Chicago 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Information

If you have a Chicago, Illinois 18 wheeler accident claim, Chicago 18 wheeler accident lawyers are here to advocate for you. Call one of the Chicago18 wheeler accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.

Semi truck, tractor trailer and 18-wheeler accidents are common occurrences on Chicago roads and highways. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 people die as a result of 18-wheeler accidents and big rig collisions in the United States each year with a substantial number of 18-wheeler truck accidents occurring in Chicago, Illinois, every day. Due to the high population and highly congested traffic throughout Chicago’s sprawling metropolis, the city of Chicago unfortunately has its fair share of big rig truck accidents. Chicago, being the largest city in Illinois with nearly 2.7 million residents and the most populous city in the Midwestern United States, the third most populous in the USA,18-wheeler accidents and semi truck crashes on Chicago highways are inevitable.

Chicago’s freeway system is made up of many miles of freeways and expressways.  There are nine interstate highways that run through Chicago and its suburbs. Segments that link to the city center are named after influential politicians, with three of them named after former U.S. Presidents (Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Reagan) and one named after two-time Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson. When referring to the expressways, local citizens tend to use the names of the expressways rather than the interstate numbers, primarily because the names denote certain sections of the interstate(s).The Kennedy Expressway and the Dan Ryan Expressway are the busiest state maintained routes in the City of Chicago and its suburbs. The automobile is still the most common form of transportation in Chicago, with majority of its residents driving to work alone each day.

If you have a Chicago 18 wheeler accident claim, call one of the Chicago 18 wheeler accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.

Chicago 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Due to the sheer weight difference of a car versus the weight of an 18-wheeler or tractor trailer, accidents that involve commercial vehicles often times result in severe injuries or even death. Compared to the average weight of an automobile, which is only 5,000 pounds, one can easily see how much more dangerous commercial vehicles like an 18 wheeler can be. That is why if you are injured by a semi truck or commercial vehicle in Chicago, it is important that you choose an experienced Chicago 18-wheeler accident attorney who knows the truck regulations and laws both nationally and for the State of Illinois.

Commercial vehicles go by different names such as:

1. Big Rig
2. 18 Wheeler
3. Tractor Trailer
4. Lowboy
5. Semi-Truck

Chicago truck accidents caused by an 18-wheeler, big rig, semi truck, tractor trailer, bus or commercial vehicle are common on Chicago streets, avenues and highways. Many of the semi truck crashes that occur in the city of Chicago happen along the major Chicago highways, which include the US 14, I-94, I-190, I- 290 US 41, and I-57.

Types of Trucks

The following trucks do specific things and carry certain types of cargo:

1. Bob-Tail Trucks
2. Tanker trucks
3. Refrigerated trucks
4. Flat bed trucks
5. Logging trucks

Buses are also considered commercial vehicles as well, but as a rule do not haul cargo. Instead a bus is a transportation vehicle that carries children or adults such as a school bus or commercial bus like Greyhound. School bus accidents or commercial bus accidents are common on Chicago roads and freeways. The causes may vary, but often times the accident is a result of hazardous road conditions or driver negligence.

It is essential to hire a Chicago bus accident lawyer if you have been involved in the following type of accident:

1. Chicago city buses;
2. transportation buses such as Greyhound;
3. shuttle bus accidents when driving to and from the airport, such as Chicago Midway International Airport or Chicago O'Hare International Airport; and/or,
4. casino bus accidents that occur running back and forth from Oak park.

The ways Chicago truck accidents happen occur are too numerous to list. Blind spots, rear-ends, sideswipes, head-ons, load overturns, jack-knifes are all possible and can result in fatal wrongful death truck accidents.

If you live in Chicago and have a claims for an accident that involved a big rig or an 18 wheeler, your case might be filed in this courts:

Cook County Circuit Court - Sixth Municipal District
16501 South Kedzie Parkway Room 119, Markham IL 60428
(708) 210-4551

Cook County Circuit Court - Third Municipal District
2121 Euclid Avenue Room 121, Rolling Meadows IL 60008
(847) 818-3000

18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Serve Chicago and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Northeastern Illinois, including Antioch, Aurora, Bartlett, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Burbank, Calumet City, Carol Steam, Carpentersville, Channahon, Chicago, Cicero, Crystal Lake, De Kalb, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, East Chicago, Elgin, Evanston, Glenview, Gurnee, Hammond, Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lancing, Lockport, Lombard, McHenry, Mt. Prospect, Mundelein, Naperville, New Lenox, North Chicago, Northbrook, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Park, Oswego, Rockford, Romeoville, Round Lake Beach, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Tinley Park, Vernon Hills, Wilmette, Woodstock, Zion, areas in the vicinity of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and other communities in Cook County and Dupage County.

Chicago 18-wheeler accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Chicago 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

Types of Trucks

Hiring a Chicago 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in an 18 wheeler truck accident in Chicago, Illinois, it is recommended that you hire a qualified Chicago 18-wheeler accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in federal laws and Illinois state laws regarding trucking regulations. Chicago, located in Cook County, is the largest city in Illinois with extensive roadways and congested freeways due to its high population. Therefore, it is not uncommon for truck collisions, wrecks, crashes and injuries to occur due to the high amount of traffic. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Northeast Illinois truck accident, contact a qualified Chicago semi truck accident attorney today for a free initial consultation.

Chicago & Illinois Professional Associations

In addition to selecting a qualified Chicago accident & injury lawyer that regularly handles Chicago big rig truck accident cases, you should also check out the attorney’s credentials. For example, is the attorney a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association or American Association of Justice? All lawyers that practice Chicago truck accident litigation must be active members of the State Bar of Illinois. They may also join other professional organizations, such as:

• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• American Association of Justice

The Chicago Bar Association is one of the oldest and most active metropolitan bar associations in the United States. The Association's voluntary membership of 22,000 consists largely of lawyers and judges from Cook County and the State of Illinois.

Big Rig Accidents Can Be Devastating

When a negligent truck driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel of their semi tractor-trailer, any driver traveling near them is at risk for serious injury or death. The consequences of an 18-wheeler truck a crash along a Chicago intersection, avenue, or freeway can be devastating, often resulting in very serious injuries that can even lead to death. The sheer force of a speeding 18-wheeler truck is a dangerous weapon that can forever change your life. Under the law if you are involved in such a wreck or an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck accident in Chicago, IL or Cook County, it is in your best interest to contact a Chicago big rig truck accident lawyer immediately.

Chicago 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys File in Cook County, IL

When a truck accident occurs and a lawsuit is subsequently filed, the decision of where to file it is called “choice of venue.” The venue chosen can have legal consequences that affect the outcome of your case. Generally, venue in a truck accident case is proper in any of the following locations:

1. the county wherein the accident occurred;
2. the county wherein the defendant company’s principal place of business is located; or,
3. the county wherein the defendant truck driver resides.

Even though your accident may have occurred in Chicago, the truck company and truck driver will often be from a different state. This is because trucking companies frequently operate in states other than where they are registered. In these cases, the venue where the lawsuit may be filed could be the state where the truck accident occurred, the state where the trucking company is located, or even the state where the trucking company regularly does business, if different. For example, the accident may have occurred in Chicago, Illinois, therefore making venue proper in Cook County, but the claim may be filed against a trucking company from another state. You need a qualified and experienced Chicago tractor trailer lawyer to decide what the best venue would be in a case like this that crosses state lines.

Some of the courts in the Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, areas include:

Cook County Circuit Court - Fourth Municipal District
1500 Maybrook Avenue Room 236, Maywood IL 60153
(708) 865-6040

Cook County Circuit Court - Second Municipal District
5600 Old Orchard Road Room 136, Skokie IL 60077
(847) 470-7250

18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Chicago and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Northeastern Illinois, including Antioch, Aurora, Bartlett, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Burbank, Calumet City, Carol Steam, Carpentersville, Channahon, Chicago, Cicero, Crystal Lake, De Kalb, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, East Chicago, Elgin, Evanston, Glenview, Gurnee, Hammond, Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lancing, Lockport, Lombard, McHenry, Mt. Prospect, Mundelein, Naperville, New Lenox, North Chicago, Northbrook, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Park, Oswego, Rockford, Romeoville, Round Lake Beach, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Tinley Park, Vernon Hills, Wilmette, Woodstock, Zion, areas in the vicinity of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and other communities in Cook County and Dupage County.

Don’t be the victim of a semi driver’s negligence. Hiring a qualified Chicago 18-wheeler accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one have been injured in a truck collision. Contact a big rig accident lawyer today to ensure you receive expert representation from an attorney who knows how to handle your case.

Types of Trucks on Chicago Highways

There are many types of commercial trucks found in and around Chicago, Illinois. Trucking companies in Chicago offer a wide variety of vehicle choices. Some Chicago trucking companies deal with courier and small package delivery as well. Some companies offer bicycle couriers for downtown Metro areas and will also use an assortment of vehicles ranging from cars, vans and pick-up trucks to large tractor-trailers and bobtail trucks.

Types of Trucks Used By Chicago Trucking Companies:

• 18 Wheeler
• Semi Truck
• Tractor Trailer
• Big Rig
• Semi Trailer
• Box Truck
• Straight Truck
• Flatbed Truck
• Stake Truck
• Bobtail Truck

Be sure to insist on the highest levels of safety by selecting a reputable Chicago trucking company that uses late model vehicles which are inspected on a regular basis.

When to Hire a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney

In many cases, Chicago 18-wheeler accident attorneys must retain the services of scientific and medical experts to prove both the cause of the accident and the cause of your injuries. Additionally, a qualified semi truck accident lawyer will obtain all kinds of evidence concerning the scene of the crash, truck logs, and other important information to be used against the trucker, trucking company, or the company’s insurer. Arranging expert witness testimony and preparing important physical and documentary evidence is just one of many ways a Chicago tractor trailer injury lawyer can help you after you’ve suffered a truck accident injury from a major 18-wheeler truck wreck.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious box truck wreck, semi crash or big rig accident, hiring a lawyer is the farthest thing from your mind when tragedy such as this strikes you, a family member, or a friend. However, this is when you need a Chicago truck accident lawyer most. Do yourself a favor by calling one of the qualified Chicago truck accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Chicago tractor trailer accident lawyer to help protect your rights.

Chicago Trucking Companies

Following is a list of trucking companies based in Chicago, Illinois. Services offered include container drayage, loose freight drayage, overweight loads, bonded moves, same day delivery.

Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Chicago and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Northeastern Illinois, including Antioch, Aurora, Bartlett, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Burbank, Calumet City, Carol Steam, Carpentersville, Channahon, Chicago, Cicero, Crystal Lake, De Kalb, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, East Chicago, Elgin, Evanston, Glenview, Gurnee, Hammond, Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lancing, Lockport, Lombard, McHenry, Mt. Prospect, Mundelein, Naperville, New Lenox, North Chicago, Northbrook, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Park, Oswego, Rockford, Romeoville, Round Lake Beach, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Tinley Park, Vernon Hills, Wilmette, Woodstock, Zion, areas in the vicinity of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and other communities in Cook County and Dupage County.

Chicago truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Chicago truck accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.

Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys Represent Injured Truck Drivers

Truck drivers who operate an 18-wheeler truck or big rig on the busy roads and highways of Chicago such as I-90,I-94 or I-290, can become injured when a major commercial vehicle collision occurs. Truckers often say, “Ride with me for just one day and you will see what it is like ‘out there’…it’s not always the trucker’s fault…”

It is not uncommon to see a big rig wreck, semi crash or major accident involving semi truck drivers in Chicago, IL. Chicago’s freeway system is made up of many miles of freeways and expressways. The Chicago metropolitan area had 54,600 miles of streets and roads, including 2,500 miles of expressways, 17,300 miles of highways and arterial streets, and 34,800 miles of local streets. The danger of an 18-wheeler truck accident is not just confined to injured people in automobiles, but can end up injuring the truck driver affecting their livelihood and family’s livelihood as well as the automobile driver. So, when a Chicago 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer is contacted, be it by an automobile driver who has been injured or a truck driver that has been injured at the dangerous hands of another, you will need an expert Chicago truck injury lawyer to fight for your rights.

The Semi Truck Driver is Not Always at Fault

When an 18-wheeler is moving down a Chicago road or highway, such as US 14, I-94, I-190, I- 290 US 41, and I-57at high speeds, it is nearly unstoppable and can easily turn a motorist’s everyday commute into a lethal situation. Although a passenger car is lightweight, in comparison, and can easily maneuver in and out of lanes on Chicago highways, it is no match for a big rig truck. If the two vehicles are unable to avoid a collision, wreck or crash, the driver of the passenger car will be lucky to escape with their life.

A driver of a passenger vehicle could easily be killed as a result of  veering out of his lane and then smashing into a tractor trailer truck let’s say on the Kennedy Expressway and the Dan Ryan Expressway which are the busiest state maintained routes in the City of Chicago and its suburbs. If the trucker tried to avoid hitting the passenger car but was unable to avoid the wreck or crash, then this would be a case where the accident was caused by the driver of the passenger vehicle and therefore the trucker would not be at fault.

Truck Driver Facts

• Two of your fellow truck drivers die each day in accidents
• 33,000 people driving large trucks are injured each year
• 6.3% of U.S. truck drivers are injured each year.

Injured Truckers Need Legal Representation

A qualified Chicago 18-wheeler accident attorney should offer a free case review. If they decide to take on your legal matter, they should not require an up-front fee. Truckers with a trucking injury claim are generally taken on a contingency fee basis. In other words, your Chicago truck accident attorney is only paid if you receive compensation for your injuries.

Injured Truckers Need to Know Their Rights

As a trucker, you have rights you need to be aware of. It is not uncommon for aggressive insurance companies to contact you shortly after the accident in an effort to try to get you to settle quickly and convince you that you want the matter to go away. In many cases, injuries are not so quick to heal. Many times the injuries can be permanent, long-lasting, and career-threatening. That is why you need a competent Chicago truck accident lawyer that is not only prepared to mediate a resolution, but also prepared to take your case to court.

When Negligence Changes a Trucker’s Life

Qualified Chicago truck accident lawyers know exactly how to provide nationwide representation for truckers injured in trucking accidents caused by a variety of negligent acts and mechanical malfunctions, including:

• Rear-end, Head-On Crashes and Jackknives
• Poor Maintenance, including Tires and Brakes
• Driver Fatigue
• Unsecured Loads
• Aggressive Driving
• DWI/Drug Use
• Lack of Reflectors and Poor Visibility

Since trucking laws are governed by hundreds of regulations, litigation can be very complex. Hiring a semi truck accident attorney who specializes in the numerous trucking laws throughout the United States is essential for a successful verdict outcome. For more information about trucking laws or to schedule an appointment with an experienced commercial truck injury lawyer, contact a truck injury attorney today.

When an 18 Wheeler accident occurs, your Chicago truck accident lawyer will check the truck driver’s credentials to see if he/she attended an accredited Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) school. In Chicago, Illinois, one truck driving school is DTS Truck Driving School, 2843 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618 although there are many others throughout the country. See the Nationwide List of Accredited CDL Schools for a more comprehensive list.

Truck Accident Lawyers for Injured Truckers Serve Chicago and Surrounding Cities

Serving clients throughout Northeastern Illinois, including Antioch, Aurora, Bartlett, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Buffalo Grove, Burbank, Calumet City, Carol Steam, Carpentersville, Channahon, Chicago, Cicero, Crystal Lake, De Kalb, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, East Chicago, Elgin, Evanston, Glenview, Gurnee, Hammond, Hoffman Estates, Joliet, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lancing, Lockport, Lombard, McHenry, Mt. Prospect, Mundelein, Naperville, New Lenox, North Chicago, Northbrook, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Orland Park, Oswego, Rockford, Romeoville, Round Lake Beach, Schaumburg, St. Charles, Tinley Park, Vernon Hills, Wilmette, Woodstock, Zion, areas in the vicinity of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and other communities in Cook County and Dupage County.

Chicago truck accident attorneys for injured truckers are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Chicago 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.