We have seen firsthand how devastating truck accidents can be, physically, emotionally, and financially. Our role as Chicago truck accident lawyers is to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
We have spent years helping clients across Cook County, DuPage County, and Will County rebuild their lives after crashes involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and commercial vehicles. If you have been hurt, you do not have to face this alone.
Why Truck Accidents in Chicago Are So Serious
Truck accidents are unlike other vehicle collisions. When a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger car, the results are often catastrophic.
Based on our experience handling truck accident cases across Illinois, the most common causes include:
- Fatigued truck drivers violating federal rest rules
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance or brake failures
- Speeding or reckless lane changes on congested expressways
- Improperly loaded cargo that shifts during transport
Every case comes down to accountability. Unfortunately, trucking companies often try to hide behind complex regulations and insurance loopholes. Our team knows how to trace violations, recover driver logs, and uncover the truth.
If you want to learn more about liability, read Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Common Injuries We See After Truck Crashes
Truck accidents frequently cause life-changing injuries. Some clients come to us with visible trauma, while others suffer internal injuries that are just as serious. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Internal bleeding and organ injuries
- Chronic pain and emotional trauma
- Wrongful death
Your health always comes first. As your legal team, we make sure that your financial recovery receives the same level of care and attention.
To understand how compensation is calculated, see How Is Compensation Determined After a Semi-Truck Wreck?
Where Truck Accidents Commonly Happen in Chicago
Over the years, we have investigated truck crashes across every part of Chicago. Some areas are especially dangerous because of heavy traffic, construction zones, and constant freight movement. The most common accident hotspots include:
- I-90/94 (Dan Ryan, Kennedy, and Edens Expressways)
- I-55 (Stevenson Expressway)
- Cicero Avenue and Pulaski Road
- Lake Shore Drive
- Warehouse and industrial areas near Bedford Park, Bridgeview, and Joliet
Truck accidents in Chicago are complex because they involve state, local, and federal regulations. Our familiarity with Illinois law and local courts gives our clients a strong advantage.
To learn what happens after a crash, read The Truck Accident Claim Process.
The Illinois Truck Accident Laws That Protect You
We always start by explaining the laws that protect victims of negligence and the deadlines that apply to every truck accident case.
Statute of Limitations
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your case involves only property damage, 735 ILCS 5/13-205 gives you five years to file.
Missing these deadlines can lead to your case being dismissed. That is why it is critical to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Comparative Negligence in Illinois
Illinois follows the modified comparative negligence rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. You can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of fault is less than 50%.
For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible, your award would be reduced by that percentage.
Federal Trucking Regulations
Truck drivers and trucking companies must also follow strict FMCSA and DOT regulations, which cover:
- Hours of service (HOS)
- Weight and cargo limits
- Vehicle inspections and maintenance
- Driver qualifications and drug testing
We use these federal regulations to establish negligence and strengthen your claim.
To understand more about how we handle these cases, visit What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
In most truck accident cases, more than one party may be responsible. Sometimes it is the driver, sometimes the trucking company, and sometimes multiple parties share liability. Those potentially responsible include:
- The truck driver — for speeding, distraction, or impairment
- The trucking company — for improper training or unsafe scheduling
- Cargo handlers — for overloading or unbalanced cargo
- Manufacturers — for defective brakes, tires, or components
Our job is to identify every liable party and pursue all available insurance coverage. This can significantly increase the total compensation available to you.
Learn more at Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
The Compensation We Fight to Recover
Our goal is simple: to help you recover the maximum compensation allowed by law. We pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages
Insurance companies often try to minimize these claims, but we do not back down. We collect medical evidence, financial records, and expert reports to demonstrate the full extent of your losses.
The Truck Accident Claim Process
We know that dealing with a truck accident claim can feel overwhelming. Our process is designed to handle the legal burden while you focus on healing. Here is how we approach every case:
- Free Consultation: We listen to your story and evaluate your claim.
- Investigation: We collect crash reports, black box data, driver logs, and witness statements.
- Evidence Building: We work with reconstruction and medical experts to strengthen your case.
- Negotiation: We handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement is not reached, we take your case to court.
- Discovery & Mediation: We exchange evidence and explore settlement options.
- Trial: If needed, we present your case before a judge and jury.
- Resolution & Recovery: After the case, we manage liens and ensure you receive your compensation promptly.
Why Clients Choose Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers
We treat every client with the attention and respect they deserve. What sets our firm apart is our dedication and experience handling complex truck accident claims. We:
- Know Illinois truck accident law inside and out
- Have a track record of success in challenging cases
- Prepare every case as if it will go to trial
- Work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Chicago or the surrounding area, now is the time to act. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and preserving critical evidence.
Call us today or fill out a free case review form. We will evaluate your case, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps with care and commitment.
We proudly represent clients throughout:
- Chicago
- Cicero
- Oak Lawn
- Naperville
- Joliet
- Evanston
- Cook County and surrounding areas
You do not have to face this alone, we are here to help every step of the way.
