Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer
Content Written by: Samuel Meirowitz
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished NYC personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Quick Links
- How Can a Meirowitz & Wasserberg Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
- Types of Truck Accidents in Chicago
- Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Chicago, IL
- What Kind of Injuries Can You Sustain From a Truck Accident?
- Who Is Liable for My Chicago Truck Accident Case?
- How Are Damages and Compensation Calculated in a Truck Accident?
- Can I Still Receive Compensation If I’m Partially Responsible for the Accident?
- What To Do After a Truck Accident in Chicago
- Chicago Truck Accident Statistics
- Contact an Experienced Meirowitz & Wasserberg Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Today
- Frequently Asked Questions Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers Get
A simple commute or road trip can quickly turn disastrous if you are involved in a truck accident. When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the sheer force of the impact can leave victims with catastrophic injuries and long-lasting trauma.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a Chicago truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses. A truck accident attorney at Meirowitz & Wasserberg can help you understand your legal options and navigate each step of the claims process.
How Can a Meirowitz & Wasserberg Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Trucking companies take out high-value insurance policies to protect themselves from liability in the event of an accident. While these policies exist to cover your damages, getting that compensation in your pocket is anything but easy. Trucking insurance companies have powerful legal teams to fight against claims and minimize payouts. They may offer you a settlement, but it is likely far less than you deserve.
A Chicago truck accident lawyer at Meirowitz & Wasserberg can help level the playing field. We know all the tricks these insurers use, and we won’t let them take advantage of you. Our experienced truck accident attorneys can launch an investigation into your case, collect evidence of negligence, determine who is liable for your injuries, and negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation. If negotiations are unsuccessful, we will take your case to trial.
Our client testimonials speak for themselves. We represent people, not corporations, and we’re not afraid to fight for what’s right. This philosophy takes us far when competing against giant trucking companies and their insurance carriers. We’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients in Chicago and beyond, and we’re ready to put that same commitment to work for you.
Types of Truck Accidents in Chicago
Chicago sits at the crossroads of several major highways, making it a hub for commercial truck traffic. As a result, various types of commercial trucks pass through the area, and a diverse range of truck accidents can occur, including:
- 18-wheeler accidents
- Tractor-trailer accidents
- Semi-truck accidents
- Box truck accidents
- Concrete truck accidents
- Dump truck accidents
- Wide-load truck accidents
- Truck rollover accidents
- Load spill accidents
- Wide-turn accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Chicago, IL
The causes of Chicago truck accidents often involve human error or mechanical failure. One common cause is driver fatigue. Truck drivers sometimes push themselves past their limits to meet tight deadlines and drive for longer hours than they should. This can impair their reaction times and decision-making abilities, which increases the risk of accidents.
Another common cause of truck accidents is improper maintenance or mechanical failure. Trucking companies are responsible for keeping their vehicles in good working condition, but sometimes they cut corners or overlook necessary repairs. This can lead to brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that can cause a truck to lose control.
Improper loading is also a contributing factor in many Chicago truck accidents. If cargo is not loaded and secured properly, it can shift during transit and throw off the truck’s balance. This can cause it to tip over or jackknife, putting other drivers on the road in danger.
Common truck accident causes are often quite similar to those in car accidents, such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence. However, these factors can have even more severe consequences when a large commercial truck is involved.
What Kind of Injuries Can You Sustain From a Truck Accident?
Passenger vehicles are no match for large commercial trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and require much more distance to stop. Collisions with these massive vehicles often cause life-altering or even fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Due to the force of impact, victims may suffer from concussions, skull fractures, or other brain injuries. These can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other long-term effects.
- Spinal cord injuries – The spinal cord is a sensitive bundle of nerves that controls many bodily functions. Injuries to the spine can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and other complications affecting mobility.
- Broken bones – The size and weight of commercial trucks can crush or fracture bones in a collision.
- Internal injuries – Injuries to internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and spleen, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Lacerations and contusions – Shattered glass, metal objects, or impacts with hard surfaces can cause deep cuts, bruises, and other soft tissue injuries, which can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement.
- Whiplash – This common neck injury results from the sudden back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision. Whiplash can cause chronic pain and limited range of motion.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – Truck accidents can be traumatic events that leave victims with emotional and psychological scars. Some may develop PTSD, which can negatively impact their daily lives and relationships.
Who Is Liable for My Chicago Truck Accident Case?
Commercial trucking operations involve multiple individuals and companies. This can make it challenging to determine liability in a truck accident case. Our extensive experience representing truck accident victims allows us to dissect the layers of responsibility and identify all liable parties.
In many cases, the truck driver’s negligence is the primary cause of an accident. However, other parties may also share responsibility, such as the trucking company that employs the driver, the manufacturer of a defective truck part, or the company responsible for loading cargo onto the truck. A government entity responsible for road maintenance may also be liable if a poorly maintained road contributed to the accident. If more than one party is at fault, we may pursue a claim against each one to maximize your compensation.
How Are Damages and Compensation Calculated in a Truck Accident?
The primary goal of a truck accident lawsuit is to seek compensation for the losses, known as damages, you suffered due to the accident. These damages can include both economic and non-economic losses. Our firm can calculate the full extent of your damages and seek compensation that adequately reflects the accident’s impact on your life.
Economic damages are tangible losses with a specific monetary value, such as medical expenses and lost wages. To calculate these damages, we may gather evidence of your expenses and lost income, such as receipts, bills, and pay stubs. Economic damages may also include future medical expenses and lost earning potential if the accident caused long-term injuries. We may consult with medical and financial experts to calculate these. They will consider factors like your medical prognosis and career trajectory.
Damages for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life, do not have a precise dollar value. Calculating these can be more challenging. There is no set formula for determining the value of non-economic damages. However, a fair award should compensate for the accident’s physical and psychological toll.
We may calculate your non-economic damages using methods such as the multiplier approach. This involves adding up your economic damages and multiplying it by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of your injuries.
Can I Still Receive Compensation If I'm Partially Responsible for the Accident?
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you may still be eligible for compensation if you are partially responsible for your Chicago truck accident.
Each party in your truck accident case will be assigned a percentage of the fault based on their negligence. You may seek compensation if your percentage of fault is less than 50 percent. Your percentage of fault may then reduce your compensation. For example, if you are 25 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, your final compensation may be reduced to $75,000.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Chicago
Your actions after a Chicago truck accident can greatly impact your potential compensation. Here are some steps you should take after a truck accident to protect your rights:
- Seek medical attention – Even if you don’t feel injured, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be apparent immediately, but seeking medical attention can help you identify them early.
- Document evidence – Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Get the name and contact information of any witnesses, and try to get a brief statement from them about what they saw. Keep track of your medical records and expenses.
- Report the accident – Contact the police and your insurance company to report the accident. Be careful about what you say, and avoid admitting fault.
- Consult with a Chicago truck accident attorney – Be careful when communicating with the other party’s insurance company. Do not agree to a settlement or sign any documents without consulting an attorney first. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Chicago can advise you on your next steps.
Chicago Truck Accident Statistics
In 2023, 2,479 commercial truck accidents occurred in Chicago. Statewide, 132 traffic collisions involving semi-trucks resulted in fatalities. These fatal truck collisions represented approximately 11 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in Illinois that year.
Large truck accidents have become more common in Illinois in recent years. There were 4.4 percent more crashes involving large trucks in 2021 compared to the previous four-year average. Fatal large truck crashes have become more prevalent throughout the state, increasing by 11.2 percent over the same period. There was an average of 3,225 injury crashes each year between 2017–2021, and 4,457 people suffered injuries in those collisions.
Contact an Experienced Meirowitz & Wasserberg Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t face the aftermath of a Chicago truck accident alone. Meirowitz & Wasserberg’s nationally recognized trial attorneys are standing by to provide the support you need during this difficult time.
Our firm is an accomplished leader in personal injury law in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We’ve recovered over $360 million in settlements and verdicts for our injured clients and their families. Chicago attorneys Nathaniel Wallace and Joe Trunk know the ins and outs of truck accident litigation and are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
We put our clients first in everything we do. Personalized, high-quality legal representation is our top priority, and you’ll witness that first-hand during your free consultation with our firm. We’ll take the time to understand your unique situation and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options. Call our Chicago office today at (312) 667-3722 or contact us online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers Get
It’s normal to have questions after a truck accident. Here are some answers to some of the most common questions we receive about Chicago truck accident cases.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost in Chicago?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if we win your case. Our fee will be a portion of the total amount of compensation we secure for you, and you’ll pay no upfront costs or fees for our legal services.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
Your case’s value will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life and livelihood, and the degree of negligence of the at-fault parties. Case values vary greatly, and contacting our Illinois truck accident lawyers is the best way to determine how much your truck accident case may be worth.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost in Chicago?
In general, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim in Illinois. Exceptions sometimes apply, but it’s best to contact our Chicago truck accident attorneys as soon as possible to avoid missing key deadlines. Evidence and witness memories can diminish over time, so it’s crucial to begin building your case as soon as possible.
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- Chicago Personal Injury
- Chicago Car Accidents
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- Chicago Motorcycle Accidents
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- Chicago Slip and Falls
- Chicago Brain Injuries
- Chicago Spinal Cord Injuries
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