Illinois Trailer Accident Lawyers

Award-Winning Injury Attorneys for People Struck by Tractor-Trailers and Horse Trailers

Trailers are a common sight on Illinois roads. From large commercial tractor-trailers traveling on I-88, I-55, I-80, and I-90 to pickup trucks pulling utility trailers, boats, campers, landscaping equipment, and construction materials, trailers play an important role in transportation and commerce throughout the state.

Unfortunately, trailers can also create serious dangers when they are improperly maintained, overloaded, poorly secured, or operated negligently. A trailer that begins swaying at highway speeds, becomes detached from a towing vehicle, loses cargo, or experiences a tire failure can cause a devastating accident within seconds.

Trailer accidents can involve commercial semi-trucks, flatbed trailers, enclosed trailers, utility trailers, boat trailers, recreational trailers, and other vehicles being towed on Illinois roads. Because trailers increase the size, weight, and stopping distance of a vehicle, even a relatively minor mistake can lead to a catastrophic collision.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 11,294 crashes involving tractor-trailers in Illinois in 2024. These crashes resulted in 91 fatal crashes, 106 fatalities, 1,750 injury crashes, and 284 A-injuries, which are generally classified as incapacitating injuries. The majority of people killed in these crashes were occupants of other vehicles rather than tractor-trailer occupants. If you or someone you love has been injured in a trailer accident, understanding how these crashes happen and who may be responsible is an important first step toward protecting your rights.

How Common Are Trailer Accidents in Illinois?

Illinois is one of the nation’s most important transportation and freight hubs. Major interstate highways carry enormous volumes of commercial trucks and tractor-trailers through the Chicago metropolitan area and across the rest of the state every day.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reported that tractor-trailer crashes accounted for approximately 3.7% of all crashes in Illinois in 2024. While tractor-trailer crashes represented a relatively small percentage of all collisions, they had the potential to cause disproportionately severe injuries because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

The 2024 Illinois data shows:

• 11,294 total tractor-trailer crashes
• 91 fatal crashes
• 106 fatalities
• 1,750 injury crashes
• 222 crashes involving A-injuries
• 9,453 property-damage-only crashes

The data also demonstrates the danger that tractor-trailer accidents pose to other road users. Of the 106 fatalities resulting from tractor-trailer crashes in Illinois in 2024, 83 were occupants of other vehicles, while 15 were tractor-trailer occupants. Pedestrians and other road users were also among those killed or seriously injured.

Commercial vehicle data maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also reflects the significant number of large truck crashes involving Illinois. FMCSA crash statistics provide state-level information about crashes involving commercial motor vehicles and different cargo body types.

These numbers do not include every type of accident involving a smaller trailer pulled by a passenger vehicle. Utility trailer accidents, boat trailer accidents, camper trailer accidents, and other towing accidents can also cause serious injuries but may not be categorized in the same way as commercial tractor-trailer crashes.

What Causes Trailer Accidents?

Trailer accidents can occur for many different reasons. In some cases, the driver makes an error while towing. In others, the accident is caused by mechanical failure, improper loading, poor maintenance, defective equipment, or negligence by a company responsible for the vehicle or trailer. Some of the most common causes of trailer accidents include:

• Improperly secured trailers
• Trailer detachment
• Trailer sway or fishtailing
• Overloaded trailers
• Improperly distributed cargo
• Unsecured cargo
• Tire blowouts
• Brake failures
• Defective hitches
• Broken safety chains
• Improper lighting
• Driver inexperience
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Improper turns
• Poor maintenance
• Mechanical defects

A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine exactly why a trailer accident occurred.

Trailer Sway and Fishtailing Accidents

Trailer sway, sometimes called fishtailing, is one of the most dangerous problems that can occur when towing a trailer. Trailer sway occurs when a trailer begins moving from side to side behind the towing vehicle. At low speeds, the movement may be relatively minor. At highway speeds, however, trailer sway can quickly become uncontrollable. Severe trailer sway can cause:

• Loss of control of the towing vehicle
• Jackknifing
• Rollover accidents
• Lane departures
• Head-on collisions
• Multi-vehicle crashes
• Separation of the trailer from the vehicle

Trailer sway may result from excessive speed, high winds, improper weight distribution, sudden steering movements, overloading, or problems with the trailer or towing equipment. For example, placing too much weight toward the rear of a trailer can make it unstable. Likewise, an improperly matched trailer and towing vehicle may create serious handling problems.

A driver towing a trailer must understand that the vehicle will not handle the same way it does without the trailer attached. Stopping distances can increase, acceleration can be reduced, and turning requires additional space.

Accidents Caused by Unsecured Cargo

A trailer does not have to collide directly with another vehicle to cause an accident. Cargo that falls from a trailer can create an immediate hazard for everyone nearby. A driver may swerve to avoid debris, strike an object in the roadway, or lose control while attempting to stop suddenly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 800 people are killed each year in crashes involving unsecured loads, and approximately 19,000 additional people are injured in crashes involving objects in the road. NHTSA also notes that approximately 73% of vehicles involved in these crashes are passenger vehicles. Objects can fall from trailers because of:

• Broken straps
• Improper tie-down procedures
• Inadequate cargo restraints
• Overloading
• Failure to inspect the load
• Damaged trailer walls or gates
• Equipment failures
• Failure to cover loose materials

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has cargo securement rules designed to reduce crashes caused by cargo shifting or falling from commercial motor vehicles. These requirements address the ability of cargo securement systems to withstand forces associated with acceleration and deceleration. When a commercial carrier fails to comply with applicable safety regulations, those violations may become important evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.

Trailer Detachment Accidents

Few situations are more frightening than seeing a trailer separate from the vehicle towing it. A detached trailer can cross multiple lanes of traffic, strike another vehicle, hit a pedestrian, or cause drivers to take evasive action. Depending on its size and weight, a detached trailer can cause catastrophic injuries or death. Trailer detachment may occur because of:

• Improperly connected hitches
• Defective hitch equipment
• Broken couplers
• Missing or defective safety chains
• Improper installation
• Excessive trailer weight
• Poor maintenance
• Manufacturing defects

In some cases, responsibility may fall directly on the person towing the trailer. In other cases, the accident may involve defective equipment or negligent maintenance performed by another party. An experienced Illinois truck accident attorney may investigate the trailer itself, the towing vehicle, maintenance records, repair records, and any available evidence showing how the trailer was connected before the crash.

Tire Blowouts and Mechanical Failures

Trailer tires can experience significant stress, particularly when a trailer is overloaded or poorly maintained. A tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control of the towing vehicle. Pieces of tire debris can also create dangerous obstacles for other vehicles. Mechanical failures that may contribute to trailer accidents include:

• Tire failures
• Wheel failures
• Brake problems
• Suspension failures
• Lighting failures
• Hitch failures
• Coupler failures
• Axle problems
• Structural defects

Commercial carriers are generally subject to extensive federal safety requirements regarding vehicle inspection and maintenance. When a truck or trailer is not properly inspected or maintained, an otherwise preventable accident may occur.

FMCSA safety research has identified vehicle-related violations and cargo securement issues as important safety concerns in commercial motor vehicle operations. Maintenance records can become critical evidence after a serious trailer accident.

Commercial Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Illinois

Commercial tractor-trailer accidents are among the most serious trailer-related crashes. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh many times more than a passenger vehicle. The difference in size and weight means that occupants of smaller vehicles often suffer the most serious injuries.

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2024 crash data illustrates this danger. Of the 106 people killed in Illinois tractor-trailer crashes that year, 83 were occupants of other vehicles. Commercial truck accidents can occur because of:

• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Improper lane changes
• Following too closely
• Improper turns
• Unsafe backing
• Impaired driving
• Inadequate training
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Hours-of-service violations
• Improper cargo loading
• Cargo securement failures

Unlike many ordinary car accident cases, a commercial trailer accident may involve several potentially responsible parties. These parties can include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The trailer owner
• The company leasing the vehicle
• A maintenance company
• A cargo loading company
• A manufacturer
• A shipping company
• Another negligent motorist

Identifying all responsible parties is an important part of pursuing full compensation.

Utility Trailer and Pickup Truck Accidents

Not all trailer accidents involve commercial semi-trucks. Pickup trucks and SUVs commonly tow:

• Landscaping trailers
• Utility trailers
• Construction trailers
• Boat trailers
• Motorcycle trailers
• ATV trailers
• Horse trailers
• Camper trailers
• Equipment trailers

These smaller trailers can still cause devastating accidents. A person towing a trailer for personal or business use may underestimate the importance of properly connecting and loading the trailer. However, a trailer that is overloaded, improperly balanced, or poorly secured can become extremely dangerous at highway speeds. Drivers may also fail to account for the additional distance needed to:

• Stop
• Turn
• Change lanes
• Merge
• Pass other vehicles
• Navigate curves

A trailer accident involving a privately owned vehicle may raise different legal issues than a commercial truck accident. However, negligence can still provide a basis for compensation when someone fails to operate or maintain their equipment safely.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Trailer Accident?

Liability for a trailer accident depends on how the crash occurred. In Illinois, an injured person may have a claim against one or more parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. Potentially responsible parties may include the following.

The Driver

The driver may be responsible if they:

• Drove too fast
• Failed to control the trailer
• Improperly connected the trailer
• Overloaded the trailer
• Failed to secure cargo
• Made an unsafe turn
• Changed lanes improperly
• Drove while distracted
• Drove while impaired

The Vehicle or Trucking Company

A company may be responsible for its own negligence, including:

• Negligent hiring
• Inadequate training
• Poor supervision
• Failure to maintain vehicles
• Failure to inspect trailers
• Encouraging unsafe driving
• Violating safety regulations

A Maintenance or Repair Company

A company responsible for inspecting or repairing a trailer may be liable when negligent maintenance contributes to an accident.

A Manufacturer

If a defective trailer, hitch, tire, brake, axle, or other component contributed to the crash, the manufacturer or another company in the chain of distribution may potentially be responsible.

A Cargo Loading Company

Improperly loaded cargo can make a trailer unstable or create a risk of falling debris.

When a company loads a commercial trailer improperly, its actions may become an important part of the case.

Injuries Caused by Trailer Accidents

Trailer accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Some people are fortunate enough to suffer relatively minor injuries. Others experience permanent disabilities that require years of medical treatment. Common trailer accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Burn injuries
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Severe lacerations
• Psychological trauma

Catastrophic injuries can affect every aspect of a person’s life. An injured person may require:

• Emergency treatment
• Surgery
• Hospitalization
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Medication
• Assistive devices
• Home modifications
• Long-term care

The financial consequences can be substantial. A personal injury claim should consider not only current medical expenses but also future medical needs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, and other damages.

Evidence in an Illinois Trailer Accident Case

Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Vehicles may be repaired. Trailers may be returned to service. Electronic data may be overwritten. Witness memories can fade.

For this reason, it can be important to begin investigating a serious trailer accident as soon as possible. Important evidence may include:

• Police reports
• Accident scene photographs
• Video footage
• Surveillance recordings
• Dash camera footage
• Witness statements
• Vehicle damage
• The trailer itself
• The hitch and coupling equipment
• Safety chains
• Tire evidence
• Maintenance records
• Inspection records
• Driver logs
• Electronic logging data
• Cargo records
• Bills of lading
• Company safety records
• Black box data
• Cell phone records

In a commercial truck case, an attorney may also investigate whether the trucking company complied with applicable federal and state safety requirements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains extensive crash and safety data regarding commercial motor vehicles and provides resources concerning large truck crash trends.

What Compensation Is Available After a Trailer Accident?

Every personal injury case is different, and the compensation available depends on the facts of the case. An injured person may seek compensation for damages such as:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Loss of normal life
• Property damage

In a fatal trailer accident, surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim or survival action, depending on the circumstances. These cases can involve significant legal and factual issues. An attorney can help evaluate the available claims and identify potentially responsible parties.

What Should You Do After a Trailer Accident in Illinois?

The steps you take after an accident can be important to both your health and your legal claim. If possible, consider taking the following steps:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations
• Take photographs if it is safe to do so
• Obtain witness contact information
• Preserve damaged property when possible
• Avoid giving a recorded statement without understanding your rights
• Do not assume an early insurance offer is fair
• Keep records of medical treatment and expenses
• Contact an experienced personal injury attorney

Do not delay medical treatment simply because you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal injuries, may not immediately produce obvious symptoms.

Why Trailer Accident Cases Can Be Complex

Trailer accident cases can be significantly more complicated than ordinary car accident claims. The investigation may involve questions such as:

• Who owned the trailer?
• Who maintained the trailer?
• Was the trailer properly inspected?
• Was the driver properly trained?
• Was the trailer overloaded?
• Was the cargo properly secured?
• Did a mechanical failure occur?
• Was a defective part involved?
• Did the driver violate a safety law?
• Did a commercial carrier violate federal regulations?

The answer to these questions can significantly affect liability and the value of a claim. An insurance company may attempt to place responsibility on the injured person or argue that an equipment failure was unavoidable. A thorough investigation may reveal evidence showing that the accident could and should have been prevented.

What John J. Malm Says About Trailer Accident Cases

Trailer accidents often require an immediate and detailed investigation because the evidence can be complex and multiple parties may be involved.

John J. Malm explains: “Trailer accidents can cause devastating injuries because of the size, weight, and unpredictability of the vehicles involved. Whether a crash involves a commercial tractor-trailer, a utility trailer, or unsecured cargo, it is critical to determine exactly what happened and whether negligence, poor maintenance, or unsafe practices caused the accident. Our job is to investigate the facts and fight to protect our client’s future.”

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand that a serious accident affects far more than a person’s physical health. An injury can affect your ability to work, support your family, and enjoy your life. That is why every serious personal injury case deserves careful attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trailer Accidents in Illinois

What is the most common cause of a trailer accident?

Trailer accidents can have many causes, including improper loading, trailer sway, speeding, mechanical failure, unsecured cargo, poor maintenance, and driver error. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the cause of a specific accident.

Who is responsible if a trailer becomes detached and causes an accident?

Responsibility depends on why the trailer became detached. The driver, trailer owner, maintenance company, manufacturer, or another party may potentially be responsible if negligence or a defective product contributed to the accident.

Can I sue if cargo falls from a trailer and causes my accident?

Potentially. If improperly secured cargo falls from a trailer and causes an accident, the person or company responsible for loading, securing, or operating the trailer may be liable for resulting injuries and damages.

Are commercial trucking companies responsible for trailer maintenance?

Commercial carriers may have responsibilities under federal and state safety requirements concerning the inspection and maintenance of vehicles and equipment. The specific responsibilities in a case depend on ownership, operation, leasing arrangements, and other facts.

What if I was partially responsible for the trailer accident?

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence system in many personal injury cases. Your ability to recover compensation may depend on your percentage of fault and the specific circumstances of the accident.

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

The time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit depends on the type of claim and the facts involved. Because important deadlines can apply and exceptions may exist, it is important to speak with an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

How much is my trailer accident case worth?

There is no standard value for a trailer accident claim. The value may depend on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost income, liability evidence, insurance coverage, and other factors.

Contact the Experienced Injury Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates After an Illinois Trailer Accident

A trailer accident can change your life in an instant. Whether you were injured in a collision with a commercial tractor-trailer, struck by a detached utility trailer, forced off the road by falling cargo, or injured because of defective or improperly maintained towing equipment, you deserve answers. You also deserve to know whether someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our experienced Illinois personal injury attorneys understand how to investigate complex accident cases, identify responsible parties, and build strong claims for injured clients and their families. We know that trucking companies, insurers, and other defendants may begin protecting their interests immediately after a serious accident. You should have a legal team ready to protect yours.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a trailer accident anywhere in Illinois, contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation. Let us investigate what happened, explain your legal options, and fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve. You did not ask for this accident, but you do not have to face its consequences alone. Contact our firm today and let us put our experience and commitment to work for you.