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Skilled, Aggressive Auto Accident Attorneys You Can Rely On

At Wise Law Offices LLC, our lawyers each have nearly 20 years of experience. For more than a decade, we have worked together protecting the rights of motor vehicle accident victims. You can be sure that we have extensive knowledge of Illinois car accident claims, including those involving distracted drivers and uninsured drivers.

In addition, we represent victims of motorcycle crashes. Our attorneys are ready to fight the insurance companies for you. Call us to find out more today at 312-580-2040. We serve Chicago and Cook County.

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What Are The Differences Between Car Accidents And Truck Accidents?

One of the most significant differences between car accidents and truck accidents is the severity of the accident itself. The reasoning comes down to the physics and the extreme size differences between the vehicles. Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Compared to a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, a truck accident collides with a much greater force than two passenger vehicles.

Large trucks and passenger vehicles operate differently, and the causes of accidents differ depending on the vehicle type. Car accidents most often happen due to user error or reckless driving. With truck accidents, you are more likely to see equipment failures or problems related to the weight of the truck itself. For example, it takes longer, and it is more difficult to stop a truck quickly or make proper turns because of its size.

Overall, truck accidents are more complex than car accidents. Multiple parties are often involved, there can be more severe injuries, and greater damages are sought. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a personal injury attorney who knows how to manage both car and truck accidents. Our attorneys are ready to represent victims of automobile accidents, from passenger vehicle collisions to semi-truck accidents.

Car Accidents Can Be More Serious Than You Think

Some car accidents don’t seem very complex at first. Maybe it was only a fender bender and seems straightforward. But even a fender bender can cause injuries, especially concussions and spinal cord injuries. Before you decide you don’t need legal help, speak with one of our skilled attorneys.

You Need A Tough Advocate To Protect Your Right To Fair Compensation

Our firm has the knowledge and resources to investigate and reconstruct automobile accidents to determine liability (whether negligence, human error or defective product). We build strong cases to recover compensation for injuries and wrongful death.

Defendants in automobile accident liability litigation often have counsel appointed through liability insurance carriers. We have the forensic experts, investigative capabilities and trial skill to challenge defense claims and demonstrate where liability resides — particularly if it involves intoxication, excessive speed or other deliberate violation of traffic laws. Our lawyers are skilled at demonstrating the real cause of actions that frequently lead to accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

How much is my case worth?

Each case is unique, so that question can’t be answered without a thorough review of the details of your accident and the resulting injuries. The amount of damages (compensation) we can help you seek will depend on factors such as:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • Whether the injuries are temporary or will result in permanent disability
  • Costs of medical bills, rehabilitation and similar expenses
  • Lost wages from time spent unable to work
  • Pain and suffering

When you contact us for a free consultation, we can give you a better estimate of the monetary value of your case after discussing specifics with you.

I may have been partially at fault for the crash or my injuries. Can I still sue for compensation?

Yes, you can. Under Illinois’s negligence laws, you can sue another party for your injuries as long as your level of fault does not exceed 50%. If you were to win your case, your compensation would be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Let’s say you were considered 15% at fault for a car accident, while the other driver was 85% at fault, upon winning or settling your case, your compensation would be 85% of the total amount you had been seeking.

Can I afford to hire a lawyer after my accident?

You may be unable to work and have a pile of medical bills to pay as a result of your car accident. As such, you’re probably worried about the costs of hiring a personal injury attorney.

The good news is that our firm (and many other injury firms in Illinois) takes cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no legal fees until and unless we help you recover compensation (through a settlement or jury award). When we successfully resolve your case, our fees are a percentage of the total amount we obtain on your behalf. We also offer free initial consultations, so there’s nothing to risk by discussing your options with us.

Put Our Team On Your Side After A Car Crash

To set up a free consultation, please call 312-580-2040 or use our online form.

The Devastating Consequences Of Truck Accidents

The roads and highways in the Chicago area are filled with large semi trucks delivering cargo. If you’ve ever driven near one, you know how scary they can be. Unfortunately, they are also highly dangerous and deadly for occupants of smaller vehicles.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck accident or lost someone you love, we can help you pursue compensation from the truck driver, the trucking company and the company’s commercial insurer.

We’ll Hold The Trucking Company Accountable For Your Losses

Thousands of motorists and truck drivers are killed or maimed each year by the negligent operation of trucks and their improper maintenance by trucking companies. At Wise Law Offices LLC, we fully understand the responsibility that commercial truck drivers and motor carriers have to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. We also know that trucking companies must ensure that their trucks work properly.

When negligence by the driver or trucking company results in injuries or wrongful death, you can rely on our lawyers for experienced legal counsel. We have secured verdicts and settlements for individuals and families — as pedestrians or as drivers and passengers in automobiles — who suffered severe injury and loss due to:

  • Reckless driving
  • Drunk or distracted driving
  • Carrying oversized loads
  • Trucks in need of repair or maintenance
  • Driver fatigue

Our emphasis on timely accident investigation and early retention of experts is often crucial in positioning our clients for favorable settlement, summary judgment or jury verdict in death, injury or damage liability cases.

The Dangers Of Fatigued Truck Drivers

Federal regulations strictly limit the hours a commercial truck driver can work and require specific number of hours between shifts. But investigative reports show that in some instances fatigued operators work up to 20 hours without breaks, resulting in the kind of fatigue that causes accidents.

If you suffered injuries or lost a family member because of trucking company or driver negligence, you will need an attorney who has considerable experience with these cases. At Wise Law Offices LLC in Chicago, our lawyers have extensive experience in trucking accident cases. We know how to investigate these accidents and determine who is liable for your losses. Whether you have a personal injury or wrongful death claim, we can help.

It is not unusual for trucking companies to give drivers unrealistic timelines. To meet these timelines, drivers may work extra hours without recording them in their logbooks. If we uncover logbook violations, we can hold the driver and trucking company accountable for your losses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

Why is it important to act right away after a truck crash?

The trucking company has an insurer. This insurer does not want that company, their driver or any agent of the company to be found negligent or liable after an accident. Why? Because they do not want to have to pay out potentially millions of dollars in a personal injury claim. It is therefore in the interest of the company and the insurer to not save any evidence, such as logbooks, that may be harmful to the trucking company. When we take your case, the first action we take is to work to ensure no evidence is discarded, lost or destroyed.

What are the most common causes of semi-truck-car crashes?

A crash can happen because of many reasons. Because semi-truck-car crashes are often fatal for the driver of the car, researchers have looked into the most common reasons for a crash. The reasons are truck driver error, including not obeying traffic laws, cargo that is not loaded correctly and maintenance and equipment failure or malfunction. In some instances, road conditions or weather contributed to or caused a crash.

Don’t Try To Fight The Trucking And Insurance Companies On Your Own

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients in trucking accident cases. Please speak with us to learn how we may be able to help you. You can reach us at 312-580-2040 or online. Your consultation is free.