Chicago Rear-End Truck Accident Attorney

Holding Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable in Rear‑End Collisions

Rear-car collisions are very common, especially in busy cities like Chicago. These collisions become much more serious when they involve large commercial trucks. If you get hurt in a rear-end collision in Chicago, a rear-end truck accident attorney can help you recover fair compensation from the at-fault party.

Chicago Injury Center is a top law firm in the Windy City that supports injured victims who deserve compensation for their losses, such as lost wages and medical expenses. Our team will investigate your rear-end accident, determine the liable party, and build a strong case to secure a settlement.

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

$1.4 million – Stopped at a red light in Bridgeport, Linda and her teenage daughter, Sofia, were rear-ended by a semi-truck delivering food to a West Loop restaurant. The driver had been on the road far beyond legal limits, violating NTSB regulations. Sofia sustained a herniated disc treated with therapy and injections, while Linda required an L4/5 fusion—injuries and trucking violations that drove the case’s value.

$1.4 million – Near the I-90/I-94 split, Marcus was rear-ended by a semi-truck pulling a double trailer. Initially thinking he was fine, his pain worsened over several days until an MRI showed two herniated discs, leading to a three-level lumbar fusion. The trucking company’s clear liability and the severity of his surgery were key to the settlement.

$720,000 – Near the I-55/I-90 interchange, David was rear-ended by a semi-truck pulling a double trailer. Thinking he was fine, he worked through the pain until an MRI showed a cervical disc herniation requiring surgery. The trucking company’s involvement and significant medical costs were major factors.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

An experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer can make all the difference in your claim. Our top-rated attorneys serve as contributing authors for the National Law Review, and we also have an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau.

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

Rear-end accidents can have numerous causes in Chicago. These causes will play an important role in determining fault for your claim:

• Distracted driving (phones, eating, GPS devices)
• Tailgating
• Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
• Driver fatigue from hours-of-service violations
• Poor weather (snow, rain, ice)
• Defective brakes or brake maintenance failures

What Serious Injuries Are Associated with Rear‑End Collisions?

If you get hit by a commercial truck, you are more likely to experience serious injuries than in a typical Chicago car accident.

Here are some common injuries associated with truck accidents:

• Whiplash and neck injuries (more severe due to increased forces)
• Herniated discs and spinal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Crush injuries and amputations
• Internal organ damage and bleeding
• Fatalities

What Damages Can Rear‑End Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Rear-end collisions can have severe consequences for those involved. If your claim is successful, you can recover compensation for various legal damages.

Economic Damages

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Vehicle damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

• Can be awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as drunk driving or road rage

What Is the Average Payout for a Rear‑End Truck Crash in Chicago?

There have been hundreds of rear-end collisions involving trucks, with the average settlement being $646,230, ranging from $1,079 to $63.4 million.

Multiple factors could affect the value of your case, including injury severity, liability, insurance company policies, and long-term impact.

Cook County Rear‑End Truck Accident Case Examples

In 2011, James was driving on a highway when traffic was slowed due to another vehicle traveling in the wrong direction. When he slowed down, he was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer, which caused numerous severe injuries and property damage. James underwent nine operations on his spine and knee. He sued the truck driver’s employer for failing to control the vehicle and maintain a safe speed. James and his wife received a settlement of over $54 million.

In 2018, Jeremy was operating a semi when he was rear-ended by a pickup truck, whose driver was employed by a welding company. Jeremuy suffered neck injuries that required multiple surgeries and a declining neurological condition. He sued the employer of the pickup driver and was awarded $12.21 million.

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Getting hurt in a rear-end accident involving a truck can lead to a complex claim.

Here are some reasons why you’ll need an experienced personal injury law firm on your side:

• Truck accident cases are complex due to FMCSA rules, logbooks, and corporate liability
• Trucking companies have rapid-response teams to limit exposure
• We secure driver qualification files, black box (ECM) data, and maintenance logs

How Common Are Rear‑End Collisions in Chicago?

Each year, there are thousands of rear-end car accidents in Chicago. In 2023 alone, there were 23,785 front-to-rear collisions in the city, resulting in 3,689 injuries.

Where Do Rear‑End Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Drivers should be extra cautious in certain areas known for frequent rear-vehicle collision scenarios:

• High-traffic interstates (I-90/I-94 [Kennedy/Dan Ryan], I-290 [Eisenhower])
• Freight-heavy zones (near industrial corridors and rail yards)
• Congested downtown arteries

What Laws Govern Rear‑End Accident Claims in Chicago?

Municipal code 9-40-150 – A rear driver must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them.

State law 735 ILCS 5/2‑1116 – Your percentage of fault will reduce your recovery.

49 CFR Parts 392 & 395 – Drivers must conform to safe hours of service and other regulations to prevent trucking accidents.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Crash Lawsuit in Chicago?

Victims of personal injuries have two years from the date of their injuries to pursue legal action (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For a wrongful death claim, the surviving family members also have two years, once the victim has passed away (740 ILCS 180/).

Who Is Legally Liable in a Chicago Rear‑End Accident Case?

Determining the liable party is essential to securing compensation for your claim. Here are some entities that may cause a Chicago rear-end accident:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company/employer (vicarious liability)
• Maintenance contractors
• Freight brokers/shippers
• Vehicle or part manufacturers (brake failures, tire defects)
• The city for dangerous road conditions

Potential Defenses in Rear‑End Collision Cases

Defense lawyers and insurance companies will use several arguments to undermine your rear-end crash claim:

• The front vehicle braked suddenly without cause
• The truck had a mechanical failure
• The victim is partially at fault

We can counter these defenses by obtaining witness statements, police report copies, surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and accident reconstruction testimony.

How to Ensure Maximum Compensation Through Your Rear‑End Truck Accident Claim

Here are the steps that will help you build a strong truck crash case:

• Seeking prompt medical attention
• Contacting the authorities for police reports
• Taking photos of the accident scene
• Getting trucking company info
• Obtaining witness contacts
• Not giving statements to the trucking insurance company
• Consulting our top Chicago rear-end accident lawyers to help you prove fault

How a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

At Chicago Injury Center, a rear-end accident lawyer can provide the following legal services for your claim:

• Calculate your damages including future medical bills
• Preserve black box and logbook data
• Retain accident reconstructionists and trucking safety experts
• Gather evidence to prove negligence
• Negotiate with insurers
• File lawsuits when necessary to secure full compensation

Book a Free Consultation

Getting hurt in a Chicago car accident can turn your life upside down. Our legal team works on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win. We represent clients across the state in personal injury cases, helping many obtain fair compensation.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a qualified rear-end accident lawyer.