Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, & Other Areas in Illinois

The Chicago truck accident lawyers at Coplan + Crane can help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve after a serious truck accident injury. For 20 years, our experienced attorneys have helped accident victims recover the justice and compensation they deserved after being hurt in a serious truck crash.

No matter what you call them—semi-trucks, big rigs, tractor-trailers, or 18-wheelers—these massive commercial vehicles are a common sight on the road. However, their sheer size and weight make them especially dangerous in a crash. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, dwarfing the average passenger vehicle, which typically weighs between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds. This extreme difference means that when collisions happen, the results are often devastating, leading to severe injuries and tragic loss of life.

Contact Coplan + Crane today online or at 312-982-0588 for a FREE case review. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers serve clients in Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, and other areas of Illinois.

What Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

If you were injured in a serious truck accident, you deserve to be compensated for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. A Chicago truck accident attorney can help you fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve

“Damages” is the legal term for the losses you may be able to recover if you suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence. Recoverable damages in a truck accident claim may include:

• Medical expenses (both the bills you face now as well as the cost of treatment, therapy, etc. in the future)
• Lost wages and benefits
• Loss of earning capacity (i.e., the loss of future income and benefits if you are unable to work due to your truck accident injuries)
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses, such as the cost of hiring home healthcare workers and household service providers, modifications to your home and vehicle, assistive devices, travel for medical care and rehabilitation, etc.)
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

Truck accidents are sometimes caused by egregious and intentional misconduct. If this is the case, you may also be entitled to punitive damages.

Punitive damages represent additional compensation awarded to a plaintiff as a means of punishing a defendant. To recover punitive damages, you must “show by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s conduct was with evil motive or with a reckless and outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm and with a conscious indifference to the rights and safety of others.”

Because of the burden of proof, punitive damages awards are uncommon. However, if the evidence shows that an “evil motive” or “reckless and outrageous indifference” was a factor in the truck accident, our lawyers will aggressively pursue the maximum amount of compensation on your behalf.

If your loved one died in a truck accident, our trucking accident lawyers can file a wrongful death claim on your behalf. You and your family may be entitled to the following damages:

• Expenses related to a funeral service and burial or cremation
• Loss of economic support
• Grief and sorrow
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

Whether you are seriously injured or a loved one is hurt or killed in a truck accident, you should not have to settle for less. Truck accident lawyers at Coplan + Crane are results-driven advocates for those who have suffered severe losses due to the negligence of truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties.

Our goal is to win the full compensation you deserve for all of your damages. We draw upon extensive experience to assess the value of your case. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to reach a fair settlement, or file a lawsuit and go to trial if that’s what it takes to maximize your recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

In Illinois, all personal injury, wrongful death, and product liability claims must be filed within 2 years. This is known as the statute of limitations, and it represents the length of time you have to file suit after a truck accident.

Most accident claims are settled out of court without the need to file a lawsuit. However, the complicated liability issues and extensive damages in truck accident claims make these cases more likely to go to trial.

Given the limited time you have to bring a claim and the challenges involved in investigating and litigating truck accident cases, it is in your best interest to speak to a Chicago truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Coplan + Crane can start building your claim immediately and take prompt legal action so you don’t miss your opportunity for compensation.

Why You Should Hire a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer at Coplan + Crane

Simply put, the victims of semi-truck accidents are ill-equipped to handle claims on their own. The extent of injuries, the high value of damages, and the aggressiveness with which insurers dispute these claims all make it difficult – if not impossible – to achieve a favorable outcome on your own.

When you consult the truck accident attorneys at Coplan + Crane, our team will take the time to answer all of your truck accident questions. Your initial consultation is FREE, which means you can seek qualified legal advice without having to worry about incurring additional costs.

Our truck accident lawyers will handle your case on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront, and you only owe us a percentage of the recovery when we succeed. If your claim is unsuccessful, you don’t owe us any fees.

Deciding to hire a truck accident attorney is the best way to protect your rights. While you recover from your injuries and try to adjust to “the new normal,” the team at Coplan + Crane will:

• Investigate the cause of the truck accident
• Gather all relevant evidence, such as photos, witness statements, accident reports, paper and electronic records, etc.
• Identify all liable parties and the available insurance coverage
• Communicate with your doctors and other medical experts to determine the seriousness of your injuries and how they will affect your life
• Evaluate the amount of compensation you may be due for your current and future losses

With all of this information in hand, our truck accident lawyers can represent you effectively in settlement negotiations and/or at trial. Some of the results achieved by the Chicago truck accident lawyers at Coplan + Crane include:

$15 million trial verdict for fatigued truck driver accident resulting in fatality

$11.5 million settlement for family of three due to truck accident resulting in wrongful death and serious injury

$2.5 million for family of truck driver killed in head-on collision with another semi-truck

$1.575 million settlement for the driver of a garbage truck injured in a crash with a disabled 18-wheeler

$1.486 million jury verdict for the wrongful death of a senior citizen in a truck accident

No two cases are identical, and we cannot guarantee a similar outcome. However, these results demonstrate our history of success in handling truck accident claims.

Our experience includes representing innocent motorists who have been injured in truck accidents and families who have lost loved ones in tractor-trailer crashes. We are also proud to serve truck drivers who have been injured through no fault of their own in the course of a haul.

Insurance companies recognize our skill as negotiators, as well as our willingness to go to trial. Both of these aspects of our reputation enable the Chicago trucking accident attorneys at Coplan + Crane to achieve superior outcomes on our clients’ behalf.

Truck Accident Statistics

Semi-trucks play a crucial role in transportation and commerce, but their size, weight, and cargo make them some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. When accidents involving large commercial trucks occur, the consequences can be devastating, especially for the occupants of smaller vehicles.

According to the 2022 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics Report by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):

• Total Truck Accidents: 11,922 crashes involved tractor-trailers, accounting for 4% of all crashes statewide.
• Fatal Truck Accidents: 155 crashes resulted in fatalities—a 31.4% increase from the previous year.
• Serious Injuries: 343 crashes led to “A-injuries,” which are severe injuries that prevent victims from walking, driving, or resuming normal activities.
• Location of Crashes: The majority of truck accidents occurred on interstate and toll roads, where high speeds and heavy traffic increase the risk of serious collisions.

Who Suffers the Most?

• Occupants of Other Vehicles:
  • 82% of all truck accident fatalities were people in passenger vehicles.
  • 75% of A-injury crashes involved non-truck occupants.
    
• Truck Drivers:
  • Represented only 16% of fatalities in truck crashes.

Truck accidents affect more than statistics—they impact real lives. With fatalities and severe injuries on the rise, awareness, improved safety regulations, and legal accountability are crucial to protecting drivers and preventing future tragedies.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seeking the guidance of an experienced truck accident lawyer can help navigate the complexities of liability, insurance, and compensation.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

Semi-trucks are among the most dangerous vehicles on the road due to their size, weight, and long hours in operation. When a big rig crashes, the results can be devastating, especially for passenger vehicles, which accounted for 82% of all fatalities in truck accidents in 2022.

According to the 2022 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics Report, truck accidents accounted for 4% of all crashes statewide, with 155 resulting in fatalities and 343 leading to severe injuries (A-injuries). A combination of driver errors, trucking company pressure, and poor vehicle maintenance often contributes to these crashes.

Speeding

Excessive speed is a leading factor in truck accidents, involved in 43.8% of all fatal crashes statewide. Large commercial vehicles require significantly more distance to slow down or stop, and speeding makes it harder for drivers to maintain control, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes, jackknifes, and rollovers.

Truck Driver Fatigue & Hours of Service Violations

Long hours on the road push truck drivers to the limits of exhaustion, making fatigue a major contributor to crashes. Federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are designed to reduce fatigue-related accidents, requiring:

• A 30-minute rest break after 8 hours of driving.
• A maximum of 11 hours of driving per day, followed by 10 hours off duty.
• A cap of 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days, with a required 34-hour reset.

Unfortunately, violations of these regulations are common, with many trucking companies pressuring drivers to exceed safe driving limits. Fatigue-related crashes are particularly deadly, as exhausted drivers experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and even microsleeps—brief lapses in consciousness that can result in catastrophic collisions.

Distracted Driving

Operating an 18-wheeler requires full concentration, yet distracted driving remains a major issue. Many truck accidents occur because drivers attempt to multitask behind the wheel. Common distractions include:

• Texting, calling, or using apps
• Checking GPS or reading maps
• Eating, drinking, or smoking
• Using onboard computers or radios

Cell phone records, onboard tracking data, and dashcams can provide evidence of distracted driving, which can be critical in proving negligence. Once you have hired a lawyer for truck accident, you can begin your journey toward the compensation you deserve for someone else’s distracted driving.

Work Zone Accidents

Work zones create dangerous conditions for truck drivers, where lane shifts, sudden stops, and narrow roadways increase the risk of crashes. In 2022, 6% of all fatal truck accidents occurred in work zones, underscoring the dangers of navigating construction-heavy areas with limited space to maneuver.

Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trailers

The legal weight limit for a fully loaded semi-truck is 80,000 pounds, but some trucking companies cut corners by overloading trailers to maximize profits. Excess weight can:

• Increase braking distance, leading to runaway truck accidents.
• Make the truck unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers and jackknifes.
• Cause cargo shifts, which can make a truck suddenly veer into other lanes.

Improper cargo distribution can also create imbalance issues, making it difficult for drivers to maintain control, especially in high-speed or emergency maneuvers.

Alcohol & Impairment

Truck drivers are held to stricter federal alcohol and drug testing requirements, but impairment still plays a role in fatal crashes. In 2022, eight truck drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for alcohol. While the percentage is lower than for passenger vehicles, even small amounts of impairment can significantly reduce reaction time and judgment, putting everyone on the road at risk.

If trucking companies fail to conduct proper drug and alcohol screenings, they may also be liable for accidents caused by an impaired driver.

Poor Truck Maintenance & Equipment Failures

A commercial truck’s safety depends on regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs. In many cases, brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions result from negligence by one or more parties:

• Truck Owners – Must ensure the vehicle is properly serviced.
• Maintenance Technicians – Must perform thorough inspections and necessary repairs.
• Truck Drivers – Are required to inspect their rigs before each trip.

If a critical mechanical failure contributed to an accident, multiple parties—including trucking companies, maintenance providers, or manufacturers—may share liability.

What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

Commercial trucks come in many shapes and sizes. As a result, the types of truck accidents in and around the Chicago area vary depending on the vehicles involved.

Some of the most common truck accidents we see at Coplan + Crane include:

• Jackknife accidents: Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer pivots to the side of the truck. Speeding, sudden braking, and other errors on the part of the driver are common causes of jackknife accidents.
• Turning accidents: Errors when executing a turn (such as taking a corner too quickly or allowing insufficient room for the trailer) can lead to vehicles on either side of the semi getting hit.
• Rollover and tip-over accidents: Large trucks often tip and roll as a result of overloading or cargo that is poorly balanced. These issues, combined with negligence on the part of the driver, can lead to accidents with other vehicles.
• Blind spot accidents: Semi-trucks have enormous blind spots (sometimes called “no zones”) in the front, back, and on both sides of the truck and trailer. Although motorists should exercise caution in order to stay visible to the truck driver, truck drivers are ultimately responsible for checking their blind spots and ensuring that other vehicles aren’t in danger when they brake, change lanes, etc.
• Underride accidents: An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped in the space beneath the trailer. The limited clearance typically results in fatal injuries to the occupants of the car.

Whether you were struck by a vehicle on the Dan Ryan Expressway or I-90, hurt in a collision along Lake Shore Drive, hit by a speeding driver on the Eisenhower Expressway or US Route 41, or involved in a crash elsewhere in the Chicago area, finding a reputable truck accident lawyer is essential to securing the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Injuries in Truck Accidents

Serious injuries are the norm in the wake of a truck accident. Multiple victims may experience physical trauma, permanent disability, chronic pain, and psychological dysfunction as a result of a collision with a semi-truck.

Injuries that commonly occur in truck accidents include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Other injuries to the neck and back, including severe whiplash, disc herniation, etc.
• Broken bones
• Severe burns
• Amputation injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Damage to internal organs

Each of these injuries constitutes a medical emergency. Your first priority after any truck accident should be to seek medical attention (you may be transported to the hospital directly from the scene).

As you recover from your injuries, the truck accident lawyers at Coplan + Crane can investigate the accident on your behalf. Our team will communicate with you throughout the course of your case to account for all of the damages you have sustained, as well as to ensure that you have the support you need. But you need to act quickly. The clock may already be ticking on your case.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

One of the major differences between truck accident claims and other cases involving vehicle accidents is the complexity of liability. Unlike the “average” car accident claim, the driver is often not the only party responsible for the crash.

Truck accident attorneys at Coplan + Crane will examine the evidence and identify all of the parties that may be held liable. This may include:

• The truck driver: The driver of the semi-truck is the obvious place to start when determining who is responsible. We will draw upon a wide range of forensic and documentary evidence to establish how negligence on the part of the truck driver led to the accident.
• The trucking company: Investigation of company records may reveal a number of errors or a pattern of wrongdoing that contributed to the truck accident. Our team will scrutinize hiring and training practices, maintenance logs, and much more to develop a strategy for holding the trucking company accountable.
• The truck or parts manufacturer: If the truck accident was caused by a defective part or component, you may be able to bring a defective product claim against the manufacturer. Multiple parties may be involved in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of a defective part, and it is important to identify all of the potentially liable parties.
• The loading or shipping company: Third-party companies typically handle the loading of cargo before a truck driver takes to the road. Errors on the part of these companies can increase the risk of collisions as well as cause objects to fall into the road and potentially lead to an accident.
• A fleet mechanic or service provider: If the owner of the truck and/or the trailer hires a third party to perform maintenance and repairs, the mechanic or company may be liable for accidents stemming from the failure of the rig.

It is also important to consider the role that parties outside of the trucking industry may have played in the accident. For example, the careless driver of another vehicle could cause the truck driver to make evasive maneuvers, resulting in a chain reaction that ends in a crash.

Road hazards are another potential cause of truck accidents. If this is the case, a government entity may be liable for failing to maintain the road where the accident occurred.

When Does a Truck Accident Need to Be Reported in Illinois? 

The Illinois State Police has guidelines for reporting truck crashes within the state:

• All crash reports must be filed within ten days of the accident.
• For insured drivers, the accident must be reported if the property damage exceeds $1500.
• Uninsured drivers have to report the accident if the value of the property damage is above $500.
• If the crash resulted in bodily harm or death.
• If the truck was carrying hazardous materials when it was involved in the accident, the truck driver will be required to fill out a separate Incident Report Form 5800.1 in keeping with the Hazardous Materials Regulations. This must be submitted within 30 days of the incident.

What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

Many attorneys handle claims involving auto accidents. Some may even have a few truck accident claims under their belts. However, a truck accident lawyer is a professional who can dedicate a significant portion of their legal practice to representing the victims of 18-wheeler collisions.

Coplan + Crane is dedicated to winning for those who have lost. Our Chicago truck accident lawyers have recovered multi-million-dollar results on behalf of clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in 18-wheeler crashes. We have the experience, knowledge, and resources to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Truck accident litigation is very different from other types of accident claims. Lawyers who are serious about these cases must:

• Perform in-depth investigations of accident scenes that frequently involve multiple vehicles and victims
• Investigate the trucking company to determine how corporate wrongdoing contributed to the accident 
• Know the complicated federal regulations and state laws that govern the trucking industry
• Understand the complex liability common in truck accident claims – multiple parties may be at fault, and it is up to the lawyer to determine how
• Be well-versed in the serious and catastrophic injuries that frequently occur in truck accidents
• Have the advanced knowledge and resources to hire the right experts and apply their testimony to the theory of the case
• Calculate the full extent of damages suffered by truck accident victims – losses are often significantly higher in these cases than in other types of vehicle accident claims
• Negotiate on behalf of clients with large and powerful defendants and insurance companies
• If necessary, prepare the client’s case for trial and present it in court

Attorneys who can perform each of these activities successfully are the ones who provide superior representation to the victims of truck accidents. Coplan + Crane has achieved millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of those who have been seriously injured and lost family members in collisions involving big rigs.

Contact a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Today

At Coplan + Crane, we are passionate about winning for those who have lost. We dedicate a significant portion of our practice to serving those who have suffered injury and other losses as a result of trucking accidents.

Don’t wait to pursue the justice you and your family deserve. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys have extensive experience with a wide variety of accident claims involving commercial vehicles, and we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Please call Coplan + Crane at 312-982-0588 today for a FREE case evaluation. Our trucking accident attorneys serve clients throughout Illinois, including Chicago, Oak Park, Rockford, and more.