Stevenson Expressway (I-55) Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck crash on the Stevenson Expressway can change everything in a matter of seconds. I-55 is one of Chicago’s most unforgiving corridors for serious collisions because traffic compresses without warning, merges come fast, and commercial vehicles share tight space with commuters fighting for position.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents people injured in truck accidents on I-55 throughout Chicago and Cook County. We know how these cases are built, how trucking companies defend them, and what it takes to preserve the evidence that decides liability. 

Our Chicago truck accident law firm offers a free consultation and handles cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay unless we recover compensation.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Common on the Stevenson Expressway

The Stevenson carries constant pressure between Downtown access points and the Southwest Side. Drivers deal with short ramp spacing, heavy merging, and sudden slowdowns that ripple backward through traffic. A tractor-trailer that fails to brake in time or drifts during a lane change can trigger a chain reaction crash in seconds.

Certain stretches of I-55 produce predictable hazards. 

The approach toward the I-90 and I-94 interchange tightens quickly as traffic funnels toward the Dan Ryan. The I-55 and I-294 interchange draws freight traffic that needs room to merge and weave. Areas near major exits like Damen, Ashland, Pulaski, Cicero, Harlem, and Kedzie see frequent lane changes as drivers scramble for the correct ramp.

Construction and lane shifts are another recurring risk on the Stevenson. When markings change, shoulders narrow, or lanes pinch down, trucks have less margin to correct mistakes. That lack of space turns routine driving errors into high-impact collisions.

Fig 1.0. – A fully loaded semi requires more than 60 seconds to reach highway speed. The resulting 30-mph speed differential creates a high-risk zone for rear-end collisions for vehicles in the right lane.

Neighborhoods and Landmarks Along I-55 in Chicago

I-55 threads through Chicago’s Southwest Side and connects neighborhoods that rely on the corridor every day. Crashes near Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Brighton Park, and Garfield Ridge often involve abrupt speed changes around entrance and exit clusters.

The Stevenson also runs alongside freight and industrial routes that bring delivery vehicles, local carriers, and regional semis into the same bottlenecks commuters use. When you combine that commercial flow with tight ramp geometry, the crash risk rises sharply.

Common Causes of I-55 Truck Accidents

Many Stevenson truck crashes come from a few consistent patterns tied to how the road functions.

Unsafe merging and lane changes happen often near interchange approaches and high-volume exits. Drivers cut across lanes to avoid missing an exit, and trucks need more time and space to respond.

• Rear-end collisions are common in stop-and-go traffic. A distracted driver or a truck following too closely can cause a violent impact that pushes vehicles into each other.
• Speeding in changing traffic conditions remains a major factor. On I-55, a small speed difference becomes dangerous when traffic suddenly slows near an exit or interchange.
• Fatigue plays a role in crashes involving long-haul and regional drivers moving through Chicago. Reaction time drops, judgment slips, and risk rises.
• Mechanical failures can be decisive. Brake issues, tire failures, and steering problems often point to skipped inspections or inadequate maintenance. When a truck fails on the Stevenson, there is rarely room to recover safely.
• Cargo shift can cause jackknifes and rollovers during braking or lane changes, especially near interchange curves and dense merges. Load securement becomes a liability issue when freight movement contributes to loss of control.

Injuries Associated With Stevenson Expressway Truck Crashes

Truck collisions on I-55 tend to produce severe injuries because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. We frequently see traumatic brain injuries, spinal trauma, fractures, and internal injuries. High-speed impacts can lead to burns, crush injuries, and amputations. Some families face wrongful death after a fatal crash.

These injuries often require extended treatment and create long-term limitations. Building a strong claim requires medical documentation, treatment planning, and economic support to show how the crash affects work, daily life, and future care.

Determining Liability After a Truck Accident on I-55

Truck accident liability rarely ends with one person. A careful investigation may show fault across several parties.

• The driver may be responsible for unsafe merging, speeding, distraction, fatigue, or violations of trucking safety rules.
• The trucking company may carry liability for hiring decisions, training failures, scheduling practices, supervision, or maintenance lapses.
• Maintenance providers may be responsible when inspections are missed or repairs are inadequate.
• Cargo handlers and loading companies may be liable when shifting freight, poor securement, or overweight loads contribute to loss of control.
• Manufacturers may be involved when defective tires, brakes, or trailer components contribute to a crash.

Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois follows a comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault, though your recovery can be reduced based on your share of responsibility. That matters because insurers often try to shift blame in lane-change disputes, sudden slowdown claims, and multi-vehicle collisions.

Evidence Used to Prove Fault on the Stevenson

Evidence decides these cases, and much of it sits in the trucking company’s hands. We act quickly to preserve it.

• Black box data and event logs can show speed, braking, throttle input, and hard-stop events.
• Electronic logging device records and trip documentation can reveal fatigue risk, compliance issues, and driving patterns.
• Maintenance logs, inspection reports, and repair invoices help establish whether the truck was roadworthy.
• Driver qualification files, training materials, and testing records can expose avoidable risk factors.
• Load documents and securement records matter when cargo shift or improper loading contributes to the collision.

Scene evidence still matters too. Photos, video, witness statements, and police reports help establish how the crash unfolded. Reconstruction experts can tie impact patterns and roadway geometry to a clear timeline.

What Victims May Recover After a Truck Accident on I-55

Compensation depends on the injuries and the facts, but it often includes medical expenses, future treatment, rehabilitation costs, and prescription needs. Lost income and reduced earning capacity matter when injuries change your ability to work. Pain and suffering and loss of normal life reflect the personal impact of serious injury.

When a crash results in death, families may pursue wrongful death damages that include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.

Steps to Take After a Truck Crash on the Stevenson Expressway

• Call 911 and request medical evaluation. A police report and prompt medical care protect your health and create documentation that supports your claim.
• If it is safe, take photos of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, debris, and signage. Note the nearest exit, overpass, or interchange to lock down the location.
• Get witness contact information. Independent accounts often clarify details that drivers dispute later.
• Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before you understand your legal position. Early statements are often used to reduce or deny claims.
• Contact a Stevenson Expressway (I-55) truck accident attorney

Truck crashes on I-55 often involve serious injuries and contested liability. Illinois generally provides two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, and early action helps preserve evidence that can disappear quickly.

If you were injured in a truck accident on the Stevenson Expressway, contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case, protect key evidence, and pursue the compensation your injuries require.

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.