Truck Accidents

Why Choose Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Chicago?

For over 60 years, Walner Law has been fighting for individuals and families across Chicago involved in truck and car accidents. With more than $1 billion recovered in settlements and verdicts, our track record showcases our ability to secure compensation that addresses the true toll of truck accident injuries.

Truck accident cases are often overwhelming, but at Walner Law, we’re here to make the process as seamless as possible. We listen to your story, keep you informed every step of the way, and fight for the specific compensation you need – from covering medical bills to easing the financial strain caused by missed work.

Our firm’s extensive network includes medical professionals, private investigators, and legal resources to build a solid truck accident case from start to finish. These connections allow us to gather critical evidence, work directly with healthcare providers on your behalf, and maximize the financial recovery you receive.

Life doesn’t stop after a truck crash, and neither do we. With 24/7 availability, you can contact Walner Law whenever you have questions or concerns. Whether it’s scheduling a free consultation or discussing the next steps after an accident, we’re always here for you.

What Injuries Do Truck Accidents Cause?

Accidents involving semi-trucks may cause injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Whiplash or neck injury
• Damage to internal organs
• Injuries brought on by seatbelts and airbags
• Broken and fractured bones
• Crushing injuries
• Back injury
• Facial trauma
• Amputation
• Paralysis
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Road rash
• Concussion

If you or your passengers have suffered injuries caused by truck driver negligence, speak to a Chicago truck accident lawyer as soon as possible regarding legal action.

What Causes Truck Accidents in Chicago?

Many factors can lead to a truck crash, including but not limited to:

• Driver Fatigue: Commercial truck drivers truckers may swerve, run off the road, or fail to react in time when driving fatigued. Violating state and federal regulations regarding driving hour limits may make the driver or trucking company liable for your damages and losses. Walner Law can review logs and tracking data to hold drivers or trucking companies liable.
• Improper Truck Maintenance: Skipping necessary repairs or inspections can cause brake failures or tire blowouts. Walner Law investigates maintenance records to prove negligence and strengthen your case.
• Overloading Cargo: Overloaded trucks take longer to stop and risk rollovers or equipment failure. Our firm reviews loading documentation to show how unsafe cargo contributed to your injuries.
• Aggressive Driving: Reckless actions like speeding or tailgating increase crash risks. Walner Law helps collect evidence, such as traffic footage, to demonstrate liability for dangerous driving.
• Failure to Yield: Trucks require space to merge safely, and improper yielding can lead to severe accidents. Our team examines traffic records to prove driver error and secure compensation.
• Defective Roadways: Neglected roads or poor designs can exacerbate accidents, especially for large trucks. We assess third-party liability when unsafe infrastructure contributes to your crash.
• Road Debris or Obstructions: Fallen cargo or debris presents hazards, but trained drivers should handle these safely. Walner Law reviews crash details to determine if a truck driver responded negligently.
• Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, and fog demand cautious driving. If the trucking company pressured drivers to ignore weather risks, we’ll investigate and seek accountability.

If any of these or other factors caused a truck accident, contact Walner Law. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys will work tirelessly to help recover justice and fair compensation for your injuries.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

When a tractor-trailer accident occurs, the police will likely document it with a detailed report, noting factors like weather conditions, witness statements, and possible causes of the crash.

EMTs on the scene will assess injuries and ensure you receive any necessary immediate medical care. These steps play a critical role in establishing an official record of what happened.

However, what happens at the scene is just the beginning. Protecting your right to compensation requires taking additional, deliberate actions in the days, weeks, and months after the accident. Here’s what you should focus on to strengthen your case and how a truck accident lawyer can help.

What To Do In the Days Following the Truck Accident

The steps you take in the days following the crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Here’s what you should prioritize in the critical days after the accident:

• Seek Comprehensive Medical Attention: Ensure you follow up with a doctor, even if your injuries initially seem minor. Some conditions, like brain injuries or internal damage, can take time to surface. A thorough medical record ties your injuries directly to the accident, providing crucial evidence for your claim.
• Secure a Copy of the Police Report: This document serves as an objective record of the crash and is often a key piece of evidence. Your attorney can help request this report if you struggle with doing so because of accident injuries.
• Document Your Damages: Take photographs of your injuries, vehicle damage, and anything else related to the crash. These images can help demonstrate the full extent of your losses.

By documenting your injuries and securing essential evidence from the vehicles involved, you strengthen your case and hold the truck driver or company accountable for their negligence.

Partnering with a Chicago truck accident lawyer ensures you have the support needed to maximize the compensation available under personal injury law.

What To Do In the Weeks Following the Truck Accident

Once the initial shock of the accident passes, it’s essential to stay organized and continue following through with key actions. The weeks after a truck accident present opportunities to gather more evidence, safeguard your legal interests, and protect your claim from common pitfalls.

During this time, focus on the following steps to support your case:

• Organize All Accident-Related Documents: Gather medical bills, insurance statements, and any receipts for expenses tied to the accident. This comprehensive collection of paperwork supports your claim for compensation.
• Speak Only with Your Lawyer About the Case: Insurance adjusters may contact you, and their goal is often to minimize your claim. Avoid giving statements or signing anything without consulting a Chicago truck accident attorney, who can advocate for your best interests.
• Start Tracking Missed Work and Financial Losses: If the accident impacted your ability to work, keep a detailed record of lost wages, time off, and other financial struggles. A lawyer can use this to help calculate your claim’s value.

Staying organized and cautious in the weeks following the accident strengthens your case and avoids common mistakes that could undermine your claim. A truck accident lawyer in Chicago can guide you through this process, ensuring no opportunity to recover damages is overlooked.

What To Do In the Months Following the Truck Accident

After building a strong foundation for your claim, the following months are about persistence and ensuring your long-term needs are met. Truck accident cases often take time to resolve, so you must remain focused and proactive as you recover.

Prioritize the following actions in the months ahead:

• Continue with Necessary Medical Treatments: Ongoing care, such as physical therapy or follow-up visits, shows the accident’s impact on your health. Regularly updated medical records are essential for demonstrating the long-term effects of your injuries.
• Stay in Communication with Your Lawyer: Cases involving commercial trucks are complex and time-consuming. Your lawyer will keep you updated on the progress of your claim while ensuring that deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.

By maintaining your commitment to treatment and staying in close contact with your legal team, you demonstrate the seriousness of your injuries and your dedication to securing fair compensation.

These steps strengthen your truck accident claim and help underscore the negligence of the truck driver or company. Partnering with an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer ensures you have a strong advocate working to maximize your compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Types of Truck Accidents

Override Accidents

When the front of a massive truck runs over passenger cars, the results devastate everyone involved. Override accidents often happen at intersections, in traffic jams, or during sudden stops. Common factors causing these crashes include:

• Failing to maintain brakes, leading to failure

• Following other vehicles too closely

• Overloading cargo, making it harder to stop quickly

• Driving recklessly or while distracted

Truck companies and drivers who disregard safety risk causing severe harm. Walner Law identifies their negligence and fights for your full compensation.

Underride Accidents

Underride crashes happen when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck, often tearing the roof off the car. These accidents frequently occur during lane changes, sharp turns, or quick stops. Key causes include:

• Failing to install or maintain underride guards

• Driving in low visibility without proper lighting

• Changing lanes without signaling

• Slamming on brakes in active traffic lanes

Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for preventing such deadly scenarios. Walner Law uses evidence and strategic legal tactics to hold the at-fault parties responsible for what you’ve suffered.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident leaves the truck’s cab and trailer at an angle, blocking traffic and causing chaos. These accidents typically result from:

• Excessive braking by the driver

• Driving on slippery or uneven surfaces

• Loading cargo incorrectly, creating weight imbalances

• Skipping essential safety training

Truckers and their employers must prioritize proper training and safety checks. Walner Law builds powerful claims to secure justice for victims like you.

Rollover Accidents

When a truck tips over, it can crush nearby vehicles or cause widespread damage. Rollover accidents often happen on highways or sharp curves due to:

• Speeding on curves or narrow roads

• Loading cargo improperly, causing instability

• Ignoring tire maintenance, leading to blowouts

• Executing sudden or extreme steering maneuvers

Negligence by truck drivers or companies contributes directly to these catastrophic accidents. Walner Law fights to recover compensation for the harm caused to victims.

Blind Spot Accidents

Blind spot accidents happen when a truck driver fails to notice vehicles in their limited visibility zones. These crashes often occur during lane changes or turns and result from:

• Ignoring mirrors or blind spot warnings

• Failing to outfit trucks with proper mirrors or sensors

• Changing lanes aggressively or without caution

Truckers must account for their vehicle’s blind spots to protect other drivers. When they don’t, Walner Law helps victims demand accountability for their injuries and losses.

Rear-End Accidents

Rear-end collisions with trucks are particularly devastating due to their size and weight. These crashes frequently happen in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions and result from:

• Driving distracted or without attention to traffic patterns

• Following vehicles too closely in tight spaces

• Speeding on slippery roads in poor weather

Truckers must adjust their driving to match conditions and ensure public safety. Walner Law works efficiently to prove negligence and recover damages for victims.

Wide Turn Accidents

Large truck drivers need extra space to execute wide turns safely, but miscalculations or poor practices often lead to accidents. Wide turn crashes frequently happen at intersections or in tight places because of:

• Failing to signal or warn nearby drivers

• Cutting off adjacent lanes during turns

• Neglecting proper training for maneuvering large trucks

Poor judgment or training by drivers directly puts others at risk. Walner Law proves these errors and fights for the justice accident victims deserve.

Trucking companies and drivers have an obligation to prioritize safety. When their negligence causes serious injuries or fatalities, victims need strong legal advocates. Walner Law works tirelessly to hold them accountable and secure compensation for your losses.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer ensures you can seek compensation for the economic and non-economic damages you’ve suffered. This compensation may include, but is not limited to:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for all past and future medical costs, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost Wages: Recovery for income lost while unable to work and diminished earning capacity if the injuries impact future job prospects.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle and other personal belongings.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages awarded for how the injuries negatively impact your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies.
• Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent physical impairments or disfigurements resulting from semi truck crashes.
• Out-of-pocket Costs: These include everyday expenses tied to the accident, such as transportation for medical appointments, over-the-counter medications, and childcare while you recover.

Several critical factors are considered to determine the value of a claim. These factors highlight the specific losses you’ve endured and the extent of the truck driver or company’s liability. Considerations in truck crash cases often include:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries

• The total cost of current and future medical expenses

• The degree of negligence by the truck driver or company

• The impact of the accident on your ability to work and live independently

• The strength of the evidence supporting your claim

At Walner Law, our legal team thoroughly investigates every aspect of your case to pursue the full damages you deserve. We are here to fight for you whether you’ve experienced financial loss, emotional hardship, or physical suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you move forward.

How Can A Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer Help My Case?

Pursuing compensation after a truck accident can feel overwhelming. Victims often face uncooperative insurance companies, negligent trucking firms, and complex legal issues. Without the right guidance, it’s easy to feel lost or to settle for far less than you deserve.

This is where an experienced Chicago truck accident lawyer can prove invaluable thanks to legal support that includes:

• Analyzing the Accident: A lawyer can help gather and analyze evidence and accident circumstances. By looking at crash reports, black box data, and eyewitness statements, a strong case for compensation can be presented to an insurance company.
• Identifying Liable Parties: Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, such as the driver, trucking company, or maintenance providers. Your attorney will identify all those responsible for your losses and fight to hold them accountable for the losses you have suffered.
• Communicating with Insurers: Lawyers handle all negotiations with insurance companies determined to minimize payouts, ensuring you aren’t pressured into accepting unfair offers.
• Calculating Damages: An attorney assesses the full extent of your financial, physical, and emotional damages so you pursue the maximum compensation possible.
• Ensuring Compliance with Legal Deadlines: Your lawyer ensures all paperwork and filings meet strict legal deadlines to protect your case. Failure to file a claim within the two-year statute of limitations could mean you don’t receive compensation from the at-fault party.
• Representing You in Court: If settlement negotiations fail, your attorney is prepared to fight for your rights, presenting a compelling case to secure fair compensation.

Hiring the right personal injury lawyer gives you peace of mind, knowing your personal injury claim is in experienced hands. At Walner Law, we’re dedicated to helping truck accident victims in Chicago recover the compensation they deserve.

Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Commercial Truck Accident Attorney?

At Walner Law, we know financial strain can be overwhelming after a truck or auto accident. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing for legal services unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs.

When Should I Contact a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer?

The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better. Key evidence can disappear quickly after a crash, and trucking companies often start building their defense immediately. By connecting with a Chicago truck accident attorney early on, you can ensure your rights are protected from the start.

My Loved One Died in a Truck Accident. Can a Lawyer Help?

Yes. A Chicago truck accident lawyer can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages like funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of your loss. We’re here to stand by your family during this difficult time.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Every truck accident claim is unique. The timeline depends on factors like the accident’s complexity and the insurance companies’ willingness to settle. Rest assured, our team works diligently to move your personal injury lawsuit forward without sacrificing the compensation you deserve.

What Evidence Do I Need to Support My Truck Accident Claim?

Strong evidence is crucial to personal injury cases. This includes photos of the crash, medical records, witness testimonies, and trucking company documentation. However, gathering and preserving this evidence can be complicated. That’s why our firm takes on this burden, so you can focus on your recovery.

Walner Law | Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys Ready To Fight For You

You don’t have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, you have rights—and a Chicago personal injury lawyer is here to help you exercise them.

With decades of experience, a history of securing significant settlements, and a compassionate team that listens to your needs, you can trust us to stand by your side every step of the way.

Don’t wait to take action. Every moment matters when it comes to preserving evidence and building your case. Contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer from Walner Law online or at 555-555-555 to schedule a free consultation.