Chicago Truck and Semi Accident Lawyers

Chicago sits at the center of the nation’s freight network. Semi-trucks crowd I-90, I-294, and I-55 at practically all hours, while delivery trucks, box trucks, and garbage trucks constantly work the city streets. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, nearly 20 times more than a typical passenger car. When a truck that size happens to collide with a car, the people in the smaller vehicle almost always take the worst of it.

Semi-truck crashes often leave people with serious injuries, financial stress, and emotional trauma. They also differ from ordinary car accidents, as the truck driver is a professional who must follow strict federal safety rules, and the company behind the truck usually has lawyers and insurers working to limit what it pays. You need a team that will stand on your side in this situation.

A Firm That Takes Trucking Companies to Trial

Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. has represented Chicagoans injured in serious accidents since 1978. As part of our personal injury practice, we have represented drivers and passengers hit by semis, as well as families who lost loved ones in trucking crashes. We take care to prepare each case as one that may end up in front of a jury, knowing that trucking and insurance companies tend to offer more when they know the other side is ready for trial.

Who We Represent After a Truck Crash

We know just how severe truck accidents can be. Our firm can help when:

• You were hit by a semi-truck, commercial vehicle, or other large truck.
• You were hurt in a jackknife, rollover, sideswipe, or work-zone crash, or were a victim of dangerous truck maneuvers.
• You were hit by an unsafe, fatigued, distracted, or overworked truck driver.
• You were hurt as a result of unsecured cargo, truck defects, or maintenance failures.
• Your truck accident may involve more than one responsible party.
• You need help preserving truck crash evidence.
• Your family lost someone in a fatal truck accident.

However your situation may have played out, our attorneys can review every detail and explain the options Illinois law may give you.

Building a Truck Accident Case

Truck accidents are often the result of drivers who are impaired, fatigued, distracted, or rushing to make a delivery, and may also be impacted by blind spots, mechanical defects, inappropriately loaded cargo, and improper training or hiring. A strong case shows which rules were broken and who had the power to prevent the crash.

Federal Rules for Truck Drivers and Carriers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets safety rules for commercial trucks. These rules give us clear standards for the driver’s and the company’s conduct regarding hours of service (HOS), drug and alcohol consumption, truck inspections and maintenance, cargo loading, and insurance coverage. A violation of one of these rules can be powerful evidence of negligence to help your case.

What You Can Recover

People hurt by a negligent truck driver or company can typically seek compensation for:

• Current and future medical bills,
• Lost wages,
• Reduced future earning ability,
• Pain and suffering,
• Disfigurement, and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault, though your award will be reduced by your share of the blame. Trucking insurers often try to push fault onto the other driver, which is why an attorney’s careful investigation and advocacy on your behalf can be so critical.

Why Choose Us for Your Truck Accident Case?

Trucking companies and their insurers often prepare for these cases from the moment a crash happens. Here is how we level the field for our clients:

• We go past the first explanation: Our investigations go deep to find the real reasons behind a crash.
• We go to trial when an offer falls short: When trucking companies fail to offer a sufficient settlement, we do not hesitate to take cases to court.
• We help with today’s needs: A lawsuit can take time, and we’ll work to make sure you’re taken care of even while your case is still pending.
• You know who your lawyer is: The attorney who takes your call stays with your case and answers your questions directly.
• Injury and work claims in one place: Because we also handle workers’ compensation, truck drivers and other workers hurt on the job can pursue both types of claims with the same legal team.
• No fee unless we recover for you: You owe us nothing if we do not win.

We bring the same level of preparation and dedication to every case and client we represent.

Get Answers From a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer

Recovering from a truck crash takes time and energy you should not have to spend fighting a trucking company’s insurer. Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd. can take that fight off your hands while you focus on your health and your family. We represent truck accident victims throughout Chicago and the rest of Illinois, and your first meeting with us is free. Contact our office today to talk with an attorney about your crash.

FAQs About Truck Accidents in Illinois