DeKalb County, IL Truck Accident Lawyers

Attorneys for People Injured By Big Rigs on I-88, Route 38, Route 34, and Route 64

Truck accidents are among the most serious and complex types of vehicle collisions on Illinois roadways. In DeKalb County, Illinois, home to major highways like Interstate 88 and state routes connecting rural and urban centers, commercial trucks and passenger vehicles share the roads daily. While many motorists focus on typical car-to-car collisions, crashes involving large commercial trucks usually result in more severe injuries, complicated legal questions, and long-term consequences for those involved.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand that a serious accident can change everything in an instant. Our firm has built a statewide reputation for standing up to powerful insurance companies and trucking corporations on behalf of injured victims and their families. With decades of combined experience handling complex injury and wrongful death cases across Illinois, including truck accidents in DeKalb County, we focus on one thing above all else: securing meaningful results for our clients when they need them most.

“Truck collisions often devastate lives because of the imbalance of power between large commercial vehicles and everyday passenger cars. Victims deserve not only compensation for their physical injuries but also accountability from negligent drivers and trucking companies.” – John J. Malm, Sycamore personal injury attorney

Truck Accident Frequency in DeKalb County and Illinois

Between 2018 and 2022, DeKalb County experienced 7,763 total motor vehicle crashes, averaging about 1,553 crashes per year. Of these collisions, 439 resulted in fatalities or serious injuries (KSI) over that five-year period, averaging 88 KSI crashes annually across all vehicle types.

While that dataset does not isolate truck accidents specifically, statewide crash reports make clear that large trucks contribute disproportionately to serious injury and fatal collisions. For example:

• In 2022, Illinois had over 11,000 crashes involving large trucks, making up roughly 3% of all traffic accidents in the state. These crashes resulted in 150 fatalities and more than 2,000 serious injuries.
• Preliminary data for 2024 indicates about 7,171 truck accidents statewide with 147 fatalities and 3,190 injuries from collisions involving large commercial vehicles.

These numbers demonstrate that although truck collisions are smaller in absolute number compared with all motor vehicle crashes, they carry greater risk and severity of harm, especially where trucks share rural highways and high-speed interstates common in DeKalb County.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

Truck accidents differ from typical car accidents due to the sheer size, weight, and dynamics of commercial vehicles:

• Weight and momentum: A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, vs. roughly 3,000–4,000 pounds for a typical passenger car. In a collision, that weight imbalance transfers tremendous force to the smaller vehicle.
• Stopping distance: Trucks require far more distance to slow and stop, especially in adverse weather or heavy traffic.
• Blind spots: Commercial vehicles have large blind areas that can obscure smaller cars, increasing crash risk in lane changes or turns.
• High center of gravity: Trucks are more prone to rollover accidents during sharp maneuvers or abrupt evasive actions.

These crash dynamics often lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, internal bleeding, and, in the worst cases, death.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in DeKalb County

Truck accidents rarely occur due to a single factor. Instead, they are usually the result of driver behavior, vehicle issues, and environmental conditions. Some of the most frequent contributing causes include:

• Driver fatigue and Hours of Service violations: Long routes, tight delivery schedules, and pressure to meet deadlines can lead truck drivers to drive while exhausted.
• Distracted driving: Use of phones, GPS input, or other in-cab distractions divert attention from the road.
• Speeding and failure to adjust for conditions: High speeds on highways or rural roads make it harder for trucks to stop in time to avoid collisions.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Brake failure, tire blowouts, or mechanical issues often stem from inadequate inspection and upkeep.
• Wide turns and improper lane changes: Trucks require more space to turn; when drivers or nearby motorists misjudge this, it can result in sideswipe or intersection collisions.

These factors are consistent with national analyses showing that driver error, including fatigue and distraction, is a leading cause of commercial vehicle crashes.

Notable Truck Accidents in DeKalb County

Over recent years, multiple serious truck crashes have occurred in DeKalb County, illustrating the real risks on local roadways:

• July 24, 2025: A semi-truck failed to yield at the intersection of Perry Road and East County Line Road, colliding with a Toyota Camry. Two occupants of the passenger vehicle were hospitalized; the driver was airlifted to an out-of-county hospital.
• September 27, 2023: A stalled vehicle on I-88 in DeKalb County was struck by a semi-truck, resulting in the death of the vehicle occupant outside the car at the time of collision.
• December 19, 2023: A detached semi-truck tire struck a van near Cherry Avenue and Snake Road, injuring the van’s driver when the vehicle overturned.

Each of these incidents highlights the variety of scenarios where truck accidents can occur: intersections, high-speed interstates, and even from equipment failure. They also illustrate the severe consequences for victims and their families.

Injuries and Consequences of Truck Collisions

Truck accidents are more likely than typical car crashes to result in serious or fatal injuries. Some common physical and financial impacts include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Resulting from violent impact or intrusion into the vehicle cabin.
• Spinal cord injuries: Paralyzing or permanently debilitating injuries.
• Fractures and orthopedic trauma: Multiple broken bones requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs not immediately apparent after the crash.
• Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and long-term emotional harm.

Financial consequences can be equally significant, including:

• Medical bills and hospital stays
• Rehabilitation and ongoing therapy
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Vehicle replacement or repair costs

Because truck accident injuries often surpass typical injury thresholds, victims and families may face life-altering consequences. Pursuing legal accountability is crucial to securing fair compensation.

Legal Liability in DeKalb County Truck Accident Claims

Truck accident cases are legally complex because multiple parties can be liable, including:

• Truck drivers: For negligent operation or violation of traffic laws.
• Trucking companies: For negligent hiring, supervision, or maintenance.
• Vehicle maintenance providers: For failing to repair or inspect defects.
• Third-party contractors: Who load cargo improperly, contributing to rollovers or cargo shifts.

Federal and state regulations, including Hours of Service rules and vehicle inspection requirements, establish standards that drivers and trucking companies must follow. Violations of these standards can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a civil claim.

Frequently Asked Questions about DeKalb County, IL Truck Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after a truck accident in DeKalb County?
A: Seek medical attention, document the scene (photos, witness information), and contact law enforcement. Preserve evidence and avoid admitting fault at the scene.

Q: How soon must I file a truck accident claim in Illinois?
A: Illinois typically requires personal injury claims to be filed within two years of the accident date, though there may be exceptions. Consulting an attorney promptly is vital.

Q: Who pays for my medical bills after a truck crash?
A: Compensation may come from at-fault parties’ insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or other sources depending on the case.

Q: What damages can I pursue in a truck accident lawsuit?
A: You may pursue medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and in some cases punitive damages if the conduct was egregious.

Contact the 5-Star Rated DeKalb County, IL Truck Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Truck accidents in DeKalb County and across Illinois reflect a serious public safety issue that results in injuries, loss, and long-lasting impacts on families and communities. While statewide truck crash data underscores the severity of these collisions, local cases in DeKalb County vividly illustrate how quickly a routine trip can turn into life-altering tragedy.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in DeKalb County, it’s crucial to act promptly to protect your legal rights. Navigating insurance claims and complex liability rules can be overwhelming when you’re recovering from injuries and dealing with financial pressures. Our experienced DeKalb County truck accident attorneys are here to help.

Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. We will review your case, advise you on your legal options, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve for medical care, lost income, pain, and suffering. Don’t face this difficult time alone, let our team stand with you and pursue justice on your behalf.