Konicek & Dillon, P.C.FindLaw IM Template2024-01-15T15:36:51Zhttps://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPressOn Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=485902024-01-10T15:36:58Z2024-01-15T15:36:51ZInadequate load distribution
One cause of truck rollovers is improper load distribution. When truckers do not distribute cargo evenly or secure it within the trailer, the truck's stability becomes compromised. The shifting weight can lead to an imbalance, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control, especially during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
High-speed turns
Trucks are not immune to the laws of physics, and high-speed turns can spell trouble. As a truck navigates a curve, centrifugal force comes into play.
This force pushes the vehicle outward, and if the driver does not adjust speed accordingly, the truck may tip over. This is particularly true for trucks carrying heavy loads, as the force can overwhelm the vehicle's stability.
Tire blowouts and mechanical failures
Tire blowouts and mechanical failures are potential triggers for rollover accidents. A sudden blowout or malfunction can cause the driver to lose control. The imbalance created by a flat tire or malfunctioning brakes can escalate quickly, sometimes leading to a rollover.
Poor weather conditions
Weather plays a significant role in the safety of truck operations. Rain, snow or strong winds can create slippery road conditions, reducing the truck's traction. The decreased grip amplifies the risk of a rollover.
From 2020 to 2021, there was an 18% increase in deadly truck and bus accidents in America. Truckers should work towards minimizing the occurrence of these hazardous incidents on the roads.]]>On Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=485792023-10-06T20:58:09Z2023-10-06T20:58:09ZSymptoms of whiplash
Whiplash symptoms may manifest in various ways. One prominent sign is neck pain, often characterized by stiffness and discomfort. Individuals might find it challenging to move their necks freely due to the inflammation of soft tissues.
Headaches and dizziness
Frequent headaches following a truck accident can be a clear sign of whiplash. These headaches, typically originating from the base of the skull, can lead to you feeling dizzy. The sudden jolt experienced in a collision can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to these persistent symptoms.
Shoulder and back pain
Whiplash does not limit its effects to the neck, since it can extend to the shoulders and upper back. Victims may experience pain and tenderness in these areas as a result of the force exerted on the body during the accident. The pain may range from mild discomfort to severe, hindering everyday activities.
Visual and auditory disturbances
The impact of a truck accident can affect the sensory organs, leading to visual and auditory disturbances. Blurred vision, ringing in the ears and sensitivity to light and sound are telltale signs of a potential whiplash injury. These symptoms may emerge gradually, underscoring the importance of vigilance in the days following an accident.
Cognitive issues
Whiplash can also impact cognitive functions. Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses and general cognitive fogginess are common post-accident symptoms.
3 million new cases of whiplash happen every year in America. Prompt recognition and medical intervention can significantly contribute to a smoother recovery process. By understanding more about whiplash, individuals can advocate for their health and seek appropriate care after a traumatic truck collision.]]>On Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=485752023-08-16T11:33:28Z2023-07-24T18:10:15ZTraumatic brain injuries
TBIs are severe injuries that happen when the brain is subjected to trauma, which causes the brain to move inside the skull. That movement can cause damage to the brain tissue, bleeding, hematomas and many other dangerous conditions.
The brain is connected to the entire body, so TBIs are serious. In certain circumstances, these injuries can leave a person impaired for life. If a person survives a TBI and recovers, they can still suffer:
Cognitive issues
Attention problems
Headaches
Changes in behavior, personality and other health problems
People who sustain TBIs require immediate medical attention due to the severe nature of these injuries. In some cases, traumatic brain injuries are so powerful that they lead to paralysis, coma or death.
Can a TBI be treated and healed?
In some cases, yes. Although the recovery process for a TBI is usually arduous and lengthy. It also requires close monitoring by doctors and other medical staff and sometimes invasive procedures.
Even in cases where the person recovers from a TBI, the healing process can be costly as medical bills quickly add up.
Negligence
TBIs from truck accidents are common. Trucks are dangerous vehicles because they are much bigger than other cars on the road and can see much less than other vehicles can.
In addition, truck drivers usually drive long distances, which can easily lead to driver fatigue, tiredness, drowsiness and other impairments.
In some cases, truck accident victims can pursue legal action for their injuries and recover damages, including medical expenses, loss of wages, and the pain and suffering they endured.
If you are involved in a truck accident and suspect you may have sustained a TBI, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner a medical professional can examine and diagnose you, the better your chances of a favorable prognosis.]]>On Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=485732023-06-27T13:50:36Z2023-05-31T22:40:56Z3.49 million people called truck driving their profession. From meeting tight deadlines to dealing with increased traffic and a labor shortage, those millions of people face hidden dangers that may increase the risk of an accident, which can affect other drivers.
1. Limited access to medical care
When it comes to long-haul drivers, life on the road has its advantages and disadvantages. Being away from home makes it harder than ever to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With varying schedules and potentially weeks away from home, many truckers find it difficult to get regular health checkups. Not taking care of oneself can lead to other dangers for truck drivers and other motorists.
2. Undiagnosed health conditions
A sedentary lifestyle continues to raise the ranks of health concerns for people across industries. Truckers have even more difficulty when it comes to moving around. Sitting or hours without relief eventually may lead to back and neck issues, as well as increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other life-altering illnesses.
3. Increased chances of mental health issues
While the essence of being a truck driver inherently means a person appreciates time alone, that much isolation has the potential to have a negative effect. Additionally, trucks must constantly stay focused on their surroundings. The stress of avoiding an accident and making the delivery on time, compiled with loneliness and the potential guilt of missing out leads to a higher probability of depression and anxiety.
Knowing the hidden risks may help truck drivers develop solutions to stay healthy and focused so that they and all drivers on the road stay safe.]]>On Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=485492023-01-10T19:58:31Z2023-01-20T19:57:34Zaround 130,000 individuals sustain injuries from trucking accidents. The following injuries are the most prevalent.
1. Head and neck injuries
Head and neck injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. In some cases, head and neck injuries may result in permanent disability or death.
2. Broken bones
The force of a trucking accident can result in broken bones, especially in the legs, arms and ribs. These injuries may require extensive medical treatment, such as surgery and rehabilitation.
3. Soft tissue injuries
Soft tissue damage, such as sprains, strains and contusions, also arise from trucking accidents. While generally less severe than other types of injuries, soft tissue injuries may take several weeks or months to heal fully.
4. Internal injuries
Internal injuries, such as damage to organs or internal bleeding, can also occur in trucking accidents. These types of injuries may not immediately appear and may require diagnostic testing and surgery to repair. Damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen or kidneys may become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
5. Psychological injuries
The trauma of a trucking accident can also result in psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. Psychological harm can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and may require ongoing therapy and treatment.
It is vital for all drivers, including truckers, to practice safe driving habits to help prevent accidents and the serious injuries that can result.]]>On Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=479942022-10-15T15:28:15Z2022-10-15T15:28:15ZDevice usage
Like any other driver on the road, truckers use devices to stay connected with family and friends while traveling the roads. Tablets, laptops and cellphones are just a few of the devices commonly used to keep in touch during long hauls, but operating these while the truck is in motion is a serious danger. Changing music on a playlist, answering a text message or playing a movie are all distractions that can lead to accidents.
Given the weight, speed and size of a tractor-trailer, the damage done from a minor collision could be severe. It is also more difficult to maintain control of a truck that size more quickly.
Eating and drinking
Spending hours on the road can lead to extreme hunger or thirst. Truck drivers who snack while operating their trucks are engaging in distracted driving, increasing the potential for an accident. It does not matter if there is still one hand on the wheel. Response times become slower when distracted driving takes place.
Many carriers have policies that prohibit using devices or eating while the truck is in motion. These safeguards are to help eliminate the distractions that could cost lives.]]>On Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=479922022-07-29T21:22:21Z2022-07-29T21:22:21Z1. Drive defensively
Truck drivers who anticipate and respond to dangerous conditions can significantly improve safety on the roads they share with other vehicles. For example, driving defensively includes maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles that might stop suddenly, looking over the shoulder to see cars in a truck's blind spots, and driving at safe speeds.
2. Report vehicle concerns
Before starting a road trip, truck drivers should take an inventory of their trucks' required safety equipment, including first aid kits, emergency flares, water supplies and fire extinguishers. It is also essential to note any unusual vehicle problems and report them to the trucking company for repair before a large and heavy vehicle returns to the road.
3. Avoid distractions
Truck drivers should remain vigilant about road conditions requiring their focus and concentration. Although driving for hours over long distances can be mundane or lonely, avoiding distracting activities such as using a cell phone, drugs and alcohol or wearing headphones is essential for safety.
4. Take regular breaks
Truck driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents but is avoidable when drivers take periodic rest breaks to prevent falling asleep at the wheel. Meal breaks that provide a respite from driving can also restore alertness and energy levels.
Truck-related accidents can have devastating consequences, and assigning fault to a driver or trucking company requires persistence and a thorough understanding of Illinois's comparative negligence laws.]]>On Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=479332022-05-31T20:38:25Z2022-05-31T20:38:25Zcollisions involving semis.
Active awareness cameras
The bulky nature of big rigs means drivers have to contend with significant blind spots. No longer do truckers have to rely on mirrors to see others. Now, semis have built-in cameras that actively display side and rear-facing perspectives. Plus, they record data at all times, which may reveal the truth behind a crash when it does happen.
Danger avoidance features
Like modern passenger vehicles, big wheelers now have collision-avoiding technologies. Automatic emergency braking, for example, starts evasive action without a driver being aware. Lane assistance warning devices help stop drivers from sideswiping others. Also, electronic systems can now detect when a driver is getting drowsy and suggest rest.
Touch-free calling systems
Common sense demands that hands remain on the wheel when a truck is in motion. That said, truck drivers must sometimes connect with a supervisor or client. Picking up a phone and dialing while actively hauling remains illegal in most states. Modern shipping vehicles have Bluetooth technologies built-in. Operators can now make and receive calls while heading down the highway worry-free.
Truck drivers play a vital role in our infrastructure. That said, their activity presents a hazard for everyone. For this reason, truck manufacturers are enhancing safety by implementing high-tech help.]]>On Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=478852022-01-28T18:38:08Z2022-01-28T18:38:08ZNational Safety Council, trucks account for ten percent of all fatal car crashes while only representing four percent of registered vehicles in the US.
To avoid becoming a part of this statistic, you can practice a few driving habits that help keep you safe on the road. Keep reading this article to learn more about preventing truck accidents.
Pass with caution
Do not pass or cut in front of a semi-truck without a significant amount of room. Also, you should leave more room behind commercial trucks when you follow them. The reason is that trucks require more time to stop and cannot react as fast as passenger cars.
Trucks bring a lot of potential for disastrous failure, including tire blowouts and tipping. If you pass a truck, do so quickly to remove yourself from the danger area.
Stay away from blind spots
If you cannot see the truck driver’s mirror, they cannot see you. This is the most dangerous spot to drive when sharing the road with a large truck. Trucks also have a more prominent blind spot on their right side, so always pass to the left when possible.
Sharing the road with trucks is a necessity for driving in Illinois. The long open highways present many opportunities for motor vehicle accidents, so you need to practice safe driving habits. Drive defensively and avoid spending too much time maneuvering around commercial vehicles.]]>On Behalf of Konicek & Dillon, P.C.https://www.konicekdillonlaw.com/?p=478842021-10-16T22:01:04Z2021-10-16T22:01:04Ztwo times more likely to smoke than others.
Even if you have a sensitivity to cigarette smoke, a trucker's smoking habit is not likely to bother you physically. After all, if drivers smoke inside their vehicles, you may not even notice. Nevertheless, truckers who smoke cigarettes may be an accident risk.
Distracted driving
Thanks to awareness campaigns over the past decade, virtually everyone should realize the dangers of distracted driving. Driver distractions, though, include more than using a smartphone behind the wheel. If truckers reach for packs of cigarettes or fiddle with lighters, they may divert their attention long enough to cause a serious collision.
Health concerns
While professional truck drivers should undergo regular health screenings, smokers may develop chronic or acute illnesses that make them unsafe. For example, truckers who smoke cigarettes may be increasingly vulnerable to heart disease, cancer, stroke, hypertension and even diabetes.
Driver fatigue
Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Regrettably, truckers may use cigarettes to remain alert in their cabs. Nicotine, however, may only mask the symptoms of driver fatigue. Put simply, if drivers are not alert enough to remain safe, they should rest instead of smoking cigarettes.
Even though you may not have to deal with the smell of a trucker's cigarette smoke, your life may be in danger because of a driver's smoking habit. Ultimately, if you suffer a catastrophic injury in a crash, it may be advisable to investigate whether the driver's use of cigarettes contributed to the accident.]]>