Waukegan 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Information
Semi truck, tractor trailer and 18-wheeler accidents are common occurrences on Waukegan 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 Waukegan, Illinois, every day. Due to the area's population and congested freeways, the city of Waukegan unfortunately has its fair share of big rig truck accidents.
Waukegan is a city and county seat of Lake County, Illinois. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 87,901. The 2010 population was 89,078. It is the ninth-largest city in Illinois by population and is the fifth-largest city on the western shore of Lake Michigan, after Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Waukegan has a port district which operates the city harbor and regional airport. Waukegan Harbor provides services and facilities for recreational boaters and the industrial port provides access for 90-100 large shipping vessels yearly. Companies with cargo facilities at the port currently include Gold Bond Building Products, LaFarge Corp, and St Mary's Cement Co. Metra provides service between Waukegan and downtown Chicago via the Union Pacific North Line. Service runs daily from early morning to late evening. Pace provides public bus service throughout Waukegan and surrounding areas. Most buses run Monday thru Saturday with limited Sunday/Holiday service on two routes. Waukegan has three licensed taxi companies, 303 Taxi, Metro Yellow & Checker Cabs and Speedy Taxi which operate under city ordinances. A large percentage of Waukegan's residents commute to work each day with the automobile still being the most common form of transportation.
With Waukegan being the ninth-largest city in Illinois by population and with the amount of traffic on it's highways, 18-wheeler accidents and semi truck crashes on Waukegan roads are inevitable. If you have a Waukegan truck accident claim, call one of the Waukegan 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.
Waukegan 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
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 Waukegan, it is important that you choose an experienced Waukegan 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:
- 18-Wheeler
- Tractor Trailer
- Semi-Tractor Truck
- Truck
- Semi
Waukegan truck accidents caused by an 18-wheeler, big rig, semi truck, tractor trailer, bus or commercial vehicle are common on Waukegan streets, avenues and highways. Many of the semi truck crashes that occur in the city of Waukegan happen along the major Waukegan highways, which include the SH 137, SH 131 and I-94.
Types of Trucks
The following trucks do specific things and carry certain types of cargo:
- Logging trucks
- Bob-Tail Trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Flat bed trucks
- Refrigerated 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan bus accident lawyer if you have been involved in the following type of accident:
- Waukegan city buses;
- transportation buses such as Greyhound;
- shuttle bus accidents when driving to and from the airport, such as Waukegan Regional Airport or Waukegan Memorial Airport; and/or,
- casino bus accidents that occur running back and forth from Illinois Beach State Park.
The ways Waukegan 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 Waukegan and have a claims for an accident that involved a big rig or an 18 wheeler, your case might be filed in one of these courts:
Lake County Circuit Court - Mundelein
105 E Route 83, Mundelein IL 60060
(847) 377-3300
Lake County Circuit Court - Park City
301 Greenleaf Street, Park City IL 60085
(847) 377-3500
18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Waukegan and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Northeastern Illinois, including Antioch, Arlington Heights, Beach Park, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Fremont Center, Gages Lake, Glenview, Grayslake, Gurnee, Highland Park, Highwood, Hoffman Estates, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lake Villa, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, McHenry, Mundelein, North Chicago, Northbrook, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Wilmette, Winthrop Harbor, Woodstock, areas in the vicinity of Waukegan Regional Airport, and other communities in Lake County.
Waukegan 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 Waukegan 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Types of Trucks
Hiring a Waukegan 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in an 18 wheeler truck accident in Waukegan, Illinois, it is recommended that you hire a qualified Waukegan 18-wheeler accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in federal laws and Illinois state laws regarding trucking regulations. Waukegan, located in Lake County, is the 9th largest city by population 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 amount of traffic. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Southeast Illinois truck accident, contact a qualified Waukegan semi truck accident attorney today for a free initial consultation.
Waukegan & Illinois Professional Associations
In addition to selecting a qualified Waukegan personal injury lawyer who regularly handles Waukegan area truck accident cases, you should also check out the lawyers credentials. For example, is the attorney a member of the Lake County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association or the Northwest Suburban Bar Association?
Waukegan semi-truck injury lawyers may also join other professional organizations, such as:
- Lake County Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Northwest Suburban Bar Association
- The American Association for Justice
The Lake County Bar Association provides professional support, education, and networking opportunities to lawyers, judges, legal related professionals and the public.
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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan, NJ or Lake County, it is in your best interest to contact a Waukegan big rig truck accident lawyer immediately.
Waukegan 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys File in Lake County, NJ
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:
- the county wherein the accident occurred;
- the county wherein the defendant company’s principal place of business is located; or,
- the county wherein the defendant truck driver resides.
Even though your accident may have occurred in Waukegan, 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 Waukegan, Illinois, therefore making venue proper in Lake County, but the claim may be filed against a trucking company from another state. You need a qualified and experienced Waukegan 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 Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois, areas include:
Lake County Circuit Court - Mundelein
105 E Route 83, Mundelein IL 60060
(847) 377-3300
Lake County Circuit Court - Park City
301 Greenleaf Street, Park City IL 60085
(847) 377-3500
18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Waukegan and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Northeastern Illinois, including Antioch, Arlington Heights, Beach Park, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Fremont Center, Gages Lake, Glenview, Grayslake, Gurnee, Highland Park, Highwood, Hoffman Estates, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lake Villa, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, McHenry, Mundelein, North Chicago, Northbrook, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Wilmette, Winthrop Harbor, Woodstock, areas in the vicinity of Waukegan Regional Airport, and other communities in Lake County.
Don’t be the victim of a semi driver’s negligence. Hiring a qualified Waukegan 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 Waukegan Highways
There are many types of commercial trucks found in and around Waukegan, Illinois. Trucking companies in Waukegan offer a wide variety of vehicle choices. Some Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan trucking company that uses late model vehicles which are inspected on a regular basis.
When to Hire a Waukegan Truck Accident Lawyer
In many cases, Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan truck accident lawyer most. Do yourself a favor by calling one of the qualified Waukegan truck accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Waukegan tractor trailer accident lawyer to help protect your rights.
Waukegan Trucking Companies
Following is a list of trucking companies based in Waukegan, Illinois. Services offered include container drayage, loose freight drayage, overweight loads, bonded moves, same day delivery.
Keller Trucking Co Inc, 470 Old Skokie Road
Genesis Transportation, 515 East Sea Horse Drive
Transolutions Inc, 1541 South Waukegan Road
Givens Trucking, 2835 Belvidere Road
E & H Transport Network Inc, 2344 Ernie Krueger Circle
Public Storage - Self Storage, 3501 Belvidere Road
Beach Park Freight Line Inc, 38433 North |
Superior Truck Line IncAd, 1629 South Candlestick Way
Edwin TruckingAd, 726 West Grove Avenue
J Hernandez Trucking, 2505 North Elmwood Avenue
U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer, 1797 North Delany Road
Dan Lodesky Trucking, 36 N Route 41
Transolutions IncAd, 1541 South Waukegan Road
E & H Transport Network Inc, 2344 Ernie Krueger Circle |
Some companies deal with the transport of import and export containers through the Port of Waukegan, which is located nearby. |
Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Waukegan and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Northeastern Illinois, including Antioch, Arlington Heights, Beach Park, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Fremont Center, Gages Lake, Glenview, Grayslake, Gurnee, Highland Park, Highwood, Hoffman Estates, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lake Villa, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, McHenry, Mundelein, North Chicago, Northbrook, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Wilmette, Winthrop Harbor, Woodstock, areas in the vicinity of Waukegan Regional Airport, and other communities in Lake County.
Waukegan 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 Waukegan truck accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Waukegan Truck Accident Lawyers Represent Injured Truck Drivers
Truck drivers who operate an 18-wheeler truck or big rig on the busy roads and highways of Waukegan such as SH 137, SH 131 or I-94, 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 Waukegan, IL. Waukegan’s freeway system is made up miles of freeways, expressways, access roads and service 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan road or highway, such as SH 137, SH 131 or I-94 at 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 Waukegan 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 I-94 near Waukegan. 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan truck accident lawyer will check the truck driver’s credentials to see if he/she attended an accredited Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) school. In Waukegan, Illinois, one truck driving school is Waukegan Community College 555 Community College Dr., Waukegan, IL 77013, although there are many others throughout the country. See the Nationwide List of Accredited CDL Schools for a more comprehensive list.
Resources for Truck Drivers |
Trucking Schools (earn your CDL):
Kotra CDL Driving School, 1616 Grand Avenue # 206
ATS Truck Driving SchoolAd, 1205 Karl Connecticut # 111
Star Truck Driving School, 710 Larson Lane |
Occupational Health Care Facilities
Waukegan Illinois Hospital Company
Naval Health Clinic, 3001A Sheridan Road, 6th Street,
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital |
Companies that provide towing services for big rigs: |
Heavy Duty Towing North Shore
Illinois towing service inc . tractor trailer towing
Lake County truck towing |
TOWING
Fox Recovery & Towing
Dazzo's Auto Repair |
Contact a Waukegan 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for a free initial consultation. |
Truck Accident Attorneys for Injured Truckers Serve Waukegan and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Northeastern Illinois, including Antioch, Arlington Heights, Beach Park, Buffalo Grove, Carpentersville, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Fremont Center, Gages Lake, Glenview, Grayslake, Gurnee, Highland Park, Highwood, Hoffman Estates, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lake in the Hills, Lake Villa, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, McHenry, Mundelein, North Chicago, Northbrook, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Vernon Hills, Waukegan, Wilmette, Winthrop Harbor, Woodstock, areas in the vicinity of Waukegan Regional Airport, and other communities in Lake County.
Waukegan 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 Waukegan 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.