High Risk of Fatalities in Truck Override Accidents

 Posted on April 23, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Have you ever paid much attention to exactly how much larger tractor-trailers are than cars? Everything about them is bigger, making passenger vehicles very vulnerable in accidents. Some kinds of crashes are unique to semis, with overrides and underrides being examples. Both are extremely dangerous to drivers and passengers in cars. Many of these collisions cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.

A personal injury or wrongful death claim could compensate you for your losses after a truck accident, but claims involving commercial vehicles and high damages are complex and challenging to handle alone. Let our competent Morris, IL truck accident lawyer handle your case and maximize your compensation.

What Is a Truck Override?

The bottom of a semi-truck is higher than many cars’ back ends. If a tractor-trailer rear-ends most cars, the tractor portion can travel over the car’s trunk and directly impact the passenger area. That override impact can crumple the car and cause serious or fatal injuries to those inside.

Underride accidents are similar, but they involve cars traveling under the rear or side of a semi’s trailer. In that type of crash, the front of the car’s passenger compartment can be shorn off.

How Many Truck Accidents Happen in Illinois?

On April 5th, 2025, a Nissan sedan was stalled on I-94 in Chicago. A semi-truck approached and struck the Nissan from behind. Photos of the crash show the rear portion of the sedan under the front end of the truck. A passenger in the sedan was injured, and the driver died.

This is just one example of the severity of truck crashes in Illinois. Preliminary figures for 2024 reveal that there were 6,678 large truck accidents in the state. Those collisions injured 3,190 people and caused 147 deaths.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Claim?

Working with a skilled attorney after a truck crash can benefit you in multiple ways. Commercial vehicles like a semi have several potentially at-fault parties, including the driver, the trucking company, truck maintenance companies, cargo loaders, and parts manufacturers. We will investigate your accident to find out why it happened and who was responsible.

Your damages, which are financial and intangible losses directly caused by the crash, are likely to be quite high. Common damages include:

• Medical and ongoing care expenses
• Property damage
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Other losses that diminish your quality of life

Most people do not know what damages they are entitled to or how to calculate their worth accurately, but we do. Wrongful death claimants may also collect additional damages.

The liable insurance company will probably use any number of tactics to lower the amount it pays you. The company’s representatives can be very convincing when telling you that a minimal amount is the most you can expect, and they may try to intimidate you into accepting a low settlement. We have seen all those tactics and know how to overcome them.

Most people receive significantly more compensation when a competent attorney advocates for their best interests. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more.

Call Our Determined Joliet, IL Truck Accident Lawyer

When you choose Carlson Law Group, P.C. to handle your truck accident case, our experienced Will County, IL personal injury attorney will fight on your behalf to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call815-710-3700 now.