Accident details

According to an article in Chicago’s Herald News, one truck accident caused a chain reaction that resulted in two other tractor trailers and several cars colliding on Illinois’s Interstate 55. Although some of the details are unclear, it appears that a tractor trailer hauling potatoes from Utah hit a car on the interstate. Then two other tractor trailers and several other cars collided with the first two vehicles. The situation quickly escalated and the highway was backed up for the entire day. Two people were killed in the accident, another was severely hurt and several others were injured as well.

Truck accident lawsuit

Victims of the accident brought a lawsuit against the driver of tractor trailer from Utah, DeAn Henry, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, the trucking company who employed her and other several other defendants. Henry later pled guilty to driving on a suspended license and falsifying her log book. A jury awarded the victims $23.75 million.

Who’s liable in a trucking accident?

When you’re involved in a trucking accident, it’s important to realize that the laws of various states may apply and that several defendants could be involved – especially when semi-tractor trailers are involved as different companies may own the cab and the trailer. Potential defendants may include the:

• owner/operator of the tractor/trailer;
• insurance carrier for the tractor and the trailer;
• shipper/loader for improper loading;
• manufacturer of either vehicle for product liability, such as the tires, or other parts that may have contributed to the cause or severity of the accident;
• owner of any public or private property whose negligence may have contributed to the accident.

An experienced truck accident attorney will be able to evaluate your situation and discuss your options.