Trucking Accident

The highways of Northern Illinois are vital arteries for commercial transportation, especially with the convergence of major routes such as I-80, I-294, I-88, I-290, I-90 and I-355. These thoroughfares are frequented by large semi-trucks transporting goods across the Midwest, making them crucial for the region’s economy. However, these trucks also pose significant dangers to motorists. When trucks are operated safely, they fit seamlessly into the flow of traffic. But when maintenance is neglected or drivers operate irresponsibly, these massive vehicles become hazards on the road. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—making accidents with passenger vehicles potentially deadly.

Even under the best conditions, large trucks take longer to stop, have larger blind spots, and are more challenging to maneuver. These characteristics mean that when trucks are not properly maintained or when drivers are fatigued or distracted, the results can be disastrous. The risks posed by unsafe trucks are magnified on busy, congested highways like those in Northern Illinois. The combination of dense traffic, merging lanes, and interchanges increases the likelihood of accidents involving large trucks. Drivers of smaller vehicles are at particular risk, as the sheer size and weight of a truck can cause catastrophic damage in a collision.

Over 47,000 Kenworth and Peterbilt semi-trucks were recalled due to loss of steering control issues according to our Naperville, Illinois truck accident attorneys. According to Paccar, the steering assemblies may have been incorrectly assembled, with fewer recirculating balls than are required for the steering mechanism. Due to the missing recirculating balls, there is a chance that the semi-truck drivers affected may lose their ability to control steering and crash.

Vehicle recalls are common, and millions of recalls happen every year. In fact, in 2017, 42 million commercial and personal vehicles were recalled. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety requirements. Manufacturers often recall vehicles prior to the NHTSA’s involvement because of the safety risks associated with the vehicle defects. Often, defective and incorrectly assembled products can cause serious injuries and may even result in a fatality.

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