Types of Truck Accidents

Types of Truck Accidents in Chicago

Truck collisions are among the most devastating of all motor vehicle crashes, and there are many scenarios in which they can arise. Some of the most common truck accidents include jackknife collisions, rollovers, cargo spills, underride collisions, tire blowouts, blind spot crashes, poor maintenance collisions, improper cargo loading collisions, and wide turn crashes.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that accidents involving commercial trucks account for only 3.7 percent of motor vehicle crashes, yet they account for nine percent of fatal crashes. Not only are these crashes more severe, but they are more legally complex, frequently involving multiple liable parties who require an in-depth investigation to identify.

If you have suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a truck crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced personal injury law firm to protect your rights. The team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has an in-depth understanding of all the common types of truck accidents in Chicago and their unique legal considerations. Call today to learn more and for the legal support you need during this challenging time.

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident claims are uniquely challenging and complicated. Pursuing a truck accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. By working with an experienced truck crash attorney, you can alleviate many of the burdens of pursuing your claim and focus on your recovery.

The team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. offers the following:

Free Case Review

We believe you should not face any financial hurdles when pursuing the compensation you deserve. We will sit down with you, hear your story, review your case, and offer advice on next steps. You don’t pay unless we win.

In-Depth Investigation

Truck crash claims are complex and require a robust knowledge of state and federal regulations, as well as a careful investigation of all potentially liable parties. Our team can investigate the collision, obtain police reports, gather medical records and financial documents, interview witnesses, obtain black box data, demand maintenance logs, and consult experts to build the strongest case possible.

Results That Speak for Themselves

Our track record of impressive settlements and verdicts demonstrates our commitment to securing justice and maximizing compensation for our clients. We have recovered over $2.5 billion for injured clients to date, including the highest compensatory verdict for an individual plaintiff in Illinois history and over 350 recoveries of $1 million or more.

We obtained a $17.9 million verdict for a Hillside client who was involved in a collision with a commercial truck that failed to yield at an intersection. In 2024, we won the first-ever plaintiff’s verdict in Fayette County, Illinois, a $12.2 million jury verdict on behalf of a truck driver who was injured in a collision.

A Long History of Strong Client Relationships

While we are proud of the case results we have achieved over the years, we are just as proud of the relationships we have developed with our clients in that time. Our extensive list of heartfelt testimonials

speaks volumes about what we offer, underscoring the importance of our services beyond any settlement or verdict. As one client speaks of their experience of working with us:

“I want to start by thanking everyone at the law firm. The professionalism by not only the attorneys but the staff who helped me through my case was always top notch. Special thanks to Rob Kohen and Brian Salvi. Both of these guys are the best at what they do. They made sure my future was taken care of after the trial was over. I really appreciate everything they did before, during, and after the trial.” – Jeremy D, former client

Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in Chicago

When a Chicago truck accident causes severe injuries or significant losses, our attorneys can investigate to determine whether any negligence was involved.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife crashes occur after sudden braking by the truck driver, and the truck’s trailer swings out from behind the cab into a V or L shape. These types of collisions can be devastating as they can impact multiple lanes of traffic. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 169 fatalities in jackknife crashes in a recent year.

Rollover Accident

Truck rollover accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, usually due to sharp turns, excessive speed, or improperly loaded cargo. These can be some of the most devastating semi-truck accidents in Chicago, as commercial trucks can weigh up to 40 tons.

Cargo Spill Accidents

Jackknives, rollovers, or improperly loaded cargo can result in a catastrophic cargo spill. In 2023, a chemical truck driving down U.S. 40 in Teutopolis, Illinois, jackknifed and spilled nearly 4,000 gallons of anhydrous ammonia, killing five people.

Underride Accidents

These truck-related accidents occur when a smaller vehicle gets trapped beneath the trailer of a commercial truck. These collisions are often fatal, and although there has been a rise in advocacy for more adequate underride guards in recent years, it is still common for semi-trailer trucks to lack them.

Tire Blowout Crashes

Some 18-wheeler accidents in Illinois occur when just one of the 18 tires blows out, causing the vehicle to swerve uncontrollably. On high-traffic roadways like the Dan Ryan Expressway, these incidents can quickly escalate into catastrophic and potentially deadly situations.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have blind spots on all four sides of the vehicle, often referred to as “no-zones.” If truck drivers are not careful to check these areas when changing lanes, they can easily crash into or crush a smaller vehicle.

Wide Turn Accidents

Commercial trucks take wide turns by necessity, but without proper care and technique, the truck driver may strike a car, cyclist, or pedestrian as they make their turn. Left turns are particularly dangerous, as they require the driver to cross lanes.

Negligent Truck Maintenance Crashes

Commercial trucks are required to have routine maintenance to ensure their safety on the road. When those responsible for maintaining them fail to do their job and a collision occurs, they may be liable for the resulting damage.

Improper Loading Crashes

Unbalanced or inadequately secured cargo can shift when the truck is in motion, causing a rollover or jackknife collision. When this occurs, the cargo loader may be liable.

Understanding the Factors Involved in Different Types of Truck Accidents

Commercial truck crashes happen for various reasons. Driver error or carelessness causes many collisions, but the conditions of the trucks themselves could also be to blame in some truck accident cases.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Distracted Driving – Commercial truck drivers might be distracted by cell phones, onboard radios, or unfamiliar routes, leading them to take their focus off the task of driving and endangering other motorists in their path.
  • Unsafe Passing — Truck drivers may cause collisions when they attempt to pass other vehicles in dangerous circumstances. Examples of unsafe passing could include passing in a no-passing zone, in a construction zone, without using turn signals, without checking blind spots, in an intersection, or during a period of limited visibility.
  • Inadequate Training – Operating large commercial trucks can be challenging. If someone lacks the appropriate driver training, they may not know how to properly handle large trucks or respond to potential hazards to prevent collisions.
  • Negligent and Erratic Driving — Some crashes are the result of a truck driver’s carelessness or inattention. Failing to pay attention to the road, driving aggressively, or failing to drive with caution around other vehicles and pedestrians could lead to severe and life-threatening accidents.
  • Blind Spots — Commercial trucks also have very blind spots to the sides, front, and rear of their vehicles. Truckers cannot see motorists in these areas. They must account for those drivers before making lane changes, or they could cause accidents.
  • Wide Turns — Commonly referred to as a “squeeze play” crash, commercial trucks often must swing out to their left to make right turns. Other vehicles can easily be struck when a truck driver makes a turn that is too wide.
  • Driving Under the Influence — Commercial truck drivers are held to a much higher standard when it comes to driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. Federal law sets a breath or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04 for commercial drivers, only half the legal limit for traditional drivers of passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, crashes still occur due to impaired driving, often causing fatal injuries.
  • Driver Fatigue – The trucking industry must adhere to federal rules regarding driving hours. Violating the hours-of-service rules can lead to crashes that result in catastrophic injuries to truck accident victims.
  • Mechanical Malfunction — Commercial trucks are comprised of many complicated systems and parts that are put under tremendous stress and strain on a daily basis. Truck owners or the carrier who owns the fleet must continually inspect these parts to make sure they are safe and in proper working order to avoid equipment failure that could result in devastating injuries. Accidents can result from a trucking company’s failure to maintain a vehicle, but it is also possible for a crash to be caused by a defective part, such as faulty brakes.
  • Overloading Cargo — Some companies will attempt to load excess cargo on their trailers to maximize their deliveries. When this occurs, the driver may not be able to come to a complete stop, or they could be more likely to lose control of their vehicle and possibly cause a jackknife or rollover crash.
  • Road Construction — Construction zones are common in Illinois, and these areas often see reduced speed limits and lane sizes. Such areas can also be more difficult for commercial trucks to navigate, and inattentive or inexperienced drivers may be more likely to cause collisions.
  • Severe Weather — Rain, snow, or other inclement weather has a noticeable impact on driving, but all motorists are expected to adjust their speeds and behaviors accordingly to drive safely. A truck driver who disregards the dangers of bad weather can be more likely to cause an accident under the circumstances.

Not all causes of truck accidents are immediately evident. Do not delay seeking legal representation after a commercial truck crash. Take the first step toward getting the answers you need and the justice you deserve by calling us today for legal assistance.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Crash?

It may be possible that multiple parties could be liable for your truck collision. Depending on the specific circumstances, parties that could be held liable for a truck crash include:

  • Truck drivers
  • Truck owners
  • Trucking companies
  • Truck part manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Shipping agencies
  • Cargo loading companies
  • Repair companies
  • Government entities
  • Other motorists

Negligent parties may try to deny liability following crashes that result in severe injuries and significant property damage. The at-fault driver, the company that employs the driver, and the company that insures the driver will often try to minimize fault and save themselves money.

Fortunately, our team of experienced Chicago truck accident attorneys can work quickly to identify the at-fault parties and demand that they be held accountable for their actions or inaction.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

The first thing you should do if you’ve been involved in an accident with a commercial truck is to call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Any delay in treatment could negatively impact your health and complicate any personal injury claims that you might need to file.

Take photos and videos of the crash scene, if possible. This includes the position of the vehicles, damage to the vehicles (including where the impact occurred), skid marks, road signs and conditions, your injuries, and anything else that might be relevant.

If any eyewitnesses are present, ask them for their names and phone numbers. Also, remember to obtain the name of the at-fault driver, their contact information, and any relevant insurance details.

When you cannot take these steps yourself, ask somebody you know to do this for you. Whatever you do, do not speak to any insurance company about the crash until you have an attorney.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Did you or a loved one suffer serious injuries or lose their life in a truck crash in Illinois? Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can be your fiercest advocates as you seek accountability and rightful compensation for injuries suffered in a semi-truck collision. Our respected Chicago personal injury law firm has the experience, skill, and compassion that you need on your side. We are prepared to take on commercial trucking companies and the large companies that insure them to aggressively pursue the full compensation that you deserve. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation case consultation.

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