Construction involves the use of various heavy vehicles, all of which pose a potential danger to both workers and civilians. Combine this with the congestion of Chicago and other urban areas, and the risk increases.
If you or a loved one were injured in a construction-vehicle accident, proving liability will be essential to claiming the compensation you need to recover. Count on Kolb Law. We’re proud to serve the legal needs of victims and their families.
Common Vehicles Used in Construction
Chicago is always building and rebuilding, and that requires construction vehicles. Any given site could use a number of different vehicles throughout the construction process. Some common examples include:
- Dump trucks
- Semi trucks
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Forklifts
- Man lifts (aerial lifts)
- Pile drivers
- Bulldozers
- Front loaders
- Graders
The weight, size, and power of these and other vehicles make them a formidable force for moving earth, transporting materials, and getting the job done. But they can also be hazardous. Workers and civilians who are close to work zones can easily get hurt in an accident.
An accident is likely to be far more serious than one involving a passenger vehicle. Catastrophic, often permanent injuries are almost guaranteed. The victim could face medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
What It Takes to Prove Liability
The victim of a Chicago accident involving a construction vehicle has the duty of proving liability. This means identifying some act or omission that amounts to legal negligence and responsibility for the victim’s losses.
In order to demonstrate negligence, the victim should work with an attorney who is familiar with the specifics of a construction accident claim. Your lawyer will work with you through the following steps, among others:
- Investigating the accident: Your lawyer needs to understand, first, why and how the construction-vehicle accident happened. Reviewing the accident scene and photos, incident reports, and inspection and maintenance records will be essential.
- Consulting experts: Expert witnesses are individuals who can explain technical subjects to a jury. Since construction vehicles are complex, experts’ input will likely be necessary in your case so the court can understand how negligence played a role.
- Identifying the at-fault parties: Once the reason(s) for the accident are identified, it’s time to determine who was at fault. Examples include the vehicle’s driver or operator, a manufacturer, and a repair and maintenance service. Sometimes, more than one party is liable.
Compensation Options for Victims
If the victim of the accident is a construction worker, they can file for workers’ compensation. But they may also be able to file a third-party personal injury claim against someone else, like the vehicle’s manufacturer. This allows them to seek damages in addition to workers’ comp.
Non-worker victims, such as someone injured in a highway accident with a vehicle, can pursue a construction accident case against the at-fault parties. As with other Chicago personal injury claims, this means seeking compensation from the liable parties’ insurers.
Our goal is to explore all possible avenues for compensation so you can have the financial support and peace of mind you need to recover from your injuries. We can review your options and help you get started with your claim today.
Other Steps in Your Construction-Vehicle Accident Case
Establishing liability is a major aspect of your accident case. But your Chicago personal injury attorney will also assist with:
- Proving the nature and amount of your damages (including reasonably estimated future ones)
- Consulting experts who can prove other elements of your case
- Representing you and your interests during mediation
- Negotiating a fair out-of-court settlement, if possible, with the insurance companies
- Taking your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Get Started Today With Our Legal Team
After being in a construction-vehicle accident, all you want is to get your life back to normal. Let our dedicated and compassionate legal team work with you to accomplish this. Reach out to Kolb Law to begin your Chicago personal injury case today.