Chicago Speeding Truck Accident Lawyer

Seek Justice for Accidents Caused by Speeding Truck Drivers

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 2,278 accidents involving loaded semi-trucks in Chicago during 2023. If you were hit by a speeding commercial motor vehicle along major arteries like the Dan Ryan Expressway, a Chicago speeding truck accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation about truck driver negligence. 

Chicago Truck Accident Lawsuit Settlements Recovered by Our Law Firm

$1,400,000: Samuel was driving along the Eisenhower Expressway when a truck collision up ahead caused traffic to slow down. He stopped, only to be slammed from behind by a commercial truck driver. He was severely injured and required spinal surgery. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys determined that the truck driver was going 10 miles above the speed limit at the time.

$805,500: Lillian was riding her bicycle to the University of Illinois-Chicago when she was sideswiped by a large commercial truck going 40 mph. She suffered a torn rotator cuff that required surgery and left her unable to complete her studies. 

$720,000: Shawn was rear-ended in a tractor-trailer accident at high speed, but felt he was well enough to go to work. However, he started suffering from increased pain and was eventually diagnosed with a spinal cord injury. Our personal injury lawyers showed that the victim’s injuries would not have been as severe had the truck driver been going the speed limit. 

What Is the Average Payout for Speeding Truck Accident Cases in Chicago?

The average payout for speeding truck crashes is $1,728,771. Factors that influence your compensation include economic damages like medical bills or lost wages, non-economic damages such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), liable parties, and available evidence. 

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

Julian Mitchell, 37, was overseeing a tuckpointing job on the 100th Street Bridge in Chicago. While unloading materials from his work truck, he was struck by an 18-wheeler operated by Dale Smith. This catastrophic accident led to abdominal evisceration, and Mitchell died of his injuries only two hours later. An investigation found that Smith had made an unsafe lane change and was speeding. A court awarded Mitchell’s family $7,500,000.00.

Stephen Dewart, 27, a marketing professional, was taking part in a photo shoot at the corner of Rush Street and Cedar Street in Chicago. While standing there, he was struck by a Chicago Streets and Sanitation truck driven by Dwight Washington. Dewart suffered severe injuries to his back, spine, and torso that required numerous surgeries. An investigation determined that Washington was intoxicated at the time of the crash and was operating his truck well above the speed limit. A jury awarded Dewart 
$2,412,358.07. 

What Laws Govern Speeding Truck Accidents in Chicago?

Semi-truck accidents are governed by local, state, and federal government agencies. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires drivers to follow all local regulations regarding speed limits, only deferring to FMCSA rules if they are more restrictive than local laws (49 CFR 392.2). 

In Illinois, all vehicles are prohibited from driving at a speed that is unsafe for current conditions and traffic flow. The maximum speed limit on Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) controlled highways is 65 mph (625 ILCS 5/11-601). 

Chicago has a speed limit of 30 mph for all urban streets and 15 mph for alleys (9-12-070). However, many truck drivers will speed in hopes of making their deliveries on time, which can lead to serious accidents. This is especially dangerous in slick or icy weather, as is common along Lake Michigan.

Illinois uses modified comparative negligence to determine liability for accidents (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This enables victims to sue as long as they were not considered more than 50% responsible. However, your percentage of blame will also reduce your overall compensation. For example, if you are found to be 15% liable, then you will receive 15% less than if you were entirely blameless.

Accident victims can sue multiple parties under the Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/2), such as employers, truck drivers, vehicle manufacturers, and repair companies. Per the Illinois Supreme Court case McQueen v. Lavonta M. Green, you can hold a trucking company both directly and vicariously liable for accidents involving one of their vehicles. For example, they can be held liable for their employee’s actions, and can also be held liable for negligent supervision or hiring. 

How Long Do Chicago Speeding Truck Accident Victims Have to Take Legal Action for Serious Injuries or Wrongful Death?

You have two years to file a claim after a truck accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For fatal truck accident cases, the statute of limitations is two years after the victim’s death (740 ILCS 180/). Contact us immediately to ensure that we can begin negotiating with the relevant agencies in a timely manner. 

FAQs

What are common causes of truck accidents?

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver’s failure to check blind spot
• Wide turn maneuvers
• Unsecured cargo
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Drug or alcohol usage

How much does a Chicago truck accident attorney cost?

Our experienced truck accident lawyers in Chicago work on a contingency fee basis. You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. We will perform a thorough investigation and negotiate with insurance companies, all without any out-of-pocket legal fees. 

Do victims need a police report to file a speeding truck accident claim in Illinois?

Illinois law requires that any accident resulting in extensive property damage or serious injuries must be reported as soon as possible (625 ILCS 5/11-408). If there are any injuries sustained, it is illegal to leave the accident scene (625 ILCS 5/11-402(a)). 

Chicago, IL, regulations require a report if there is more than $250 in property damage, which is likely in a truck accident with a passenger vehicle (9-56-010).

If you are injured in a truck accident, reporting the crash can provide valuable evidence and strengthen your personal injury claim. The report offers an unbiased perspective of what happened, and the responding officer will interview witnesses to gather their narratives. 

How Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

With over 100 years of combined legal experience in handling truck accident cases, our Chicago personal injury attorneys can give you the best possible chance at fair compensation. We will secure valuable evidence, such as truck maintenance records, medical records, and driver logs. 

We’ll also consult with accident reconstruction specialists, trucking industry experts, and medical professionals to prove that your injuries were the result of negligent acts.

After our big rig accident investigation, we will begin negotiating with the truck driver, trucking company, and other potentially liable parties to secure fair compensation for your needs. 

Our law firm handles these complex truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis: no legal fees unless we win. Contact our caring Chicago accident attorneys at (888) 424-5757 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources: Law.com