February 26, 2023

Illinois is home to many highways, interstates, and other roads traveled by commercial vehicles daily. As such, it is not surprising that there is a high rate of large truck accidents throughout the state, especially in the Chicago area.

According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately one out of every four fatal crashes in Illinois involve a commercial vehicle in urban areas.

Additionally, NHTSA data shows that half of all non-fatal truck accidents occur on rural roads, most occurring during daylight hours, at intersections, or on curves in the road.

Large trucks on rural roads can increase the risk of traffic collisions due to their size and weight compared to smaller passenger vehicles.

Additionally, studies have found that fatigue is essential to trucking accidents due to long hours spent behind the wheel without sufficient rest.

Weather conditions and road design can create hazardous conditions for drivers sharing the road with commercial vehicles and semi-trucks.

Illinois Truck Accidents Overview

Truck accidents are a common occurrence in the state. According to statistics, truck accidents in the state have been steadily increasing over the past several years. Consequently, these collisions can result in severe injuries and fatalities for those involved.

As such, it is crucial to understand the prevalence of truck accidents in Illinois and what legal options may be available for those injured or those who lost a loved one due to a truck accident.

When understanding the prevalence of trucking accidents in Illinois, many individuals turn to experienced truck accident attorneys for advice on how best to protect their rights after an accident.

Additionally, many resources provide detailed information about Illinois truck accident statistics, including the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities associated with each incident.

With this information, individuals can better prepare themselves if they are involved or affected by a truck accident. Furthermore, they can use this knowledge to make informed decisions regarding their legal rights and options related to any potential claims that may arise from a truck accident.

Illinois Truck Accident Statistics

Truck accidents are a significant public safety concern in Illinois. As part of an effort to better understand the scope of the problem, researchers have compiled data on truck accident statistics across the state.

The findings reveal that trucking collisions are a significant issue in Illinois, with numerous fatal truck crashes occurring yearly.

The most recent truck crash statistics show over 3,500 reported commercial truck accidents in Illinois during 2020. These incidents resulted in over 1,400 injuries and more than 175 fatalities.

Of these fatalities, nearly two-thirds were occupants of passenger vehicles involved in collisions with commercial vehicles. Additionally, nearly 40% of all fatal truck collisions occurred on rural roadways throughout the state.

These figures demonstrate that Illinois truck accidents are a serious issue and require further attention from government agencies and industry stakeholders to ensure proper safety measures are taken.

Common Causes of Illinois Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents are common in Illinois, and the causes of these collisions are multi-faceted. The most common causes of trucking collisions in Illinois include:

• Truck driver negligence
• Lack of proper oversight by the trucking company
• Truck driver fatigue
• Unexpected movement when sharing the road with a passenger vehicle
• Traveling at high speeds when truckers and other drivers at meeting strict deadlines
• Illegal drug use

When truckers are negligent and cause an accident, it can often be due to a lack of training or knowledge in operating their vehicle safely. Without proper oversight from the trucking company, these behaviors may go unchecked and result in serious collisions.

Driver fatigue is also a significant cause of Illinois trucking accidents, as truckers may become tired after long hours on the road without sufficient rest breaks. The combination of three factors can lead to dangerous collisions, including:

• Negligence by the big rig driver or other motorists
• Lack of oversight by the trucking companies
• Truck driving when tired

Determining Liability for Trucking Crashes

An Illinois truck accident can have serious consequences; determining liability is paramount in such cases. Various factors must be considered to determine who is responsible for the truck accident, including:

• Semi-truck accidents involve the negligence of the driver or other parties controlling the vehicle
• Large truck accidents caused by improperly maintained vehicles or cargo
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations about the operation of trucks and other vehicles on public roads
• Weather conditions that may have contributed to the truck accident
• Construction and school zone accidents where cars and single unit trucks fail to follow safety laws
• Sharing the road with a passenger vehicle erratically changing lanes

In addition to these factors, other elements could come into play when determining liability for an Illinois trucking accident.

Regulating Truck Drivers Impacts on Illinois Trucking Collisions

Trucking accidents are common on Illinois roads, with tractor-trailers and other large vehicles playing a significant role in the number of crashes. To address this issue, several government regulations for commercial trucks have been put in place to ensure safety.

These regulations require truck drivers to abide by specific vehicle operating standards. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that all tractor-trailers have proper functioning braking systems and that all truckers obtain proper licensing before driving on public highways.

Maintaining Semis

These regulations aim to minimize the risk posed by large trucks on public roadways. By following these rules, drivers can help reduce the number of truck crashes in Illinois and protect those around them from potential harm.

Following federal regulations must be considered when ensuring safety on Illinois roadways. With tractor-trailer crashes prevalent in the state, all involved parties must take steps to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) requires truckers to adhere to federal law. By doing so, truckers can help prevent severe injuries or fatalities resulting from collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.

Insurance companies involved in such incidents must understand their role in compensating victims of motor vehicle crashes involving large trucks.

Role of Insurance in Trucking Accidents

Insurance plays a vital role in truck accidents in Illinois. All truckers are required to carry insurance, as per state law. Insurance is meant to cover medical costs and other expenses associated with an accident.

As of 2020, the minimum required liability coverage for commercial trucks registered in Illinois must be $750,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $1 million for bodily injury or death of two or more people, and $100,000 for property damage per crash.

This high level of coverage is necessary given the severity of truck accidents; they often cause extensive property damage and can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

Insurance plays a vital role in protecting people affected by truck accidents in Illinois.

Proactive Steps to Reduce Trucking Accidents

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the trucking industry is integral to the state's economy. As such, taking proactive steps to reduce trucking crashes is vital. Such steps must be taken to ensure the safety of both drivers and citizens on roads throughout the state.

To reduce truck accidents, two main actions need to be taken:

• Increase the number of inspections conducted by state authorities
• Encourage better training for all those involved in the trucking industry

Implementing these measures can significantly decrease the chance of a tractor-trailer truck accident due to reduced fatigue.

Hiring a Truck Accident Law Firm to Resolve A Compensation Claim

Were you or a family member injured in a truck accident caused by someone's negligence? You might be eligible to obtain financial compensation for your damages and injuries, including:

• Past medical bills
• Future medical expenses for rehabilitation, therapy, surgery, etc. for crash injuries
• Lost wages and future loss of earnings
• Pain and suffering

An experienced lawyer will offer a free consultation to discuss your case's merits.

Resources:

• Traffic Accident Statistics | IDOT
• Truck Regulations | FMCSA

February 20, 2023
The consequences can be catastrophic when a delivery truck driver in Chicago is involved in an accident. A delivery vehicle accident is all too common on Chicago roads and has become a severe issue for those working as delivery truck drivers in the city.

The dangers faced by delivery truck drivers are real and growing. In fact, according to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), truck-related accidents have increased significantly over the last five years.

Furthermore, these truck accidents are often more severe than those involving other vehicles due to their size and weight. The cost of motor vehicle repairs, medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses associated with these collisions can be incredibly high (into the tens of thousands of dollars) for both victims and insurers.

The problems posed by delivery truck/van accidents are becoming increasingly concerning as they put lives at risk daily.

Delivery Truck Accidents

Delivery trucks are essential to our city, moving cargo to its destination. But when accidents happen, the consequences can be devastating for other drivers. Poor maintenance, vehicle defects, and inexperienced drivers can all lead to dangerous road situations.

The increasing popularity of online shopping means more delivery truck traffic - safe driving habits must be practiced to reduce potential hazards.

Why Are Delivery Trucks Becoming More Common

Delivery trucks have become a common sight on the roads of Chicago and other cities in recent years. With an abundance of online shopping, delivery drivers such as Amazon employees are clocking more miles than ever to promptly get packages to their destination.

In addition to e-commerce, commercial trucking is also on the rise, with delivery companies relying heavily on these larger vehicles for long-distance deliveries. All this extra traffic can sometimes lead to accidents involving commercial trucks, delivery vehicles, and passenger cars.

Hold Delivery Companies Accountable When Their Vehicles Cause Accidents

Delivery vehicle accidents can have devastating effects. Companies must be held accountable if their negligence or recklessness causes an accident. Victims deserve justice and should seek it through a qualified truck accident attorney who can help them recover compensation.

Five key points to consider when delivering goods:

• Improper maintenance of delivery vehicles by the trucking company
• Insufficient driver training
• Failure to follow federal safety regulations
• Lack of safety equipment in a delivery vehicle
• Negligent hiring practices by truck companies

The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer

With over 2,000 accidents involving delivery vehicles reported in Chicago alone, it is important to consider hiring a lawyer after an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, truck accident claims can be complex and require an experienced lawyer to handle them properly. When it comes to understanding your legal rights and options, here are some reasons why hiring a lawyer is so important:

• Driver error: In many cases, an error by the delivery driver can lead to severe accidents. A lawyer will help you determine who was at fault and provide legal advice regarding any issues arising from the delivery vehicle accident.
• Free consultation: Many truck accident lawyers offer free consultations so that you can discuss your case without any financial obligation. It allows you to get an idea of the fair compensation you may receive.
• Negotiating a settlement: Your lawyer will be able to negotiate with the other party's insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.

What Causes Delivery Truck Accidents?

Delivery vehicle accidents can be caused by driver negligence, mechanical failure, improper loading, and poor weather conditions. Delivery drivers must operate vehicles safely and maintain them properly to prevent such an accident.

Incorrectly loaded deliveries can lead to instability on the road, as can bad weather conditions. Being aware of all potential hazards is critical to preventing these accidents. To protect oneself after being involved in an accident, gathering evidence for an injury claim is the next step.

Evidence To Support Your Injury Claim

Do you want to know what evidence could be used to help support your personal injury claim after a Chicago delivery vehicle accident? Read on to discover the answers.

Victims with serious injuries are often overwhelmed by the aftermath of their crash and unsure how to build their case against the trucking companies.

Collecting as much evidence as possible at the scene is essential, including photographs, witness statements, and copies of the police report. In addition, medical records documenting serious injuries can also be used as evidence in a personal injury claim.

Delivery Truck Accident Attorney

Are you the victim of a delivery truck accident? If so, you must have been asking yourself, 'how am I ever going to get justice?'

Here are three reasons injured people should hire an experienced lawyer:

• They know how to negotiate with large trucking companies.
• They understand the law.
• They can help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.

Remember that qualified delivery truck driver also knows their rights and responsibilities. That's why it's essential to find an experienced lawyer who understands both sides of the story and has a proven track record for representing victims of delivery vehicle accidents.

With the right legal team on your side, you'll be able to fight for justice and win!

Resources:

• Accident Prevention Measures | FMCSA
• Road Safety Rules | Transportation.gov

February 16, 2023 

Trucking is very often the lifeblood of a nation, keeping commerce alive in times of recession and prosperity. In 2021, the US trucking industry hauled 72.2% of all freight transported, or 10.9 billion tons of cargo, everything from food to hazardous materials.

However, the success of any trucking endeavor depends entirely on how many truckloads can be transported or the number of hours the truck driver spends hauling goods.

With so much pressure to deliver more goods faster, how many hours should a truck driver drive before stopping for rest? And does truck driving have laws and regulations to ensure the safety of the trucker and other road users?

Truck Driver Regulations

Truck driving requires skills, dedication, and a good understanding of applicable laws and regulations, as violations can result in fines or even cost a trucker his driver’s license.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented specific provisions regarding the maximum driving time within 24-hour periods, known collectively as 'Hours-of-Service' or HOS regulations for commercial truck drivers.

Most commercial truck drivers usually drive a legal average speed of 58-62 mph and operate semis, vans, and buses with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more. The combination often makes their trucks deadly to other road users involved in trucking accidents. 

These regulations restrict how many hours truckers drive and provide safeguards against accidents caused by the fatigue of an overworked truck driver.

New Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers

Truck drivers, who cover far distances and drive long hours, must adhere to strict regulations about how many hours they can drive a day. The new Hours of Service (HOS) rules are in place to ensure the safety of drivers and other motorists.

The HOS regulations dictate that truck drivers cannot operate their vehicle for more than 11 hours during any given 14-hour limit (the 14-hour rule) or risk fines and penalties from regulatory authorities.

A driver must also take a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours behind the wheel. These boundaries aim to reduce fatigue among truckers while allowing them enough flexibility within their schedule not to inhibit productivity.

How Long Can a Truck Driver Drive?

The hours-of-service regulations created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ensure that truckers remain safe behind the wheel while carrying out their duties.

These service rules dictate the on-duty driving hours of a driver in a given day and the rest periods or off-duty time for recuperation at home or relaxation at a truck stop.

According to FMCSA guidelines, truckers' driving time cannot exceed 11 hours per day or 60 hours within seven consecutive days before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers must also take an uninterrupted break of at least 30 minutes after driving for eight hours.

By adhering to these parameters, truck drivers can guarantee safe operation over potentially hazardous roads and highways, even during difficult times such as nightfall or inclement weather.

How Long Should Truck Drivers Rest?

Rest is a critical tool for any driver, allowing them to stay active and alert while behind the wheel. The hours of service (HOS) rules provide guidelines on how long a truck driver can drive in a day and how much rest break time must be between shifts.

A crucial aspect of these HOS rules involves understanding how long a truck driver should rest when off-duty. A typical 11-hour shift requires a truck driver to take a 10-hour break outside the vehicle, either sleeping or resting in a sleeper berth before starting another shift.

A commercial driver using a sleeper berth must take at least an eight-hour break in the sleeper berth. They may split the sleeper-berth time into two periods, provided both are at least 2 hours.

Work Periods

There is also a 60-70 hour limit over a weeklong work period. Driving 70 hours on duty must be documented for a 7/8 consecutive hours work week or work period. The work period starts on a time and day in one week and ends on that same time and day in the following week.

Drivers who exceed the work period may suffer from impaired judgment due to exhaustion, leading to adverse driving conditions.

Therefore, all truck drivers must adhere to the appropriate rest break requirements set forth by the HOS regulations to ensure the safe operation of their vehicles.

The Adverse Driving Conditions Exception

Adverse driving conditions can be challenging. Bad weather, including winding country roads, rain-slicked highways, and dense fog, can make it hard to stick to the standard eight hours of daily driving mandated by law.

Fortunately, there is an exception rule: the adverse driving condition exemption, which allows for extra two hours to complete an expected route safely. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enables drivers facing hazardous weather or other extreme circumstances to extend their total on-duty time.

The extra time must be logged as 'off-duty' rather than 'sleeper berth time' if they are team drivers - where two drivers work out of one truck - so that all team drivers receive equal rest periods between drives.

Drivers must document any adverse driving conditions during their shift and provide supporting evidence such as receipts or logbooks upon request from employers or inspectors. 

Exempting adverse driving conditions provide much-needed flexibility for truckers facing unpredictable road challenges.

The 16-Hour Short-Haul Exception

The hustle and bustle of interstate commerce never end, creating a busy highway system with countless truck drivers hauling goods from one destination to another.

A solo driver can still drive after the time limit when qualifying for the 16-hour short-haul exception. The exception enables truckers to stay behind the wheel for up to sixteen hours within 24 hours, with the provision to still perform yard moves, loading, or inspections.

The exemption applies only when specific criteria are met, such as starting and ending at the same location for a one-day assignment and being off duty for at least ten consecutive hours after each shift ends.

In addition, truck drivers must also keep daily logbooks that accurately record their activities throughout their shifts unless they have a short haul where they work within a 150-mile radius and return to the terminal within 14 hours.

However, they need to be aware of other restrictions, such as mandatory break times over eight consecutive hours and no operating beyond the 14th hour, following ten consecutively recorded hours off duty since the beginning of the last shift.

Truckers Working Long Hours

The trucking industry is labor-intensive, with drivers working long hours to deliver freight efficiently. Regulations in place limit the drive time within each day and pose a challenge for maximizing travel time and meeting delivery deadlines.

In most states across the United States, truckers have an 11-hour maximum driving window per day, including both break times and loading/unloading periods, which can add up quickly while on the road. In addition, they must take off ten hours a day consecutively between shifts before being able to return to the roadway once again.

Understanding these regulations helps ensure the safe operation of trucks on a public road while in compliance with federal law.

Conclusion

Trucking companies require long driving hours, which can be rewarding for those dedicated to the job. Truckers and passenger-carrying drivers in buses and vans must adhere to strict rules to stay safe on the roads and protect their livelihoods.

Awareness of these regulations and understanding how many miles a driver can travel in one day is essential for ensuring that freight arrives safely and efficiently.

Truckers can remain productive without compromising safety standards by taking advantage of exceptions such as adverse driving conditions or 16-hour short-hauls.

With an awareness of the HOS laws and proper planning strategies, drivers should find no problem meeting deadlines while keeping themselves safe on the roadways. Overall, being successful as a trucker takes hard work and dedication; however, when done correctly, the line of work offers excellent rewards.  

Resources:

• About Inspection | FMCSA
• HOS | Federal Register 

February 13, 2023
Truck drivers are critical in transporting goods and supplies across the country. Still, with the rise of cell phone technology, the question remains: are these individuals allowed to use their phones while operating a commercial motor vehicle?

CDL Drivers Explained

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles in United States commerce.

Commercial drivers, including truckers and bus drivers, who hold a CDL license are held to a higher standard than other drivers. The commercial driver is responsible for safely handling large, heavy vehicles that require a unique skill set and a higher level of safety awareness to avoid a crash.

To answer this question, we must turn to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and its regulations regarding cell phone use for CDL operators.

The Federal Law on Handheld Devices For Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers

According to federal regulation 49 CFR 395.8, commercial motor vehicle drivers are prohibited from using a handheld mobile phone while driving. The cell phone policy applies to all CDL drivers operating commercial motor vehicles across the country.

To comply with the cell phone policy, CDL drivers must use hands-free devices instead of holding the phone while behind the wheel. Individuals can use the speaker function, voice-activated dialing, or an earpiece. But truck drivers can no longer use cell phones if they require pressing more than one button.

A driver must be able to reach the phone while seated and properly restrained in a seatbelt.

It is possible to have a free consultation on these rules on the federal web pages regarding commercial vehicles and texting devices.

Trucking Company Policies for CDL Drivers And Cell Phone Use

In addition to federal and state regulations, trucking companies may also have policies on cell phone use for their employees.

These policies may go beyond federal law and could dictate when, how, and if CDL drivers are allowed to use their phones while on the road. It's important for CDL drivers to familiarize themselves with their company's rules and to adhere to them, not just for the security of their job but to avoid an accident.

The Safety Risks of Using Cell Phones While Driving

Using a cell phone while steering the vehicle can be dangerous, especially for truck drivers. Distracted driving can slow reaction times and lead to a safety-critical event on the road, such as a severe accident involving others.

To reduce these risks, CDL drivers should understand when it's appropriate to use their cell phones and when it's not. It may involve limiting phone use, knowing when it's safe to make phone calls or send text messages, and properly restraining their electronic device so that it doesn't become a distraction and causes a truck accident.

Truck Driver Safety Precautions for Handheld Devices

Truck driving is a demanding job that requires a high level of focus and attention to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Cell phone usage and other devices can significantly increase the truck accident risk. To reduce this risk, commercial vehicle drivers should take the following precautions when using these devices:

• Use hands-free devices: Hands-free cell phones and other hands-free devices can help reduce the risk of a truck crash. By keeping both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, you can remain focused and avoid the distractions of a handheld device.
• Maintaining a seated driving position: Maintaining a proper position while using a hands-free device is essential. It will help ensure that you have complete control of the truck and can respond quickly in an emergency.
• Avoid instant messaging: Commercial drivers should avoid using messaging devices while behind the wheel and focus solely on the road ahead.
• Consider voice activation: Utilizing voice communication technologies can help to further reduce the distraction posed by mobile phone devices. With a hands-free device, individuals can use voice commands to control their cell phones instead of taking their hands off the road. 

Some hands-free devices even feature a single button (versus devices with more than one button) that can be pressed to initiate voice communication, making it easy and safe to use a cell phone while keeping your hands on the steering wheel.

• Take regular breaks: Prolonged use of hands-free devices can still be tiring and distracting. To reduce the fatigue risk, the trucking company must ensure that the commercial driver is refreshed and alert.

Federal Law on Penalties Affecting A Truck Driver Commercial License

Truckers must be vigilant in using handheld devices while steering the wheel. They must adhere to federal laws and regulations and be mindful of the consequences of multiple penalties and fines, including the suspension or revocation of their commercial license. By using hands-free devices and maintaining a seated driving position, truckers can ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

• Two or more violations: Federal law mandates that truckers with multiple penalties in a short period may have their commercial driver's license (CDL) revoked or suspended.
• Text message violations: The use of handheld devices, including cell phones and instant messaging devices, while driving has become a significant concern for commercial drivers, especially truckers. Texting while driving is not only dangerous behavior, but it is also illegal in many states and can result in several violations that affect a truck driver commercial license.
• Multiple offenses: Truckers who violate traffic rules numerous times, such as texting while driving or failing to secure hazardous material, are at a higher risk of having their CDL suspended or revoked. In addition, these individuals are also at an increased risk of being involved in a truck accident.
• Hazardous materials: Truckers transporting hazardous material must be meticulous when using a handheld device. Not only can texting while driving result in multiple violations, but it can also pose a severe threat to public safety if a truck carrying hazardous material is involved in an accident.

The Impact of Distracted Driving On CDL Drivers

Distracted driving is a significant issue for every driver on the road, and CDL truckers are no exception. Studies have shown that using a cell phone while driving can increase the risk of accidents, slow reaction times, and contribute to dangerous driving behavior.

The best way for CDL commercial truck drivers to avoid these risks is by limiting their use of cell phones while behind the wheel and following federal and state laws and company policies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CDL commercial truck drivers must understand cell phone policies and regulations while conducting a commercial motor vehicle. The law prohibits using any handheld device, text messaging, and cell phone while driving, and states may also have their own set of regulations.

Additionally, trucking companies may have cell phone policy directives for their employees. To reduce the safety risks associated with using a cell phone while driving, CDL truckers should limit their phone use, follow federal and state laws, and be aware of their company's policies.

These steps allow CDL truckers to stay compliant and promote safe driving habits.

Resources:

• Dangerous Driving | NHTSA
• About CDL Suspensions | Mass.gov