Decatur 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Information

If you have a Decatur, IL truck accident claim, Decatur truck accident lawyers are here to advocate for you. Call one of the Decatur truck accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.

Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the State of Illinois. It is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2010 the city population was 76,122. Decatur is the sixth-most populous city in Illinois, with a metropolitan area population of 114,749.

Decatur is a classic Midwest USA small city situated with homes and park areas facing Lake Decatur, and with many historic brick buildings downtown. This city is home of private Millikin University and public Richland Community College. Decatur is a college town with tree lined streets and vast industrial and agricultural processing production and is located in the Interior Plains of North America.

Decatur and Macon County's most notable resident was Abraham Lincoln, who settled with his family west of town in 1830. He later practiced law in the city after moving to nearby Springfield.

Decatur, Illinois and Forsyth, Illinois are in the Heart of Illinois and are the ideal hub from which to explore all of central Illinois – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield to the west; Illinois Amish Country to the east; dozens of other Abraham Lincoln historic sites within a 360-degree radius. Following the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Trail, the sites of the Lincoln Family's first Illinois home, Abraham Lincoln's first political speech, the site where Lincoln was nominated to run for President of the United States, the log courthouse where Abraham Lincoln tried several cases and other landmarks will be found in Decatur, Illinois.

The Decatur/Forsyth area offers a wonderful cultural tourism experience as well: quaint shops in a charming, historic downtown business district, galleries exhibiting all media of art, and a wide variety of unique, quality restaurants. Over 300 events and festivals take place in the area each year encompassing arts, crafts, music, dance, fun fairs, sports, Farm Progress Show, and just about anything else you can imagine.

Semi truck, tractor trailer and 18-wheeler accidents are common occurrences on Decatur roads and highways. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 people die as a result of 18-wheeler accidents and big rig collisions in the United States each year with a substantial number of 18-wheeler truck accidents occurring in Decatur, Illinois, every day. Due to the population and congested traffic throughout the Decatur area, the city of Decatur unfortunately has its fair share of big rig truck accidents. In 2010, the U.S. Census estimated Decatur’s population to be at 76 thousand people within an area of 45.9 square miles. With Decatur being the sixth largest city in the State of Illinois, 18-wheeler accidents and semi truck crashes on Decatur highways are inevitable.

If you have been involved in a truck accident, a Decatur truck accident lawyer can help you and provide the expertise to advocate zealously on your behalf. If you have a Decatur truck accident claim, call one of the Decatur truck accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.

Decatur 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

Due to the sheer weight difference of a car versus the weight of an 18-wheeler or tractor trailer, accidents that involve commercial vehicles often times result in severe injuries or even death. Compared to the average weight of an automobile, which is only 5,000 pounds, one can easily see how much more dangerous commercial vehicles like an 18 wheeler can be. That is why if you are injured by a semi truck or commercial vehicle in Decatur, it is important that you choose an experienced Decatur 18-wheeler accident attorney who knows the truck regulations and laws both nationally and for the State of Illinois.

Commercial vehicles go by different names such as:

1. Box Truck
2. Commercial Vehicle
3. Semi Tractor Trailer
4. Straight Truck
5. Stake Truck

Decatur truck accidents caused by an 18-wheeler, big rig, semi truck, tractor trailer, bus or commercial vehicle are common on Decatur streets, avenues and highways. Many of the semi truck crashes that occur in the city of Decatur happen along the major Decatur highways, which include the I-72, SH-36 and SH-51.

Types of Trucks

The following trucks do specific things and carry certain types of cargo:

1. Bob-Tail Trucks
2. Tanker trucks
3. Refrigerated trucks
4. Flat bed trucks
5. Logging trucks

Buses are also considered commercial vehicles as well, but as a rule do not haul cargo. Instead a bus is a transportation vehicle that carries children or adults such as a school bus or commercial bus like Greyhound. School bus accidents or commercial bus accidents are common on Decatur roads and freeways. The causes may vary, but often times the accident is a result of hazardous road conditions or driver negligence.

It is essential to hire a Decatur bus accident lawyer if you have been involved in the following type of accident:

1. Decatur city buses;
2. Transportation buses such as Greyhound;
3. Shuttle bus accidents when driving to and from the airport, such as Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

The ways Decatur truck accidents happen occur are too numerous to list. Blind spots, rear-ends, sideswipes, head-ons, load overturns, jack-knifes are all possible and can result in fatal wrongful death truck accidents.

If you live in Decatur and have a claims for an accident that involved a big rig or an 18 wheeler, your case might be filed in one of these courts:

Macon County Circuit Court
(217) 424-1454

The Macon County Civil Courthouse is located at:
253 East Wood Street, Decatur IL 62523

18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Decatur and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Central Illinois, including Authur, Bloomington, Champaign, Chatham, Clinton, Decatur, Edinburg, Farmer City, Lincoln, Mahomet, Mattoon, Monticello, Mt. Auburn, Mt. Pulaski, Mt. Zion, Normal, Pana, Springfield, Maconville, Tuscola, Urbana, areas in the vicinity of Decatur Airport, and other communities in Macon County.

Decatur 18-wheeler accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Decatur 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

Types of Trucks

What is Board Certified in Civil Trial or Personal Injury Trial Law & What are the Requirements?

Lawyer Advertising in Illinois Regarding
"Specialization"

Illinois Rule of Professional conduct Rule 7.4 sets rules for lawyers that wish to advertise that they have a "specialty" or "specialize" in a particular area of law.

Though many states have certification programs or specialization programs in various areas of law, Illinois has elected not to offer specialization programs to its members. In some cases, Illinois attorneys are allowed to advertise that they are certified by an outside organization. However, if that lawyer wishes to advertise or place that specialization where the public can be exposed to it, that lawyer must adhere to the requirements of
Rule 7.4. These requirements are as follows:

Rule 7.4. Communication of Fields of Practice

(a) A lawyer or law firm may specify or designate any area or field of law in which the lawyer or firm concentrates or limits the practice of law. In this regard, a lawyer or firm may specify:
(1) a description of the types of legal matters in which the lawyer or firm will accept employment and a statement as to whether the lawyer or firm concentrates or limits the practice of law to one or more particular fields; and
(2) other information about the lawyer or firm, the practice engaged in, or the types of legal matters in which employment will be accepted, which a reasonable person might regard as relevant in determining whether to seek the services offered.
(b) The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law, nor does it recognize certifications of expertise in any phase of the practice of law by any agency, governmental or private, or by any group, organization or association. However:
(1) a lawyer admitted to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office may use the designation "Patents," "Patent Attorney," "Patent Lawyer," or "Registered Patent Attorney," or any combination of those terms;
(2) a lawyer engaged in trademark practice may use the designation "Trademarks," "Trademark Attorney" or "Trademark Lawyer," or any combination of those terms; or
(3) a lawyer engaged in admiralty practice may use the designation "Admiralty," "Proctor in Admiralty" or "Admiralty Lawyer," or any combination of those terms.
(c) Except when identifying certificates, awards or recognitions issued to him by an agency or organization, a lawyer may not use the terms "certified," "specialist," "expert," or any other, similar terms to describe his qualifications as a lawyer or his qualifications in any subspecialty of the law. If such terms are used to identify any certificates, awards or recognitions issued by any agency, governmental or private, or by any group, organization or association, the reference must meet the following requirements:
(1) the reference must be truthful and verifiable and may not be misleading in violation of Rule 7.1;
(2) the reference must state that the Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and that the certificate, award or recognition is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.
 

In the area of Civil Trial Law, The National Board of Legal Specialization is an American Bar Association accredited entity. It offers a specialization in Civil Trial Lawyers. The information on this specialization is set forth below.

National Board of Trial Advocacy

General Principles for Certification of Civil Trial Advocates

1. No standards shall in any way limit the right of a certified civil or criminal trial advocate to practice law in all fields;
2. No lawyer shall be required to obtain a certificate in civil or criminal trial advocacy before he or she can practice in either field;
3. Certification is individual and voluntary. Certification is open to all who qualify;
4. A lawyer may have more than one certification from other divisions of the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification;
5. Certification shall be for five years, after which time the certificate cannot be used unless the lawyer is recertified. Certification may be revoked at any time for violations of the General Principles or Standards of the National Board of Trial Advocacy;
6. Application will be made to the National Board of Trial Advocacy, on the forms supplied by the Board, and accompanied by the appropriate fee;
7. Applicant must complete all requirements, including the examination, within two years of application. If the certification process is not satisfactorily completed within the two year period, the applicant will need to reapply and re-submit all required fees. An application can be denied at any time within the two year application period for failure to successfully meet the requirements for certification.
8. A certificate will be issued upon a showing by the applicant, and by the Board's own investigation, that the applicant complies with the standards and regulations for certification.
9. All applications and other information submitted to the National Board of Trial Advocacy shall be privileged and confidential, except as compelled by law and, except that the Board may reveal the fact of an application for the purpose of verifying information submitted by the applicant, and for the purpose of making such inquiries with respect to the character and professional reputation of the applicant as may be authorized by its rules.
10. The National Board of Trial Advocacy does not discriminate against any lawyer seeking certification on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
11. The National Board of Trial Advocacy is dedicated to the identification of lawyers who possess an enhanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy, and have demonstrated integrity and dedication to the interests of their clients, thereby improving the professional competence of lawyers.

Once a lawyer is Certified, after a certain amount of time, they must become re-certified. Obviously, the re-certification process is not as rigorous as the initial certification but it is nevertheless a tough re-certification process. Below are the standards for certification:

Standards for Civil Certification

A. Good Standing and Period of Practice.

1. The applicant shall furnish evidence of his or her good standing in the state of his or her admission, or if admitted in more than one state, in the state of his or her principal practice.
2. Immediately preceding application, the applicant must have spent five (5) years in the actual practice of Civil and/or Criminal law.

B. Substantial Involvement

1. The applicant must make a satisfactory showing of substantial involvement relevant to the particular specialty certification the person is seeking, with at least thirty (30) percent of his or her time spent practicing civil trial litigation, and/or thirty (30) percent of his or her time spent practicing criminal trial litigation, during the three (3) years preceding the filing of the application.
2. Within the applicant's career, the applicant must make a satisfactory showing of substantial involvement relevant to the particular specialty certification by personal participation in at least forty-five days of trial (a day of trial is not less than six hours) during which the applicant examined or cross-examined witnesses, delivered an opening statement or closing argument or conducted a voir dire jury examination. During the forty-five or more trial days the applicant must personally have:

• Served as lead counsel in at least five jury cases;
• Substantially participated in at least five jury cases which have proceeded to verdict;
• Conducted direct examination of at least twenty-five lay witnesses;
• Conducted cross-examination of at least twenty-five lay witnesses;
• Conducted direct examination of at least fifteen expert witnesses;
• Conducted cross-examination of at least fifteen expert witnesses;
• Presented at least eight opening statements;
• Presented at least four closing arguments;
• Conducted at least five voir dire jury examinations or (in courts which do not permit counsel to conduct voir dire examination) submitted proposed jury questions for the court at least ten times or a combination of examinations and submissions acceptable to the Standards Committee.

The Standards Committee may allow a lesser number of performances in the above if additional involvement in other categories clearly constitutes sufficient active trial participation to demonstrate an enhanced level of skill and experience.

1. Within the applicant's career, the applicant shall also have actively participated in one hundred (100) additional contested matters involving the taking of testimony (cases included in your substantial involvement may not be included as part of your contested matters). This may include trials (jury or non-jury); evidentiary hearings or depositions; and motions heard before or after trial. In criminal advocacy, it may include juvenile delinquency hearings. In civil advocacy, it may include arbitration hearings, welfare hearings, and workers compensation matters not tried to a court.
2. Within the applicant's substantial involvement and contested matters, one of the following four conditions must be met three years prior to application:

• Substantial trial involvement in ten days of trial with personal participation in the categories listed in Section (B)(2) or,
• Active personal participation in 24 litigated matters, either directly handled to conclusion as lead counsel or in a supervisory capacity to lead counsel, or
• Participation in 36 performances (evidentiary hearings or depositions which either oral argument was made or testimony was taken, or motions heard before or after trial), or
• A combination of trial days, participation in litigated matters or performances which demonstrates substantial involvement in the specialty equivalent to one of the three subsections above as approved by the Standards Committee.

C. Educational Experience

1. The applicant must demonstrate substantial participation in continuing legal education and the development of the law with respect to the specialty, in the three year period immediately preceding application either:

• By attendance and/or electronic participation in not less than forty-five hours in programs of continuing legal education in the specialty or ethics, approved by the Standards Committee, or
• By equivalent participation through, but not limited to, the following means, approved by the Standards Committee:
  • Teaching courses or seminars in trial law or ethics;
  • Participation as panelist, speaker, or workshop leader, at educational or professional conferences;
  • Authorship of books, or of articles published in professional journals, on trial law; ao
  • By combination of the three subsections above.

D. Peer Review

1. The applicant shall submit with application the names of ten to twelve references, not present partners, associates, or relatives of the applicant. These references shall be substantially involved in the relevant field of trial law, and familiar with the applicant's practice in that field. References satisfactory to the NBTA must be received from at least three judges before whom the applicant has tried a matter in the relevant field, not more than three years before application; and at least three shall be lawyers with whom, or against whom, the applicant has tried a matter in that field within three years of application.
2. NBTA will solicit confidential statements from all persons listed as references and may solicit confidential statements of reference from other persons, familiar with the applicant's practice, not specifically named by the applicant. All reference statements received will be reviewed by the NBTA to assess whether the applicant has demonstrated an enhanced level of skill and expertise in the practice area, integrity and consideration for the interests of clients.

E. Examination

The applicant must pass a written examination to test his or her proficiency, knowledge, and experience in civil and/or criminal trial law, so that the applicant may justify his or her representation of specialization to the public.

F. Legal Writing Document

The applicant shall submit a copy of a legal writing document, no more than three (3) years before the date of application which he or she has prepared, but not necessarily published. This will be a substantial document in the area for which the applicant seeks certification, containing concise and accurate writing, stating facts (either actual or hypothetical), stating applicable law, analysis of how the law applies to the facts, written in an appropriately argumentative manner and well constructed (i.e. organized, grammatical, demonstrative of good syntax and usage) . Acceptable documents include, but are not limited to: briefs (trial or appellate), motions for summary judgment, bar journal, law review and legal magazine articles, motions in limine, etc.. The quality of the legal document will be evaluated on those criteria and will determine whether the applicant is qualified for certification.

G. Disclosure of Conduct

In order to assist the evaluation of whether the applicant possesses an enhanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy and has demonstrated integrity and dedication to the interest of clients, the applicant shall, to the extent known, disclose to the National Board of Trial Advocacy as soon as permitted by law:

1. The filing of any criminal charges against the applicant together with all details called for by the Disclosure of Conduct Form;
2. The filing or submission of any allegation of unethical or inappropriate professional conduct with any court, grievance committee or disciplinary board or body together with all details called for by the Disclosure of Conduct Form.
3. The assertion of any claim of professional negligence or professional liability, whether or not suit has been filed, which is based in any part on alleged acts or omissions of the applicant or member or on the acts or omissions of any other attorney over whom the applicant or member had any responsibility together with all details called for by the Disclosure of Conduct Form.

 The National Board of Trial Advocacy shall determine, in accordance with its standards and procedures whether the conduct is such that certification should be granted, denied, suspended or revoked, or whether action should be deferred pending receipt of additional information. The NBTA will take into consideration any findings made by other bodies concerning such conduct, but is not bound by any such findings and will make its own independent assessment concerning how such conduct bears on whether an attorney is qualified to obtain or maintain certification.

The failure of an applicant to disclose such conduct is a material misrepresentation and may be cause for rejecting an application or refusing to grant certification, or for suspending or revoking a certificate. The applicant shall have a continuing duty to disclose such matters to the board.

Re-certification Standards

A. Good Standing

The applicant shall furnish satisfactory evidence of good standing in the state of his or her admission or, if admitted in more than one state, in the state of his or her principal practice.

B. Substantial Involvement

1. The applicant must make a satisfactory showing of substantial involvement in the specialty with at least thirty (30) percent of his or her time spent practicing civil/criminal trial litigation during the five years preceding re-certification.
2. The applicant must further demonstrate substantial involvement in specialized practice during the five (5) years preceding re-certification by showing that he or she has actively participated as counsel for a party or parties:
   1. In criminal trial advocacy, not less than fifteen (15) trial days of criminal matters
   2. In civil trial advocacy, not less than fifteen (15) trial days of civil matters

As an alternative, in civil and/or criminal trial advocacy, one of the following:

1. Participation in forty (40) litigated matters, either directly handled to conclusion as lead counsel or in a supervisory capacity to lead counsel or,
2. Participation in sixty (60) performances which would include depositions or hearings as which either oral argument was made or testimony was taken or,
3. A combination of trial days, participation in litigated matters or performances which demonstrates substantial involvement in the specialty equivalent to one of the two subsections above as approved by the Standards Committee of the Board of Directors.

C. Educational Experience

The applicant must show that he or she participated in and completed at least forty-five (45) hours of educational activity, as set forth in Part C of the Certification Standards, during the five years preceding re-certification.

D. Peer Review

1. The applicant shall submit, for each specialty area, the names of six (6) references, not present partners, associates, or relatives of the applicant. Such references shall be substantially involved in the relevant field of trial law, and should be familiar with the applicant's practice in that field. At least two (2) shall be judges before whom the applicant has appeared as an advocate in the relevant field not more than three (3) years before application; and at least three (3) shall be lawyers with whom, or against whom, the applicant has appeared as an advocate in that field within three (3) years of application.
2. NBTA will solicit confidential statements from the references named by the applicant and may solicit confidential statements of reference from other persons, familiar with the applicant's practice, not specifically named by the applicant. References satisfactory to the NBTA must be received from at least one (1) judge and from at least two (2) attorneys. All reference statements received will be reviewed by the NBTA to assess whether the applicant has maintained the enhanced level of skill and expertise in the practice area and the integrity and consideration for the interests of clients necessary to merit recertification.

E. Disclosure of Conduct

The applicant shall comply with Part G of the Certification Standards in the same manner as an applicant for certification.

Annually, members will be required to submit a Disclosure of Conduct form and annual dues. The member's annual dues and Disclosure of Conduct (Part G of the Certification Standards) must be current before an application for recertification will be granted. Disclosures of Conduct/Liability shall be submitted to the Standards Committee to determine if certification should be continued.

F. Denial or Revocation of Certification

1. An application for certification may be denied for failure to comply with any of the requirements relating to good standing, substantial involvement, educational experience, peer review, examination, legal writing document, disclosure of conduct, financial responsibility, or any other failure to demonstrate possession of an enhanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy and demonstrated integrity and dedication to the interests of clients.
2. An application for recertification may be denied for failure to comply with any of the requirements relating to good standing, substantial involvement, educational experience, peer review, disclosure of conduct or any other failure to demonstrate possession of an enhanced level of skill and expertise in trial advocacy and integrity and dedication to the interests of clients.
3. An existing certification may be revoked for failure to demonstrate maintenance of an enhanced level of skill and experience in trial advocacy and integrity and dedication to the interests of clients as required for certification or for failure to maintain compliance with the financial responsibility requirements.
4. Decisions of the Examination Committee and the Legal Writing Review Committee are final and not subject to further review or appeal. An attorney who is refused certification for any other reason, or who is refused recertification or whose certification is revoked may pursue review under the Appeal Procedures of the NBTA. Exhaustion of this right shall be a condition precedent to judicial review.
5. A lawyer who is refused certification or recertification, or whose certification is revoked, may not apply for certification until one year after the date of such refusal, denial or revocation.
6. Suspension of the license to practice law shall operate as an automatic revocation of certification.
7. A lawyer who publicizes a certification or application for certification prior to its being granted, or continues to publish a certification after it has been revoked or suspended, may be barred from certification.

If you wish to retain an attorney, it is not essential that they be a "Specialist" in civil law to do an excellent job. However, if you wish to only choose a lawyer that has earned a "Specialization" from an ABA approved organization and you are unsure if they have a specialization, simply ask if they do hold such a specialization.

Serving clients throughout Central Illinois, including Arthur, Bloomington, Champaign, Chatham, Clinton, Decatur, Edinburg, Farmer City, Lincoln, Mahomet, Mattoon, Monticello, Mt. Auburn, Mt. Pulaski, Mt. Zion, Normal, Pana, Springfield, Maconville, Tuscola, Urbana, areas in the vicinity of Decatur Airport, and other communities in Macon County.

Hiring a Decatur 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in an 18 wheeler truck accident in Decatur, Illinois, it is recommended that you hire a qualified Decatur 18-wheeler accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in federal laws and Illinois state laws regarding trucking regulations. Decatur, located in Macon County, is largest city and the county seat of Macon County, Illinois with roadways and congested freeways due to its large population. Therefore, it is not uncommon for truck collisions, wrecks, crashes and injuries to occur due to the high amount of traffic. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Southeastern Illinois truck accident, contact a qualified Decatur semi truck accident attorney today for a free initial consultation.

Decatur & Illinois Professional Associations

All states have bar associations. Some are mandatory, or "unified," and some are not. In other words, if the bar association is unified, then a lawyer must be a member to practice law in that jurisdiction. On the other hand, if the bar association is voluntary, then a lawyer does not have to be a member. However, there are usually many benefits to being a member of a bar association and being a member is just one aspect that you may wish to consider in selecting your lawyer. The Illinois Bar Association is a voluntary bar association. A Decatur truck accident attorney may choose at his or her own discretion whether or not to join the state bar association in order to practice in the State of Illinois.

In addition to selecting a qualified Decatur accident & injury lawyer that regularly handles Decatur big rig truck accident cases, you should also check out the attorney’s credentials. For example, is the attorney a member of the Decatur Bar Association? All lawyers that practice Decatur truck accident litigation must be active members of the State Bar of Illinois. They may also join other professional organizations, such as:

• Illinois State Bar Association
• Decatur Bar Association
• Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association
• American Association of Justice
   

Founded in 1877, the Illinois State Bar Association is the premier legal association in the state. As a voluntary organization, the Association's primary focus is to help Illinois lawyers practice more effectively and efficiently by providing time and money-saving services. They also engage in many important activities on behalf of the profession — among them proposing and shaping legislation, educating the public, and supporting the courts and the rule of law.

Big Rig Accidents Can Be Devastating

When a negligent truck driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel of their semi tractor-trailer, any driver traveling near them is at risk for serious injury or death. The consequences of an 18-wheeler truck a crash along a Decatur intersection, avenue, or freeway can be devastating, often resulting in very serious injuries that can even lead to death. The sheer force of a speeding 18-wheeler truck is a dangerous weapon that can forever change your life. Under the law if you are involved in such a wreck or an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck accident in Decatur, IL or Macon County, it is in your best interest to contact a Decatur big rig truck accident lawyer immediately.

Decatur 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys File in Macon County, IL

When a truck accident occurs and a lawsuit is subsequently filed, the decision of where to file it is called “choice of venue.” The venue chosen can have legal consequences that affect the outcome of your case. Generally, venue in a truck accident case is proper in any of the following locations:

1. the county wherein the accident occurred;
2. the county wherein the defendant company’s principal place of business is located; or,
3. the county wherein the defendant truck driver resides.

Even though your accident may have occurred in Decatur, the truck company and truck driver will often be from a different state. This is because trucking companies frequently operate in states other than where they are registered. In these cases, the venue where the lawsuit may be filed could be the state where the truck accident occurred, the state where the trucking company is located, or even the state where the trucking company regularly does business, if different. For example, the accident may have occurred in Decatur, Illinois, therefore making venue proper in Macon County, but the claim may be filed against a trucking company from another state. You need a qualified and experienced Decatur tractor trailer lawyer to decide what the best venue would be in a case like this that crosses state lines.

Some of the courts in the Decatur, Macon County, Illinois, areas include:

Macon County Circuit Court
(217) 424-1454

The Macon County Civil Courthouse is located at:
253 East Wood Street, Decatur IL 62523

18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Decatur and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Central Illinois, including Authur, Bloomington, Champaign, Chatham, Clinton, Decatur, Edinburg, Farmer City, Lincoln, Mahomet, Mattoon, Monticello, Mt. Auburn, Mt. Pulaski, Mt. Zion, Normal, Pana, Springfield, Maconville, Tuscola, Urbana, areas in the vicinity of Decatur Airport, and other communities in Macon County.

Don’t be the victim of a semi driver’s negligence. Hiring a qualified Decatur 18-wheeler accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one have been injured in a truck collision. Contact a big rig accident lawyer today to ensure you receive expert representation from an attorney who knows how to handle your case.

Types of Trucks on Decatur Highways

There are many types of commercial trucks found in and around Decatur, Illinois. Trucking companies in Decatur offer a wide variety of vehicle choices. Some Decatur trucking companies deal with courier and small package delivery as well. Some companies offer bicycle couriers for downtown areas and will also use an assortment of vehicles ranging from cars, vans and pick-up trucks to large tractor-trailers and bobtail trucks.

Types of Trucks Used By Decatur Trucking Companies:

• 18 Wheeler
• Semi Truck
• Tractor Trailer
• Big Rig
• Semi Trailer
• Box Truck
• Straight Truck
• Flatbed Truck
• Stake Truck
• Bobtail Truck

Be sure to insist on the highest levels of safety by selecting a reputable Decatur trucking company that uses late model vehicles which are inspected on a regular basis.

When to Hire a Decatur Bobtail Truck Accident Lawyer

In many cases, Decatur 18-wheeler accident attorneys must retain the services of scientific and medical experts to prove both the cause of the accident and the cause of your injuries. Additionally, a qualified semi truck accident lawyer will obtain all kinds of evidence concerning the scene of the crash, truck logs, and other important information to be used against the trucker, trucking company, or the company’s insurer. Arranging expert witness testimony and preparing important physical and documentary evidence is just one of many ways a Decatur tractor trailer injury lawyer can help you after you’ve suffered a truck accident injury from a major 18-wheeler truck wreck.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious box truck wreck, semi crash or big rig accident, hiring a lawyer is the farthest thing from your mind when tragedy such as this strikes you, a family member, or a friend. However, this is when you need a Decatur truck accident lawyer most. Do yourself a favor by calling one of the qualified Decatur truck accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Decatur tractor trailer accident lawyer to help protect your rights.

Decatur Trucking Companies

Following is a list of trucking companies based in Decatur, Illinois. Services offered include container drayage, loose freight drayage, overweight loads, bonded moves, same day delivery.

Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Decatur and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Central Illinois, including Arthur, Bloomington, Champaign, Chatham, Clinton, Decatur, Edinburg, Farmer City, Lincoln, Mahomet, Mattoon, Monticello, Mt. Auburn, Mt. Pulaski, Mt. Zion, Normal, Pana, Springfield, Maconville, Tuscola, Urbana, areas in the vicinity of Decatur Airport, and other communities in Macon County.

Decatur truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Decatur truck accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

Decatur Stake Truck Accident Lawyers Represent Injured Truck Drivers

Truck drivers who operate an 18-wheeler truck or big rig on the busy roads and highways of Decatur such as I-72, US 36 and US 51, can become injured when a major commercial vehicle collision occurs. Truckers often say, “Ride with me for just one day and you will see what it is like ‘out there’…it’s not always the trucker’s fault…”

It is not uncommon to see a big rig wreck, semi crash or major accident involving semi truck drivers in Decatur, IL. The danger of an 18-wheeler truck accident is not just confined to injured people in automobiles, but can end up injuring the truck driver affecting their livelihood and family’s livelihood as well as the automobile driver. So, when a Decatur 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer is contacted, be it by an automobile driver who has been injured or a truck driver that has been injured at the dangerous hands of another, you will need an expert Decatur truck injury lawyer to fight for your rights.

The Semi Truck Driver is Not Always at Fault

When an 18-wheeler is moving down a Decatur road or highway, such as I-72, SH-36 or SH-51 at high speeds, it is nearly unstoppable and can easily turn a motorist’s everyday commute into a lethal situation. Although a passenger car is lightweight, in comparison, and can easily maneuver in and out of lanes on Decatur highways, it is no match for a big rig truck. If the two vehicles are unable to avoid a collision, wreck or crash, the driver of the passenger car will be lucky to escape with their life.

A driver of a passenger vehicle could easily be killed as a result of  veering out of his lane and then smashing into a tractor trailer truck let’s say on the U.S. 72.  If the trucker tried to avoid hitting the passenger car but was unable to avoid the wreck or crash, then this would be a case where the accident was caused by the driver of the passenger vehicle and therefore the trucker would not be at fault.

Truck Driver Facts

• Two of your fellow truck drivers die each day in accidents
• 33,000 people driving large trucks are injured each year
• 6.3% of U.S. truck drivers are injured each year.

Injured Truckers Need Legal Representation

A qualified Decatur 18-wheeler accident attorney should offer a free case review. If they decide to take on your legal matter, they should not require an up-front fee. Truckers with a trucking injury claim are generally taken on a contingency fee basis. In other words, your Decatur truck accident attorney is only paid if you receive compensation for your injuries.

Injured Truckers Need to Know Their Rights

As a trucker, you have rights you need to be aware of. It is not uncommon for aggressive insurance companies to contact you shortly after the accident in an effort to try to get you to settle quickly and convince you that you want the matter to go away. In many cases, injuries are not so quick to heal. Many times the injuries can be permanent, long-lasting, and career-threatening. That is why you need a competent Decatur truck accident lawyer that is not only prepared to mediate a resolution, but also prepared to take your case to court.

When Negligence Changes a Trucker’s Life

Qualified Decatur truck accident lawyers know exactly how to provide nationwide representation for truckers injured in trucking accidents caused by a variety of negligent acts and mechanical malfunctions, including:

• Rear-end, Head-On Crashes and Jackknives
• Poor Maintenance, including Tires and Brakes
• Driver Fatigue
• Unsecured Loads
• Aggressive Driving
• DWI/Drug Use
• Lack of Reflectors and Poor Visibility

Since trucking laws are governed by hundreds of regulations, litigation can be very complex. Hiring a semi truck accident attorney who specializes in the numerous trucking laws throughout the United States is essential for a successful verdict outcome. For more information about trucking laws or to schedule an appointment with an experienced commercial truck injury lawyer, contact a truck injury attorney today.

When an 18 Wheeler accident occurs, your Decatur truck accident lawyer will check the truck driver’s credentials to see if he/she attended an accredited Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) school. In Decatur, Illinois, one truck driving school is Decatur Community College, 555 Community College Dr., Decatur, IL 77013, although there are many others throughout the country. See the Nationwide List of Accredited CDL Schools for a more comprehensive list.

A Truck Accident Attorneys for Injured Truckers Serve Decatur and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Central Illinois, including Arthur, Bloomington, Champaign, Chatham, Clinton, Decatur, Edinburg, Farmer City, Lincoln, Mahomet, Mattoon, Monticello, Mt. Auburn, Mt. Pulaski, Mt. Zion, Normal, Pana, Springfield, Maconville, Tuscola, Urbana, areas in the vicinity of Decatur Airport, and other communities in Macon County.

Decatur truck accident attorneys for injured truckers are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Decatur 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.