Common Questions And Answers About Illinois Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries in a serious truck accident, the attorneys at Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., understand what you are going through, because we’ve helped many other clients who have suffered similar tragedies.
At a time like this, it is important to fully understand your rights and legal options. That’s why we offer free initial consultations to all prospective clients, and why we provided this page of common questions that clients often ask. After reading, we invite you to contact our office to learn more about how we can help you.
Who can be held responsible when a truck driver causes an accident?
Truckers are professional drivers employed by a company whose job is to safely deliver freight. A major aspect of that responsibility includes hiring, training and monitoring drivers to minimize the risk of accidents. Because of this, when a truck driver is at fault for a crash, their employer is also at fault. We will help you pursue a claim against both parties, as well as the trucking company’s insurer.
Do I really need to hire a personal injury lawyer? Can’t I just take a settlement?
You are not required to hire an attorney, and you are free to take a settlement. However, if you don’t have an attorney and the trucking/insurance company has offered you a settlement without negotiation, it is highly likely that the offer is far less than you need to cover expenses.
An experienced attorney like those at our firm understand the tactics that trucking accident defendants use to save themselves money, and we don’t stand for it. Making a lowball offer is both insulting and detrimental to your long-term financial security. We work tirelessly to help you seek full and fair compensation for the harms you suffered.
How much money is my case worth?
There is no way to accurately answer this question without discussing the details of your case with us first. Each personal injury claim is unique, and the value of damages we seek on your behalf will depend on factors such as:
- The extent of your injuries
- Whether your injuries will result in permanent disability
- Medical expenses and expected future medical expenses
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Your total lost wages from being unable to work
- Pain and suffering
One thing we can say is that the amount of compensation sought in truck accident lawsuits tends to be significantly higher than in other types of auto accident litigation. This is because truck accidents are much more likely to result in catastrophic injury or death. Despite what critics say, plaintiffs are not seeking a “jackpot.” Nearly all of the money they receive in a settlement or jury award will be necessary to cover the physical and financial consequences of a devastating crash.
How long can I wait before filing a lawsuit?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations on most personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits is two years from the date of injury or death. That said, you shouldn’t wait nearly that long to take legal action. As time passes, evidence gets lost or destroyed, memories fade and insurance companies work hard to push a narrative of events that could weaken your ability to seek compensation.
If you’ve been seriously hurt, your first priority needs to be medical treatment and the stability of your health. After that, please give our office a call to discuss your legal options. We may be able to do much of the work for you while you focus on recovery and family.
Is it better to go to trial or settle out of court?
The answer to that question is: Whichever method is most likely to result in a positive outcome for you and your family. That depends on the defendants’ willingness to take responsibility and negotiate in good faith.
If the insurance company and trucking company either make or agree to a reasonable settlement offer that covers your expenses and respects what you’ve been through, settling out of court is usually ideal for all parties involved. It saves time and avoids the stress and expenses of trial.
Our attorneys will work to settle your case first, so long as the above criteria are met. But if the defendants refuse to negotiate in good faith, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial.
Why should I hire your firm over other attorneys in the area?
We have more than 100 years of combined legal experience and have recovered more than $150 million on behalf of clients. Our experience and professionalism are evident in how we approach each case. Some other firms seek a quick settlement or turn down a case because they assume it will be too hard to argue at trial. We have a history of successfully taking on clients and complex cases when other firms haven’t been up to the challenge.
The three principles that define our firm are preparation, dedication and results. When we take your case, we will stay with it and stand by you from start to finish. You and your legal matter will be given the respect and attention you deserve.
Ask Us Your Own Questions During A Free Consultation
Located in Chicago, Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., serves clients in Chicago, Peoria, Springfield and throughout Illinois. We are ready to answer any additional questions you have about your legal matter during a free initial consultation. To schedule yours, call us at 877-930-2551 or send us an email.
