A truck accident can change everything in an instant. If you’re hurt, or you’ve lost someone you love in a collision with a commercial truck or semi, this moment matters. You deserve a legal team that knows how to fight, and at Duncan Law Group, you’re never just another case. Our award-winning Chicago truck accident lawyers have helped families recover answers, real compensation, and the peace of mind they deserve.
From day one, every client gets focused attention from a lawyer who understands Illinois trucking laws and knows how the system works. Don’t let insurance companies or negligent drivers decide your future; call (312) 202-3283 for a free consultation with a dedicated truck accident lawyer.
Illinois Truck Accident Statistics and Trends
Illinois experiences thousands of truck accidents each year, many resulting in life-altering injuries and fatalities. In 2024, the state recorded over 7,000 trucking collisions, with approximately 147 fatalities and more than 3,000 injuries. Chicago, as a major transportation hub, accounts for a significant portion of these crashes.
Settlements and verdicts commonly range from six figures to multi-million dollars, reflecting the severity of injuries and long-term impacts on victims’ lives. Having experienced legal counsel like Duncan Law Group can be beneficial to securing the full compensation you deserve, rather than facing denials or low offers from insurance companies.
Why Choose Duncan Law Group for Your Truck Accident Case?
A catastrophic collision with a semi-truck or big rig needs a legal team with a proven track record of success. Duncan Law Group’s attorneys aren’t afraid to dig deep, gather every scrap of evidence, and go toe-to-toe with trucking companies to secure your financial compensation.
Our firm delivers real results for truck accident victims, with settlements and verdicts that showcase our experience fighting for full and fair compensation:
- $1,800,000 for an arm injury in a tractor-trailer collision settlement
- $1,800,000 for a pedestrian struck by a tractor trailer
- $1,000,000 for a wrongful death trucking collision settlement
Our case results speak for themselves. Every client is backed by a seasoned team with the resources, experience, and dedication to go the distance. When you hire Duncan Law Group, you put award-winning lawyers with a multi-million dollar track record in your corner.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Chicago
Trucking accidents in Chicago aren’t random, they happen because of preventable mistakes like:
- Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations: Long hours and pressure to meet unrealistic schedules lead to exhausted drivers behind the wheel. We investigate logbooks, black box data, and company policies to expose violations.
- Distracted Driving and Speeding: Texting, navigation systems, or rushing through city streets can end lives in an instant. Duncan Law Group uncovers every detail to hold responsible parties accountable.
- Vehicle Maintenance Failures and Defects: Trucking fleets often cut corners. When brakes, tires, or other critical systems go neglected, disaster is just a matter of time.
- Improper Loading and Cargo Shifts: Trucks overloaded or carrying unsecured cargo endanger everyone. They’re a recipe for rollover crashes and catastrophic highway wrecks.
If you’ve been in a truck accident that may have been caused by any of these factors, our experienced Chicago truck accident lawyers are here to help you seek compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Types of Injuries from Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, often requiring weeks or months of recovery time and expensive treatments. Due to the large size of commercial trucks and big rigs, some trucking accidents result in fatal crashes.
Some of the most common truck accident injuries include the following:
- Facial Injuries: It is common to suffer fractures to your face, as well as eye injuries, during a truck accident. Eye injuries can lead to blindness, and a facial fracture can result in permanent nerve damage.
- Burn Injuries: If a fire starts during the crash, you can sustain serious burns and long-lasting damages. Burns can lead to damage to the surface of the skin, as well as the tissues, muscles, and bones underneath the skin. Burns may result in permanent nerve damage and scarring, and you may need intensive surgeries to recover from these severe injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Any damage to your spinal cord can result in permanent disabilities. You can lose function and feeling below the injury site, and may even develop paralysis. Spinal cord injuries may require lifelong care, physical therapy, disability accommodations, and expensive medical treatments.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries often involve bleeding and swelling in the brain, leading to permanent dysfunction. You may experience issues with memory, concentration, and movement, and may not be able to function without assistance.
- Amputations: If your limbs suffer serious damage during the crash, a surgeon may need to remove them. Amputations can severely impact each aspect of your life, and you may need accommodations and assistance to perform daily tasks.
Catastrophic Injuries and Long-Term Effects
When a semi truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the injuries sustained can be life-altering and devastating. These catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care, placing a significant burden on you and your family. Seeking compensation for these injuries is not just about covering medical bills, it’s about securing the financial resources necessary to support your entire life moving forward. Permanent disabilities, loss of income, and ongoing care costs can impact every aspect of day-to-day living, making experienced legal guidance necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you have a loved one who has passed away after a semi truck or tractor trailer accident, filing a wrongful death claim can help your family obtain answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure compensation for your financial and emotional losses.
In Illinois, the statute of limitations to file a wrongful death lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the victim’s death. It is important to act as soon as possible, as missing this deadline can bar your right to pursue compensation. Certain exceptions and extensions may apply depending on the circumstances.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Liability in a truck accident often goes beyond just the driver. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on what caused the crash. Our team thoroughly investigates each case to ensure all liable parties are identified.
Common parties who may be held liable include:
- Truck drivers for dangerous or negligent driving
- Trucking companies for employer negligence, improper training, or failure to follow regulations
- Manufacturers if a defective part contributed to the crash
- Maintenance providers if ineffective or missed repairs played a role
- Cargo loaders/shippers for improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
- Government agencies or contractors if hazardous road conditions were a factor
Our experienced Chicago truck accident lawyers review every detail to hold all responsible parties accountable for your injuries and financial losses.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Illinois allows victims of truck accidents to receive compensation for the injuries they sustained in the truck crash. These damages can be economic, or related to the financial impact of the collision. You can also collect compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering, known as non-economic damages. Choosing to hire a Chicago personal injury lawyer for your truck accident claim can help strengthen your chances of recoverable damages.
Economic Damages
These cover direct financial losses and may include:
- Medical expenses for surgeries, hospital stays, prescriptions, rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage for vehicle repairs or replacement
- Out-of-pocket expenses like transportation, home adaptations, childcare
- Funeral and burial costs in the event of a fatal accident
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address intangible effects as opposed to physical injuries:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disabilities
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Loss of companionship or consortium
How We Build a Strong Truck Accident Claim
At Duncan Law Group, every truck accident claim starts with a detailed, strategic approach designed to maximize results for our clients. We bring 100 years of combined experience, deep resources, and a relentless commitment to uncovering the full truth. Our attorneys will:
- Gather crucial evidence immediately including accident scene photos, witness statements, and truck “black box” data.
- Conduct thorough accident reconstruction with top industry experts to pinpoint exactly what happened.
- Investigate trucking company records, safety logs, and maintenance histories for all federal and state compliance issues.
- Collect medical documentation and financial evidence to prove your damages in detail.
- Aggressively negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing every case for trial so we never have to settle for less than you deserve.
With Duncan Law Group on your side, you gain a team that knows how to fight and win for truck accident victims across Illinois.
Contact Our Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Trucking companies have teams of experts on their side; shouldn’t you? Put your case in the hands of the best truck accident attorney that Chicago trusts. Duncan Law Group is ready to advocate for your full recovery. Call (312) 202-3283 or fill out our online form to start your no-obligation evaluation and get the experience, dedication, and relentless advocacy your case deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
First, ensure your safety and call 911 for medical and police assistance. Document the scene by taking photos, gather contact info from the truck driver and any witnesses, and seek medical attention—even if you feel okay. Avoid speaking with insurance company representatives before consulting an attorney.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, manufacturers of defective parts, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and even government agencies responsible for road safety.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Illinois?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims must usually be filed within two years from the date of death, but exceptions may apply.
What damages can I recover?
You may recover economic damages like medical bills, lost income, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. In cases of reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Should I accept the first settlement offer?
Insurance companies often offer low settlements to protect their profits. It’s important to have an experienced truck accident lawyer evaluate any offer to ensure it covers all your present and future damages.
