๐Ÿš— Car Accident ๐Ÿš› Truck Accident ๐ŸšŒ Bus Accident ๐Ÿ—๏ธ Slip / Fall ๐Ÿ๏ธ Motorcycle Accident ๐Ÿฅ Medical Malpractice ๐Ÿ”ง Workers' Compensation ๐Ÿ• Dog Bite ๐ŸšŠ Train / CTA Accident ๐Ÿง  Brain / Spinal Injury ๐Ÿ‘ถ Birth Injury โš–๏ธ Wrongful Death
โญ 96% Case Recovery Rate | ๐Ÿ’ฐ $10M+ Recovered for Clients | ๐Ÿ“ž Free Consultation 24/7 | โœ… No Fee Unless We Win
Chicago Personal Injury Attorney ยท Free Case Review

๐Ÿš› Chicago Truck Accident Attorney
Schwaner Injury Law

Truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on Illinois roads. An 18-wheeler involved in an accident has a 98% chance of resulting in at least one fatality. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Chicago or the Chicagoland area, Schwaner Injury Law will fight to recover the compensation you deserve โ€” covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Immediate Steps

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Chicago

  • โœ“ Call 911 and ensure all injured parties receive medical attention
  • โœ“ Document the scene: photos of vehicles, cargo, road conditions, skid marks
  • โœ“ Get the truck driver's name, CDL number, and trucking company information
  • โœ“ Identify and preserve dashcam or surveillance footage before it's overwritten
  • โœ“ Do not speak to the trucking company's insurance adjuster without an attorney
  • โœ“ Preserve your vehicle and any damaged property as evidence
  • โœ“ Contact Schwaner Injury Law immediately โ€” trucking companies deploy investigators fast
Common Causes

Common Causes of Truck Accident Cases

  • โ†’ Driver fatigue (federal hours-of-service violations)
  • โ†’ Improper loading or unsecured cargo
  • โ†’ Brake failure or mechanical defects
  • โ†’ Distracted driving
  • โ†’ Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
  • โ†’ Inadequate training or unlicensed drivers
  • โ†’ Driving under the influence
  • โ†’ Poor vehicle maintenance
Your Rights

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Every case is different, but victims of truck accident may be entitled to recover:

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Long-term rehabilitation costs
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Pain and suffering
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Wrongful death (for surviving family members)
Why Schwaner Injury Law

Chicago's Trusted Personal Injury Attorney

David J. Schwaner has spent over a decade fighting for Chicago injury victims. With a 96% case recovery rate and more than $10 million recovered for clients, he brings aggressive, experienced representation to every case โ€” from initial consultation through trial if necessary.

You pay nothing unless we win. David handles all case costs upfront, so you can focus on your recovery while he focuses on your justice.

โœ“ Free consultation, available 24/7
โœ“ No fee unless we win your case
โœ“ 96% case recovery rate
โœ“ $10M+ recovered for injury victims
โœ“ Direct attorney access โ€” not a call center
96%
Case Recovery Rate
$10M+
Recovered for Clients
10+
Years of Experience
FAQ

Truck Accident Questions โ€” Answered

Who can be held liable in a truck accident?

Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance contractor. David Schwaner investigates all responsible parties.

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

Illinois's statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly is critical because trucking companies begin their own investigations immediately.

Are truck accident cases more complex than car accident cases?

Yes. Federal trucking regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and the severity of injuries make these cases more complex. You need an attorney with specific experience in commercial vehicle accidents.

What federal regulations apply to truck drivers?

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) sets strict rules on hours of service, vehicle maintenance, load limits, and driver qualifications. Violations of these rules can establish negligence.

What evidence is important in a truck accident case?

Key evidence includes the truck's black box (ECM) data, driver logbooks, maintenance records, cargo manifests, dashcam footage, and the driver's employment and background records.

โš–๏ธ

Get Your Free Truck Accident Case Review

Schwaner Injury Law offers free, confidential consultations 24/7. No fee unless we win. Tell us what happened and we'll tell you if you have a case โ€” no obligation.

๐Ÿ“ž Call (312) 635-4000 ๐Ÿ“‹ Send Us Your Case

Available 24/7 ยท Free ยท No obligation ยท Confidential

Our Process

How We Handle Truck Accident Cases

From first call to final settlement or verdict โ€” here's exactly how David Schwaner fights for truck accident victims in Chicago.

1

Free Consultation

We evaluate your truck accident case at absolutely no cost. You'll speak directly with David Schwaner โ€” not a paralegal or intake specialist โ€” about what happened and what your case is worth.

2

Investigation

We gather all critical evidence โ€” police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, expert opinions, and witness statements. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence from being destroyed.

3

Demand & Negotiation

We prepare a comprehensive demand package and negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies. We never accept lowball offers. Insurance adjusters know that Schwaner Injury Law is prepared to go to trial.

4

Settlement or Trial

Most cases settle before trial for fair compensation. If the insurer refuses to offer what your case is worth, David Schwaner takes it to Cook County court and fights for a jury verdict. We don't stop until you're fairly compensated.

5

You Get Paid

You receive your settlement or verdict. Our fee comes only from your recovery โ€” zero out of pocket costs to you. No fee unless we win, guaranteed.

Know Your Rights

Illinois Law & Your Truck Accident Rights

Understanding Illinois law helps you protect your rights. Here's what every truck accident victim in Chicago needs to know before speaking with an insurance company.

Illinois & Federal Law in Truck Accident Claims

  • โš–๏ธStatute of Limitations: 2 years from accident date (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Against government entities (IDOT road defects), you may have only 1 year.
  • โš–๏ธFMCSA Regulations: Hours-of-service violations (49 CFR ยง 395), maintenance failures (49 CFR ยง 396), and driver qualification failures (49 CFR ยง 391) can establish negligence per se.
  • โš–๏ธComparative Fault: Modified comparative fault applies โ€” you can recover if less than 51% at fault (735 ILCS 5/2-1116).
  • โš–๏ธMinimum Insurance: Interstate carriers must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance (49 CFR ยง 387.9) โ€” much higher than standard auto policies.
Why Choose Us

Why Chicago Truck Accident Victims Choose Schwaner Injury Law

๐Ÿ’ฐ

$15M+ Recovered

David Schwaner has recovered over $15 million for injured Chicagoans โ€” including truck accident victims with cases just like yours.

โš–๏ธ

15+ Years Experience

Over 15 years handling truck accident cases in Cook County courts. David knows the judges, the process, and how to win.

๐Ÿ“ž

Available 24/7

Call or text David Schwaner anytime โ€” day or night. Injured victims don't keep business hours, and neither do we.

โœ…

Zero Fees Unless We Win

No upfront costs. No fees unless we win your case. We advance all litigation expenses so you can focus on healing.

More Questions Answered

More Truck Accident Questions โ€” Answered by David Schwaner

Illinois-specific answers to the questions injured victims ask most. If your question isn't here, call (312) 635-4000 โ€” David answers personally.

How long does a truck accident lawsuit take in Illinois?

Truck accident cases are typically more complex than standard car accidents and can take 1โ€“3 years to resolve. Federal trucking regulations, multiple liable parties (driver, carrier, shipper, manufacturer), and commercial insurance companies that aggressively fight claims all contribute to longer timelines. Schwaner Injury Law has the experience to navigate these complexities efficiently.

Who can be held liable in a Chicago truck accident?

Multiple parties may share liability in a truck accident: the truck driver (negligent driving), the trucking company (negligent hiring, supervision, or maintenance), the cargo shipper (improper loading), or the truck manufacturer (defective parts). Illinois law allows you to pursue all liable parties simultaneously to maximize your recovery.

What federal regulations apply to truck accident cases in Illinois?

Commercial truck drivers and carriers are regulated by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, including hours-of-service limits (49 CFR Part 395), driver qualification standards, drug and alcohol testing, and vehicle maintenance requirements. Violations of these federal regulations can establish negligence per se in your Illinois lawsuit.

Does Schwaner Injury Law handle semi-truck and 18-wheeler accident cases?

Yes. We handle all commercial vehicle accidents including semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, flatbeds, tankers, and delivery trucks. David Schwaner is experienced in obtaining black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records that are critical to winning truck accident cases โ€” and he acts fast before this evidence is destroyed.

What is the statute of limitations for a truck accident claim in Illinois?

You have 2 years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For wrongful death arising from a truck accident, the family has 2 years from the date of death. Acting quickly is essential โ€” trucking companies begin preserving (and sometimes destroying) evidence immediately after a crash.

๐Ÿš› Serving Chicagoland

Chicago Truck Accident Attorney โ€” Serving All of Chicagoland

Schwaner Injury Law handles truck accident cases throughout the Chicago metropolitan area including Chicago, Joliet, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, Cicero, Naperville, Oak Lawn, Gary (IN), Hammond (IN), and along I-90, I-94, I-80, I-55, and I-290 corridors throughout northeastern Illinois. Wherever you were injured in northeastern Illinois, David Schwaner can help. Call (312) 635-4000 for a free consultation. Available 24/7, no fee unless we win.