Truck accidents on I-90 are frequent and can be fatal due to factors like high speeds, severe weather, mountainous areas, and the risks associated with large trucks. Contributing issues include speeding, driver fatigue, and poor training. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, you may face medical costs, rehabilitation, and long-term disabilities.
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Contact Ankin Law at (312) 600-0000 for help securing compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents on I-90
Determining liability is key for compensation claims after a large truck accident. In 2021, there were 523,796 large truck accidents in the United States, with 101,000 of those leading to injuries. After an accident, you may have the question: Can I sue the truck driver and trucking company? Additionally, you might wonder: Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for my truck accident? To pursue compensation after an accident, you must establish fault, either by the driver or the trucking company, by determining the cause of the accident.
Common causes of trucking accidents on I-90 include driver fatigue, speeding, improper cargo loading, mechanical issues, and adverse weather. Distracted or impaired driving and maintenance problems also play a role, given the high speeds and weather challenges on I-90.
Negligence
Negligence in driving occurs when a driver does not exercise sufficient care, leading to common truck driver errors that endanger motorists, often resulting in injuries to people and damage to vehicles. This encompasses behaviors like distracted driving and ignoring traffic regulations. Approximately 80% of truck accidents are attributed to negligent driving practices.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often cover long distances, which can lead to extended hours on the road. Fatigue can impair driving ability similarly to alcohol, slowing reaction times and decision-making. To combat this, federal regulations limit driving to 11 consecutive hours and total on-duty time to 14 hours, requiring 10 hours of rest afterward and a maximum of 60 working hours per week. However, some drivers still bypass these rules due to pressure to meet deadlines.
Distracted Driving
Long driving shifts can make it difficult for truck drivers to stay focused on the road. Distractions can arise from activities like eating, drinking, using a cell phone, or adjusting the radio.
For example, if a fully loaded truck is moving at 65 mph, it requires approximately 525 feet to come to a complete stop. Just a few moments of distraction can lead to serious consequences. It’s estimated that around 35% of truck accidents occur due to a driver’s lack of attention while driving.
Speeding
Truck drivers frequently increase their speed to ensure timely delivery of their loads, particularly when faced with delays from poor weather conditions or heavy traffic. Since trucks weigh more than cars, they require a longer distance to come to a halt. If they collide with another vehicle or a pedestrian, the force of the impact is much greater, which amplifies the dangers associated with speeding.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Alcohol and drug impairment, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, increases driving risks. These substances can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and cause drowsiness. About 20% of truck crashes are linked to drug and alcohol use.
Inadequate Maintenance
Neglecting maintenance can make a truck unstable and pose hidden dangers. Tires and brakes are two critical components that need regular checks. Issues like low tire pressure, tread wear, or brake failure can lead to loss of control or inability to stop, increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, proper functioning of fuel lines, hydraulic systems, and electrical parts is essential for safe operation. Any neglected part can jeopardize safety on the road.
Loads
Trucks are subject to legal weight limits for their loads. When a truck exceeds these limits or fails to distribute the weight properly, it can lead to instability while driving. This condition heightens the risk of the driver losing control and can lead to tire problems, including blowouts. Additionally, if the cargo isn’t secured correctly, there is a risk that it could fall onto the roadway, posing a hazard to other vehicles and traffic.
Why I-90 Is One of the Deadliest Highways for Truck Crashes
I-90 is one of the most dangerous highways for truck accidents, largely due to severe weather, challenging terrain, and heavy traffic.
- Weather: The highway is prone to extreme conditions like heavy snow, ice, and strong winds, particularly in winter, which reduces visibility and creates unsafe surfaces for truck control.
- Terrain: I-90 crosses mountainous regions with steep grades and sharp curves, making braking and navigation difficult, especially in bad weather.
- Traffic Volume: As a major east-west route, I-90 experiences high commercial traffic, including many trucks, which can cause congestion and increase the risk of collisions.
- Driver Factors: Driver error, such as fatigue, speeding, and distraction, also contributes to accidents on this highway.
- Road Conditions: Certain areas of I-90 have poor road surfaces, lacking adequate grip, which can lead to additional accidents.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash on I-90
Having a truck accident lawyer is essential for settlement negotiations after a truck accident in Illinois. They guide you on assessing settlement offers based on accident severity, injuries, and state laws.
Your motor vehicle accident lawyer will evaluate settlement offers to ensure they cover medical bills, property damage, and emotional distress. They understand typical settlements for commercial vehicle accidents and ensure proper investigations have been conducted. By considering the accident’s severity and liability, attorneys help you avoid accepting inadequate offers.
Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging, but attorneys know how to counter tactics that aim to lower settlement amounts. Their experience allows them to advocate for better terms on your behalf. Hiring an attorney indicates to the insurance company that you’re serious about obtaining a fair settlement.
Contact us at Ankin Law for assistance in securing favorable settlement terms and making informed decisions about offers you receive.
