Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer

Being seriously injured in an accident with a big rig or semi-truck can completely upend your life. If you have been involved in a truck accident in Chicago, you deserve to be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Unfortunately, third parties like insurance companies may delay or deny compensation, thereby preventing you from receiving the support you need.

If you are going through a challenging time after a truck accident in Chicago, put Power Rogers on your side. Our lawyers understand the nuances of these cases and are prepared to offer advanced, strategic advocacy for truck accident claims involving serious personal injuries and wrongful deaths.

Why Choose Power Rogers for Your Chicago Truck Accident Case?

Since our founding in 1993, our attorneys have recovered more than $5 billion for clients in personal injury cases ranging from truck accidents to medical malpractice. We have a long history of securing record-breaking verdicts and settlements, and we have been named the number-one firm in Chicago based on dollars recovered 13 times in the past 15 years.

Our truck accident case results include:

• $100 Million: For a family that was struck by an unqualified truck driver, resulting in six deaths.
• $39.9 Million: For a family whose car burst into flames after being rear-ended by a truck, causing fatal injuries to the father and severe injuries to his wife and children.
• $38.25 Million: For a driver whose vehicle spun off the roadway after a jackknife accident with a tractor-trailer, leading him to suffer from lower extremity paralysis.

How Can Our Truck Accident Lawyers Help?

When you work with Power Rogers, you work with a proven legal team committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your truck accident case. Here’s what we can do for you:

• Gather key evidence: We move quickly to secure copies of black box data, driver records, dash cam footage, and other types of evidence. Many of these can be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain on your own.
• Investigate all responsible parties: Multiple parties are often involved in a truck accident. We can investigate the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance crews, and even parts manufacturers to determine who may be liable.
• Navigate trucking regulations: Our attorneys have a deep understanding of federal and Illinois trucking regulations and can help discover whether these were violated, potentially strengthening your claim.
• Calculate the full cost of your injuries: We work with medical experts and other professionals to understand the full scope of your injuries, including your long-term treatment needs and lost earning capacity.
• Communicate with insurance companies: We communicate and negotiate with insurers on your behalf so you can avoid being pressured into accepting a settlement that doesn’t meet your needs.
• Take your case to trial if needed: If the other side won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case through litigation and before a court and jury.

Our goal is simple: to make sure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.

Types of Compensation We Can Fight For After a Commercial Truck Accident

Our truck accident attorneys in Chicago can help you pursue compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional effects the accident has had on your life. Damages in a truck accident lawsuit are typically classified as economic and non-economic:

• Economic Damages: Economic damages are quantifiable losses. Medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, vehicular damage, and out-of-pocket expenses are all types of economic damages.
• Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages are non-monetary losses that include loss of consortium, pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, scarring and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

When you work with our firm, you can rest assured that no damages you are eligible to recover are overlooked and that our attorneys will fight for the maximum amount of compensation you’re entitled to. If you have lost a family member due to a truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and pursue the above damages in addition to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and loss of future wages.

How Much Is Your Truck Accident Case Worth?

No two truck accident cases are the same, and the value of yours will depend on several key factors. Our truck accident injury attorneys in Chicago can help calculate what your claim may be worth by evaluating:

• The severity of your injuries: More serious injuries (such as paralysis, brain trauma, or amputations) generally result in greater compensation due to high medical costs, long-term care, and loss of independence or income.
• Future losses: Some victims face years, or a lifetime, of recovery needs. We work with medical and financial experts to calculate ongoing care costs, lost earning potential, and other long-term damages.
• Insurance coverage: Commercial trucks typically carry large insurance policies, but multiple defendants or underinsured parties can complicate recovery. We investigate every available source of compensation, including UM/UIM coverage when applicable.
• Other case-specific factors: Your age, income, ability to work, and the emotional toll of the crash all impact the value of your case. Courts may also award punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Chicago Truck Crash?

Many people assume the truck driver is solely responsible after a crash, but liability often extends beyond just the person behind the wheel. That’s because the party who caused the accident isn’t always the one legally responsible for paying damages.

For example, even if a trucker made a mistake, their employer, the trucking company, may be held liable under laws that hold companies accountable for their drivers. Trucking companies can also be directly at fault for unsafe hiring practices, poor vehicle maintenance, or violations of federal safety regulations.

Other potentially liable parties may include:

• Vehicle or parts manufacturers: If a defective brake system, tire blowout, or mechanical failure played a role.
• Cargo loaders or third-party contractors: If improperly loaded or unsecured cargo contributed to or caused the accident.
• Other motorists: If another driver’s reckless or negligent behavior set off the chain of events that led to the truck crash. This includes taxi and rideshare drivers.
• Public entities: If unsafe road conditions or poor signage contributed to the accident.

What Evidence Do You Need to Win a Truck Accident Case?

There are many different types of evidence that can help establish negligence in a truck accident case. Some of these include:

• Police reports. Proper interpretation of police reports by a trained eye can help determine who is at fault.
• Black box data. A truck’s black box contains relevant data regarding the truck’s performance before the accident, such as speed and braking. Black box data can also be used to capture driver fatigue (if the truck was veering into other lanes, etc).
• Eyewitness testimony. Other drivers on the roads, people in buildings near the accident, and people on the street may have witnessed the accident – they can all help provide a detailed description of what they saw from their vantage point.
• Accident reconstruction experts. Experts in the field of accident investigation can be a tremendous help in determining fault in truck accident lawsuits.
• Industry records. USDOT documents, driving logs, bills of lading, employment contracts are all important pieces of evidence in a trucking case.
• Surveillance footage and any available video evidence. Closed circuit cameras and traffic cams may be available to provide video evidence of the actual accident.

How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?

People often think of truck accidents as similar to car accidents, but the reality is that they differ in significant ways that make them much more complex. These differences are why it’s important not to hire just any personal injury lawyer, but one with proven experience in truck accident cases:

• Federal regulations. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules govern the trucking industry and add an additional layer of legality. These include hours of service and commercial driver’s license requirements. Uncovering violations of these regulations can strengthen your case.
• Multiple liable parties. The number of parties that may be involved in a truck accident is typically more than in a car accident. Trucking companies, drivers, parts manufacturers, and subcontractors all have a role in the safe operation of the truck.
• Higher stakes. The injuries and damages associated with a truck accident can be catastrophic because of the size and force with which a truck moves.
• Commercial insurance policies. These policies usually have higher coverage limits than personal auto insurance policies, which means that insurance companies may fight even harder to minimize or avoid a payout.

How Common Are Truck Accidents in Chicago?

The Illinois Department of Transportation gathers information about commercial truck accidents in our state.According to its data, more than 100 fatal accidents involving semi-trucks occurred in Illinois in 2024. Unfortunately, the streets and highways of Illinois have seen a worrying uptick in large truck accidents over the past few years. The statistics from 2020 to 2023 paint a stark picture of the risks these vehicles pose to roadway safety. Illinois was among the top five states with the highest number of truck accidents in 2022. In 2023, Illinois had 12,267 truck accidents, accounting for 3.8% of all vehicular crashes in the state. Here are some statistics of note:

• 106 of these Illinois truck accidents resulted in fatalities, and 2,075 involved injuries, underscoring the devastating impact of truck accidents on both individual families and whole communities.
• In Illinois, truck accidents predominantly occur on highways and urban roads, with Cook and DuPage counties recording high numbers of such incidents.
• Truck accidents frequently happen during evening rush hours, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:59 p.m., and are most common on Fridays, the end of the workweek (heavy traffic).
• Chicago’s I-290, especially between Mannheim Road and Cicero Avenue, is a hotspot for truck accidents, with about 2,000 crashes annually.
• City roads and state U.S. routes also see significant truck collisions, with recent figures showing 193 and 146 crashes, respectively. These statistics highlight the need for increased safety measures on these high-risk roads.

The increasing trend of truck accidents in Illinois and nationwide is a call to action for stricter safety regulations, better driver training, and more responsible trucking practices. Our firm stands ready to advocate for injured victims and work toward a safer future for all road users.

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

It’s important to recognize how truck crashes may occur in an effort to help avoid them. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue. Fatigue often occurs when hours of service regulations are violated. These regulations require truck drivers to rest and work for certain periods.
• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is the most common cause of accidents. Many states have differing laws about the use of cell phones or other devices while driving.
• Drunk or impaired driving. Drivers may be asked to submit a blood test after an accident to ensure they were not under the influence at the time of an accident.
• Poor maintenance. The owner of the truck has a responsibility to maintain it in good working condition to avoid the possibility of accidents related to neglectful care, such as those resulting from brake failure or tire blowouts.
• Improperly loaded cargo. Cargo loaded incorrectly can cause the truck to tip or lose control. If an  accident occurs due to improperly loaded cargo, another party (the party that loaded the truck) may be implicated.

Often, a crash involves two or more of these factors. You will need a semi-truck accident lawyer who has handled many of these cases before. Our team members know how to gather and preserve evidence at the crash site. They also frequently hire experts, such as forensic crash analysts, to examine the scenes. This way, our attorneys can determine the cause of the accident and which party is most at fault.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Chicago

Immediately after a truck accident, you must call for help. If you are unable to dial 911, ask someone nearby to do it for you.

Once you’ve received medical treatment from responding paramedics, take photos of the crash site. Document everything and pay special attention to damaged roads or lane dividers, vehicles, and any other nearby hazards or debris that may have contributed to your crash.

Next, take down the other driver’s information and, if they are a commercial driver, the information of their employer. Also, collect contact information from any bystanders or other injured parties along with brief accounts of what they saw – they could be used as witnesses.

You should also write down the names and badge numbers of the responding officers and obtain a copy of the accident report.

Once you’ve taken care of everything at the scene of the crash, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a more thorough medical examination and reach out to one of our truck injury lawyers to learn more about your legal options.

Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer: FAQs

How long do you have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Chicago?

Statutes of limitations are laws that limit the timeframe in which a lawsuit can be filed.  These laws are complex and require case-specific analysis.  Generally speaking, the statute of limitations for truck accidents in Illinois is generally two years. The clock starts running from the date of the accident. In wrongful death claims resulting from a truck accident, the clock starts running from the date of death, which may mean time to file.

However, there are some exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations in which the amount of time you have to file can be extended or even shortened. That’s why it’s important to speak with an attorney for truck accidents as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline to file, you generally lose your right to recover compensation for the accident.

Can I file a truck accident claim if I was partially at fault?

Yes, you may be able to file a claim. Truck accident injury claims in Illinois operate on a modified doctrine of “comparative negligence,” which means that a victim found less than 50% at fault for their accident can still recover compensation from the majority at-fault party. However, if a victim is found more than 50% at fault, they are barred from recovering compensation.

How long does a truck accident lawsuit take?

Every truck accident case is different, but the majority of cases take three or more years to reach resolution. The complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and the severity of injuries may play a role in how quickly a case can be settled. If litigation is required, court schedules will also factor into the total time frame.

What if the truck driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover my damages?

Illinois state rules require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. If there is not enough insurance coverage for your damages, there may beother potential sources for compensation, such as:

• The trucking company’s insurance policy
• Third-party defendants (e.g., maintenance companies, vehicle manufacturers)
• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if applicable

Do semi-truck accident cases go to trial?

Most truck accident cases settle before going to trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations between your attorney and the insurance carrier’s attorney, your attorney may recommend going to trial to secure full compensation for your injuries.

Do you have a truck accident lawyer near me?

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in the greater Chicago area, the attorneys at Power Rogers can help. Located inside Three First National Plaza approximately three blocks west of Millenium Park, we can be accessed by the CTA Blue Line at Washington Street. Our office is located in the heart of the Chicago financial district and the Chicago Loop neighborhood near City Hall. Contact us for more information on visiting our office.

Were You In a Truck Crash? Don’t Wait To Contact Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a semi-truck, big rig, or tractor-trailer in Illinois, you need experienced representation. Call Power Rogers today or submit an online contact form to arrange your free consultation. Our attorneys have worked with countless people who were seriously injured in truck crashes, and we understand the best way to prepare for and execute an effective strategy that will put you in the most favorable position possible.