DuPage County Truck Accident Lawyers

Experienced Injury Attorneys Representing Victims of Semi-Truck Crashes Throughout DuPage County, IL

Semi-truck accidents are among the most dangerous collisions on Illinois roads, often resulting in life-changing injuries or fatalities. Due to their sheer size and weight, these vehicles can cause devastating damage when they collide with smaller passenger cars. Here in DuPage County—home to major highways like I-88, I-355, and I-290—these crashes are not uncommon. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident in DuPage County, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation. At John J. Malm & Associates, our experienced DuPage County injury attorneys help victims of trucking crashes get the compensation they deserve.

Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous in DuPage County

A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs around 3,000–4,000 pounds. This immense weight difference means that in a collision, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are far more likely to suffer serious injuries or death. Common causes of local DuPage County semi-truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue (especially when federal hours-of-service rules are violated)
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
• Lack of vehicle maintenance
• Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers

DuPage County Truck Accident Statistics

While statewide data provides a broader context, DuPage County’s strategic location in the Chicagoland area makes it a hub for commercial traffic. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation:

• In 2022, Illinois had over 11,000 crashes involving tractor-trailers (semi-trucks).
• DuPage County consistently ranks among the top counties for motor vehicle collisions involving large trucks.
• Most DuPage County truck crashes occur on highways like I-88, I-290, and I-355, which cut through densely populated and heavily trafficked areas.

Common Injuries in DuPage County Semi-Truck Crashes

Victims of semi-truck crashes often suffer severe injuries that require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Fractured or crushed bones
• Amputations
• Burns
• Internal organ damage
• Rib fractures

Many of these injuries result in permanent disability, lost income, and reduced quality of life.

Federal and State Trucking Regulations to Prevent Accidents

Trucking companies and their drivers must follow a range of federal and Illinois state regulations designed to promote safety. These rules cover driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle inspections, and more. When a driver or trucking company fails to comply with these regulations, they can be held liable for resulting accidents. Some relevant regulations include:

• Hours of Service (HOS): Limits the number of consecutive hours a driver can operate a vehicle.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mandatory testing for commercial drivers.
• Maintenance Logs: Required records of vehicle inspections and repairs.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Track driving time to prevent fatigue.

A knowledgeable DuPage County semi-truck accident lawyer can examine these records to determine if a regulatory violation contributed to the crash and gather additional evidence to support your injury case.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Semi-Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a semi-truck crash can be complex. Potentially responsible parties often include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo loading company
• The truck or parts manufacturer
• A third-party maintenance company

Each of these entities may share responsibility, especially if negligence in hiring, supervision, maintenance, or loading contributed to the accident. An experienced attorney can investigate all avenues of liability to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve after a serious truck crash.

What Compensation Is Available After a DuPage County Truck Accident?

Victims of semi-truck crashes may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement and disability
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

In fatal truck accidents, surviving family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim.

What to Do If You’ve Been Struck by a Semi Truck in DuPage County

If you’ve been involved in a crash with a semi-truck, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911 – Ensure that police and emergency services respond to the scene, and a police report is filled out.
2. Seek medical attention – Even if you don’t feel injured right away, some injuries may be delayed.
3. Document the scene – Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries if you’re able.
4. Exchange information – Get the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance, and license plate details.
5. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters – The trucking company’s insurer may try to get a statement from you. Don’t provide one without legal representation.
6. Hire an experienced DuPage County truck accident lawyer – A lawyer familiar with DuPage County and federal trucking laws can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Our DuPage County Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Semi-Truck Accident Case

Truck accident claims are far more complex than standard car accident cases. You need a legal team that understands the trucking industry and has the resources to go head-to-head with major insurers and corporations. That team is John J. Malm & Associates. Our acclaimed DuPage County semi accident attorneys can:

• Launch an immediate investigation and preserve critical evidence
• Obtain black box data, maintenance logs, and driver records
• Hire expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• File a lawsuit and represent you at trial if needed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about DuPage County Truck Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a semi-truck accident in Illinois?
A: In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain factors can affect this deadline, so it’s best to speak with a DuPage County trucking accident attorney as soon as possible.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: Even if the driver is classified as an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable depending on the level of control it exercised. An attorney can help determine if the company can be held responsible.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a semi-truck accident lawyer?
A: At John J. Malm & Associates, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

Q: Will my case settle, or will it go to trial?
A: Many truck accident cases settle out of court. However, if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Talk to the Top-Rated DuPage County Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck crash, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, and trucking companies often have teams of lawyers working to limit their liability from day one. At John J. Malm & Associates, our award-winning DuPage County truck accident lawyers have extensive experience handling complex trucking cases. We are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.