Truck accidents frequently result in severe, life-changing injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. Both federal and Illinois laws strictly regulate how trucking companies and drivers must operate. When these safety rules are violated, it can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in a truck accident claim.
At Joel E. Brown, P.C., our Peoria truck accident lawyer brings more than 30 years of experience advocating for injury victims. We have secured millions of dollars in compensation for clients and their families. If you were injured in a truck accident in Illinois, contact our firm today at (309) 673-4357 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
How Joel E. Brown, P.C. Can Help With an Illinois Truck Accident Claim
Truck accident injuries can cause life-altering impairments. At Joel E. Brown, P.C., our legal team pursues accident claims to obtain the compensation victims need and deserve.
When you choose our law firm to handle your case, you can expect us to:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident to identify causation and fault
- Analyze state and federal trucking regulations to determine how they impact your claim
- Work with leading experts to build a solid case for liability
- Assess your economic and non-economic damages to determine the value of your claim
- Handle all matters with the insurance company and the trucking company
- Negotiate a fair settlement based on the severity of your damages
- Take your case to trial and fiercely argue for full compensation, if necessary
Your best interests are our top priority. We provide a personalized and strategic approach to your case. Contact a trusted Illinois personal injury attorney for a free case review.
Contact our office today to speak with an Illinois truck accident lawyer. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry.
FMCSA regulations cover numerous aspects of the trucking industry, including:
- Driver qualifications
- Hours of service limits
- Vehicle maintenance standards
- Cargo securement requirements
- Hazardous materials transport protocols
The FMCSA conducts compliance audits, roadside inspections, and investigations to ensure carriers follow the rules. Violations can result in significant fines and out-of-service orders.
Illinois State Trucking Regulations
In addition to federal FMCSA rules, Illinois enforces its own trucking laws through the Illinois Vehicle Code and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). These regulations cover commercial vehicle registration, licensing, insurance requirements, weight limits, and safety standards for trucks operating within the state.
Illinois State Police conduct inspections to ensure compliance with driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol rules. Violations—such as operating without proper permits, exceeding weight limits, or failing to meet insurance requirements—can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a truck accident claim.
Common Violations That Cause Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are often the result of safety rule violations. Some of the most common include:
- Hours of Service Violations: Drivers may exceed legal driving limits due to unrealistic delivery schedules. Falsified logbooks and manipulated electronic logging device (ELD) data can lead to fatigued driving and serious crashes.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, broken lights, and other unrepaired defects increase the likelihood of preventable accidents. Federal law requires regular inspections and prompt repairs.
- Improper Cargo Loading: Shifting or unsecured cargo can destabilize a truck. Overweight loads strain brakes and tires, increasing stopping distances and the risk of loss of control.
When trucking companies or drivers ignore safety regulations, the consequences can be devastating—and those violations may play a critical role in proving liability after a crash.
How Violations Establish Liability in Accident Cases
When a truck driver or trucking company violates state or federal safety regulations, those violations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in an accident claim. Under the legal doctrine of negligence per se, a party may be presumed negligent if they violated a safety law designed to protect the public and that violation directly caused the crash.
Evidence such as inspection reports, driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records can help prove fault. Establishing a regulatory violation can significantly strengthen a victim’s claim for compensation.
Contact a Peoria Truck Accident Lawyer at Joel E. Brown, P.C. for a Free Consultation
Attorney Joel E. Brown, P.C. has more than 30 years of experience handling personal injury cases in Illinois, including complex truck accident claims. We have the resources and knowledge to investigate trucking violations and pursue full compensation for accident victims. Contact our Peoria office for a free consultation with an Illinois truck accident attorney.
