There are many factors that can cause a truck accident, many of which fall into the category of driver error. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), speeding was the most common cause of fatal truck crashes, and distracted driving was the second most common cause in 2021.

After being involved in an accident with a large commercial truck, it’s crucial to take a few specific steps to improve the outcome any potential case you wish to file.

If able, here are the actions to take after a trucking accident:

1. Photograph the scene
2. Exchange contact information with the driver
3. Collect witness testimonials
4. See a medical professional
5. Call an Illinois truck accident lawyer
6. File a crash report

Trucking companies and their insurance providers will contact you shortly after the crash to try to settle your claim. It’s important to avoid agreeing to this offer until you’ve spoken with an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer who will work with you to better understand what fair compensation looks like for all the ways you’ve been harmed.

The vast majority of truck accident cases resolve without the need to go to trial. That being said, there are some cases where a client chooses to go to trial. When looking for a truck accident lawyer in Chicago, it’s important to consider the possibility that your case may go to trial, and as such, take your truck accident attorney’s trial experience into account. An attorney that’s not afraid to take your case to court, can be advantageous in the negotiation process, even if you do not wish to take your claim to court.

Construction
In Chicago, there are two seasons: winter and construction. It doesn’t matter if your commute takes you through the Loop or to Chicagoland suburban hubs like Evanston, Naperville, Schaumburg or Aurora, you will likely encounter a construction slowdown.

These pockets of traffic can be challenging for commercial vehicles passing through. Even if a truck driver is local, they may not be familiar with the area enough to know the detour routes specific for tractor-trailers with size or weight limitations.

Adequate training is essential for navigating construction zones in urban areas and following detour signs.

Commerce
As a major distribution center, Chicago attracts a vast array of trucking operations, including long-haul interstate carriers and local delivery fleets, all converging in this bustling metropolitan area. The sheer number of trucks combined with the complex network of expressways, like the Dan Ryan, Stevenson, and Kennedy, increases the likelihood of congestion and accidents.

Population
The city's dense urban environment, characterized by narrow downtown streets shared by buses, bikes, and pedestrians, creates complex driving conditions that are particularly challenging for truck drivers.

Additionally, the mixture of delivery trucks navigating alongside public transit and non-motorized traffic contributes to the frequent occurrence of collisions, particularly affecting vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.

Travel and tourism
Increased traffic from tourists and travelers, especially during peak seasons, clogs major roads and expressways, around landmarks and highly trafficked areas like the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Grant Park and Lower Wacker.

This is further exacerbated by traffic to and from O'Hare -- one of the busiest airports in the world. The influx of both personal and commercial vehicles, including those delivering supplies to businesses catering to tourists, heightens the risk of truck-related accidents in the city.

Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is incredibly painful. While it may be challenging to think about legal matters during this difficult time, preparing a lawsuit promptly can aid your family when coping with the financial aftermath of such a loss.

If you have lost a loved one in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. These can include the costs of medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, loss of household income, additional childcare expenses, loss of household support, loss of companionship, loss of parental guidance, pain and suffering, and more.

In wrongful death cases, financial compensation is often necessary to cover expenses, but recovering compensation is not the only thing that can be achieved through a wrongful death lawsuit. The best way to prevent truck accidents is to fix the system that allows these deadly practices that lead to tragedy to continue. These suits can also help to remove dangerous drivers and irresponsible trucking companies from Chicago roads, ultimately preventing others from enduring similar heartbreak.

It’s completely understandable that after a truck accident, your main focus is on recovering physically and mentally, and for some, dealing with the loss of a loved one. Compensation and lawsuits may not be at the forefront of your mind.

However, it’s common for insurance companies to make an offer during this time to attempt to compensate you for the harm you’ve suffered. It's important to be emotionally and mentally prepared for this, and having legal support in place when they reach out can be beneficial.

Keep in mind that insurance companies aim to minimize their financial payout, and initial settlement offers are often much smaller than the maximum compensation you may be entitled to. Having an experienced truck accident attorney can help you navigate this process and understand the full scope of your claim, preparing you for when the insurance company makes their call.

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Illinois is two years from the date of the incident. So if you plan to file a lawsuit, you need to act fast. For lawsuits that only involve property damage claims, you have five years to file your suit.

However, it’s very important to note that Illinois drivers only have 10 days from the accident to file a crash report if they crash resulted in death, bodily injury, or more than $1,500 of property damage. So even if you believe you walked away from your accident without a scratch, it’s vital to file a report right away in case injuries show up down the road. Failing to do so may impact your ability to make a claim.