Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Fair Compensation After Serious Truck Wrecks in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago truck accident lawyer team has built a reputation for representing people whose lives were turned upside down by reckless truck drivers and negligent trucking companies. 

We have the experience to handle the most complex commercial trucking cases, whether they involve multi-vehicle pileups on the Dan Ryan or catastrophic underride crashes near the intermodal yards in Cicero.

Our team has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients injured in semi-truck accidents, and we approach every case with the same commitment to recover maximum compensation so our clients can rebuild their lives. Contact us for a free consultation today!

Truck Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

Over the years, our Chicago truck accident lawyers have recovered significant settlements and verdicts for clients injured in serious crashes. Each case tells the story of how negligent trucking companies put profit over safety, and how our team fought to secure justice for victims and their families.

• $18,500,000 – Head-on Semi-Truck Collision
  Our client, Maria, was driving home from work on the Stevenson Expressway when a semi-truck crossed the center line and hit her head-on. She suffered traumatic brain injuries and multiple fractures that required long-term rehabilitation. The trucking company’s driver had violated federal Hours of Service rules, a key factor that helped us prove negligence.
• $12,300,000 – Construction Site Truck Accident
  James, a union plumber, was crushed while unloading material from a flatbed truck at a large construction site in downtown Chicago. He sustained severe spinal injuries that left him unable to return to his trade. We demonstrated that the trucking company failed to provide proper unloading procedures, which significantly impacted the value of his recovery.
• $6,000,000 – Fatal Truck Driver Fall
  The family of Robert, a long-haul truck driver, came to us after he tragically fell from the sleeping compartment of his cab at a Joliet freight yard. He suffered fatal injuries. Our firm pursued a wrongful death claim against the trucking company for failing to provide safe equipment and adequate training.
• $5,800,000 – Mother and Daughter Struck by 18-Wheeler
  A Chicago mother and her teenage daughter, Linda and Ashley, were T-boned by a tractor-trailer that made an illegal left turn near Western Avenue. Both sustained orthopedic injuries requiring surgery. We secured a multi-million-dollar settlement that provided for their medical needs and future care.
• $1,400,000 – Rear-End Semi-Truck Crash
  David was rear-ended by a semi-truck on I-294 and required L4-5 fusion surgery. Despite the trucking company arguing that his injuries were pre-existing, we showed through expert testimony that the crash was the direct cause of his spinal damage.
• $805,500 – Truck vs. Bicycle Collision
  While biking along Milwaukee Avenue, Sarah was struck by a delivery truck making a right turn. She required shoulder surgery for a torn rotator cuff. The settlement reflected both her medical expenses and her long-term loss of mobility.
• $750,000 – Truck Loading Dock Accident
  At a Cicero electronics warehouse, Michael, a forklift operator, was pinned by a backing truck during unloading. He suffered pelvic fractures and a lengthy recovery. We proved the trucking company failed to follow basic safety protocols.

What Makes Us the Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Chicago

When families in Chicago are searching for the best truck accident lawyers, they turn to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers because of our proven results, our recognition by respected legal organizations, and our commitment to clients. Over the past 25 years, we have recovered more than $450 million in verdicts and settlements, including life-changing outcomes for victims of truck crashes.

Our work has earned us recognition from leading industry groups, including:

• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Super Lawyers
• American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers have represented clients in nearly every type of trucking crash imaginable, including:

• Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Crashes – With Chicago sitting at the crossroads of I-90, I-94, and I-55, semi-truck collisions are unfortunately common. These massive vehicles cause devastating injuries when drivers lose control or violate traffic laws. We have secured multi-million-dollar verdicts for families hurt in interstate trucking accidents.
• Jackknife and Rollover Accidents – Jackknifes and rollovers often happen when a truck driver takes a curve too fast, brakes improperly, or drives on slick pavement. We recently represented a client whose vehicle was struck on the Dan Ryan when a tractor-trailer jackknifed during rush hour, causing a chain reaction crash.
• Underride Accidents – Few crashes are more catastrophic than when a passenger car slides under the rear or side of a trailer. We have pursued claims against trucking companies that failed to equip their rigs with proper underride guards, leaving victims with life-altering injuries.
• Accidents Caused by Overloaded or Poorly Secured Cargo – Improper loading is a hidden danger on Chicago’s roads. Cargo that shifts or spills can cause a truck to tip, jackknife, or scatter debris onto highways like I-294. We work with industry experts to prove when loaders and carriers cut corners on safety.
• Truck vs. Pedestrian and Bicycle Collisions – On busy streets like Milwaukee Avenue and Halsted, trucks share tight lanes with cyclists and pedestrians. When truck drivers fail to check blind spots or make unsafe turns, the results can be catastrophic. We have successfully handled claims for injured bicyclists and families of pedestrians killed in these crashes.
• Fatal Truck Accidents – Tragically, many truck accidents in Chicago result in wrongful death. In these cases, we fight to hold trucking companies fully accountable while helping families secure financial stability after their loss.

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

Every truck accident has a story behind it, and more often than not, it involves negligence. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers have seen the same patterns of misconduct and unsafe practices across countless cases. The most common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations – Trucking companies often push drivers to cover more miles than federal law allows. Exhausted drivers on the Dan Ryan or Stevenson lose focus, react slowly, and sometimes fall asleep at the wheel, leading to catastrophic crashes.
• Distracted or Impaired Driving – Whether it’s texting, using dispatch systems, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted and impaired truckers put everyone around them at risk. We’ve handled cases where a single glance at a phone screen caused a devastating collision.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving – Speeding trucks on I-294 or weaving through traffic near downtown create dangerous situations. The size and weight of a fully loaded semi make it nearly impossible to stop quickly, amplifying the damage when crashes happen.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance and Equipment Failure – Brake failures, bald tires, and faulty lights often stem from trucking companies cutting corners on required inspections. In several Cook County cases, we uncovered maintenance logs showing systemic neglect that contributed directly to our clients’ injuries.
• Overweight or Unsecured Loads – Chicago’s intermodal freight yards move thousands of containers daily, and overloaded or poorly secured cargo can lead to jackknifes, rollovers, or debris spills. These accidents often involve not just the truck driver, but also the loading contractors and freight companies.
• Inadequate Driver Training – Driving an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer through city streets requires skill and preparation. When companies put untrained or inexperienced drivers behind the wheel, the consequences can be deadly. We’ve pursued cases where simple lack of training caused avoidable tragedies.

By uncovering the root cause of a truck crash, we are able to hold the right parties accountable and pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

What Are the Most Common Truck Accident Injuries?

Accidents involving large trucks often cause serious injuries, such as:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Head trauma from impact with a truck or secondary collisions often leaves victims with lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges. Some of our clients required lifelong care and rehabilitation after suffering TBIs.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis – A single trucking accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or total paralysis. These cases often involve millions in future care costs, which we fight to secure through settlement or trial.
• Broken Bones and Crush Injuries – The force of a truck crash often causes multiple fractures or crush injuries, especially when victims are pinned in their vehicles. Many clients need multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation to regain mobility.
• Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma in high-speed crashes frequently causes hidden internal injuries. We ensure clients receive immediate diagnostic testing so that these life-threatening injuries are not overlooked by insurers trying to downplay their severity.
• Severe Burns – When fuel tanks rupture or trucks carrying hazardous materials ignite, burn injuries are devastating. We have represented victims requiring extensive skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries following fuel-fed fires.
• Fatality – Tragically, many truck accidents in Cook County lead to fatalities. In these cases, we bring wrongful death claims on behalf of families to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

What Damages Can Chicago Truck Accident Victims Recover?

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers work to recover the full range of damages available under Illinois law so our clients can move forward with security and stability. The damages awarded after a serious truck wreck often include:

• Current and Future Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices quickly add up. For clients with permanent disabilities, we fight to secure compensation for lifetime care needs.
• Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity – Many truck accident victims cannot return to work for months or at all. We pursue damages for lost income as well as future earnings that clients would have received had they not been injured.
• Pain and Suffering – Beyond physical harm, truck accidents leave lasting emotional trauma. Our firm ensures that clients are compensated for the daily pain, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by their injuries.
• Property Damage – From totaled cars to destroyed personal belongings, we make sure clients are reimbursed for property losses tied to the crash.
• Loss of Normal Life or Consortium – Severe injuries often prevent victims from participating in activities they once enjoyed or maintaining relationships as they did before. Illinois law allows recovery for these losses, and we pursue them aggressively.
• Wrongful Death Damages – For families who lose a loved one in a trucking accident, we file wrongful death claims to recover funeral costs, lost household income, and the immeasurable loss of companionship.

What Is the Average Payout for a Truck Accident in Chicago?

Truck accident settlements and verdicts in Chicago vary widely, depending on the facts of each case. The average payout is $4,738,813, while the median is $1,000,000. Reported recoveries range from as little as $2,961 to as much as $43,825,000.

These numbers illustrate how dramatically outcomes can differ. The value of a case often depends on:

• The severity and permanence of the victim’s injuries
• Whether negligence by the trucking company or multiple defendants can be proven
• The availability of strong evidence, including black box data and driver logs
• How a Cook County jury is likely to view the conduct of the truck driver and the company

Example Truck Accident Cases in Cook County

$10.9 Million Settlement – Wrongful Death of Illinois State Trooper
An Illinois State Trooper was parked on the shoulder of I-294 when a semi-truck drifted out of its lane and rear-ended his squad car. The impact pushed the vehicle nearly a quarter mile down the road before it caught fire, trapping him inside. He suffered fatal burns, and his estate brought a wrongful death lawsuit against the trucking company, its driver, and related entities. The case revealed that the driver had been on duty far longer than federal regulations allow and had falsified his logbooks. Before trial, the parties reached a settlement compensating the trooper’s widow for loss of consortium, emotional anguish, and survival damages.

$61.8 Million Jury Verdict – Fatal Dump Truck Crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway
A dump truck hauling an excessively heavy load collided with a van carrying city workers on the Dan Ryan Expressway. The impact crushed the van, killing two passengers instantly and leaving others catastrophically injured. One survivor suffered a spinal fracture and was rendered quadriplegic, requiring over $20 million in projected future medical costs. Another lost mobility but retained cognitive function, requiring lifelong care. The jury awarded $61.8 million, including damages for future medical care, disfigurement, disability, pain and suffering, and loss of society for surviving family members.

$43.8 Million Jury Verdict – Rear-End Tractor Trailer Accident
A nurse in her early 50s was stopped at an intersection in Chesterton when a tractor-trailer slammed into her car. The crash caused a fractured neck, permanent spinal cord damage, and incomplete tetraplegia. She required multiple surgeries, inpatient rehabilitation, and ongoing pain management. The jury heard testimony from medical experts that she would need lifelong treatment, including possible future surgeries and therapy. Her husband also brought a claim for loss of consortium. After weeks of trial, the jury returned a verdict covering medical bills, future care, pain and suffering, disability, emotional distress, and loss of a normal life.

$22.6 Million Jury Verdict – Rear-End Crash Leading to Permanent Disability
A woman and her daughter were rear-ended on Interstate 80 by a steel hauler. The crash caused her permanent paraplegia due to fractures in her thoracic spine, along with multiple other injuries. Her daughter sustained minor injuries and was released from the hospital, but the mother required long-term inpatient care and adaptive assistance for the rest of her life. At trial, expert witnesses testified about her shortened life expectancy and inability to return to work. The jury awarded damages for medical costs, pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of a normal life, and her husband’s derivative claims for loss of consortium and household services.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer Experienced in Truck Collision Cases

Truck accident cases are far more complex than ordinary car crash claims. These cases frequently involve:

• Multiple Defendants – Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to the trucking company, contractors that loaded the cargo, maintenance providers, and even manufacturers of defective truck parts.
• Federal and State Regulations – Truck drivers and carriers must comply with strict federal safety rules, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Violations of hours-of-service limits, maintenance requirements, and driver qualification standards often play a central role in proving negligence.
• Aggressive Insurance Defense – National trucking insurers have teams of lawyers and adjusters whose only job is to limit payouts. They may argue pre-existing injuries, claim the driver was an independent contractor, or blame the victim to reduce liability under Illinois comparative negligence law.
• Local and Federal Jurisdiction – Many truck accident cases are filed in the Cook County Circuit Court, while those with interstate carriers involved may proceed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Knowing how to navigate both courts is critical to building a strong claim.

Our firm has the resources to preserve crucial evidence like black box data and driver logbooks, work with accident reconstruction experts, and push cases to trial when settlement offers are inadequate. We are familiar with the tactics trucking companies use, and we know how to overcome them.

How Common Are Trucking Accidents in Chicago?

Truck accident statistics from IDOT crash reports show that tractor-trailers, single-unit trucks, and other commercial vehicles were involved in over 6,400 crashes in 2023. Out of these, more than 1,600 caused injuries, and dozens were fatal.

There were 2,278 crashes involving tractor-trailers hauling semi-trailers. Of these, 26 crashes were fatal, and more than 2,000 resulted in injuries. Tractors not hauling trailers accounted for 288 crashes. Even without a trailer, these vehicles are extremely heavy and difficult to maneuver. The report shows that 3 of these crashes were fatal, and 255 caused injuries.

Single-unit trucks, such as box trucks, garbage trucks, and delivery vehicles, were involved in 3,427 crashes across Chicago. Alarmingly, they caused 124 fatalities — the highest death toll of any truck category — and more than 3,000 injury crashes.

Though less common, 439 crashes involved single-unit trucks pulling trailers. These collisions led to 20 fatalities and nearly 400 injury crashes. Proportionally, these were among the deadliest types of accidents involving large commercial trucks in Chicago. Improperly secured trailers or unsafe maneuvering often contribute to these tragic outcomes.

Where Do Truck Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

The most common locations for truck accidents in Chicago include:

• I-90/94 Dan Ryan Expressway – One of the busiest freight corridors in the Midwest, the Dan Ryan sees a high volume of semi-truck traffic. Congestion, speeding, and aggressive lane changes make it a frequent site of serious truck crashes.
• I-55 Stevenson Expressway – The Stevenson carries heavy truck traffic to and from warehouses and industrial hubs on Chicago’s Southwest Side. We often see jackknife crashes and multi-vehicle pileups here due to sudden stops and merging trucks.
• I-294 Tri-State Tollway – Running along Chicago’s western edge, the Tri-State is a major through-route for national trucking companies. Accidents here are often severe, involving high speeds and heavy cargo loads.
• Chicago Intermodal Freight Yards (Cicero, Bedford Park, and surrounding areas) – With thousands of containers moving daily between rail and truck, collisions are common at and near intermodal facilities. Poorly secured cargo, rushed loading practices, and inexperienced drivers create significant risks.
• Urban Areas with Heavy Truck Traffic – Industrial corridors on the South Side and Near West Side see frequent truck vs. pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Tight intersections, limited visibility, and truck blind spots contribute to tragic collisions in these neighborhoods.

What Laws Govern Truck Accident Claims in Chicago?

The trucking industry nationwide is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR, 49 C.F.R. Parts 350–399). These rules cover everything from driver qualifications and required medical exams to limits on hours of service designed to prevent fatigue. They also mandate regular inspections, maintenance, and proper recordkeeping for both drivers and carriers. 

The Motor Carrier Act of 1980 further expanded federal oversight of interstate trucking operations, making compliance a critical issue in most cases involving commercial truck drivers.

At the state level, several statutes play a role in truck accident litigation. The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) governs safe operation of vehicles, including commercial trucks, on our roadways. The Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) allows fault to be shared among multiple negligent parties; a frequent scenario in truck cases involving drivers, employers, and cargo contractors. 

In some situations, product liability statutes (735 ILCS 5/2-21) may apply if a defective truck part contributed to the crash. And when the victim is an employee injured on the job, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305) provides another avenue for recovery.

On a local level, Chicago has its own ordinances (Chapter 9-72) regulating truck size, weight, and permissible routes through city streets. Violations of these municipal rules can strengthen a victim’s case by showing a pattern of negligence.

Finally, Illinois courts have long recognized employer liability for the acts of truck drivers. In Van Horne v. Muller, 185 Ill. 2d 299 (1998), the Illinois Supreme Court reaffirmed the doctrine of respondeat superior, holding that if a truck driver causes a crash while acting within the scope of employment, the trucking company can be held directly responsible. This precedent is vital in ensuring companies, not just individual drivers, are accountable for the harm caused.

Together, these layers of law provide the framework for truck accident claims in Chicago. By combining federal safety rules, state statutes, local ordinances, and case law, we are able to build strong, evidence-backed cases that stand up against the biggest trucking companies and their insurers.

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

Under Illinois law, victims generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is set by 735 ILCS 5/13-202, which governs claims for bodily injury caused by negligence.

There are, however, important exceptions. In wrongful death cases, the two-year clock begins on the date of death rather than the date of the accident. For injuries that do not immediately appear — such as traumatic brain injuries or internal organ damage — the discovery rule allows victims to file within two years of the time they knew or reasonably should have known about the injury. 

Minors also benefit from tolling rules, which pause the statute of limitations until they reach adulthood, giving them two years from their 18th birthday to bring a claim.

Who Is Legally Liable for Truck Crashes in Chicago?

Determining liability in a truck accident is rarely straightforward. Unlike a simple auto accident, commercial trucking cases often involve several parties whose negligence may have contributed to the crash. Our job as Chicago truck accident lawyers is to identify all potentially liable parties, which can include:

• Truck Driver – In many cases, the driver is directly at fault for reckless behavior such as speeding, distracted driving, or operating under the influence. When a driver ignores safety rules or federal Hours of Service limits, they can be held liable for the injuries that follow.
• Trucking Company – Under the principle of employer liability, companies are responsible for the actions of their drivers when those drivers are performing their job duties. Beyond that, trucking companies can be held directly accountable for unsafe hiring practices, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate safety rules to meet deadlines.
• Cargo Loaders and Shippers – Improperly loaded or overweight cargo can lead to rollovers, jackknifes, or debris spilling onto Chicago highways. When freight handlers, warehouse operators, or third-party contractors fail to follow proper loading procedures, they may share responsibility for resulting crashes.
• Maintenance Contractors – Some carriers outsource vehicle repairs and inspections to outside shops. If negligent maintenance — such as faulty brakes, worn tires, or overlooked steering problems — plays a role in an accident, those contractors can be brought into the case.
• Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers – Defective truck parts, from braking systems to underride guards, sometimes contribute to collisions. In these situations, product liability law allows victims to pursue claims against the manufacturer or distributor of the defective component.
• Government Entities – Dangerous road conditions, poor signage, or negligent highway maintenance can also contribute to semi-truck accidents. In those cases, government agencies may be named as defendants, though special notice and filing requirements apply.

Common Defenses in Chicago Truck Wreck Cases

When trucking companies and their insurers are sued after a serious crash, they rarely accept responsibility without a fight. Instead, their lawyers often rely on well-worn defenses designed to limit liability or reduce the value of a claim, such as:

Comparative Negligence

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), which means victims can still recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault for the crash. Trucking companies often try to shift blame onto injured drivers or pedestrians by arguing they contributed to the accident. We push back by reconstructing the crash, presenting witness testimony, and showing juries exactly how the trucking company’s conduct caused the wreck.

Sudden Emergency Doctrine

Defendants sometimes argue that the crash was unavoidable because of a sudden emergency, such as a patch of ice or a car cutting in front of the truck. While weather or traffic can complicate conditions, we show that professional drivers are trained — and required by federal regulations — to adjust their driving to account for foreseeable hazards.

Mechanical Failure Beyond Company Control

Another common argument is that a mechanical failure with the truck involved, such as a blown tire or brake defect, caused the crash, and that the company could not have prevented it. Through maintenance logs, inspection records, and expert review, we often prove that these so-called “unexpected” failures were the result of poor upkeep or ignored safety checks.

Independent Contractor Status

Some carriers try to avoid liability by claiming the driver was an independent contractor rather than an employee. Illinois courts, including in Van Horne v. Muller, have reaffirmed that trucking companies cannot simply contract away their responsibility when they exercise control over drivers and benefit from their work.

How to Strengthen Your Truck Accident Claim in Chicago

The hours and days after a truck accident are often overwhelming, but the actions victims take during this time can make a major difference in the outcome of their claim. Over the years, our Chicago truck accident lawyers have guided clients through the process of preserving evidence and protecting their rights. Some of the most important steps include:

Report the Accident to Police and IDOT

Every truck crash should be reported immediately to law enforcement. In Chicago, accident reports are filed with the Chicago Police Department and recorded with the Illinois Department of Transportation. These reports provide critical documentation for your claim.

Preserve Photos, Dashcam, and Black Box Data

Photographs of the crash scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions can be invaluable. Many trucks are also equipped with electronic control modules — commonly known as “black boxes” — that record speed, braking, and driver behavior. Securing this data early can make or break a case.

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Even if injuries seem minor at first, getting evaluated by a doctor is essential. Internal bleeding, brain trauma, and spinal injuries often do not show symptoms right away. Medical records also create a paper trail that ties injuries directly to the crash.

Avoid Speaking to the Other Party’s Insurance Company 

Insurance companies often contact victims quickly, asking for recorded statements or offering lowball settlements. We strongly advise against speaking with them directly. Their goal is to protect their bottom line, not to fairly compensate you.

Contact a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Quickly

Because trucking companies are required to keep certain records — like driver logs and maintenance files — for only a limited time, waiting too long can mean losing key evidence. By contacting an experienced attorney early, you ensure someone is working to preserve that evidence before it disappears.

How a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

Truck accident litigation requires building a case strong enough to stand up against billion-dollar trucking companies and their insurers. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers handle every detail so our clients can focus on recovery, including:

Investigating Crash Sites and Gathering Evidence

We send investigators to the scene as soon as possible to document skid marks, vehicle debris, road conditions, and witness accounts. Preserving this evidence early is critical because trucking companies often have rapid-response teams working to protect themselves immediately after a crash.

Securing Driver Logbooks and Black Box Data

Electronic logging devices and truck “black boxes” record valuable information such as driver hours, speed, braking, and mechanical performance before the crash. We move quickly to obtain and preserve this data before it is overwritten or destroyed.

Working with Accident Reconstruction Experts

Our firm partners with engineers and reconstruction specialists to analyze how a crash occurred. Their testimony helps juries understand what happened and why the trucking company should be held responsible.

Filing Claims in State and Federal Courts

Depending on the circumstances, cases may be filed in the Cook County Circuit Court or the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. We are experienced in both venues and know how to navigate their unique procedures.

Negotiating Settlements and Going to Trial if Necessary

While many cases settle, we prepare every claim as though it will go to trial. This approach gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we are ready to fight for our clients in court when defendants and the insurance carriers involved refuse to offer a fair settlement.

FAQs

What makes truck accident cases different from auto accidents?

Truck accident cases are more complex because they often involve multiple defendants, federal regulations, and higher potential damages. Unlike motor vehicle accidents involving passenger vehicles, a trucking case might include the driver, their employer, a freight loader, and even a maintenance contractor. Federal rules such as the FMCSR also impose safety obligations that don’t apply to ordinary drivers, giving us additional avenues to prove negligence.

How do I handle the insurance company following a truck crash?

It is best not to speak with the trucking company’s insurer directly. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can reduce or deny claims. We advise clients to let us handle all communications so they don’t risk saying something that can be used against them later.

Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?

Early settlement offers are almost always far below the true value of the claim. Truck accident injuries often require long-term care, and victims may not know the full extent of their damages for months. We carefully evaluate offers against projected medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages before advising clients whether to settle or move forward to trial.

Can I sue for truck driver negligence under Illinois personal injury law?

Yes. Illinois law allows victims to bring personal injury claims for negligence when a truck driver fails to exercise reasonable care. This includes violations of traffic laws, driving while fatigued, distracted driving, or failing to inspect and maintain equipment.

How is liability determined for a truck crash?

We must prove four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Truck drivers and companies have a duty to follow safety laws and operate responsibly. When they breach that duty — for example, by overloading cargo or ignoring Hours of Service limits — and that conduct causes injuries, they can be held legally responsible for damages.

Do I need to report a truck accident in Illinois?

Yes. Any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $1,500 must be reported under Illinois law. In serious truck crashes, police are typically on the scene, but victims should still make sure a formal report is filed and request a copy for their records.

What evidence is needed to support a truck accident claim?

The strongest cases are built on black box data, driver logbooks, maintenance records, police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photographs from the scene. We also often retain experts in accident reconstruction and trucking safety to explain how the crash occurred.

What if I was partially at fault for the truck wreck?

Illinois follows a comparative negligence system. Victims can still recover compensation if they were less than 50% at fault, but their recovery is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. For example, someone found 20% at fault would still recover 80% of their damages.

How long do truck accident lawsuits take in Chicago?

Every case is different. Some cases are resolved in months through negotiation, while others go to trial and take several years. Complex cases with multiple defendants typically take longer, especially if the defense challenges liability or damages.

When should I hire a personal injury attorney?

The sooner the better. Critical evidence such as black box data, surveillance video, and driver logs can disappear quickly. Contacting a lawyer immediately gives us the best chance to preserve this information and strengthen your case.

How much does a truck accident attorney cost in Chicago?

We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means our clients pay nothing upfront and no hourly fees. We only collect if we secure a settlement or verdict in their favor, ensuring legal representation is accessible to everyone regardless of financial situation.

Consult a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Near You

After a serious truck accident, the decisions you make in the days and weeks that follow can shape your recovery for the rest of your life. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have the experience, resources, and proven track record to take on the toughest trucking cases in Cook County and throughout Illinois.

Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to protect themselves, which is why it’s critical that you have a legal team working just as fast to protect you. Our firm offers free consultations, and we take every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, don’t wait. Contact our Chicago personal injury lawyerstoday to discuss your case, preserve key evidence, and begin the process of pursuing the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our downtown office, near the Richard J. Daley Center, Dirkson United States Courthouse, and the Chicago Workers’ Compensation Commission, offers convenient access from Aurora, Joliet, and Waukegan via I-90, I-94, and I-290.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

225 W Wacker Dr #1660
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (847) 835-8895

We Proudly Serve Cook County, Including Neighborhoods Like:

Albany Park | Austin | Belmont Cragin | Brighton Park | Englewood | Garfield Ridge | Irving Park | Lake View | Lincoln Park | Logan Square | Near North Side | Near West Side | New City | Portage Park | Roseland | South Lawndale | Uptown | West Englewood | West Ridge | West Town

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.