You never saw it coming…
One moment, you were on the road, minding your own business and then suddenly, a massive truck came out of nowhere.
Now, you may be dealing with excruciating pain, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an insurance company that’s trying to lowball your claim.
You’re angry. You’re overwhelmed.
And you’re wondering how you’ll ever recover from this. The truth is, trucking companies and their insurers will do everything they can to avoid paying you what you deserve.. do not fight this battle alone.
Truck Accident Lawyer Illinois
Bryce Powell – Founder & Attorney at Law
Your Trusted Attorneys for Truck Accident Injuries
At Powell Law Firm, we understand the complexities and challenges that arise from trucking accidents. Since 1997, we have substantial experience in truck accident litigation. Powell Law Firm handles major car accident and truck accident cases and has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients. Mr. Powell successfully represented the most seriously injured survivor of one of the worst semi-truck accidents in recent history.
Bryce Powell is a nationally recognized trial attorney featured by major media outlets such as CNN, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, Fox News, the New York Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Guardian, the New Zealand Herald, AP, the Washington Post, Reuters, the BBC, USA Today and others. Recognized among America’s Top 100 Attorneys® in the field of personal injury law. Less than one-half percent (0.5%) of active attorneys in the United States receive this honor.
Powell Law Firm has office located in Evanston, Illinois.
For car accident or truck accident lawyers in Illinois, contact Powell Law Firm. The top name in trucking accident law.
Understanding Trucking Accidents and Catastrophic Injury
“Semi-truck,” “big rig,” “tractor-trailer,” and “18-wheeler” are all terms commonly used to describe large commercial trucks. On average, truck drivers travel many more miles than drivers of passenger cars, and a larger proportion of those miles are on interstate highways. Trucks are dangerous to share the road with because they have a cargo weight of more than 80,000 pounds and need twice the stopping distance of a car. In the U.S. approximately 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal traffic crashes are large trucks.
Semi-trucking accidents can result in severe injuries, medical bills, lost wages, property damage, suffering and emotional distress. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks were involved in approximately 5% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2023, highlighting the need for truck accident attorneys. By statistics 5,788 people were killed and an estimated 154,993 people were injured in 2021 traffic crashes involving large trucks. The car accident and truck accident lawyers of Powell Law Firm represent victims injured in large truck collisions throughout Illinois.
What Our Clients Say…
The Benefits of Working with Powell Law Firm
When selecting lawyers after a devastating truck accident in Illinois, choosing an attorney with proven experience and a track record of success is crucial for securing fair compensation. The Powell Law Firm combines extensive courtroom experience, deep knowledge of truck accident challenges, and a commitment to personalized client care to deliver exceptional legal representation for truck accident victims throughout Illinois.
30 Years of Experience
$ Millions Recovered for Our Clients
No Upfront Costs – Pay Only If You Win
U.S. Truck Accident Statistics
Trucking companies haul a tremendous amount of goods throughout the U.S. In 2022, commercial trucks moved 72.6% of the nation’s freight, by weight with 14.3 million single unit and combination trucks traveling over 330 billion miles.
In recent years, there have been approximately 100,000 to 150,000 truck accidents reported annually in the U.S. resulting in over 5000 fatalities and 73,000 injuries. Of fatal injuries 66% were passenger vehicle occupants while only 17% of these deaths were truck occupants. The remaining 16% were pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles. 87% of large truck crashes are attributable to driver error.
Illinois Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s most recent published data (2021), Illinois recorded over 11,000 crashes involving large trucks. These included approximately 115 fatal crashes resulting in 127 fatalities.
Large trucks were involved in roughly 10% of all fatal crashes in Illinois during this period.
The data shows that a majority of truck crashes occurred in urban areas, with the Chicago metropolitan region having the highest concentration. This reflects Illinois’ role as a major transportation hub and its extensive urban highway network.
Contact the experienced Illinois car accident and truck accident attorneys at Powell Law Firm in Evanston, Illinois.
What To Do After a Trucking Accident
After a truck accident, it’s important to take the following steps:
Ensure Safety
First, make sure everyone is safe. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents. Accidents are stressful. Remaining calm will help you stay in control of the situation. Deploy emergency warning devices to avoid more harm after the accident.
Call Emergency Services
Contact the police in the event of a crash as well as medical personnel if there are injuries. Don’t hesitate to dial 911 or your local emergency number for assistance. Police reports and medical documentation can be essential for insurance claims.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked by a healthcare professional right away. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent or may worsen over time without proper medical treatment.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Identify sources of surveillance camera or cell phone footage that may have captured the car accident. Note time, date, and weather conditions.
Exchange Information
Collect insurance details and contact information from all parties involved. Obtain statements and contact information from witnesses. This information is vital for accident reports and insurance claims.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not discuss the details of the accident or admit fault at the scene. Fault determination can be complicated and is best left to the courts, insurance companies and investigative authorities.
Follow Medical Advice
Adhere to the treatment plan provided by your healthcare provider and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery. Failing to mitigate damages through proper health care treatment may diminish the value of your claim.
Notify Your Insurance
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, providing them with the necessary details and documentation. Provide the contact information for the insurance adjuster, claim and policy number to your car accident attorney. And let them handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company.
Keep Records
Maintain a record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident. This documentation will be important for any insurance claims or legal actions including lawsuits.
Gather Personal Insurance Information
Gather your personal auto and health insurance policy information as well as Medicare or Medicaid details. Personal insurance companies or government programs may have subrogated rights and be entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses caused by an accident. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage from your personal auto insurance policy may be implicated if the negligent party does not carry insurance or the limit is not adequate to cover all damages.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced car accident attorney can help gather accident and medical information, negotiate with insurance companies and navigate the legal complexities of your case. Achieving a favorable outcome through a negotiated settlement with the insurance company or verdict by jury trial. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Powell Law Firm for car accidents. Call today to schedule a free consultation. The sooner you reach out the more effective our injury attorneys can be.
Secure Compensation
Once you retain Powell Law Firm we immediately begin working on your case. Sending notice of representation to the insurance company, gathering medical information, police reports, recordings, witness statements, etc. We monitor the progress of your medical treatment and, when damages are quantified, issue a written demand for settlement to the negligent driver and his or her insurance company. If our demand is not accepted, we file a lawsuit and proceed with mediation and trial, if necessary. Ultimately through negotiated settlement or jury verdict and judgment, we will secure the just financial compensation you deserve.
Damages Recoverable in Illinois Trucking Accident Litigation
Car crash victims in Illinois may recover a variety of damages depending on the specifics of the case. Here are the primary categories of damages that can typically be pursued:
Medical Expenses
Current and Future Medical Costs: In Illinois, medical expenses from car accidents are calculated by adding up all reasonable and necessary medical bills incurred due to the accident. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
Lost Wages
Income Loss: Victims can seek compensation for wages lost during their recovery period, including any potential future earnings if they are unable to return to work due to their injuries. Illinois requires damages to be formulated in present value.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for Physical Pain: This non-economic damage accounts for the physical pain and discomfort endured as a result of the accident and injuries. Insurance companies sometimes use a “multiplier” of economic damages to assess value to pain and suffering.
Emotional Distress
Mental Health Impact: Victims may also claim damages for emotional suffering, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by the accident. Assessing the value of damages depends on factors such as the nature of the impact, duration of emotional distress and impact on quality of life.
Loss of Consortium
Impact on Relationships: This refers to the loss of companionship, affection, guidance and support experienced by the victim’s spouse or family members due to the victim’s injuries.
Property Damage
Vehicle Repairs or Replacement: Compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle damaged in the accident, as well as any personal property that was damaged or lost. Fair market value assessments are often based on information from sources such as Kelley Blue Book.
Punitive Damages
For Gross Negligence: In cases where the trucking company or driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness, malice or willful or wanton disregard to the safety of others, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future. Illinois law limits the amount and availability of punitive damages.
Rehabilitation Costs
Restoring Function and Long-term Care Needs: In a car accident case, “rehabilitation costs” refer to the expenses incurred for medical treatments like physical, occupational or other therapies to restore a person’s functionality after an accident. If the victim requires ongoing rehabilitation services, home care, or assistive devices, these costs can be included in the claim.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Future Income Loss: If injuries impact the victim’s ability to work in the future or limit career opportunities, they may claim damages for loss of earning capacity. To calculate future lost income from a car crash injury, you need to analyze past earnings, project future earning capacity without the injury and subtract projected post-injury earning capacity, considering a number of factors.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Other Related Costs: Can include travel expenses for medical appointments, home modifications, and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the motor vehicle accident. These damages are considered “economic damages” and can be included in a personal injury claim if necessitated by the injury.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Most car accidents are caused by negligent drivers. Here are some common factors that contribute to serious motor vehicle accidents:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating or drinking, or adjusting in-cab controls can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. According to NHTSA, an estimated 3,308 fatalities were caused by distracted driving.
Speeding
Driving above the speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden obstacles and increases the severity of collisions, often leading to catastrophic injuries. And semi-trucks have longer stopping distance than passenger cars. Approximately 29% of all traffic fatalities involve speed as a contributing factor.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times, significantly increasing the likelihood of severe accidents. In 2021 Illinois ranked high in percentage of alcohol impaired driving traffic fatalities at 31%.
Reckless Driving
Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and road rage, can lead to dangerous situations that result in serious injuries.
Weather Conditions
Illinois experiences extreme weather patterns that create hazardous driving conditions for commercial trucks. Lake effect snow from Lake Michigan can produce snowfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour in narrow bands, creating rapidly changing conditions and whiteout situations. Illinois temperature extremes range from -36°F to 117°F, affecting diesel fuel performance in winter and increasing tire failure risk in summer. The state’s extensive river system also poses flooding threats, with Illinois maintaining emergency resources including 45 trucks daily during flood events and millions of sandbags. The vast majority of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement and during rainfall.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Failing to obey traffic signals can result in high-impact collisions at intersections, often causing catastrophic injuries to occupants of all vehicles involved. Around 700,000 police-reported crashes occur at stop signs annually.
Vehicle Defects
Mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts, can lead to loss of control and serious accidents. Poor vehicle maintenance can exacerbate these risks. When vehicle defects are involved, the most common factors are tire problems and brake failure.
Inexperienced Drivers
New or inexperienced drivers may lack the necessary skills to handle complex driving situations, leading to mistakes that can result in severe accidents. In 2022 teens accounted for 7% of all fatal car crashes in the U.S. despite making up only 3.6% of licensed drivers.
Fatigue
Drowsy driving impairs attention and reaction time, similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. Fatigued drivers are more likely to cause accidents.
Improper Lane Changes
Failing to check blind spots or signal when changing lanes can lead to vehicle collisions, especially on busy highways. Around 530,000 motor vehicle crashes annually are attributed to improper lane changes.
Driving While Intoxicated by Prescription Medications
Certain medications can impair driving abilities, and combining them with alcohol can further increase risks. Prescription drugs are the most prevalent of all drugs found in drugged drivers involved in fatal automobile crashes (47%).
Inadequate Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads, potholes, lack of signage, and inadequate lighting can contribute to accidents, particularly for drivers who are unaware of the hazards. Around 20% of heavy truck crashes were caused, in part, by poor road quality.
Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death
Catastrophic injuries resulting from car accidents are severe injuries that can lead to long-term disability or drastically alter a person’s quality of life. Given the many miles of interstate highways and predominance of commercial trucking in Illinois high speed, high impact motor vehicle collisions often occur. When they do, injuries can be catastrophic or fatal.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic Brain Injury can occur in a car accident through damage to the brain caused by a violent impact, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, or changes in personality. This can happen through sudden deceleration, hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or side window. As well as by impact from being ejected or thrown around inside a vehicle during collision.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury in a car accident occurs when the sudden, forceful impact of the collision causes the spine to move beyond its normal range of motion, potentially compressing, stretching or twisting the spinal cord. Injuries can lead to damage to the vertebrae, discs, or the spinal cord itself leading to nerve damage and potential paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.
Amputations
Amputation can occur in a car accident when the force of the impact causes severe damage to a limb, such as crushing bones, severing blood vessels, or tearing muscles, leaving the limb beyond repair. Surgical removal may be required to prevent further complications or save the victim’s life. Loss of limb due to severe trauma can require extensive rehabilitation and adaptation to new ways of living.
Severe Burns
Severe burns in a car accidents can occur from direct contact with flames in a vehicle fire, exposure to hot metal car components, contact with hot liquids leaking from damaged components, airbag deployment burns, and in some cases, explosions from a ruptured fuel tank. Burn injuries can cause permanent disfigurement and require multiple surgeries to improve appearance, restore function to affected areas, and enhance quality of life by addressing mobility issues cause by severe burns.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries in a car accident occur when the force of the impact damages internal organs or blood vessels within the body, often through blunt trauma from hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, or other parts of the vehicle, causing internal bleeding or organ damage. This can also occur from being ejected from the vehicle or airbag deployment. Damage to vital organs such as liver, kidneys, or lungs can be life-threatening and may necessitate surgery.
WRONGFUL DEATH
Wrongful death claims arise when a fatality occurs due to another party’s wrongful act or neglect. In wrongful death cases, heirs or the personal representative of the decedent’s estate may be entitled to seek compensation.
Damages may include:
— Medical expenses incurred by the deceased related to their final injury or illness.
— Reasonable funeral, burial or cremation expenses of the deceased.
— Loss of earnings and benefits the deceased would have contributed to the survivors had they lived.
— Loss of love, companionship, care, and guidance due to the death of a loved one.
— Pain and suffering of the deceased (in some jurisdictions)*.
— In cases where the defendant’s actions were out of gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Truck Accidents in Illinois
Truck accidents in Illinois have unique characteristics influenced by the state’s position as America’s freight crossroads and various geographic and regulatory factors:
Illinois Interstate Highway System
Illinois serves as a critical freight transportation hub with Interstate 57 recording 39 fatalities during a recent three-year period, earning it the designation as the state’s most dangerous highway for truck accidents. Interstate 55 follows closely with 37 fatal incidents. The Chicago metropolitan area sees particularly intense truck traffic with urban interstates experiencing 134 fatal crashes and 4,575 injury crashes in 2022, with 34 involving tractor-trailers. Major interstate corridors including I-80, I-94, I-57, and I-55 carry over 30,000 trucks daily in some sections, creating high-risk conditions where trucks comprise one in seven vehicles on urban interstates.
Urban Roads
The risk of fatalities in urban traffic accidents is significantly impacted by unique city conditions. Illinois has extensive urban areas with congested city streets and highways. Motor vehicle accidents on these roads may lead to severe injuries due to higher traffic density, complex intersections, pedestrian interactions, and increased obstacles. The urban environment creates distinct collision patterns, with vehicles frequently traveling at varying speeds amid stop-and-go traffic, and emergency response times potentially affected by congestion despite closer proximity to medical facilities.
Wildlife Collisions
In Illinois, the presence of wildlife can contribute to car accidents. Collisions with deer, elk, and other animals are common and can result in significant injuries or fatalities.
Weather Conditions
Illinois experiences a range of severe weather conditions that significantly impact truck safety. Lake effect snow from Lake Michigan can produce snowfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour in narrow bands, creating rapidly changing conditions and whiteout situations particularly dangerous for large trucks. The state experiences temperature extremes from -36°F to 117°F, affecting diesel fuel performance in winter and increasing tire failure risk in summer heat. Flooding remains a persistent threat with the Illinois Department of Transportation maintaining emergency resources including 45 trucks daily during flood events and millions of sandbags. These conditions can impair visibility, vehicle performance, traffic flow and lead to slippery roads increasing the likelihood of car accidents.
State Laws
Illinois follows specific laws regarding liability, insurance, and personal injury claims that benefit truck accident victims. The state uses a “modified comparative negligence law” which allows victims to recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault. Illinois imposes no damage caps on personal injury awards, and the landmark McQueen v. Green decision allows plaintiffs to pursue both vicarious liability and direct negligence claims against trucking companies simultaneously.
Increased Risk of Rollovers
Due to Illinois’s geography and the high volume of truck traffic on major interstates, there is an elevated incidence of rollover accidents involving large trucks, which can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Healthcare Access
In rural areas of Illinois, access to specialized medical care is significantly limited, affecting the treatment and recovery of truck accident victims. Median EMS response times exceed 14 minutes in rural areas compared to 7 minutes in urban areas, with nearly 10% of rural encounters waiting almost 30 minutes. Southern Illinois faces particularly severe shortages, with Region 4 having zero Level I trauma centers and Region 5 lacking any Illinois trauma facilities. This can lead to longer recovery times and complications, while air ambulance services cost $12,000-$25,000 for transport to trauma centers.
Illinois’ Modified Comparative Negligence Law
Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence system:
— In Illinois, If the injured party is more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages.
— If the injured party is less than 50% at fault, they can recover damages, but the amount may be reduced.
— The injured party must prove that the other party was mainly at fault to receive compensation.
Why Hire Powell Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case?
Choosing the right legal representation after a car accident is crucial. If you are injured in an auto collision there are several reasons to choose the personal injury attorneys at Powell Law Firm:
Extensive Experience
Bryce Powell has 28 years of courtroom experience handling car accident and truck accident cases. As a district attorney, private criminal defense lawyer and plaintiff’s personal injury attorney, Mr. Powell has extensive experience from every angle of motor vehicle accident litigation.
Advanced Knowledge of Personal Injury Law
Since 2000, we have emphasized the practice of personal injury law, particularly car, truck and motorcycle accident claims. We understand the nuances of Illinois law, know how to deal with insurance companies and can effectively advocate for your rights.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We offer a thorough evaluation of your case, examining all aspects of the accident, including liability, damages, and potential compensation. Our candid assessment will let you know how our personal injury attorneys can help.
Aggressive Representation
Our legal team is known for its effective approach in negotiations and extensive courtroom experience. We strive to secure the maximum compensation possible for our clients. Our own compensation depends on recovering money for you.
No Fees Unless You Win
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows you to pursue your claim without the additional financial stress of litigation.
Compassionate Support
We understand the emotional and physical toll that a car accident can take. Our team provides compassionate support, keeping you informed and empowered throughout the legal process.
Proven Track Record
Powell Law Firm has successfully secured substantial settlements and verdicts, recovering millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We are committed to maximizing recovery to achieve the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
No-cost Consultation
We offer a no-obligation, free initial consultation to discuss your case. This gives you the opportunity to understand the legal merits of your case, your options, probable outcomes and how our injury accident attorneys and staff can assist you.
Local Ties
Powell Law Firm accident attorneys have extensive local ties. Office located in Evanston, Illinois. Powell Law Firm is the local law firm you can trust for injury accident claims.
Serious Injury Truck Accidents
Crashes caused by semi-truck drivers result in some of the worst motor vehicle accident injuries in the U.S.. In Illinois, tractor-trailer fatal crashes increased 31.4% from 2021 to 2022, with 11,105 truck crashes resulting in 122 deaths in 2023. Truck accidents are generally more dangerous and likely to cause serious catastrophic injuries for several reasons:
Size and Weight
Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. Large trucks often weight 20-30 times as much as passenger vehicles. The sheer mass of a truck means that in a collision, the force of impact is much greater, leading to more severe damage and injuries.
High Center of Gravity
Trucks have a higher center of gravity compared to cars, making them more prone to rollovers during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers. Rollovers can lead to catastrophic injuries for occupants of both the truck and other vehicles involved.
Longer Stopping Distances
Trucks require a 40% longer distance to come to a complete stop due to their weight. This can be particularly dangerous in emergency situations where quick stopping is necessary to avoid a collision.
Limited Maneuverability
Due to their size, trucks have larger turning radii and limited visibility. This can make it difficult for truck drivers to navigate safely in tight spaces or react quickly to sudden obstacles.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours and spend days on the road, subject to hours of service (HOS) regulations. Fatigue can cause shortfalls in driving performance impairing reaction times and decision-making, and thus increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Improper Loading
If cargo is not loaded correctly, it can shift during transit, affecting the truck’s balance and handling. Overloaded trucks can also exceed weight limits, further complicating braking and maneuverability.
Inadequate Training
Some truck drivers may lack sufficient training in handling large vehicles, especially in adverse conditions. Inexperienced drivers may make errors that lead to serious accidents.
Hazardous Materials
Trucking companies often transport hazardous materials. In the event of an accident, these substances can leak, creating additional dangers such as fires, explosions, or toxic exposure.
Increased Force of Collision
The kinetic energy involved in a collision with a truck is much greater than with a standard passenger vehicle. This increased force can result in catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation, organ damage and multiple bone fractures.
Higher Risk of Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Semi-trucks have a higher risk of causing multi-vehicle accidents due to their sheer size and weight, particularly on Illinois’s busy interstate system where truck traffic is extremely heavy.
Lack of Visibility
Limited visibility in semi-trucks, often referred to as “blind spots,” significantly increases the risk of accidents because it prevents truck drivers from seeing other vehicles or pedestrians around them. This can make it difficult for semi drivers to react to potential hazards, resulting in collisions.
Regulatory Compliance Issues
Some trucking companies may prioritize profit over safety, leading to violations of regulations regarding driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and safety protocols. Which can increase the likelihood of injury accidents. Illinois has implemented aggressive enforcement programs, with Illinois State Police conducting 1,870 motor carrier inspections in May 2025 alone, issuing 339 out-of-service notices. Truck accident lawyers thoroughly examine trucking company records for regulatory compliance issues.