Truck Accidents

Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Truck Accident Victims Across Illinois

Collisions involving semi-trucks, big rigs, and commercial vehicles often result in devastating injuries and legal battles against trucking companies, insurers, and corporate defense teams. Unlike standard car accidents, truck accident claims are highly complex due to federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and high-stakes insurance policies.

At Hilliard Law, we have extensive experience handling high-stakes truck accident litigation and have recovered millions for victims and families. Our attorneys know how to take on major trucking corporations, fleet operators, and insurance companies to maximize our clients' recoveries.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Chicago, we are ready to help. Call or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

Examples of Our Truck Accident Results

Hilliard Law has extensive experience litigating truck and commercial vehicle accident cases and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims. Some examples of our results:

$50 Million: 18-wheeler rear-end collision resulting in wrongful death.
$20 Million: Commercial vehicle rollover caused by defective road construction conditions.
$7.5 Million: Rear-end commercial truck accident resulting in catastrophic injuries.
$6 Million: 18-wheeler collision resulting in serious injuries.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur in many ways, often due to driver negligence, mechanical failures, or improper loading. Some of the most common truck accidents we handle include:

Jackknife Accidents – When a truck’s cab and trailer fold at an angle, often due to sudden braking or loss of control, blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
Underride Accidents – When a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck, often causing fatal injuries.
Override Accidents – When a large truck runs over a smaller vehicle, crushing it beneath its weight.
Rollover Accidents – Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them prone to rollovers when drivers take sharp turns too fast or lose control.
Blind Spot Accidents – Commercial trucks have large blind spots where passenger vehicles can disappear from view, leading to dangerous lane-change or merging accidents.
Lost Load Accidents – Cargo that is improperly secured can fall onto the road, creating dangerous conditions for other drivers.
Rear-End Collisions – Due to their size and weight, trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. Rear-end truck collisions are often severe.
Tire Blowouts & Mechanical Failures – Poor maintenance, defective parts, and lack of proper inspections can cause catastrophic truck crashes.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are frequently caused by driver error, company negligence, or mechanical failures. Some of the most common causes include:

Driver Fatigue – Federal law limits truckers’ driving hours, but pressure to meet deadlines often leads to exhausted drivers who make mistakes.
Distracted Driving – Truck drivers may be texting, using GPS, or adjusting vehicle controls when they should be focused on the road.
Speeding & Reckless Driving – Many truck accidents involve truckers exceeding speed limits or failing to adjust to weather, traffic, or road conditions.
Improper Loading – Cargo that is overloaded or improperly secured can shift, causing loss of control or rollovers.
Inadequate Training – Many trucking companies put unqualified or poorly trained drivers behind the wheel to fill demand.
Drunk & Drugged Driving – Some truckers use stimulants to stay awake, increasing the risk of impaired driving accidents.
Brake & Mechanical Failures – Poorly maintained brakes, defective tires, and mechanical malfunctions often contribute to crashes.

Our team investigates every possible cause of a truck accident and works to hold all negligent parties accountable.

Challenges of Truck Accident Litigation

Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than standard car accident claims. Unlike typical motor vehicle collisions, truck accident cases involve multiple parties, strict federal regulations, and aggressive corporate defense teams determined to minimize liability. Victims often face the following legal challenges:

Large Corporations & Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of highly skilled defense attorneys whose sole mission is to dispute claims and reduce payouts. They often attempt to shift blame onto victims or argue that injuries are less severe than they actually are.
Federal Trucking Laws & Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict regulations on truck drivers and trucking companies. These rules govern driving hours, maintenance requirements, cargo loading, and driver training. Violations of these laws can establish liability, but proving violations requires extensive investigation.
Multiple Liable Parties: Unlike standard car accidents where one driver is typically responsible, truck accidents can involve several negligent parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance crews, and even truck or parts manufacturers. Determining who is at fault is a critical and often complex aspect of these cases.
Severe Injuries & High Medical Costs: Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, amputations, and life-altering disabilities. Victims frequently require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, making it imperative to secure full compensation for all future needs.
Aggressive Defense Strategies: Trucking companies are highly motivated to protect their profits and will often deny liability, manipulate records, destroy crucial evidence, or blame victims for the accident. The trucking industry is notorious for tactics such as erasing electronic logging device (ELD) records and delaying investigations. Without immediate legal action, critical evidence can be lost forever.

At Hilliard Law, we leverage our 40 years of experience to help victims of truck and commercial vehicle accidents position themselves for success. This includes utilizing our resources, connections with relevant experts, and insight to build the strongest possible claims.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including:

Truck Drivers – If a driver was fatigued, distracted, intoxicated, or reckless, they can be held responsible.
Trucking Companies – If a company failed to properly train drivers, ignored safety violations, or forced drivers to meet unsafe deadlines, they can be held accountable.
Cargo Loaders – If improper cargo loading contributed to a crash, those responsible may be liable.
Maintenance & Repair Companies – If a truck was poorly maintained, the mechanic or repair shop may share responsibility.
Truck & Parts Manufacturers – Defective truck parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can result in product liability claims against manufacturers.

Chicago Truck Accident FAQ

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Illinois?

Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, delays can impact evidence collection, so it’s best to act quickly.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses – Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation.
Lost Wages & Future Earnings – Compensation for time missed at work and permanent disability.
Pain & Suffering – Physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Property Damage – Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle.
Punitive Damages – In cases of egregious negligence, such as reckless driving or FMCSA violations.

All cases are unique and the value of your case will depend on factors such as accident type, the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and more. Our attorneys can help you better understand how compensation works in truck accident cases and what we can do to position you for the maximum recovery possible.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for a Truck Accident Case?

Truck accident cases are high-stakes claims filled with challenges. That’s why it is essential to work with an attorney with experience in this field At Hilliard Law, we know how to:

Obtain and analyze truck data records before they are lost or erased.
Identify every liable party to ensure you pursue maximum compensation.
Challenge aggressive defense tactics used by trucking companies and insurers.
Negotiate settlements that reflect the full scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Litigate in court if necessary to fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Call for a FREE Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need aggressive legal representation. Hilliard Law is ready to fight for you and secure the compensation you deserve.

Call or contact us online to request a FREE consultation today.

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