Arlington Heights Injury Attorneys for Speeding-Related Truck Accidents

Injury Lawyers Representing Semi Crash Victims in Cook County, IL

Driving over the posted speed limit is an extremely common behavior for most drivers, despite the danger that it creates. Speeding places not only the driver at risk but also drivers and passengers in other vehicles as well. When a vehicle is traveling at higher speeds, there is an increased chance of injury if an accident were to occur. In fact, government estimates suggest that nearly one-third of all fatal accidents throughout the country involve at least one driver who was speeding.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we realize that exceeding the speed limit is even more dangerous when the vehicle in question is a large truck. Whether you call them big rigs, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, or semis, commercial trucks are massive vehicles that can be up to 70 feet in length and can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The momentum of a truck at high speeds is nearly unimaginable, and a crash can lead to catastrophic consequences. If you or a member of your family has been injured by a speeding truck, our skilled lawyers can help you seek compensation.

Truck Crash Attorneys in Schaumburg and Palatine

A truck driver might speed for any number of reasons. In some situations, the driver might be distracted or lost in thought and completely oblivious to how fast the vehicle is going. In other cases, the driver's abilities could be affected by drugs, alcohol, or fatigue. A driver could also be speeding in an effort to meet a tight deadline set by his or her employer, transport company, or contractor.

The circumstances of the situation and the reason that a truck driver was speeding could have an effect on which party or parties might share in the liability for a speeding-related accident. If, for example, the driver was found to be using a cell phone to text behind the wheel which led to inadvertent speeding, the driver would most likely be liable for an accident, especially if the driver was an owner/operator working as an independent contractor. However, if the driver was an employee of a transport company who offered monetary bonuses that effectively encouraged speeding to meet deadlines, it is likely that the company would assume a large share of the liability for a crash.

Building Your Case

Following a crash involving a large truck, it might be challenging to know for sure that the truck was exceeding the speed limit. However, the vast majority of commercial trucks are equipped with devices known as event data recorders, or EDRs. Similar to a "black box" on an aircraft, an EDR records important information about the truck's speed, braking, steering, and much more, all of which could be crucial in building a case for compensation after an accident.

Attorney Gary A. Newland and his team have more than 60 years of combined personal injury experience. We know that it is important to act quickly so that the information captured by the EDR can be preserved. Our lawyers will also review all other data, including driving records, drivers' logs, employment files, and anything else that might support your case.

Call 847-797-8000 Today

For more information about collecting compensation following a truck accident caused by a speeding truck, contact our office. Call 847-797-8000 for a free phone consultation and case review today. Newland & Newland, LLP represents injured victims in Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Mount Prospect, Long Grove, Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Wheeling, Des Plains, DuPage County, Lake County, Cook County, and the surrounding areas.