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Injured? activate the machineChicago Truck Accident Lawyers
Fighting Against Commercial Trucking Companies
Truck accidents involving semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries due to their massive size and weight. These cases require experienced attorneys who understand federal trucking regulations and can take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers.
Why Choose Our Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys?
Truck accident cases are complex and often involve multiple parties, including trucking companies, drivers, maintenance companies, and manufacturers. Our experienced attorneys have the resources and expertise to handle these challenging cases.
- Extensive knowledge of federal trucking regulations (FMCSA)
- Experience with electronic logging devices and truck maintenance records
- Experienced representation in complex truck accident cases
- No fees unless we win your case - free consultation
- Access to accident reconstruction experts and industry specialists
- Aggressive representation against trucking company legal teams
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Jackknife Accidents
When the trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes.
Rollover Accidents
Trucks that tip over due to high speeds, improper loading, or mechanical failures.
Underride Collisions
When smaller vehicles slide under the truck trailer, often resulting in fatal injuries.
Blind Spot Accidents
Collisions occurring in the truck's large blind spots during lane changes or turns.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be caused by various factors, many of which involve violations of federal safety regulations:
- Driver fatigue and hours of service violations
- Distracted driving and cell phone use
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Improper cargo loading and securement
- Mechanical failures and poor maintenance
- Drug and alcohol impairment
- Inadequate driver training
Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Truck Accident in Illinois
Truck accidents are more complex than regular car accidents due to federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and corporate legal teams. Following these steps is critical to protecting your rights.
Step 1: Call 911 Immediately - Request Full Investigation
Truck accidents require thorough police investigation. Due to the severity of truck crashes, you need emergency medical care and an official accident report documenting all details.
- Request ambulance even if injuries aren't immediately apparent
- Ask police to document all vehicles involved and road conditions
- Stay at the scene unless transported by ambulance
- Don't move unless you're in immediate danger
Step 2: Gather Critical Truck-Specific Information
Truck accidents involve more parties than car accidents. You need information about the driver, trucking company, and vehicle to build a strong case.
- Get the truck driver's CDL (Commercial Driver's License) number
- Photograph the truck's DOT number and company name on the vehicle
- Document the truck's license plate and trailer number
- Take photos of any cargo or loading issues
- Get contact info from all witnesses - they're crucial in truck cases
- Photograph the entire accident scene from multiple angles
Step 3: Get Immediate Medical Evaluation
Truck accidents cause severe injuries. Even if you feel okay, internal injuries, brain trauma, and spinal damage may not show symptoms immediately.
- Accept ambulance transport if recommended
- Go to ER within hours even if you refuse ambulance
- Request full body scans and neurological evaluation
- Document ALL symptoms, pain, and discomfort
- Keep every medical record, bill, and prescription
Step 4: DO NOT Talk to Trucking Company Representatives
Trucking companies send investigators immediately. They will try to get you to sign releases or make statements that hurt your case. You have NO obligation to speak with them.
- Refuse to give any statements to trucking company reps
- DO NOT sign any documents they present
- DO NOT accept any settlement offers
- Politely decline and say you'll have your attorney contact them
- Document who contacted you and when
Step 5: Contact a Truck Accident Attorney IMMEDIATELY
Time is critical in truck accident cases. Evidence like driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records can be destroyed or "lost" if not preserved quickly.
- We send preservation letters to prevent evidence destruction
- We obtain truck's black box data and driver logs immediately
- We investigate the trucking company's safety record
- We handle all communication with trucking company lawyers
- Free consultation - No fees unless we win your case
⚠️ Why Truck Accidents Require Immediate Legal Action
- Evidence disappears fast - Electronic logs can be overwritten in days
- Multiple parties involved - Driver, trucking company, maintenance company, cargo company
- Federal regulations apply - Special rules govern trucking industry
- Corporate legal teams mobilize immediately - They're protecting their interests
- Higher compensation at stake - Truck accidents involve larger insurance policies
Free Case Evaluation
Truck accident cases require immediate action to preserve evidence. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Available 24/7 • No fees unless we win