EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers
Top Accident Attorneys in Chicago Help Victims and Families Seek Justice and Compensation After a Semi-Truck Crash
Truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on Illinois roads. When a car and a semi-truck collide, the consequences are almost always catastrophic. Victims suffer serious injuries, permanent disabilities, or tragically lose their lives.
Unlike routine car accidents, truck crashes involve complex investigations, powerful corporate defendants, and high-stakes litigation. Victims and families need strong legal representation to secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of six award-winning Chicago trucking accident attorneys brings over 90 years of combined experience to every case. We fight for victims here in Chicago and across Illinois — holding negligent truck drivers and companies accountable.
Why Truck Accidents Are More Dangerous Than Car Accidents
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs about 3,000 pounds. The massive size and weight difference means truck accidents cause far more serious injuries and fatalities than typical car crashes.
Additional dangers for 18 wheelers include:
- Longer stopping distances
- Higher impact forces
- Greater risk of rollovers and jackknifes
- Hazardous materials increasing the risk of explosions or fires
Victims of truck crashes often face life-changing injuries that demand experienced legal help.
Common Causes of Chicago Truck Accidents
Truck crashes happen for many reasons, but most involve preventable negligence:
- Driver Fatigue: Truckers sometimes drive beyond legal Hours of Service limits, leading to deadly fatigue.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using GPS, or eating while driving massively increases crash risk.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Shifting loads can cause tipping or jackknifing.
- Mechanical Failures: Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or steering systems are deadly hazards.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, or aggressive lane changes cause fatal accidents.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or snow make massive trucks even harder to control.
Our Firm’s Real-World Truck Accident Cases
Our Chicago personal injury firm has successfully handled some of the most heartbreaking truck accident cases in Illinois. Here are just a few examples:
1. Semi-Truck Sideswipes Car and Flees the Scene
Our client, a hard-working professional, was driving home from work when a semi-truck struck the side of his vehicle on Route 59. The truck driver fled the scene. Our client suffered a serious shoulder injury requiring surgery. We identified the trucking company using surveillance footage and secured a substantial settlement covering medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
2. Semi Rear-Ends Car, Injuring Husband and Wife
A husband and wife were stopped in traffic on I-88 when a semi-truck slammed into their vehicle at high speed. Both sustained serious spinal and neck injuries requiring long-term treatment. We fought aggressively and secured a major settlement that helped them rebuild their lives.
3. Propane Truck Crash Kills Child and Injures Mother
A propane delivery truck collided with a family’s car at an uncontrolled intersection. A young girl was tragically killed, and her mother suffered catastrophic injuries, including fractures and internal trauma. Our firm pursued a wrongful death claim, seeking justice for the loss of a child.
4. Semi Fails to Stop at Uncontrolled Intersection, Killing Mother
Our client’s mother was lawfully driving through an intersection when a semi-truck failed to yield and plowed through, injuring her and causing her eventual death. We uncovered evidence of the driver’s negligence, leading to his failure to stop. A substantial wrongful death settlement brought justice and financial security to her grieving family.
Common Injuries After Chicago Truck Accidents
Truck accident victims often suffer catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Complex Fractures and Broken Bones
- Severe Burns
- Internal Organ Damage
- Amputations
- Wrongful Death
Medical bills, rehabilitation, and long-term care costs can be overwhelming — and often permanent.
What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Chicago
If you are involved in a truck crash:
- Seek Medical Care Immediately: Even unseen injuries can be life-threatening.
- Call Law Enforcement: Call the Chicago Police Department and file a police report.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of vehicles, injuries, and skid marks.
- Don’t Talk to Trucking Insurers: They want to minimize their liability.
- Contact a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Right Away: A Chicago semi-truck injury attorney will help protect your rights and preserve evidence.
How Truck Accident Claims Work in Chicago
Truck accident claims involve complex factors:
- Federal Trucking Regulations: Commercial trucks are governed by FMCSA rules and regulations.
- Multiple Liable Parties: Driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or truck manufacturers.
- Aggressive Defense Tactics: Trucking companies move fast to hide evidence to deny your legitimate injury claim.
At John J. Malm & Associates, our skilled Chicago truck accident lawyers know how to uncover and preserve critical evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.
Factors That Affect Chicago Truck Accident Settlement Value
Several key factors influence truck accident compensation:
- Severity of Injuries and long-term disability
- Medical Costs (past and future)
- Lost Wages and Loss of Future Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Consortium (for families in wrongful death cases)
- Punitive Damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Truck crash cases often settle for significantly higher amounts than regular car accidents due to the seriousness of the injuries involved.
Why You Need a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck crashes are very different from typical car accidents. As Chicago truck accident attorney John J. Malm explains: “Truck accident cases are unlike any other vehicle crash. From the complex investigation into the trucking company’s safety violations to the aggressive litigation needed to uncover the truth, every step demands specialized skill. Victims deserve a legal team that understands how to fight — and win — against the trucking industry.”
You deserve a team with experience in serious trucking cases here in Chicago.
How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help With Your Chicago Truck Accident Lawsuit
At John J. Malm & Associates, we are proud to represent truck accident victims throughout Illinois.
- Over 90 years of combined legal experience
- Six award-winning attorneys
- Record of large verdicts and settlements
- Deep resources and personalized client service
We work with investigators, accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economists to fully document every aspect of your loss — and maximize your recovery.
FAQs About Chicago Truck Accident Cases
1. What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
Get medical help, report the accident, document everything, and call an attorney.
2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?
Generally two years from the date of the accident.
3. Who can be sued after a truck crash?
Truck driver, trucking company, cargo company, maintenance provider, or parts manufacturer.
4. What damages can I recover?
Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, wrongful death damages.
5. Why are truck accident cases harder to win than car accidents?
They involve complex regulations, corporate defendants, and aggressive legal defense teams.
6. How much is my truck accident case worth?
It depends on the severity of injuries, liability proof, and economic losses.
7. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact the Award-Winning Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how devastating a truck crash — or the loss of a loved one — can be. Our experienced team of Chicago 18-wheeler accident attorneys is here to help you recover the full compensation you deserve and rebuild your life.
With over 90 years of combined legal experience and a proven record of success, we proudly serve clients across Illinois. We offer convenient office locations to better serve you — so you can meet with an experienced attorney quickly, easily, and comfortably. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 844-MALMLAW or visit www.malmlegal.com to get started.