Underride truck accidents are among Illinois roads’ most devastating and deadly collisions. These accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a large truck’s trailer, often shearing off the top of the car and leaving occupants with catastrophic or fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride truck accident in Illinois, particularly in Northbrook or the surrounding areas, Stein & Shulman is here to help. We’re dedicated to providing the personalized attention and skilled representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to get started with a seasoned truck accident attorney.
What Are Underride Truck Accidents?
Underride accidents happen when a car collides with a truck’s trailer and ends up partially or fully lodged underneath. These collisions typically occur because the vehicle lacks proper safety guards, negligent driving, or poor visibility. There are two main types of underride accidents:
- Rear Underride Accidents occur when a car crashes into the back of a truck’s trailer. They often occur in sudden braking scenarios or when trucks fail to display proper reflective markings or lights.
- Side Underride Accidents occur when a vehicle slides under the side of a truck’s trailer. They can occur during lane changes or at poorly lit intersections.
The results can be devastating in both situations due to the significant size and weight difference between passenger vehicles and large trucks. At Stein & Shulman, we understand how these accidents happen and what it takes to build a strong case.
Injuries Caused by Underride Accidents
The injuries resulting from underride accidents are often severe and life-changing. Victims may suffer from:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries can lead to permanent cognitive and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis or other mobility challenges are common after these accidents.
- Amputations: The force of impact can lead to the loss of limbs.
- Fatalities: Tragically, many underride accidents result in the loss of life, leaving families to cope with unimaginable grief.
At Stein & Shulman, we work tirelessly to help injured victims and their families recover compensation to cover medical bills, rehabilitation, and other losses. Our Northbrook truck accident attorneys are here to support you every step of the way.
Who Is Liable for Underride Accidents?
Liability in underride accidents often involves multiple parties, each of whom may have contributed to the unsafe conditions that caused the crash. Here are the key parties who may be held responsible:
- Truck Drivers: If a driver’s negligence, such as sudden braking, distracted driving, or failure to use reflective devices, caused the accident, they may be liable.
- Trucking Companies: Companies are responsible for ensuring their trucks are equipped with proper safety features, like underride guards, and that drivers are adequately trained. Failure to do so can make them accountable.
- Cargo Loaders: Poorly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift, making the truck unstable and causing accidents.
- Truck Manufacturers: Defective or poorly designed underride guards or lighting systems may make manufacturers liable for accidents.
- Third Parties: In some cases, other vehicles or maintenance providers may play a role in the crash.
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation, and that’s where Stein & Shulman can help. Our experienced attorneys have handled complex truck accident cases throughout Illinois and have a proven track record of success.
Challenges in Underride Accident Cases
Underride accident cases are complex for several reasons:
- Severe Damage and Evidence Loss: The severity of these collisions can destroy crucial evidence, making it harder to reconstruct the events leading to the crash.
- Trucking Industry Resistance: Trucking companies and insurers often fight aggressively to avoid liability. They may dispute fault or downplay the severity of your injuries.
- Regulatory Complications: Federal trucking regulations and safety standards can significantly affect these cases, requiring specialized legal knowledge to navigate them.
Given these challenges, having our Northbrook truck accident lawyers on your side can make all the difference. We have the skills and determination to overcome these obstacles and build a strong case on your behalf.
How Stein & Shulman Can Help You
At Stein & Shulman, we understand the complexities of underride truck accidents and their impact on victims and their families. Here’s how we can assist you:
- Investigating the Accident: We’ll gather evidence, review crash reports, and work with accident reconstruction experts to uncover what happened.
- Identifying Liable Parties: Our team will determine who is responsible, whether the truck driver, trucking company, manufacturer, or another party.
- Negotiating with Insurers: We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies to fight for a fair settlement.
- Pursuing Compensation: We’ll seek damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses you’ve endured.
Our attorneys are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring our clients receive the compensation they need to move forward. We take a personalized approach to every case, tailoring our strategy to fit your unique situation.
Help for Victims of Underride Truck Accidents in Illinois
If you or a loved one has been injured in an underride truck accident in Illinois, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Stein & Shulman today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
