Carbondale, IL truck attorneys of Burger Law have the knowledge and experience to help you receive the full recovery you deserve following any truck crash caused by someone else leaves you injured. Learn more about our firm and fields of expertise below.

• Personal Injury Lawyer in Illinois
• Truck Crash Lawyers in Illinois
• Wrongful Death Lawyers in Illinois
• Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Illinois

What Can Cause a Truck Accident in Carbondale, IL?

Distracted driving is a leading contributor to Carbondale, IL trucking accidents, as 71 percent of truck accidents happened when the truck driver was doing something besides driving the truck. Other common contributors to Carbondale, IL truck accidents are:

1. Faulty Truck or Equipment

The Code of Federal Regulations §396 stipulates that every “motor carrier, its officers, drivers, agents, representatives and employees” routinely inspect, repair and maintain their trucks, along with keeping detailed records.

They must inspect:

• Time and frame assemblies
• Suspension systems
• Axles
• Wheels and rims
• Steering systems
• Brakes

If you were hit by a truck driver in Carbondale, IL or anywhere in Illinois, it is imperative you contact the Carbondale, IL truck accident lawyers at Burger Law immediately. As part of our truck accident investigation, we will acquire any and all reports. If we find the driver or truck company was negligent, you can be sure our truck accident injury attorneys will hold them accountable.

2. Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving is one of the most reckless things a truck driver can do. Having no sleep for 18 consecutive hours is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content of .05 percent. While New Jersey and Arkansas are the only states to have laws against drowsy driving, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has enacted stringent hours-of-service regulations to ensure that truck drivers get enough rest when they have to log long hours:

Property-Carrying Drivers

• A maximum of 11 hours of driving following 10 consecutive off-duty hours
• A max of 14 hours on-duty, meaning that the trucker may not drive past the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty after 10 consecutive off-duty hours
• Fewer than 60 hours on duty over seven consecutive days
• No more than 70 hours on duty over eight consecutive days
• Any driver using a sleeper berth must take eight consecutive hours in it, plus a separate two hours in the sleeper berth or off duty, or any combination of the two.

Passenger-Carrying Drivers

• A max of 10 hours driving after eight consecutive hours off duty
• A maximum of 15 hours on-duty, meaning that the commercial driver may not drive beyond the 15th consecutive hour after eight consecutive off-duty hours
• Fewer than 60 hours on duty over seven consecutive days
• Fewer than 70 hours on duty over eight consecutive days
• Drivers who utilize a sleeper berth must take at least eight hours in it with the choice of splitting the time into two periods, provided that neither is less than two hours

When truck drivers are feeling drowsy or fatigued, they should pull over. According to the groundbreaking Large Truck Crash Causation Study, pressure from employers to meet tight schedules was a leading cause of truck drivers driving fatigued. If you or someone you love in Carbondale, IL was injured because a trucking company obligated their drivers to drive longer than they should under law, Burger Law’s Carbondale, IL truck accident attorneys will prove that they were liable and make sure you get maximum compensation.

3. Alcohol Impairment

It is federal law that no one can operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher. The United States Department of Transportation’s FMCA and its Code of Federal Regulations §392.82 puts even higher restrictions on truck drivers due to the fact that large trucks pose a much higher risk to those on the Carbondale, IL and Illinois roads:

• No truck driver may drive with a blood alcohol content of .04 percent or higher
• Having a blood alcohol content over .02 may make a truck driver subject to disciplinary action, and they will not be permitted to operate a truck for 24 hours

If a truck driver made the terrible decision to drive drunk or impaired by drugs and caused you injuries, Burger Law’s truck accident injury lawyers near Carbondale, IL will hold them accountable. When we sue drunk drivers on your behalf, we seek punitive damages so they know never to get behind the wheel intoxicated again.

4. Drug Impairment

The Code of Federal Regulations §392.82 also requires commercial truck drivers to be tested for these controlled substances:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Opiates, including opium itself and derivative drugs such as heroin
• Amphetamines and methamphetamine
• Phencyclidine (a.k.a. PCP)

Unfortunately, drug use among truck drivers is high and often linked to poor working conditions. Many drivers traveling through Carbondale, IL use cocaine and amphetamines in order to remain awake when driving extended hours.

Strict adherence to any FMCSA regulation is necessary to keep our Carbondale, IL and Illinois roads safe. If anyone who owns, manages or drives a truck is negligent in satisfying any state or federal regulations and injures you or your loved one, they need to pay and you need to be compensated for your damages. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Carbondale, IL it is vital to allow the lawyers at Burger Law to investigate your claim, fortify a strong claim and successfully fight for maximum compensation. Give us a call now at (618) 500-HURT or reach out to us online.

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in a Truck Accident in Carbondale, IL?

Commercial trucks can weigh anywhere from 30,000lbs to 80,000lbs. The average passenger vehicle weighs 4,100lbs. This definitive variation in weight is precisely why truck drivers must carefully and closely follow the rules of the road. When a 18-wheeler that is laden with product smashes into a car, the injuries that result from that accident are often traumatic and life-threatening. Here are several kinds of injuries that resulted from Carbondale, IL truck accidents our lawyers have been involved with:

• Internal Bleeding – Internal bleeding can be dangerous anywhere in the body. One of the most common causes of internal bleeding is trauma from truck and car accidents, including impact and penetrating injuries along with deceleration injuries, when the sudden stop of a vehicle causes internal organs or vessels to break or rupture. Internal bleeding can lead to fatal organ failure when left untreated. The problem with internal bleeding is that it is sometimes hard to detect, and you may not realize the seriousness of your condition after a Carbondale, IL truck accident.
• Broken Bones – The most common cause of broken bones is trauma from truck accidents and other vehicular accidents. Major breaks like comminuted fractures or displaced fractures when the bone is splintered into several pieces can be particularly dangerous.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – The spinal cord is the main avenue that your brain uses to send commands throughout your body. Spinal injuries are serious injuries that can affect your mobility and the motor function of your limbs. According to the World Health Organization, 90 percent of spinal cord injury cases are brought on by trauma, and motor vehicle collisions are the leading source. Any harm to your spine can frequently result in serious injuries throughout other regions of the body.

How Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Prove My Case in Carbondale, IL?

To successfully prove and argue your case and, ultimately, get you just compensation after being injured in a serious truck accident, your truck accident injury lawyer’s first job is to come up with a detailed understanding of the circumstances of your accident. Your Carbondale, IL-based truck accident injury lawyer from Burger Law will investigate your claim and scrupulously gather all evidence and documentation surrounding the accident and your ensuing damages. We then use that evidence to decide who is a fault and show how their behavior have negatively affected your life and well-being.

Our knowledgeable Carbondale, IL truck accident injury lawyers are experts at building a truck accident injury case. We are even ready to go to trial if that is what it takes to get you maximum compensation. Whether we are able to settle the case quickly out of court or have to go through a fierce trial process, your Carbondale, IL-based truck accident injury lawyer might utilize the following valuable sources of evidence to prove that the defendant is indeed responsible for hurting you.

• The truck’s black box: The black box holds valuable information about the operation of the truck including speed, braking activity and other behavior.
• Truck cameras: A lot of commercial trucks have cameras recording the inside of the cab, the road ahead or both. Cameras may have captured the traffic events or the driver’s actions leading up to the accident.
• Witness statements: Witnesses may have important insights on how the truck accident took place. They can aid your claim by confirming facts or offering a new insight about the events.
• Police reports and citations: When police arrive at the scene of the accident, they gather information and file a report. If they decide that a motorist did something wrong or broke a law, they may issue a formal citation or written violation.
• Surveillance footage: Your Carbondale, IL truck accident injury lawyer can procure pertinent surveillance footage if a traffic camera or a building’s outdoor camera recorded any footage pertinent to the incident.
• The scene of the accident: Road conditions, visibility, skid marks and the position of vehicles and vehicle parts immediately following the crash can show us a lot about what happened, and why.
• Employer files: Commercial truck drivers, trucking companies and other involved parties must conform to regulations when they operate. When a driver makes an error, the trucking company can be liable also if they failed to appropriately train the driver, did not conduct drug tests as often as called for, hired the driver despite a history of traffic violations or have incomplete or missing records to such effect.
• Maintenance records: Commercial trucks must be frequently inspected and maintained. As your truck accident injury lawyer, we will obtain maintenance records to confirm that they followed regulations and that the truck was cleared for road use when the accident took place.

Focus On Your Recovery While Burger Law Handles Your Case

Call Our Carbondale, IL Truck Accident Lawyers Now

When you hire our Carbondale, IL truck accident attorney, you can rest easy knowing that you are working with a knowledgeable and skilled professional who is familiar with your case, knows the ins and outs of the law and has your best interests in mind. Burger Law has recovered millions of dollars in settlements for our clients by successfully handling truck accident cases in Carbondale, IL.

Call Burger Law today at (618) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation and to get the recovery you deserve. Our Carbondale, IL truck accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we do not get paid until we win your case.

• Truck Driver Blind Spot Accidents
• Driver Fatigue Accidents
• Commercial Trucking Accidents
• Fatal Accidents
• Hit-and-Run Truck Accidents
• Overloaded / Overweight Trucks
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Jackknife Accidents
• Night Time Truck Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Liable Parties in a Truck Accident
• Public Transportation Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• RV Accidents

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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