Rockford Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Provide Legal Assistance

Many interstates run through Illinois, including the I-55, the I-57, and the I-80, to name just a few. Commercial vehicles rely on these highways as they carry people and products throughout Illinois and the surrounding areas every day. Unfortunately, commercial vehicle operators, manufacturers, and the companies that operate them are sometimes negligent. When that happens, it results in some of the most serious accidents on the road. If you or someone you love has been hurt by a commercial vehicle, it is critical that you speak with a Streator personal injury lawyer that can help.

What is a Commercial Vehicle?

Commercial vehicles are not always obvious to other drivers. Many people first think of tractor-trailers when they think of commercial vehicles, and it is true that these huge trucks fall into the category. However, other vehicles are also used for commercial purposes and these are not as readily apparent to other motorists. 

A commercial vehicle is any vehicle that is used to transport goods or paying passengers. Under this definition, commercial vehicles can include buses, garbage trucks, courier vehicles, taxis, and more. Even if someone is driving a private vehicle but they are using it for commercial purposes, it is still considered a commercial vehicle.

Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Determining liability after an accident involving a commercial vehicle is extremely difficult. This is particularly true if the commercial driver was operating a private vehicle at the time of the accident. Commercial vehicles are owned, operated, and maintained by an extensive network of people and companies. After an accident, any one of these parties may be found liable for the crash. Potentially liable parties in a commercial vehicle accident include:

• The driver: Commercial drivers are often the first party people think of when trying to determine liability after a crash. Negligent actions by commercial drivers such as texting while driving, drunk driving, or reckless driving can all result in a crash.
• The owner of the commercial vehicle: Commercial vehicles are not typically owned by the driver but instead, by a company that employs them, such as a trucking company. When these companies do not ensure they are hiring competent and experienced drivers, do not regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles, or otherwise act negligently, they can be held liable.
• Maintenance companies: While the owner of a commercial vehicle is responsible for ensuring it is maintained, anyone that performs that maintenance is responsible for making sure they are doing a good job. If they fail to do this, they can be held liable.
• Commercial vehicle manufacturers: Manufacturers are always responsible for making sure their products are safe to use, and that includes manufacturers of commercial vehicles. When a part on a vehicle is faulty or defective, the manufacturer can be held liable.

A Streator personal injury lawyer can identify the liable party and hold them accountable for paying the compensation you deserve.

Call Our Illinois Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, our Streator personal injury lawyers at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd. want to help with your case. We know how to determine who was liable for your crash, and will negotiate with the insurance company to recover the maximum damages you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.