Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Maximum Compensation After Serious Truck Collisions in Chicago

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck crash, the Chicago truck accident lawyer team at Chicago Injury Center is ready to fight for you. We’ve built a strong reputation by securing compensation for victims of serious truck crashes throughout the city.

Our attorneys have years of experience taking on complex truck accident cases involving tractor-trailers, semi trucks, and other large commercial vehicles. We understand the stakes–severe injuries, lost income, and rising medical bills–and we’re committed to holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies responsible for the harm they cause on Chicago’s roads.

Truck Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$18,500,000 – Patricia, a school administrator from the South Side, suffered multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury after a semi-truck crossed the center line on I-55. Our investigation uncovered violations of federal rest regulations. The severity of her injuries and the driver’s negligence significantly increased the case value.

$12,300,000 – Luis, a union plumber working on a major build in downtown Chicago, was crushed by improperly secured piping while unloading a flatbed truck. The general contractor and trucking company failed to follow basic site safety protocols. His spinal cord injuries and permanent disability drove the recovery amount.

$5,800,000 – Erica and her 12-year-old daughter, Mia, were struck in Bronzeville by an 18-wheeler making an illegal left turn. The crash caused severe internal injuries and long-term orthopedic issues. Our team proved the driver’s route violated local traffic regulations, leading to a substantial settlement during mediation.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

At Chicago Injury Center, our best Chicago truck accident lawyer team is known for securing life-changing results for victims of truck accidents. Our attorneys are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and have been recognized by Super Lawyers for excellence in personal injury law. With deep ties to the Chicago community and a proven record in truck accident lawsuits, we offer the skill and determination needed to take on the most challenging cases–and win.

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle

Our top Chicago truck accident lawyers handle a wide range of severe and complex cases involving commercial tractor-trailers. These include high-impact semi-truck and 18-wheeler crashes, which often result in devastating injuries or fatalities. We represent victims of jackknife and rollover accidents, where sudden loss of control leads to multi-vehicle collisions. Underride accidents, where a smaller car slides beneath a trailer, frequently cause catastrophic injuries.

We also pursue cases involving overloaded or improperly secured cargo, which can cause trucks to tip, spill, or lose braking ability. Our team fights for pedestrians and cyclists injured in truck crashes across Chicago, including those involving fatal outcomes. Whether the crash was caused by driver negligence or unsafe company practices, we’re here to help victims recover.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Chicago?

Many Chicago truck accidents are caused by preventable mistakes and violations. Driver fatigue is a significant factor, often linked to Hours of Service violations, where truckers drive beyond legal limits. Distracted driving, alcohol or drug use, and speeding are also common causes of serious truck crashes.

Some trucking companies cut corners on vehicle maintenance, leading to brake failures and other mechanical issues. Overweight or unsecured loads can cause rollovers or make stopping difficult. In some cases, inadequate driver training leaves commercial truck drivers unprepared for real-world hazards. These factors all increase the risk of serious injury or death on Chicago’s roads.

What Are the Most Common Truck Accident Injuries?

Truck accident injuries are often severe due to the size and weight of large trucks. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, which can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional impairments. Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis, are also common and may require lifelong care. Many survivors face broken bones, crush injuries, or internal bleeding that demands immediate surgery.

In high-impact truck collisions, organ damage and severe burns–especially in fuel-related crashes–can be life-threatening. Tragically, some accidents involving semi trucks result in wrongful death, leaving families devastated. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Damages Can Truck Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Victims of a Chicago truck accident may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages. This includes compensation for medical expenses, from emergency care to long-term treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation.

If the injuries impact your ability to work, you may also recover lost wages and damages for diminished earning capacity. Pain and suffering—both physical and emotional—are a significant component of many claims, especially in cases involving serious injuries and high medical costs. Damaged vehicles and other property losses are also compensable.

In more serious cases, victims may be awarded for loss of normal life or loss of consortium. For families who’ve lost a loved one, wrongful death damages can help cover the devastating emotional toll as well as funeral costs and loss of financial support.

What Is the Average Truck Accident Payout in Chicago?

Based on Law.com’s VerdictSearch, the average truck accident payout in Chicago is $4,738,813, with a median value of $1,000,000. Reported verdicts range from $2,961 to $43,825,000.

Payouts in a truck accident lawsuit depend on a variety of factors, including:

• The severity and permanence of the injuries
• Level of negligence by the trucking company or driver
• Whether the case involves multiple defendants
• The amount of medical bills and lost income
• Availability of insurance coverage
• Strength of medical records and expert testimony
• Jury perception of the accident victims and responsible parties

Our top Chicago truck accident lawyers work to build strong, evidence-based cases that reflect the actual impact of your injuries.

Example Truck Accident Cases in Cook County

$43,051,020 Jury Verdict – Nurse Suffers Tetraplegia After Rear-End Crash With Tractor-Trailer

Cynthia Kroft, a nurse in her early 50s, was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer while stopped at an intersection in Chesterton, Indiana. The truck accident left her with a fractured neck and partial paralysis, ending her 25-year nursing career. She underwent multiple spinal surgeries and continues to suffer from chronic pain and mobility loss. Her husband became her full-time caregiver and filed a loss of consortium claim. Liability was admitted, and the trial focused on damages. A jury awarded $39.5 million to Cynthia and $3.5 million to her husband, totaling $43,051,020.

$22,729,371 Wrongful Death Verdict – Fatal Rear-End Crash in Construction Zone

Aaron Swenson, an insurance investigator and father, was stopped in a construction zone on I-294 when a commercial truck rear-ended his vehicle. He died at the scene from severe blunt force trauma and spinal cord damage. His wife, who was three weeks pregnant, miscarried shortly after the crash and alleged it was due to emotional distress from the tragedy. The truck driver had sedatives and painkillers in his system. While the jury found the defendants liable for Swenson’s death, it did not find them responsible for the miscarriage. The estate was awarded $22,729,371.

$27,672,152 Jury Award – Office Manager Paralyzed in Rear-End Truck Crash

Nancy Hoffman, 50, was rear-ended by a semi truck near a construction zone on I-80. She was left paraplegic with spinal cord damage, vision loss, and required a permanent colostomy and bladder catheter. The crash also left her husband as her caregiver and affected the whole family. Testimony revealed the truck driver was distracted, allegedly tapping his window while looking into another car. The jury found all corporate defendants part of a joint venture and awarded the family $27,672,152.15, including $5 million for pain and suffering and $10 million for loss of normal life.

Why You Need a Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident cases are often far more complicated than typical car crashes. Victims may face multiple defendants, including the truck driver, the trucking company, brokers, and other third parties. These cases often involve both state and federal regulations, such as those set by the FMCSA, which must be closely examined to establish liability. Defense teams hired by insurance companies are aggressive and well-resourced. Filing in venues like Cook County Circuit Court or the Northern District of Illinois requires an attorney who understands the procedures and challenges unique to truck litigation. That’s why hiring a commercial truck accident lawyer is essential.

How Common Are Trucking Accidents in Chicago?

Truck accidents are far more common in Chicago than most people realize. According to the City of Chicago 2023 Crash Report, thousands of collisions involved commercial trucks and tractor-trailers last year alone:

• 3,427 crashes involved a single-unit truck, leading to 409 injuries and four fatalities
• 2,278 crashes involved a tractor with a semi-trailer, with 262 semi-truck accidents causing injuries, and five fatal accidents
• 439 crashes involved a single-unit truck with a trailer, with 42 large truck accidents causing injuries
• 288 crashes involved a tractor without a trailer, including 33 injury incidents

If you’ve suffered injuries in a Chicago truck accident, an experienced truck accident lawyer at Chicago Injury Center can help you recover compensation and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Where Do Truck Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Truck accidents in Chicago often happen on major expressways and in industrial zones where commercial truck traffic is heavy. The Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) is one of the most dangerous routes for semi truck accidents, especially during rush hour and near downtown merges.

The Stevenson Expressway (I-55) is another high-risk area, with frequent congestion and fast-moving trucks entering and exiting city streets. On the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), crashes often involve tractor-trailers traveling between suburbs and regional freight hubs.

Serious collisions are also common near intermodal freight yards in Cicero and Bedford Park, where constant truck movement intersects with local traffic. On the South Side, industrial corridors see a high volume of commercial trucks, increasing risks for accidents involving passenger vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The Near West Side, home to major warehouses and distribution centers, also sees frequent truck crashes due to tight turns, narrow streets, and poor visibility.

What Laws Govern Truck Accident Claims in Chicago?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR, 49 C.F.R. Parts 350–399) set standards for truck driver qualifications, Hours of Service, vehicle inspections, and maintenance. Violations–like driving too many hours without rest–can support a truck accident claim by showing the truck driver was negligent or that trucking companies failed to follow safety protocols.

The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 gave federal authorities greater control over commercial trucking, establishing registration requirements and safety standards for motor carriers. If a company fails to comply with federal regulations, it can face liability in a Chicago truck accident lawsuit, especially when poor oversight contributes to serious injury or death.

Illinois’ Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) allows courts to apportion fault among multiple negligent parties in a personal injury case. If more than one company or driver contributed to the crash, the law ensures each is held financially responsible based on their share of liability–key in multi-defendant truck crashes.

Illinois’ Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) governs how all drivers, including commercial truck drivers, must operate on public roads. It includes rules for speed limits, vehicle condition, and licensing. Violations can be used as evidence of negligence in a truck accident claim, particularly in cases involving unsafe driving or faulty equipment.

Chapter 9-72 of Chicago’s Municipal Code sets limits on the size and weight of trucks operating in the city. Violations–such as exceeding legal weight or dimensions–can contribute to a truck accident and may support a claim against trucking companies or drivers for operating unsafe vehicles on city streets.

In the case of Van Horne v. Muller, 185 Ill. 2d 299 (1998), the Illinois Supreme Court reaffirmed respondeat superior, holding that a trucking company can be held liable for a driver’s negligence if the crash occurred during the scope of employment. This precedent is critical in holding employers accountable in truck accident lawsuits.

How Long Do Victims Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, truck accident victims generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit, under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. This deadline applies to most personal injury cases, including those involving semi-truck accidents and tractor-trailer crashes.

Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year limit, but that time starts on the date of death, not of the accident. The clock may also be extended under the discovery rule (if injuries aren’t immediately apparent) or tolled for minors until they reach age 18.

Who Is Legally Liable for Truck Accidents in Chicago?

Legal liability in a Chicago truck accident often extends beyond just the truck driver. In many cases, the trucking company can be held responsible for negligent hiring, lack of training, or pushing drivers to violate safety rules.

Other possible defendants include cargo loaders who improperly secure freight, leading to rollovers or jackknife crashes, and maintenance contractors who fail to inspect brakes or tires. If a truck crash results from a defective part, the vehicle or parts manufacturer may share liability. In some cases, government entities can also be sued for poor road design or failure to repair hazardous conditions.

Common Defenses in Chicago Truck Accident Cases

Trucking and insurance companies use a range of legal defenses to limit their responsibility after a Chicago truck accident. One of the most common is comparative negligence, where they argue that the victim was partly at fault. Another is the sudden emergency doctrine, used to shift blame to uncontrollable events like weather or unexpected road hazards.

In some cases, they claim a mechanical failure—such as a brake malfunction—was unforeseeable and not due to negligence. To avoid liability altogether, companies may also assert that the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee.

At Chicago Injury Center, our legal team is experienced in overcoming these defenses. We use detailed evidence, including police reports, black box data, maintenance logs, and expert testimony, to prove fault. Our accident reconstruction specialists help clarify what happened, allowing us to challenge weak defenses and recover compensation for truck accident victims.

How to Strengthen Your Truck Accident Claim in Chicago

Taking the proper steps after a truck accident in Chicago can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. First, report the crash to both the police and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to create an official record.

Preserve any photos, dashcam footage, or black box data from the truck or other vehicles involved. Always seek immediate medical treatment, even if injuries seem minor, as delays can hurt your claim.

Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an experienced truck accident lawyer, as they often try to settle quickly for less than your case is worth. Contact a Chicago truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin gathering time-sensitive evidence.

How a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

Hiring a Chicago truck accident lawyer gives you a team focused on uncovering the truth and protecting your right to compensation. At Chicago Injury Center, we start by investigating the crash site, reviewing police reports, and collecting physical evidence.

We move quickly to preserve vital records like driver logbooks, maintenance reports, and black box data before they’re lost or destroyed. Our attorneys work with respected accident reconstruction specialists to build a clear, fact-based timeline of what caused the collision.

We handle all filings, whether in Cook County Circuit Court or federal court, and manage communications with insurance companies. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re prepared to take your personal injury case to trial. From start to finish, our goal is to hold trucking companies accountable and help you recover what you’ve lost.

FAQs

Consult Our Chicago Personal Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a semi-truck crash, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and preserving key evidence. At Chicago Injury Center, our Chicago personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Our team is ready to investigate your claim, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer.