Cook County Truck Accident Lawyers

Top-Rated Attorneys for Victims Struck By Semis in Chicago, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, and Schaumburg

Trucks are essential to the economy, but when a commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the results can be catastrophic. Cook County, home to Chicago, busy interstates (I-90, I-94, I-55, I-290, I-57), freight corridors, and dense urban traffic, experiences a high volume of truck traffic and, with it, a significant number of serious truck accidents.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of those who have been seriously injured in truck accidents across Cook County and the greater Chicago area. With over 90 years of experience representing victims of catastrophic crashes, our legal team understands the devastating impact these collisions can have on individuals and families. We have successfully handled claims against negligent trucking companies, reckless drivers, and third-party contractors, securing compensation for victims who face life-changing injuries, medical expenses, and lost income.

Our experienced Cook County personal injury attorneys combine in-depth knowledge of Illinois trucking laws with a compassionate, client-centered approach. From the moment you contact us, we take immediate action to investigate the cause of your accident, preserve crucial evidence, and hold all responsible parties accountable. Our goal is to ensure that victims of truck accidents in Cook County receive justice and the financial recovery they deserve.

“Truck crashes change lives in an instant. In Cook County, we see the consequences of these devastating accidents: shattered families, long hospital stays, and lifelong disabilities. At John J. Malm & Associates, we help victims and their families obtain the recovery they need to rebuild.” — John J. Malm, Cook County trucking injury lawyer

The Problem of Cook County Semi-Truck Accidents

Large-truck crashes remain a major source of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the United States. In 2023, federal data showed thousands of people were killed and many more injured in crashes involving large trucks, while occupants of other vehicles accounted for the majority of deaths in these collisions.

At the state level, Illinois recorded hundreds of thousands of crashes in 2023, with more than three people killed per day statewide in traffic crashes during that year,  a reminder of how dangerous our roads can be when heavy vehicles are involved. Cook County and the City of Chicago, because of their population density and role as transportation hubs, account for a large share of severe crashes in the state.

Why Truck Accidents are Different

Commercial trucks are much heavier and taller than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, many times the weight of a car. That weight, combined with blind spots, longer stopping distances, and different handling dynamics, means truck collisions often produce:

• Catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles.
• Multiple-vehicle collisions (chain-reaction crashes) when a truck strikes a slower-moving queue on a high-speed highway.
• Hazardous-material spills when tankers or trailers carrying chemicals are involved.
• Serious property damage to multiple vehicles and infrastructure (guardrails, bridges).

Because of these factors, investigation and evidence preservation in truck crash cases are more complex than in typical car-on-car wrecks. Federal and state agencies track truck-involved crash trends to improve safety, and those data often show large trucks account for a disproportionate share of roadway fatalities relative to their share of miles traveled.

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Cook County

While every crash is unique, the following factors commonly contribute to truck accidents in Cook County and the surrounding region:

• Driver error and distraction: inattention, texting, or looking away from the road.
• Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations: long shifts and tight deadlines increase crash risk.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: dangerous in dense traffic and on high-speed interstates.
• Improper cargo loading or shifting: causes rollovers or loss of control.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: brake failure, tire blowouts, or lighting problems.
• Impaired driving: alcohol or drugs (prescription or illicit).
• Unsafe lane changes and blind-spot collisions: trucks have expansive blind zones.
• Adverse weather and roadway conditions: snow, rain, and poor visibility are common Midwest hazards.
• Company pressure and inadequate training: carriers that prioritize schedules over safety can create systemic risk.

Regulatory frameworks, like federal hours-of-service rules, vehicle inspection requirements, and carrier safety ratings exist to reduce these risks, but violations are still a frequent factor in serious crashes.

Typical Injuries in Cook County Truck Accidents

Victims of truck crashes often suffer severe, life-altering injuries. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Multiple fractures and crush injuries
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Severe lacerations and amputations
• Burn injuries (from fires or hazardous-material incidents)

Because injuries are often severe, victims frequently require emergency surgery, extended hospital stays, long-term rehabilitation, and home modifications. The economic costs of medical bills, lost wages, future care needs are usually substantial, and families may also suffer non-economic harms such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Cook County Truck Crash?

Truck crash liability can be complex. Potentially responsible parties include:

• The truck driver: for negligent driving, impairment, or HOS violations.
• The trucking company (carrier): under theories of negligent hiring, supervision, or because of vicarious liability (respondeat superior) for employee actions.
• The vehicle owner: if a leasing arrangement or owner-operator relationship exists.
• A maintenance provider: for negligent repair or inspection.
• A cargo loader or shipper: if improper loading or overloading contributed to the crash.
• A parts manufacturer: for defective brakes, tires, or other components.
• Government agencies: where dangerous road conditions or design defects are a contributing factor (a separate, complex claim with notice and procedural requirements).

Proving liability usually requires collecting the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, driver qualification files, inspection reports, witness statements, police reports, and sometimes expert analysis of crash dynamics.

Investigation and Evidence After a Cook County Truck Accident

In truck cases, evidence preservation is critical. Important items include:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) and GPS data: shows hours of service, speeds, and routes.
• Black box / engine control module (ECM) data: can show throttle, braking, and speed pre-crash.
• Driver qualification file and drug/alcohol testing records: reveals training and impairment history.
• Maintenance and inspection records: to identify mechanical failures.
• Cargo load manifests and shipping records: to determine weight and loading practices.
• Surveillance and dashcam footage: from nearby businesses, other vehicles, or the truck itself.
• Police crash report and crash accident reconstruction: formal account of scene response and statements.
• Witness statements and photos taken at the scene: immediate documentation of damages and skid marks.

Because many types of evidence can be lost or overwritten, families should consult a Cook County truck accident attorney promptly after a serious truck crash so legal preservation steps (e.g., spoliation letters) can be taken.

Steps to Take After a Truck Collision in Cook County

If you are involved in a truck crash, take these steps to protect safety and future legal claims:

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Call 911 and report the crash.
• Collect basic information, such as truck company name, driver’s name and license, plate number, and insurance information if safe to do so.
• Photograph the scene, including vehicle positions, damage, license plates, skid marks, visible injuries, and road signs.
• Get witness names and contact information.
• Do not sign statements or accept quick lowball offers from insurers.
• Preserve clothing and damaged property.
• Contact an experienced Cook County semi-truck accident attorney to preserve evidence, handle communications with carriers and insurers, and coordinate medical and financial documentation.

These steps not only protect your health and safety but also preserve the claims that may be critical to recovering full compensation.

Recoverable Damages in Cook County Truck Crash Claims

Victims of truck crashes may seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Rehabilitation, therapy, and assistive devices
• Home modification and long-term care costs
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct)

When hazardous materials or gross carrier negligence is involved, punitive damages may be available to punish dangerous conduct and deter similar behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cook County Truck Accidents

Q: Are truck crashes more dangerous than car crashes?
Yes. Because of size and mass differences, truck-involved crashes are more likely to result in severe injury or death for occupants of smaller passenger vehicles.

Q: How quickly should I contact a truck accident lawyer?
As soon as possible. Trucking companies and carriers often have legal teams and investigators who move quickly. Prompt contact helps preserve ELD/ECM data, maintenance records, and other time-sensitive evidence.

Q: Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was negligent?
Often yes. Many truck drivers are employees of carriers; carriers can be liable under respondeat superior, and carriers can also be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance.

Q: What is the role of federal regulators in a truck crash?
Federal agencies (FMCSA, NHTSA) regulate commercial vehicle safety and collect crash data. Their rules (hours-of-service, vehicle maintenance standards) and data (ELD records, crash databases) frequently play a crucial role in investigations and litigation.

How John J. Malm & Associates Helps After a Serious Cook County Trucking Accident

At John J. Malm & Associates, we investigate Cook County truck accidents thoroughly and quickly. Our injury attorneys work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and trucking-industry specialists to secure ELD and ECM data, inspect maintenance and hiring records, and build a case tailored to the victim’s unique losses. We coordinate with medical providers, handle insurer communications, and pursue full compensation through negotiation or trial when necessary.

Contact the Award-Winning Cook County Truck Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Truck accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. You shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone or battle powerful trucking companies without experienced legal help. At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to holding negligent drivers and corporations accountable for the harm they cause.

Our firm has the experience, skill, and resources to stand up to the largest insurers and fight for full compensation on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Cook County truck accident, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and take immediate steps to protect your rights.

Contact us now to speak directly with a trusted attorney. We represent truck accident victims throughout Cook County, Chicago, and the surrounding communities, and we never charge a fee unless we recover compensation for you.