At LoVerde Law, our Chicago truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims and their families secure justice after devastating crashes. Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when they collide with passenger vehicles, the consequences are often life-changing.
These cases require experienced legal guidance and that’s where we step in.
Our team fights to recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and the long-term impact of your injuries. Truck accident cases are often complex, involving multiple parties and layers of liability, but our attorneys have the knowledge and proven track record to handle them. We’ve recovered millions for clients, and you won’t pay any fees unless we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait evidence can disappear quickly. Contact LoVerde Law today for a free case evaluation and the support you deserve.
Truck accident claims require specialized legal skills that many accident lawyers lack. These cases involve federal regulations and multiple insurance companies, and trucking companies have legal teams ready to fight your claim. We level the playing field for accident victims who deserve fair compensation, and our Chicago truck accident attorneys know how complex commercial truck crashes can be.
Unlike typical car crashes, truck accident cases involve additional layers of regulation. The FMCSA imposes unique rules on truck drivers and companies that don’t apply to passenger vehicles. When they break these rules, it strengthens your case, and these cases require lawyers to understand the following:
Truck collision cases need lawyers who understand trucking regulations and industry practices, and we know how to find violations that caused your accident.
Understanding the causes of truck crashes helps us build stronger cases for our clients. Common causes include:
Federal rules limit how long truck drivers can work without rest. Drivers must follow Hours of Service rules that require breaks at set intervals.
We prove driver fatigue by checking electronic logs and witness statements. These show signs of drowsy driving before the truck crash happened.
Commercial trucks need much longer distances to stop than passenger cars. A loaded semi-truck going 65 mph needs nearly 200 yards to stop.
When truck drivers speed or drive too fast for conditions, they cannot avoid hitting other vehicles, and overloaded trucks make stopping even more difficult and can lead to tire failures. Common maintenance issues include:
We check shipping records and weigh station data to prove weight violations. Poor maintenance also causes accidents when companies skip required repairs to save money.
The steps you take after a truck collision affect your ability to get compensation later. We guide clients through essential steps while warning them about mistakes that damage claims, and quick action helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Your safety comes first after any motor vehicle accident. A few key steps to follow include:
Insurance companies for trucking companies will call you quickly after the accident. They seem helpful, but they want to protect their profits, not help you. Common mistakes include:
Insurance carriers know you're facing medical bills and lost wages. They pressure you to accept little money before you know how bad your injuries really are.
Trucking firms employ legal teams to minimize payouts to accident victims. Without legal assistance, you're fighting a battle where they have all the advantages. What do you need to know?
Large trucking companies use smart strategies to avoid paying for accidents their drivers cause.
These companies often claim their drivers work as independent contractors to avoid responsibility.
They may blame accident victims for causing the crash or say road conditions were the real problem. We are aware of these tactics and counter them with thorough investigations.
Your claim may include money for:
Your claim may include money for medical bills, lost income, future earnings, and pain. In cases of truck driver negligence or company violations, you may get punitive damages, too.
The trucking industry follows strict state and federal regulations designed to keep dangerous drivers off the roads. Federal Motor Carrier Safety rules are complex but powerful tools for proving fault.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies to keep detailed records about drivers, vehicles, and operations. Key regulations include:
When we find violations of these requirements, it proves that the company or driver was negligent. Common violations include hiring unqualified drivers or failing to complete required inspections.
Federal law requires truck drivers to use Electronic Logging Devices that track driving time automatically. These devices prevent drivers from falsifying paper logs to conceal violations. When drivers or companies tamper with electronic logs, it suggests they have intentionally broken the rules.
We examine data to find violations that led to your accident. Drivers who work too many hours without rest are more likely to cause accidents.
The size difference between commercial trucks and passenger cars means that truck accidents often cause severe injuries that can last a lifetime. Understanding the types of injuries helps us build cases that accurately reflect the real impact on victims and their families.
Sometimes, truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries.
These accidents need specialized medical treatment from teams of doctors.
Recovery takes months or years, and many victims never get back to normal. Medical expenses alone can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. These injuries require immediate emergency care and long-term rehabilitation.
Many truck accident victims face permanent disabilities that affect their ability to work or enjoy life. Long-term care needs include:
The lifetime cost of treating serious injury from a truck accident can exceed millions of dollars. This includes surgery, rehabilitation, equipment, and home changes.
Finding who's responsible in truck accident cases often involves multiple parties who share the blame for your injuries. Unlike simple car accidents, where one driver is at fault, truck accidents can involve several potentially liable parties. We investigate all possible sources of compensation for clients, and our lawyers are skilled at determining liability in complex cases.
Truck drivers can be held responsible for accidents they cause due to poor driving. However, trucking companies often have greater liability because they typically have more financial resources and insurance. Companies must hire skilled drivers, provide them with proper training, and maintain their vehicles in a safe condition. When they fail, they become liable for the accidents their drivers cause.
The relationship between drivers and companies affects liability. Employee drivers create direct company responsibility, while independent contractor arrangements may limit it. We investigate the true nature of employment relationships.
Cargo shippers may be liable if bad loading caused the accident. Maintenance companies that do poor repairs may share responsibility when mechanical failures contribute to crashes. Other potentially liable parties include:
Having multiple defendants often increases settlement values because each party wants to avoid trial. They also worry about being held fully responsible for their damages.
Building a successful truck accident case requires quick action to save evidence and a thorough investigation. We utilize proven strategies developed over the years of handling complex truck accident cases.
Commercial trucks have electronic control modules that record important data, including vehicle speed and braking, prior to accidents.
This data can help determine whether speeding or mechanical problems contributed to your accident. We act fast to save this evidence before trucking companies delete it. Witness statements provide independent accounts of how accidents happened.
Most truck accident cases settle out of court, but some need a trial to get fair compensation. Understanding both processes helps you make smart decisions about your case, and we prepare every case for trial while working toward good settlements that meet your needs. The legal process consists of several phases with distinct timelines.
Truck accident settlements range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Factors affecting settlement value include:
Factors that increase settlement value include permanent disabilities, extensive medical treatment, and clear evidence of negligence.
Cases go to trial when insurance companies refuse fair settlements or when liability is disputed. Some trucking companies prefer to fight cases in court rather than pay appropriate damages. Trials become necessary when:
Juries often award higher damages than settlement offers because they see the full impact of injuries on victims and families. Trial preparation requires extensive resources and expert testimony.
Our law firm brings decades of experience handling truck accident cases throughout Chicago. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and have proven strategies for beating trucking company defenses. Our track record includes numerous six and seven-figure settlements for truck accident victims, and we provide personal attention to every client because your case represents more than legal claims.
Some of the benefits you enjoy when you partner with our team include:
Our personal injury law practice focuses on getting maximum compensation for truck accident victims. We understand how to determine liability in complicated cases with multiple defendants.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Illinois?
Illinois gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What if the truck driver wasn't at fault?
Trucking companies, cargo loaders, or maintenance providers may still be liable for your accident.
How much does it cost to hire accident lawyers in Chicago?
Personal injury law firms work on contingency fees - you pay nothing unless we win.
How long does a truck accident case take?
Simple cases settle in 6-12 months; complex cases take 18-24 months or longer.
What evidence do I need for my case?
Photos, police reports, medical records, witness information, and truck maintenance records are important.
Can I recover compensation if I am partially at fault?
Yes, Illinois allows recovery even if you share some fault for the accident.
What's different about tractor-trailer accident cases?
Tractor-trailer cases involve federal regulations and commercial policies not found in regular accidents.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Case values depend on the severity of the injury, medical costs, lost wages, and the degree of defendant negligence.
At Loverde Law, we offer free consultations, which give us a chance to explain your options, answer questions, and help you understand the legal process. Our attorneys are available 24/7 because accidents don't happen on convenient schedules. Don't let trucking companies take advantage of you during this difficult time.
Contact Loverde Law today to speak with an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
