If a commercial truck caused your injuries, a Chicago truck accident lawyer at TORKLAW can investigate the driver, motor carrier, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders, and other parties that may share responsibility. Truck claims often involve federal safety rules, electronic logging data, inspection records, and corporate insurance policies. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys preserve this evidence and build the claim while you focus on recovery.
We represent people injured in crashes involving tractor-trailers, semitrucks, delivery trucks, box trucks, construction vehicles, and other commercial vehicles throughout Chicago and Cook County. Consultations are free, and you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Truck crashes on Chicago and Illinois roads
Commercial trucks are common on I-90, I-94, I-55, I-290, and the freight routes that serve Chicago. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2024 crash-trend report states that large trucks were involved in 1.5% more crashes than in 2023 and 4.2% more crashes than the prior four-year average. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also publishes national commercial-vehicle safety and crash data.
A passenger vehicle offers little protection against the mass and force of a loaded commercial truck. These collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, burns, internal injuries, amputations, and death.
Who can be liable for a Chicago truck accident?
More than one party can be legally responsible. Depending on the evidence, liable parties can include:
- The truck driver for speeding, distraction, impairment, fatigue, or another unsafe act.
- The motor carrier for negligent hiring, training, supervision, dispatch, or safety practices.
- A maintenance provider for defective inspections or repairs.
- A shipper or loading company for unsafe or unsecured cargo.
- A manufacturer for a defective truck, tire, brake, or component.
- Another driver or company whose conduct contributed to the collision.
Evidence our Chicago truck accident attorneys preserve
Truck evidence can be lost or overwritten quickly. We can send preservation notices and seek the driver’s qualification file, hours-of-service records, electronic logging-device data, event-data-recorder information, dispatch messages, inspection and maintenance records, cargo documents, dash-camera footage, surveillance video, witness statements, police reports, and applicable insurance policies.
Common causes of commercial truck crashes
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
- Distracted, impaired, or aggressive driving
- Unsafe speed or following too closely
- Improper lane changes and wide turns
- Overloaded or unsecured cargo
- Brake, tire, steering, or maintenance failures
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
- Unsafe company schedules and delivery pressure
Compensation after a serious truck collision
A claim can seek compensation for medical expenses, future care, lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, disability, and other losses supported by the evidence. When a truck crash causes a death, eligible family members may have a wrongful death claim. The value depends on the injuries, available insurance, liability evidence, and long-term effects.
Illinois filing deadlines
Many Illinois personal injury claims must be filed within two years, but shorter deadlines or special notice rules can apply in some cases, including claims involving government entities. Do not wait for the deadline. Early investigation is important because vehicles are repaired, video is erased, and electronic data can be overwritten.
What to do after a Chicago truck accident
- Call 911 and get medical care.
- Photograph the vehicles, roadway, company markings, license plates, and visible injuries if you can do so safely.
- Get witness contact information.
- Do not give the trucking company or insurer a recorded statement before you understand your rights.
- Keep medical, wage-loss, repair, and out-of-pocket expense records.
- Contact a truck accident attorney promptly so important evidence can be preserved.
Speak with a Chicago truck accident lawyer
TORKLAW represents injured people, not trucking companies or insurers. Call (888) 845-9696 or request a free consultation. Our Chicago office is at 150 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1450, Chicago, Illinois 60606.