Joliet Truck Accident Lawyers

Seasoned Attorneys For Victims of Semi-Truck Crashes in Joliet, Illinois

At John J. Malm & Associates,we have spent decades representing injury victims and their families throughout Illinois, including Will County and the Joliet area. Our Joliet personal injury lawyers understand how devastating truck accidents can be—often resulting in life-altering injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one. With Joliet’s unique status as a regional transportation hub, collisions involving commercial trucks, semis, and freight carriers are far too common. Our truck accident attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable. If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash in Joliet, you deserve experienced legal representation that knows the local roads, laws, and courts.

“Truck accidents often leave victims with devastating injuries and mounting medical bills. At John J. Malm & Associates, we work hard uncover the truth about what happened—and to hold the trucking companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused.” — John J. Malm, Joliet trucking accident attorney

Joliet’s Status as a Trucking Hotspot

Joliet is situated at the intersection of two major interstates—I-80 and I-55—and is home to the CenterPoint Intermodal Center, the largest inland port in North America. This facility handles a massive volume of freight and is responsible for an estimated 2,000–3,000 truck movements per day, significantly increasing commercial traffic on local roads.

Because of its location, Joliet serves as a convergence point for national logistics, with trucks frequently traveling on I-80, U.S. Route 6, Houbolt Road, and other heavily trafficked routes. This volume of trucking creates a disproportionate risk of collisions involving semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles.

Joliet Truck Accident Statistics

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and local crash reports:

• In 2022, Joliet recorded 3,251 total crashes, including:
  • 12 fatal crashes
  • 820 injury crashes
  • 2,419 property-damage-only crashes
• These crashes involved over 6,400 vehicles and 1,600 injured drivers, along with 610 injured passengers.
• Joliet has averaged 250–300 truck-related accidents annually over the last several years.
• Statewide, Illinois sees more than 13,000 large-truck crashes each year, with truck-involved fatalities increasing by 10% in recent years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Joliet

18-wheeler crashes in Joliet often share the following causes:

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service (HOS) Violations

Truckers under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines may exceed federally mandated driving limits. Fatigued drivers have delayed reaction times and impaired judgment, making them dangerous behind the wheel.

2. Distracted Driving

Cell phone use, onboard devices, or simple inattention can lead to rear-end collisions, side-swipes, or missed signals at high speeds.

3. Driving Under the Influence

In recent local cases, commercial truck drivers were charged with DUI. Driving impaired behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle is especially dangerous and often fatal for others on the road.

4. Improper Cargo Loading

Poorly secured or unbalanced cargo can cause rollover accidents or cargo spills—especially on ramps or curves.

5. Inadequate Maintenance

Trucking companies must regularly inspect brakes, tires, and engine systems. Worn-out parts can cause catastrophic failure and legal liability.

6. Weather and Road Conditions

Icy roads on I-80 or elevated bridges near the Des Plaines River are common crash sites. Rain, fog, and wind also increase the risk of serious semi-truck collisions, especially when drivers fail to adjust their speed.

Legal Liability in Semi-Truck Crashes

In Illinois, trucking accident claims are governed by both state tort law and federal safety regulations administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Several parties may be liable in a Joliet truck crash, including:

• The truck driver, if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, or reckless.
• The trucking company, for negligent hiring, failure to supervise, or inadequate maintenance.
• A freight loader, if improperly secured cargo caused or worsened the crash.
• A manufacturer, if a defective part contributed to a mechanical failure.
• A government entity, in rare cases where poorly designed or maintained roads contributed to the accident.

Illinois applies modified comparative negligence (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), meaning a plaintiff can still recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault for the crash. However, compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party.

What to Do After a Joliet Truck Accident

If you’re involved in a truck crash in or near Joliet:

1. Call 911 immediately. Police and emergency personnel will assess the scene and determine who was at fault.
2. Document the crash with photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any signage.
3. Get witness information, especially if fault is contested.
4. Request the police report from the Joliet Police Department or Illinois State Police.
5. Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay. Injuries often develop or worsen over time.
6. Do not speak to the truck driver’s insurance company before consulting a lawyer.
7. Call an experienced Joliet truck accident attorney who understands Joliet’s roadways, court system, and the trucking industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Joliet Trucking Accidents

What highways are most dangerous for trucks in Joliet?

I-80, particularly near Houbolt Road, and I-55, near the I-80 interchange, are high-risk due to heavy commercial traffic, high speeds, and complex merges.

Who can be held liable in a Joliet truck crash?

Liability may rest with the truck driver, the trucking company, a freight broker or loader, or even a vehicle manufacturer depending on the circumstances.

Do I need a lawyer if I was injured in a truck accident?

Yes. Truck accidents are far more complex than standard car crashes. Commercial carriers have teams of insurance adjusters and attorneys working to reduce payouts. You need an dedicated Joliet semi crash lawyer to protect your rights and fight for full compensation.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Illinois?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, certain claims involving government entities or minors may have shorter or longer time limits.

What compensation can I recover after a Joliet truck accident?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one passed away in the crash)

How much does it cost to hire your firm?

At John J. Malm & Associates, our award-winning Joliet truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Contact the Top-Rated Joliet Truck Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

Truck accidents in Joliet are often catastrophic, especially when they involve highways like I-80, industrial traffic from CenterPoint Intermodal, or reckless driving. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a crash with a semi, it’s crucial to act quickly and speak with a personal injury lawyer who understands the complexity of truck crash cases.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our team has the resources and experience to stand up to trucking companies and their insurers. We’ll investigate the cause of your accident, identify all liable parties, and fight to recover full compensation for your injuries and losses.

Don’t wait while evidence disappears or the insurance company builds its defense. Call us today at 844-MALMLAW or (630) 527-4177, or visit www.malmlegal.com to schedule your free consultation with our dedicated Joliet truck accident attorneys.

Let us help you get the justice you deserve.