With the many tractor-trailers, big rigs, and 18-wheelers that traverse Aurora, Illinois roadways, it’s no surprise that area truck accidents are unfortunately all too common. These collisions typically result from negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies.
If you suffered injuries in an Aurora trucking accident, the skilled legal team at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers will promptly evaluate your case, determine your options, and pursue the justice and compensation you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Aurora truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.
Why Choose Us?
When it comes to maximizing your compensation award in an Aurora truck accident claim or lawsuit, you want an experienced and compassionate legal team advocating for you throughout your case. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our injured accident victim clients over the years. We will aggressively fight the insurance company on your behalf or litigate your case to a swift resolution in the court system.
To view our most recent client testimonials, you can click here. Let us help you maximize your truck-accident monetary recovery right away.
How Much Can I Get for an Aurora Truck Accident Case?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Aurora, Illinois, you may be entitled to various categories of compensation. This compensation can help cover your financial losses and support you during recovery. Here’s a breakdown of the compensation you can recover through a truck accident claim or lawsuit.
- Medical Expenses – Medical expenses often make up the largest part of compensation. This can include hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical costs related to the accident. Even if your injuries require long-term care, you can recover those costs as well.
- Lost income – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for your lost earnings. This includes the income you lost while recovering, as well as any future earnings (if your injuries affect your ability to work). In cases where the injuries are permanent, you can also recover compensation for your loss of earning capacity, which considers how much you would have earned had the accident not occurred.
- Pain and Suffering – Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve endured because of the truck accident. This is a less tangible form of compensation but is still very important. The amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your daily life.
- Property Damage – Truck accidents often result in significant damage to your vehicle. You can recover the costs of repairing or replacing your car. This compensation can also cover other personal property that was damaged in the accident, such as your phone, laptop, or other valuables.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with family, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss of life enjoyment. This is another example of non-economic damage that can add to your overall recovery.
- Punitive Damages – In cases where the truck driver or trucking company acted recklessly or maliciously, the court may award you punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. However, they are less common and only apply in extreme cases.
Where do Truck Crashes Typically Occur in Aurora?
Commercial trucking accidents in Aurora, Illinois, often happen in certain areas that are more prone to heavy traffic or risky driving conditions. Some of the most common locations include:
- Interstate 88 (Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway) – Interstate 88 is a major route that runs through Aurora, connecting to other key highways. Commercial trucks regularly use this tollway, making it one of the most common places for accidents. The high speeds, frequent lane changes, and merging traffic create a hazardous environment – especially during rush hour or in poor weather conditions.
- Illinois Route 31 – Illinois Route 31 is another area in Aurora where truck accidents are common. This road runs north-south through the city, passing through both residential and commercial areas. The mix of local traffic, including cars, pedestrians, and trucks, can lead to accidents – particularly at intersections and traffic lights.
- Illinois Route 59 – Route 59 is a busy road that serves as a major commercial corridor in Aurora. It’s lined with shopping centers, restaurants, and businesses, which attract a lot of traffic. The frequent stops, turns, and pedestrian crossings, combined with the presence of large trucks making deliveries, increase the risk of accidents. This road is also known for its traffic congestion, which can lead to rear-end collisions and other types of crashes.
- Aurora’s Industrial Areas – Aurora has several industrial zones where trucking activity is high. These areas are often the site of loading docks, warehouses, and factories. Trucks are constantly entering and exiting these locations, sometimes in tight or poorly lit spaces. Accidents can occur when drivers are not paying close attention or when truck drivers make wide turns or back up without using proper caution.
- Intersections with High Traffic Volume – Intersections with heavy traffic are also common locations for trucking accidents in Aurora. Busy intersections like those at Farnsworth Avenue and Indian Trail or Eola Road and Ogden Avenue see frequent accidents involving trucks. These intersections are often crowded, and when large trucks are involved, the results can be particularly severe.
What are the Most Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Aurora?
In Aurora, Illinois, commercial trucking accidents often occur due to negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company. These accidents can be severe, given the size and weight of trucks compared to passenger vehicles. Here are the most common categories of accidents resulting from such negligence, along with the various types of negligence that may be involved.
- Rear-End Collisions – One common type of truck accident is a rear-end collision, often resulting from a truck driver’s failure to maintain a safe following distance. Trucks require a much longer distance to stop than cars, and when drivers are distracted, speeding, or simply not paying attention, they may be unable to stop in time, leading to a collision.
- Jackknife Accidents – Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking. This can happen if the driver is driving too fast for road or weather conditions, braking improperly, or oversteering. Negligent maintenance by the trucking company, such as failing to properly service brakes, can also contribute to jackknifing.
- Underride Accidents – Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. These are often fatal and can result from a truck driver’s failure to use proper signals, make wide turns safely, or stop in a safe location. The trucking company may also be negligent if they fail to equip the truck with proper underride guards.
- Rollover Accidents – Rollovers occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. This can happen due to driver negligence, such as speeding around curves, abrupt lane changes, or overloading the truck. The trucking company can be held liable if they overload the truck or fail to properly train the driver on how to handle a loaded vehicle.
- Improperly Secured Loads – Accidents can also result from improperly secured loads, where cargo shifts or spills onto the roadway. This can happen if the driver or trucking company fails to follow safety protocols for securing cargo. Shifting loads can cause a truck to become unbalanced, leading to rollovers or loss of control.
What are the Most Common Types of Injuries in an Aurora Trucking Accident
Trucking accidents in Aurora, Illinois, can result in a variety of physical and mental injuries due to the significant size and weight of commercial trucks. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can have long-term effects on the victims’ lives. Here are some of the most common injuries and the treatments typically involved.
Physical Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Traumatic brain injuries occur when a person’s head is struck or jolted, causing damage to the brain. This type of injury is common in severe truck accidents, where the impact can be particularly strong. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory problems, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness or coma. Treatment often involves emergency medical care, surgery to relieve pressure on the brain, and ongoing rehabilitation to address cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord injuries can occur when the force of a truck accident causes damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. Victims may lose movement or sensation below the site of the injury. Treatment typically includes surgery to stabilize the spine, followed by extensive physical therapy to help the patient regain as much function as possible. In some cases, long-term care and assistive devices like wheelchairs are necessary.
- Broken Bones – The force of a truck collision can easily cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. These injuries are usually treated with casting, splinting, or surgery to realign the bones. After the initial treatment, physical therapy is often required to restore strength and mobility to the affected area.
Mental Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – The trauma of a truck accident can lead to PTSD – a mental health condition characterized by flashbacks, anxiety, and depression. Treatment for PTSD often involves therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication to help manage symptoms and support recovery.
Aggressively Fighting the Insurance Company after a Trucking Accident in Aurora
Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident in Aurora, Illinois, can be overwhelming – especially when you’re up against powerful insurance companies. These companies have vast resources and are skilled at minimizing or denying claims. However, you don’t have to face this battle alone. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we are here to fight the insurance company for you and handle every aspect of your truck accident case so you can focus on your recovery.
- Skilled Negotiation – Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements that don’t fully cover your medical expenses, lost income, or other damages. Our team of experienced negotiators knows the tactics these companies use, and we won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. We will push back against their lowball offers and use our knowledge of the law to negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the true value of your case.
- Gathering Evidence – One of the most critical aspects of winning a truck accident case is gathering strong evidence. We will thoroughly investigate the accident, collecting police reports, eyewitness statements, and any available video footage. We’ll also work with experts to reconstruct the accident if necessary and to document the full extent of your injuries. This comprehensive approach helps build a solid case that holds the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance carrier accountable.
- Handling All Communications – From the moment you retain us, we take over all communications with the insurance company. You won’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being pressured into a quick settlement. We’ll handle everything, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process.
With our experience and dedication, we’ll fight to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to, allowing you to move forward with your life after the truck accident.
Steps to Take after a Truck Accident in Aurora
After a trucking accident in Aurora, Illinois, taking the right steps can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Here are the most important actions you should take:
- Seek Ongoing Medical Attention – Follow through with all of your medical provider’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. This not only ensures your well-being but also documents your injuries, which is crucial for your case.
- Gather Evidence – Collect as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. This includes photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, retain their contact information. Evidence like this will be vital in proving liability.
- Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies – Insurance companies often try to get statements from victims soon after an accident, aiming to minimize their payout. Avoid speaking to them directly or providing any statements until you have legal representation.
- Consult with an Aurora Truck Accident Attorney at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers – Retaining an experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial. We can handle all communications with the insurance company, gather additional evidence, and ensure that your rights are protected, allowing you to focus on your medical recovery.
Call an Experienced Aurora Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will work hard to maximize your overall award, ensuring that you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve for your truck accident injuries.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled Aurora truck accident lawyer, please call us at 866-304-1575 or contact us online.