What to Know About Box Truck Accidents

Accidents involving box trucks can be devastating. When a moving truck and passenger vehicle collide, the occupants in the smaller vehicle are usually the ones who suffer severe injuries and are forced to deal with significant financial losses. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 4,119 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks for the most recent year reported. Only 16 percent of these fatalities were the occupants of large trucks, while 67 percent were the occupants of passenger vehicles. These alarming statistics show the catastrophic nature of these accidents and the severity of the consequences.

Box truck crashes are dangerous for many reasons. Box trucks sit high off the ground and weigh tens of thousands of pounds with a fully loaded cargo container. The vehicle is also top-heavy, making it susceptible to rolling over. Operating a box truck requires experience and focus. Any error the trucker makes could result in a box truck crash. Because of these hazards, accidents involving box trucks are more likely to occur. The truck accident attorneys in Chicago from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. are here to help.

Case Preparation

If you were involved in a delivery van accident or other truck or car crash in Chicago, you should take immediate steps to protect yourself and your potential injury claim. After an accident, you should:

Go to the Hospital

Seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the crash. If your doctor recommends follow-up care or ongoing treatment, listen to their instructions. You should attend all appointments until you recover or your medical providers release you from their care.

Maintain Records

Evidence is critical in any truck accident case. You should keep copies of your medical records, bills, pay stubs, receipts for travel, incidental expenses related to the accident, and other related documents.

Hire a Lawyer

Consult an experienced truck accident attorney in Chicago as soon as possible if you were injured in a box truck crash. Your lawyer can take the burden of the legal legwork off you while you focus on your treatment and recovery. Your lawyer can investigate the accident, secure crucial evidence, handle negotiations with the insurance company, and work to secure the fair compensation you deserve.

Determining Fault

Multiple parties could be at fault for a box truck accident, such as the:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Owner of the cab
• Owner of the cargo
• Maintenance and repair company
• Cargo loading company
• Truck or parts manufacturer

The at-fault party or parties might have Insurance coverage that could cover the losses you suffered. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, motor carriers typically purchase liability insurance for their truck drivers. If the box truck driver is at fault for the crash, you could file a claim with their employer’s liability insurance carrier.

Coverage depends on the truck’s weight and whether it contains hazardous cargo. For example, a truck weighing less than 10,001 pounds and transporting non-hazardous freight must have at least $300,000 in liability coverage.

Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you could potentially seek compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering

How Our Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help

If you suffered severe injuries in a delivery van accident or box truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, do not hesitate to contact the Chicago truck accident lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. for help. We have over 40 years of experience representing accident victims and have recovered more than $2.0 billion in compensation for people like you. 

Call us today or contact us through our online form for a free consultation with a trusted and dedicated Chicago truck accident lawyer.