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How Can a Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer from TorHoerman Law Help You?

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Chicago, TorHoerman Law (THL) is here to help you pursue justice and compensation.

Our team of Chicago truck accident lawyers understands the challenges victims face after serious accidents, especially in a city where commercial trucking plays a central role.

We work to take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovering.

Our process begins with a detailed investigation of the truck accident, including collecting trucking logs, vehicle maintenance records, police reports, and witness statements.

We evaluate all aspects of your losses, including medical bills, ongoing care needs, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident.

With this evidence, we build a strong case that accurately reflects the full impact of the truck crash on your life.

We negotiate directly with the trucking company and their insurers to secure a fair settlement that covers your damages.

If a settlement isn’t possible, our attorneys are fully prepared to represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Throughout the process, we maintain clear communication, providing updates and answering your questions with transparency and care.

At THL, we are dedicated to helping Chicago residents move forward after serious truck accidents.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Chicago Truck Accident Attorney from THL?

Hiring a Chicago truck accident attorney from TorHoerman Law comes with no upfront costs.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we secure compensation for your case.

This ensures that financial concerns don’t stand in the way of seeking experienced legal representation.

We take on the financial risk so you can focus on your recovery without additional stress.

If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

Meet Our Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys

Eric Terry leads our team of Chicago truck accident lawyers at TorHoerman Law (THL).

With extensive experience in truck and car accident cases, Eric is recognized for his strategic and detailed advocacy on behalf of clients harmed by negligent trucking companies and drivers.

At TorHoerman Law, we take a collaborative approach to personal injury cases, particularly truck accident claims.

Instead of assigning a single attorney to handle your case, we bring together a team of experienced attorneys, each offering unique insights and expertise to address the challenges of truck accident lawsuits.

This team-based strategy allows us to develop a comprehensive and aggressive legal approach tailored to the specifics of each case.

Our goal is to secure full and fair compensation while providing victims with thorough and compassionate representation.

With a deep understanding of the trucking industry and Illinois laws, our Chicago team is committed to achieving the best outcomes for truck accident victims.

Our team of Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers includes:

• Steve Davis: With over 30 years of legal experience, Steve Davis has dedicated his career to representing those harmed at no fault of their own. His extensive litigation background makes him a strong advocate for truck accident victims in the Chicago area.
• Jake Plattenberger: As a partner at TorHoerman Law, Jake Plattenberger leads the Chicago office with a focus on personal injury and complex litigation. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has taken hundreds of depositions, argued in countless hearings, and tried over thirty-five cases to a jury.
• Chad Finley: Chad Finley brings a unique blend of legal and medical knowledge to TorHoerman Law, with over a decade of experience in assessing the long-term impacts of injuries on clients. His expertise in understanding the medical ramifications of trucking accidents enables him to assess damages and pursue compensation for victims.
• Tyler Schneider: As the managing partner of TorHoerman Law, Tyler Schneider plays a pivotal role in the firm’s success. With more than a decade of experience, Tyler uses his leadership skills and strong Chicago connections to secure the best outcomes for clients.
• Rachal Rojas: Rachal Rojas leads TorHoerman Law’s intake and client support team. She makes certain that every client is well-informed and receives the support they need from their first interaction with the firm. Her dedication to clear communication and client care is a core part of the firm’s commitment to service.

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, tractor trailer, or other commercial vehicle, you may be eligible to file a truck accident case and seek compensation.

Reach out to a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer at THL for more information.

We’re here to help you.

Our Founder and Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer: Tor Hoerman

Tor Hoerman, the founder of our personal injury law firm, is a nationally recognized trial attorney with more than 20 years of experience.

Tor began his legal career in Chicago, working in insurance defense before transitioning to the plaintiff’s side.

He has since dedicated his career to seeking justice for people injured in accidents by no fault of their own, particularly through corporate negligence.

He has been instrumental in securing billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients harmed by negligence, including victims of serious truck accidents.

Known for his strategic approach and commitment to the people he represents, Tor has built a reputation as a leading advocate for individuals and families affected by catastrophic injuries.

His extensive experience includes handling serious truck accident cases, where his firm has held trucking companies and truck drivers accountable for their reckless actions.

Tor’s leadership has positioned our firm as a trusted resource for victims seeking compassionate and effective legal representation.

Beyond the courtroom, Tor is dedicated to mentoring his team and ensuring that every client receives the focused attention they deserve.

His work continues to shape the firm’s mission of providing justice for accident victims across Chicago and beyond.

Our Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers Get Results

At TorHoerman Law (THL), our commitment to achieving justice for personal injury victims is reflected in the results we’ve secured across a wide range of practice areas.

Our success stems from the collaborative efforts of our experienced legal team, who work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for those we represent.

These case results demonstrate not only our expertise but also our firm’s guiding principles: prioritizing client well-being, delivering personalized support, and achieving results that help rebuild lives.

Past personal injury settlements and verdicts achieved by THL include:

• $495 million verdict against Abbott Laboratories in St. Louis court on behalf of our client’s child, who developed a serious gastrointestinal disease after being fed cow’s milk based infant formula.
• $1.5 million in compensation awarded for a car accident victim who suffered serious, life-altering injuries.
• $4 million secured for the family of a child who suffered a traumatic brain injury at a daycare facility.
• $800,000 in compensation awarded for a family whose child suffered abuse at a daycare facility.
• $100,000 secured for a man injured in a motorcycle accident at no fault of his own.
• $100,000 awarded to a person injured in a car accident.
• $300,000 secured for a person injured in a slip-and-fall accident.
• and countless other settlements and verdicts.

When you hire a personal injury lawyer from TorHoerman Law, you’re not only gaining the support of lawyers who deeply understand the process for Chicago truck accident claims.

You’re partnering with a law firm that has successfully taken on some of the largest corporations in the world.

What To Do After a Truck Accident in Chicago, IL

Accidents involving semi-trucks, tractor trailers, and other large trucks often cause severe injuries and tragic losses of life.

Commercial truck drivers and the companies that employ them are bound by strict state and federal regulations, establishing a web of potential liability if an accident occurs and innocent people are injured or killed.

Unlike regular car accidents, truck accidents often involve lengthy investigations and multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or even maintenance providers.

Our law firm understands that truck accident victims are often incapacitated to the point of being unable to complete the recommended steps following an accident.

With that being said, if victims are able to, they should attempt to complete some, if not all, of the steps listed below after a truck accident.

Steps to take after a truck accident in Chicago include:

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get evaluated by a medical professional, even if injuries seem minor, to document your condition and begin necessary treatment.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and all involved parties.
4. Obtain a Police Report: Request a copy of the police report from the responding officer, as this will be a key piece of evidence in your case.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident but avoid admitting fault or giving detailed statements without consulting an attorney.
6. Preserve Documents and Records: Keep all medical bills, repair estimates, and any communications with insurance companies or trucking companies.
7. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer: Consult a Chicago truck accident attorney to assess your case, protect your rights, and help pursue the compensation you deserve.

Gathering Evidence for a Truck Accident Case

Evidence is crucial in truck accident cases to establish fault, prove damages, and hold responsible parties accountable.

Thorough documentation helps build a strong case, ensuring that victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses.

By preserving and gathering key evidence, attorneys can present a clear picture of what happened and how the negligence of others contributed to the accident.

A Commercial Truck Accident Attorney will help you gather and retain evidence crucial to your case.

Evidence in a truck accident case may include:

• Police Reports: Provide an official account of the accident, including details about fault and contributing factors.
• Trucking Logs: Document the driver’s hours of service to check for violations of federal regulations.
• Vehicle Maintenance Records: Show whether the truck was properly maintained and if mechanical issues played a role in the accident.
• Witness Statements: Offer additional perspectives on what occurred and can support the victim’s account.
• Surveillance or Dash Cam Footage: Capture the collision and may reveal critical details about the moments leading up to the crash.
• Photos of the Scene: Include images of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries or damages.
• Medical Records: Demonstrate the extent of injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.
• Black Box Data: Contains crucial information about the truck’s speed, braking, and other operational data at the time of the accident.

Common Damages in Truck Accident Cases

In a legal context, “damages” refer to the financial compensation awarded to a victim to address the harm caused by an accident.

Truck accident cases often involve significant damages due to the severity of injuries and the long-term impact on victims’ lives.

These damages may cover both economic losses, like medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic losses, such as emotional suffering and diminished quality of life.

Understanding the types of damages available can help victims pursue fair and comprehensive compensation.

Potential damages in a truck accident claim may include:

• Medical Expenses: Covers the medical costs of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages: Compensates for income lost during recovery and potential future earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to work.
• Property Damage: Reimburses for repairs or replacement of vehicles and other property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Includes psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of Consortium: Recognizes the impact of the accident on relationships, particularly with a spouse or close family members.
• Disfigurement or Permanent Disability: Provides compensation for lasting physical injuries that affect the victim’s quality of life.

The Legal Process for Truck Accident Claims in Chicago

Truck accident claims in Illinois are governed by both state and federal laws designed to regulate the trucking industry and protect public safety.

Illinois follows a comparative fault rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), allowing victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as they are less than 50% responsible.

Federal laws, such as those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), set standards for truck maintenance, driver qualifications, and hours of service to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

Truck companies must also adhere to strict record-keeping requirements, including maintaining black box data and driver logs, which can serve as critical evidence.

Violations of these laws often play a key role in determining liability in truck accident cases.

The legal process for truck accident claims in Chicago generally follows these steps:

1. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer: Consult with an attorney to assess your case, explain your legal options, and protect your rights.
2. Case Investigation: Your lawyer will gather evidence, including trucking logs, black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
3. File a Claim: Your attorney will file a formal claim against the at-fault party, which could include the driver, trucking company, or other liable parties.
4. Settlement Negotiations: Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company or opposing counsel to pursue a fair settlement.
5. Discovery Process: If the case moves forward, both sides exchange evidence and gather additional information to strengthen their positions.
6. Prepare for Trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting evidence and advocating for fair compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Injury Claim in Chicago?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in 735 ILCS 5/13-202.

This means victims must file their claim within this timeframe or risk losing their right to seek compensation for their injuries.

However, certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or claims against government entities, which may have different deadlines.

Acting promptly is crucial, as gathering evidence and building a strong case becomes more difficult as time passes.

Consulting with an experienced truck accident lawyer ensures that your case is filed on time and meets all legal requirements.

If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a truck accident in Chicago, contacting an attorney early can protect your rights and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

How is Liability Determined in Semi-Truck Accidents?

Determining liability in semi-truck accidents involves identifying the parties responsible for causing the crash and the resulting damages.

Semi-truck collisions are often more complex than regular car accidents because multiple entities may share responsibility.

Liability is established by analyzing the facts of the accident, relevant laws, and the roles of various parties involved in the trucking operation.

Liability considerations include:

1. Truck Driver Negligence: The driver may be held liable if their actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service regulations, contributed to the accident. Driver logs, black box data, and witness statements often provide crucial evidence of negligence.
2. Trucking Company Responsibility: Trucking companies are required to follow strict federal and state regulations, including proper hiring practices, regular vehicle maintenance, and monitoring driver compliance. They may be liable if they failed to maintain the truck, encouraged unsafe driving practices, or hired an unqualified driver.
3. Manufacturer Defects: If a mechanical failure or defective part, such as faulty brakes or tires, caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts may be held accountable.
4. Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to overturn or lose control. The entity responsible for loading the truck may be liable if improper loading procedures contributed to the crash.
5. Third Parties: Other passenger vehicles on the road, maintenance providers, or vehicles involved in the truck’s operation may also share liability depending on the circumstances.

To determine liability, evidence such as police reports, black box data, maintenance logs, driver records, and eyewitness accounts is analyzed.

An experienced truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties and establish their roles in causing the accident.

By doing so, victims can pursue full and fair compensation for their injuries, losses, and out-of-pocket costs.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims and their families.

Understanding the most common injuries from truck accidents can help victims recognize the need for immediate medical attention and ongoing care.

Common Truck Accident Injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Resulting from head impacts, these can cause memory loss, cognitive impairment, and long-term neurological issues.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Including herniated discs, fractures, or paralysis, these injuries can lead to lifelong disability.
• Broken Bones: Commonly affecting the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis due to the force of the collision.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys, often requiring emergency surgery.
• Burns: Caused by fires or explosions during a crash, leading to severe pain, scarring, and potential infections.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Including whiplash, sprains, and muscle tears, which can cause ongoing pain and reduced mobility.
• Psychological Trauma: Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD, often arises from the traumatic nature of the accident.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-truck accidents are often caused by a combination of human error, mechanical failures, and external factors.

These accidents can have devastating consequences due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.

Understanding the most common causes of semi-truck accidents can help identify who is at fault and how these crashes might be prevented.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road and insufficient rest can impair a truck driver’s focus and reaction time.
• Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or other distractions can lead to deadly mistakes.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Driving too fast for road conditions or aggressive driving increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Improper Maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical issues can cause equipment failures and crashes.
• Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo: Shifting or unbalanced loads can destabilize a truck, leading to rollovers or jackknifing.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, or ice can make it difficult to control a truck, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Violation of Traffic Laws: Ignoring signals, failing to yield, or unsafe lane changes are common behaviors that cause collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug use by a truck driver can severely impair judgment and motor skills.
• Inadequate Driver Training: Poorly trained drivers may lack the skills to handle challenging road or traffic conditions.

Chicago Truck and Auto Accident Statistics

Chicago’s status as a major transportation hub contributes to a significant volume of truck traffic, which in turn impacts road safety.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in 2021, there were 11,178 crashes involving tractor-trailers across the state, accounting for 3.8% of all traffic incidents.

Cook County reported over 121,000 motor vehicle crashes in 2022, the highest in the state.

These accidents resulted in thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities, underscoring the need for improved road safety measures.

State and Federal Trucking Regulations Explained

Trucking regulations at the state and federal levels are designed to ensure safety for all road users and prevent accidents caused by commercial vehicles.

In Illinois, the Department of Transportation enforces trucking laws, such as weight restrictions and licensing requirements, to promote safe operations.

At the federal level, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees rules for hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications to reduce fatigue and ensure roadworthiness.

These regulations hold both drivers and trucking companies accountable for maintaining safe practices. Violations of these laws often play a significant role in determining liability in truck accident cases.

Key State and Federal Trucking Regulations include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Limit the number of hours a driver can operate without rest to prevent fatigue-related accidents (FMCSA).
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Ensure drivers meet strict standards to operate large vehicles safely (Illinois CDL program).
• Vehicle Maintenance Standards: Require regular inspections and maintenance to prevent mechanical failures.
• Weight and Load Restrictions: Enforced in Illinois to prevent damage to roads and ensure safe vehicle handling.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mandate pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing to ensure drivers are not impaired (FMCSA).
• Black Box Data Requirements: Electronic logging devices (ELDs) track driver hours and vehicle data to ensure compliance with safety rules.
• Hazardous Materials Regulations: Set specific guidelines for transporting dangerous goods safely to protect the public.

TorHoerman Law: Your Chicago Truck Accident Lawyer

TorHoerman Law is dedicated to helping truck accident victims in Chicago seek justice and recover compensation for the harm they’ve endured.

Our team of Chicago experienced truck accident attorneys recognizes the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that truck accidents in Chicago can impose on your life.

We are focused on holding negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable while pursuing compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident through no fault of your own in the Chicago area, you may be eligible to file a claim and seek financial recovery.

Contact the experienced Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers at TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page to quickly determine if you qualify for a truck accident claim.