Truck Accident FAQs

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents people in Chicago and across Illinois who’ve been injured in a truck crash. If you’re looking for clear answers after a serious truck crash, you’re in the right place. These truck accident FAQs address the key questions our clients ask after being injured in a collision involving tractor trailers or other commercial vehicles.

Accidents involving commercial trucks often result in serious injuries, high medical expenses, and complex legal challenges. Our law firm knows how to deal with insurance companies, navigate the legal process, and pursue maximum compensation for you and your family.

When should I contact a truck accident attorney after a crash?

You should contact a Chicago truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash. Quick legal help ensures vital evidence isn’t lost, such as black box data, driver logs, or witness statements. Trucking companies often deploy their own investigators right away to control the narrative. You deserve someone protecting your legal rights from the start.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney to evaluate your case with no obligation.

What should I know about dealing with the insurance company?

The insurance company representing the trucking company or the at fault party may contact you quicklym often before you’ve fully understood your injuries. Their goal is to reduce payouts. Don’t provide a statement or accept a fair settlement offer without speaking to a lawyer. 

Let our law firm handle communications with insurance adjusters so you don’t risk giving them information they can use against you.

How do I file an accident claim after a truck crash?

To file an accident claim, begin by collecting evidence from the accident scene, including photos, the police report, and contact details for the truck driver and other vehicles involved. You’ll also want copies of your medical records, bills, and any proof of lost wages or property damage.

A valid truck accident claim will likely involve the trucking company, their insurer, and possibly other responsible parties like a cargo loader or maintenance provider. Our team handles the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations so you can focus on healing.

What are common serious injuries after a truck crash?

Truck accident victims often suffer severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Common outcomes include:

• Broken bones or internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe burns or lacerations
• Amputations 

These injuries may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and leave an injured person unable to return to work. Our truck accident lawyers will pursue compensation for your medical expenses, future care needs, and emotional distress.

Why is it important to act as soon as possible after a truck accident?

Acting as soon as possible is critical for a successful truck accident case. Evidence like surveillance footage, black box data, and the electronic logging device can be erased or overwritten if not preserved quickly. In some cases, the trucking company may be liable for intentionally hiding evidence.

The sooner you contact an experienced attorney, the better your chances of preserving your rights and building a strong truck accident claim.

Can I get a free case evaluation from your firm?

Yes. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offers a free case evaluation and no obligation consultation to anyone injured in a truck crash. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Whether you’re considering a truck accident lawsuit or want to understand your legal options, we’ll give you honest answers with no pressure.

What types of personal injury cases involve truck crashes?

Many cases we handle involve commercial trucks like delivery vans, 18-wheelers, and garbage trucks. These cases typically include:

• Rear-end or side-impact collisions
• Jackknife or rollover incidents
• Collisions caused by fatigue, distraction, or poor training
• Accidents involving overloaded cargo or negligent cargo loaders

We represent both drivers and passengers injured in a truck crash, including those pursuing a wrongful death claim for family killed in a truck accident.

Can I recover punitive damages after a truck crash?

Punitive damages are sometimes available in a truck accident lawsuit if the accident was caused by gross negligence or reckless behavior; for example, if the truck driver was intoxicated, fatigued, or intentionally violating federal and state laws. These damages go beyond compensating the injured person and aim to punish the wrongdoer.

We’ll investigate whether punitive damages apply in your truck accident case based on the circumstances and conduct of the trucking company or at fault party.

What should I do if I was injured in a truck crash caused by a commercial driver?

If you’ve been injured in a truck crash involving a commercial driver, follow these steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine
• Call police and file an official police report
• Take photos and collect details from the accident scene
• Don’t speak to the insurance company without a lawyer
• Schedule a free initial consultation with our law firm

We’ll explain your options and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, lost income, and long-term care.

How do black box data and driver logs help determine fault?

The black box data and driver logs from tractor trailers can show how fast the truck was going, when the brakes were applied, hours of service, and whether the truck driver violated rest rules.

This data is often key in determining liability and can prove whether the accident was caused by fatigue, speeding, or distracted driving. Our team conducts a thorough investigation to gather this and other evidence before it disappears.

Can multiple parties be responsible for a truck crash?

Yes, many truck accident cases involve more than just the truck driver. Other responsible parties can include:

• The trucking company (for negligent hiring or lack of training)
• A cargo loader (for shifting or unsecured freight)
• A maintenance provider (for equipment failures)
• Manufacturers (for defective parts)

Identifying all potential defendants helps us build a stronger truck accident claim and increases your chance to recover damages for all losses.

What compensation can truck accident victims recover?

Depending on the facts, victims may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills and future medical expenses
• Lost earning capacity and lost wages
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Punitive damages, where applicable
• Fair compensation for all financial and personal losses

Our experienced attorneys work to secure a fair settlement or court award that truly reflects the impact of the crash.

Is the trucking industry held to higher legal standards?

Yes. The trucking industry is heavily regulated under both federal and state laws. Trucking companies must comply with:

• Driver training and licensing
• Maximum driving hours (via ELDs)
• Weight limits and cargo standards
• Maintenance schedules
• Background checks for drivers

Violations of these rules can be used to establish negligence in a truck accident lawsuit. Our truck accident lawyers are well-versed in these regulations and use them to your advantage.

What if my injuries prevent me from returning to work?

If your injuries prevent you from working after a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for lost wages, future earnings, and pain and suffering. A qualified truck accident attorney can calculate those damages and ensure you’re pursuing every possible avenue for recovery.

Can sue for a truck accident caused by a maintenance failure?

Yes. If the accident was caused by a faulty brake system, worn tires, or missed inspections, the trucking company or maintenance provider may be held liable. These types of mechanical failures are common in truck accidents and often reveal a larger pattern of neglect.

Why is it important to hire a truck accident attorney quickly?

Hiring a truck accident attorney early ensures no evidence is lost. The trucking company may already be working to shift blame from the truck driver, especially if they suspect a violation of safety protocols. With an attorney on your side, you’ll have someone preserving your rights and fighting for fair treatment after a truck accident.

Do all trucks have black boxes?

Most modern trucks do. These devices provide key data following a truck accident and often reveal speed, braking, and the actions of the truck driver before the crash.

What are my legal rights if my family member was killed in a truck accident?

If your loved one was killed in a truck accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under Illinois law (740 ILCS 180/). This type of claim allows certain surviving relatives (such as a spouse, child, or parent) to pursue compensation for the losses resulting from their loved one’s death.

You may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and benefits
• Loss of companionship and care
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
• Emotional distress suffered by surviving family

Why choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a truck accident case?

Our law firm is recognized for handling complex personal injury claims, including those involving commercial vehicles and catastrophic injuries. We’ve helped countless people in Chicago who were injured in a truck crash get justice.

You get:

• An experienced attorney focused on trucking litigation
• Full case preparation, from initial claim to trial
• A free case evaluation and help on contingency

We’re committed to protecting your legal rights and helping your family member or loved one move forward.

How can I hire a lawyer to handle my truck accident claim?

To hire a Chicago personal injury lawyer, simply contact our office for a free consultation. There’s no obligation. We’ll evaluate your case, answer your questions, and explain how we’ll help, all without upfront fees.

Hiring the right attorney or law firm makes a difference in the outcome. With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, you’ll have a trusted advocate focused on securing the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law.

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.