Chicago is known for its many cultural treasures, including the Willis Tower, deep-dish pizza, and the Bears. Unfortunately, our city is also known for experiencing a large number of traffic accidents each year. Truck accidents, while not as common as other types of collisions, are among the most devastating, and sometimes fatal, accidents our city sees. Sadly, they also come with unique challenges that can make the settlement process more complicated.
Below are some statistics that offer insight into truck accidents in Chicago as well as legal information for victims who have been affected by them. If you need guidance after an accident in Chicago, contact Power Rogers for a free consultation.
Illinois Truck Accident Statistics
The number of truck accidents in Illinois has fluctuated significantly over the past several years. At the time of writing, data from the FMCSA Motor Carrier Management Information System shows that in 2024, Illinois saw a total of 7,171 truck accidents with 147 fatalities and 3,190 injuries. This is up from 6,882 accidents in 2023, but slightly lower than the preceding years, 2021 and 2022 which each saw 7,896 and 8,252 accidents respectively. While we don’t know what percentage of these truck accidents occurred in the Chicago metro area, we can assume that it was likely significant as our city is a major junction for large trucks nationwide and more than half of our state’s population resides within the metro area.
When looking at the national numbers, Illinois ranks within the top five states for trucking accidents alongside Texas, California, Florida, and Pennsylvania. The total number of U.S. truck accidents in 2024 was 166,778 with 4,577 fatalities and 73,779 injuries. This means that Illinois contributed to around 4.3% of the total truck accidents nationwide.
It’s also worth mentioning that trucking accidents also cause more fatalities on average than car accidents due to the size and mass of trucks compared to cars or motorcycles. For reference, Chicago alone had 112,032 car accidents in 2024 with only 123 fatalities, meaning about 0.1% of car accidents resulted in a fatality. However, when looking at statewide trucking fatalities, 2% of Illinois trucking accidents resulted in a fatality.
Notable Truck Accidents in Chicago
It’s safe to say that truck accidents occur almost weekly in Chicago, but some accidents can result in much more damage and injury than others. Here are a few recent truck accidents that occurred in the Chicago metro area:
Multi-Vehicle Crash in West Englewood
In January, a multi-vehicle collision involving a Chicago Fire Department ambulance and a semi-truck occurred in West Englewood. The incident took place just before 11:30 a.m. when the truck struck the ambulance, causing it to flip and collide with two sedans. Three people were hospitalized, including a 64-year-old passenger from the ambulance, a 59-year-old passenger in one of the sedans, and a 58-year-old woman driving the second sedan. The semi-truck driver, who was uninjured, was cited for failing to yield to the emergency vehicle.
Fatal Rear-End Accident On Far South Side
A fatal crash occurred on Chicago’s Far South Side in January, leaving one driver dead. The incident happened just before 12:20 a.m. in the 1700 block of East 103rd Street, when a gray sedan, traveling eastbound, rear-ended a semi-truck heading in the same direction. The sedan’s driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the semi-truck driver was unharmed.
Fatal Crash On Dan Ryan Expressway
A deadly crash on the Dan Ryan Expressway in early April resulted in the temporary closure of local lanes. The incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. on the inbound lanes of I-94 at 59th Street in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. A passenger vehicle stalled in the second left lane, and a semi-truck that was unable to stop in time struck the sedan. The sedan’s driver was taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead, while the passenger of the car was hospitalized with injuries.
What Factors Contribute to Truck Accidents in Chicago?
As we can see from the above incidents, a variety of factors can contribute to truck accidents, many of which are preventable. Here are a few reasons why truck accidents occur in Chicago:
Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are known to take on long hours. This can result in poor decision-making, delayed reactions, or even falling asleep at the wheel. That being said, truckers are also required by law to take frequent breaks and cap the amount of hours that they’re allowed to operate their truck per shift. If these regulations aren’t followed, the driver or the trucking company may be held liable if an accident occurs as a result.
Distracted Driving: All drivers can fall into the bad habit of checking their phones or adjusting the radio while driving. But in addition to these typical distractions, truck drivers also utilize complicated navigational systems and gear systems that can cause them to take their eyes off the road, particularly if they’re new to commercial driving or have been poorly trained.
Aggressive Driving: Some truck drivers exceed speed limits or drive aggressively to stay on schedule. Speeding makes it harder to stop or maneuver safely, especially with Chicago’s high-volume traffic conditions.
Improperly Loaded Cargo: Semi-trucks with improperly loaded cargo can cause them to tip over or jack-knife. Flatbed trucks are especially dangerous when loaded poorly because the cargo can spill out into the road.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failing to maintain brakes, tires, lights, and other essential systems can lead to equipment failure and serious collisions.
Traffic and Weather Conditions: Chicago is known as the Windy City for a reason. Wind, ice, and snow can easily contribute to truck accidents by causing poor visibility and traction. Chicago also experiences some of the worst congestion compared to other cities due to our narrow streets. This can cause dangerous driving conditions for everyone involved.
What Makes Truck Accidents Complex From a Legal Perspective?
When compared to car accidents, truck accidents in Chicago often come with their own unique set of legal complications, especially when determining liability. At first glance, many drivers who have been hit by a truck assume that the truck driver is responsible for damages. While the driver may be at fault, they aren’t always liable. The liable party (or parties) might include:
- The trucking company that owns the vehicle or insurance policy or employs the driver.
- The distribution company that loaded the truck.
- The truck’s manufacturer or mechanic.
Additionally, truck accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to other types of accidents, which means that it can take more time and resources to assess the damages and gather evidence. Unfortunately, trucking companies often have access to legal budgets which can give them the upper hand during this process, unless the victim has secured viable legal representation.
If You’ve Been Involved in a Chicago Truck Accident, Power Rogers Can Help
Regardless of how it happened or which parties are responsible, one thing is always clear with truck accidents – the results are almost always devastating. Our firm has represented clients in some of the most severe truck accidents in Chicago and helped them recover millions of dollars in damages. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation. Our truck accident attorneys can guide you every step of the way.
