A truck rollover is often the result of driver error or an uneven load. Some of the most common reasons for a commercial truck rollover include:

  • Speed too high to safely negotiate curves in a roadway
  • Driving too fast for weather conditions
  • Errors in steering
  • Incorrectly loaded or improperly secured cargo

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck rollover accident, you need the legal help of our Chicago truck rollover accident attorneys right away.

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates is routinely recognized as the premier personal injury attorneys in Chicago. We’re here to help you seek full compensation for the damages in your case. Call (800) 985-1819 to learn more.

Steps to take after being hurt in a truck rollover accident

Try to stay calm and keep the following tips in mind.

1. Move to a safer location

If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location out of the way of traffic. If you cannot move your vehicle yourself, step out of the car and move to a safe location. Don’t leave the scene.

2. Call 911 and ask for police and an ambulance

Requesting medical attention and law enforcement to the scene of the accident is essential for gathering evidence, preserving your legal rights, and ensuring your safety. The responding police officer will create an official police report which will be important evidence when filing a personal injury claim.

3. Tell your side of the story to the responding police officer

The responding police officer will take a recorded statement from all parties involved in the accident. Here, you can tell your side of the story and explain how the accident occurred. Be honest and provide as much detail as possible about the crash, but don’t admit fault.

4. Notify your insurance company

Your insurance company needs to be notified of the accident as soon as possible. They’ll want to know all details about the crash, including when and where it happened, who was involved, and the extent of any damages.

5. Gather evidence at the scene

Take pictures and videos of the accident scene and any damages to your vehicle. Speak with witnesses who saw what happened and be sure to get their contact information.

6. Visit Urgent Care or your primary care physician

It’s important to be evaluated by a doctor or visit urgent care soon after the accident. Even if you don’t feel any pain, getting checked out can help rule out hidden injuries and create a paper trail of your medical treatment.

7. Consult with a Chicago truck rollover accident attorney

Once you’ve attended to your immediate needs, it’s time to contact a Chicago truck rollover accident lawyer. They can review the evidence, assess the strength of your claim, and help you weigh your legal options.

Make sure you meet the deadline to file a claim

In Illinois, you have two years from the date of your truck rollover accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, can be extended in certain cases, but prompt action is still essential to protect your rights.

Although two years may seem like a long time, it can pass quickly depending on the complexity of your case. Your attorney needs ample time to investigate the accident, collect evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better positioned they’ll be to help you achieve a favorable outcome.

Possible damages you can claim

The primary goal of filing a truck rollover accident claim is to recover compensation for your losses resulting from the accident. These losses are known as damages and may include economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages

Economic damages are those that can be objectively calculated in dollar amounts. These may include past and future medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, accommodations for disabilities, and more.

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages reflect subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and others. These damages are more difficult to measure as they don’t usually have a dollar sign attached.

We fight trucking insurance companies to get you maximum compensation

Most truck rollover accidents involve powerful trucking companies with extensive resources. These companies are covered by large insurance carriers with a vested interest in avoiding payouts — that’s where we come in. At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, we have the experience and resources to stand up to insurance companies and fight for your rights.

When you hire us, we’ll work diligently to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. If the insurance company fails to offer you a reasonable settlement, we’re prepared to take them to court and advocate for maximum compensation.

Parties who may be liable for the crash

To build a successful truck rollover accident claim on your behalf, we must identify the responsible party or parties. Depending on the circumstances of your case and your role in the accident, these may include:

  • The truck driver
  • Another motor vehicle driver
  • The truck driver’s employer
  • The manufacturer of the truck or its parts
  • The company responsible for truck maintenance
  • The company that loaded the truck
  • A municipal agency responsible for road maintenance

Multiple factors often contribute to truck rollover accidents, and multiple parties may be held liable for the damages. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys will carefully review your case to determine who is liable for your injuries and ensure that all liable parties are held accountable.

How our Chicago attorneys prove negligence

Once we’ve determined who’s liable for your truck rollover accident, our attorneys will need to prove that they were negligent. To do this, we must show that the responsible party owed you a duty of care, breached this duty and that their breach caused your accident and resulting damages.

We’ll collect evidence, review witness statements, and analyze official reports to build a strong case of negligence on your behalf. This may include medical records, police reports, expert testimony, and even photographs or videos of the accident scene. With our in-depth knowledge of Illinois state laws and rules of evidence, we’ll establish a clear line of causation between the responsible party’s negligence and your injuries.

Common truck rollover accident injuries

Truck rollovers are some of the most catastrophic types of accidents on the road. Survivors may suffer serious, life-altering injuries that leave them with permanent physical and emotional scars. Common injuries include:

  • Head and brain trauma
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Neck, back, and shoulder injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Burns
  • Loss of limbs
  • Death

In addition to physical injuries, victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. When we pursue compensation on your behalf, our attorneys will work to ensure that all of your injuries — both seen and unseen — are fully accounted for.

“Dos” and “don’ts” of dealing with insurance after a crash

While our attorneys will manage most of your dealings with the insurance companies, there may be times when you need to interact with them directly. Anything you say or do could potentially harm your claim, so there are some key “dos” and “don’ts” to remember.

Do:

  • Stick to the facts, and only answer basic questions about the accident.
  • Keep thorough records of all communication with the insurance adjuster.
  • Be courteous but firm in your dealings with insurance personnel.
  • Refer all questions outside of the basics to your attorney.

Don’t:

  • Admit fault or apologize for the accident in any way.
  • Sign any paperwork without consulting your attorney.
  • Accept a settlement offer before speaking to an attorney.
  • Allow the insurance company to record your statement or interview you in person.
  • Agree to any of the insurance company’s theories or assumptions about your case.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry when working with trucking insurance companies. When in doubt, consult your attorney.

Cost of hiring a Chicago truck rollover accident attorney

You’re already dealing with expensive medical bills, lost income, and other costs following your truck rollover accident. You don’t need the added stress of wondering how you’ll pay for an attorney. We understand the financial toll an accident takes which is why our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay us a dime until we recover compensation for your losses.

We also offer free consultations. During this consultation, we’ll review your case and discuss our legal options. We’ll have an honest conversation about the expected costs of working with us and how much compensation we can reasonably expect to recover.

Why you should visit a doctor as soon as possible

If your injuries seem minor or you don’t show signs of being injured, you may be tempted to skip the doctor’s office. However, not all injuries appear immediately after an accident — some take days or even weeks to show symptoms. A doctor can identify unseen issues and provide you with the care and treatment you need.

Additionally, it’s essential to get a medical record of your injuries. If you wait too long to seek medical treatment, the insurance company may use this as evidence that your injury wasn’t caused by the truck rollover accident. If you delay treatment, it may be harder to prove that the other driver was responsible for your losses.

Why work with Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

The Chicago truck rollover attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates have more than 30 years of legal experience helping injured clients recover the compensation they need to move forward. Our team has recovered over a billion dollars in compensation for our clients, and we’re proud of our record of success.

When you choose our firm, you can trust us to handle your case with the utmost care and attention. We’ll provide personalized legal services tailored to meet your individual needs. You won’t have to worry about facing the large trucking companies on your own — we’ll be there with you every step of the way.

Our Chicago truck rollover accident attorneys are here to help

A complimentary consultation with one of our Chicago truck accident attorneys will help you to discover how to move forward and seek justice. We can help you understand your rights and how to pursue the maximum compensation in a semi-truck rollover accident in Chicago.

We are known for having achieved what was the highest value personal injury verdict in Illinois history. Our firm is also known for its many multi-million dollar injury recoveries. Reach out to us today at (800) 985-1819 — we’re here to serve you and protect your rights and interests.