Will County Truck Accident Lawyers

Top-Rated Attorneys for Victims Struck by Semi-Trucks, Box Trucks, and Delivery Trucks

Will County, Illinois is a growing transportation hub that serves as a gateway between Chicago and the rest of the country. With major interstates like I-55, I-80, I-355, and U.S. Route 30 running through the area, and with proximity to intermodal facilities in Joliet and Elwood, commercial truck traffic is constant. Unfortunately, this steady flow of semis, box trucks, and heavy haulers has made Will County one of the most dangerous counties in Illinois for truck-related crashes.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Will County, it’s important to understand the causes, risks, and legal rights available to you. At John J. Malm & Associates, our award-winning trucking accident attorneys help victims of serious crashes get the compensation they deserve.

Truck Accident Statistics in Will County and Illinois

Illinois consistently ranks among the top states for freight volume, and Will County plays a central role in that supply chain. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 11,136 crashes involving large trucks in Illinois in 2022. Of those, 118 were fatal, and over 1,800 resulted in injuries. While large truck crashes made up only 3.8% of total crashes, they accounted for nearly 10% of all traffic fatalities statewide.

Will County specifically has emerged as a high-risk zone. In recent years, the county has consistently ranked among the top three in Illinois for fatal truck crashes—second only to Cook County. This is due in large part to the volume of commercial vehicles moving in and out of Will County’s industrial corridors, including the BNSF and Union Pacific intermodal facilities.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

Truck accidents are especially hazardous because of the size, weight, and momentum of commercial vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to just 3,000 to 4,000 pounds for the average passenger car. When these two types of vehicles collide, the results are often catastrophic for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Common contributing factors in truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue due to long hours on the road, often in violation of federal hours-of-service regulations.
• Speeding or aggressive driving, especially in congested areas like I-80 near Joliet or the I-55/I-355 interchange.
• Distracted driving, including the use of cell phones, GPS devices, or onboard electronics.
• Improper loading of cargo, which can lead to trailer instability and rollovers.
• Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, often due to poor maintenance.
• Weather-related hazards, including ice, snow, and heavy rain that reduce traction and visibility.

Because these crashes are complex, involving multiple layers of liability (such as the driver, the trucking company, or a third-party maintenance provider), thorough investigation by an experienced Will County 18-wheeler accident attorney is critical.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Will County

Different types of truck accidents can result in different forms of harm. Some of the most frequent crash scenarios in Will County include:

• Jackknife Accidents: The trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, often blocking multiple lanes and leading to multi-car collisions.
• Rollover Accidents: Caused by high speeds, tight turns, or shifting cargo, especially dangerous on entrance and exit ramps.
• Rear-End Collisions: When a large truck hits the back of a slower or stopped vehicle, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Underride Collisions: A car slides underneath the trailer of a truck, frequently resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
• Head-On Collisions: Though rare, these often result in fatal outcomes, especially on rural roads in areas like Peotone, Manhattan, or Wilmington.

Each crash type presents unique legal and evidentiary challenges, which is why victims benefit from working with attorneys experienced in Illinois trucking litigation.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Due to the extreme forces involved, victims of truck accidents often suffer severe, life-altering injuries. These may require surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Some common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and complex fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe lacerations and disfigurement
• Burns (from fuel fires or chemical spills)
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

These injuries not only take a physical and emotional toll, they can also impose overwhelming financial burdens on families.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident in Will County

If you or someone you love is injured in a truck accident in Will County, here are the key steps to take:

• Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical attention.
• Do not leave the scene unless instructed by emergency responders.
• Get medical care, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask pain.
• Take photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, debris, and injuries.
• Collect driver and vehicle information, including trucking company details.
• Get witness contact information if anyone saw the crash.
• Do not talk to the trucking company’s insurer without first speaking to an attorney.
• Preserve all evidence, including damaged personal items and medical records.
• Contact an experienced Will County truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Swift action can make a significant difference in building a strong legal claim against the driver and the trucking company.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Will County Truck Accident?

Truck accidents are often more complex than ordinary car crashes. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

• The truck driver, if they were speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence.
• The trucking company, for negligent hiring, training, or supervision practices.
• Cargo loaders, if the truck was improperly loaded or unbalanced.
• Maintenance contractors, if a mechanical failure contributed to the crash.
• Truck or part manufacturers, in the event of a design or manufacturing defect.
• Government agencies, if poor road design or inadequate signage played a role.

Illinois follows a comparative fault system under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, which means a plaintiff can still recover damages if they are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident.

What You Need to Know about Truck Accident Laws

Victims of truck accidents in Will County have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries under Illinois law. Legal claims may include:

• Personal injury claims, for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and disability.
• Wrongful death claims, if a loved one was killed due to a truck driver or company’s negligence.
• Survival actions, which allow the estate of a deceased victim to pursue damages the person could have claimed had they lived.

Compensation Available to Will County Truck Accident Victims

If you are successful in your truck accident claim, you may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability or disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)
• Punitive damages, in cases of extreme recklessness

Every case is different, and damages will vary depending on the facts of the crash and the severity of injuries.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your Will County Truck Accident Case?

At John J. Malm & Associates,we understand the devastating impact a truck accident can have on your life. Our legal team has extensive experience handling serious injury and wrongful death claims involving commercial vehicles throughout Will County, including Joliet, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and the surrounding communities.

We know how to:

• Investigate the crash using accident reconstruction experts
• Subpoena black box data and driver logs
• Preserve maintenance and inspection records
• Identify all liable parties
• Negotiate with trucking insurers and defense attorneys
• Take cases to trial when necessary

We fight for full and fair compensation for our clients—and we don’t get paid unless you win.

“Truck accident victims need more than sympathy—they need strength, strategy, and results. We’re here to help them rebuild,” says Will County semi-truck crash attorney John J. Malm. “At John J. Malm & Associates, we help victims of serious truck accidents get the compensation they deserve.”

Contact the Dedicated Will County Truck Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

Truck accidents often result in devastating injuries, staggering medical bills, and long-term consequences for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash in Will County, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, and trucking companies act fast to protect themselves.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we offer free consultations and handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us stand up to the trucking companies on your behalf. Contact our top-rated Will County truck accident lawyers today to get started.