Big Rig Accidents in Champaign | Champaign Big Rig Injury Lawyer

A big rig is another name for a semi truck, tractor-trailer or 18 wheeler truck, which is a heavy commercial vehicle used in interstate commerce for hauling freight. A big rig is a type of truck with a semi tractor / semi trailer combination and is primarily used for long haul transport of cargo over the interstate highway system such as Champaign’s freeway system, which is made up of miles of freeways and expressways in a  metropolitan area. Champaign has immediate access to the interstate highway system. Interstates 72 and 74 provide east-west access, while Interstate 57 provides north-south access. The City is also served by State Route 45 in north-south directions and Routes 10 and 150 in east-west directions.

Unlike a small truck, a big rig is a large, heavy and complex piece of equipment and requires special attention and maintenance. It is not uncommon for improper big rig maintenance to be the cause of an accident or major wreck on the roads and highways in Champaign, Illinois such as the I-74 and I-57.

Big rigs are very heavy – weighing up to 70,000 lbs. to 80,000 lbs. fully loaded. For this reason, a big rig can easily become a killing machine if it gets out of control and become involved in a truck crash on the highway. A big rig can do a lot of damage whether in a wreck by itself or with other vehicles – especially smaller, lighter passenger cars. A commercial big rig truck can become involved in a head-on, rear-end or jackknife crash when driving down Champaign roads and freeways such as the I-74, I-57, SH 10, I-72.

Champaign Big Rig Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one becomes involved in a big rig truck accident on a Champaign highway, road or interstate, it is advisable to retain an attorney who specializes in Champaign truck accident law. There are special laws and regulations that govern commercial vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs. that require the expertise of a lawyer or attorney who is experienced in this type of law practice and who knows how to protect your rights. Make sure to contact one of the qualified Champaign big rig accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Champaign big rig accident attorney to help protect your rights.

Head-On Big Rig Accidents in Champaign

Oftentimes multiple cars will become involved in a potentially deadly collision with a big rig truck or tractor trailer in Champaign because of heavy traffic and congestion along major highways in Champaign such as the I-74, I-57, SH 10, I-72. Even though only a fraction of the number of Champaign truck accidents are head-on collisions, they often involve a fatality when they do occur, especially where there is a concrete median in the road. When a heavily loaded truck crashes head-on with a passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating. If you or a loved one have been the victim of a Champaign head-on collision, contact a qualified Champaign truck accident lawyer immediately.

Champaign Rear-End Big Rig Crashes

A big rig rear-end collision occurs when the truck strikes another vehicle in the rear. Rear-end truck accidents in Champaign can easily happen because of the sheer volume of traffic along Champaign freeways, streets and roads. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), about 18 percent of all large truck accidents are rear-end collisions. In all rear-end truck crashes, about 50 percent more happen when the truck strikes another vehicle than when the crash results from another vehicle striking the truck from behind. Contact a Champaign truck accident lawyer to learn about victim’s rights and get your lawsuit started.

Champaign Big Rig Jackknife Wrecks

A “jackknife” truck accident is when a large big rig truck towing a trailer folds over into an acute angle similar to that of a folding pocket knife. A big rig or semi truck is an articulated vehicle - the trailer is coupled to the tractor and is essentially “hinged”. If a semi tractor towing a trailer crashes or skids, the trailer can spin around and face backwards and, in some instances, the accident can be so severe that the truck and trailer may roll over.

What if a Champaign company like Kraft Foods or Plastipak had a semi truck jackknife accident on the Champaign I-74? Severe injuries and in the worst case scenario, even death could result from a big rig accident of this nature. A big rig truck accident on Champaign roads and highways can be so severe that the injured victim or victims need to be rushed - sometimes even airlifted - to a nearby Champaign hospital such as Provena Covenant Medical Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, The John and Mary E. Kirby Hospital, or Gibson Area Hospital and Health Services.

Champaign Truck Repair Shops

Champaign truck drivers are required, under both federal law and Illinois truck regulations, to properly maintain their commercial vehicles. If the big rig driver fails to properly maintain his truck and an accident occurs as a result, then the trucker and the trucking company will be found legally negligent. Champaign truck drivers should have their vehicles inspected at a truck repair facility like the ones listed below, which specialize in semi truck repairs in Champaign.

Big Rig Accident Attorneys Serve Champaign and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Eastern Illinois, including Arcola, Bloomington, Champaign, Charleston, Clinton, Danville, Decatur, Farmer City, Georgetown, Hoopeston, Mattoon, Paris, Paxton, Rantoul, St. Joseph, Tolono, Tuscola, Urbana, and other communities in Champaign County.

Champaign big rig accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Champaign big rig accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.