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Chicago Truck Accident Lawyers
For more than four decades, the truck accident lawyers at GWC have helped thousands maximize their settlements and verdicts, having recovered more than $2.5 billion on behalf of our clients. Our semi-trailer injury attorneys will work tirelessly to help you get your life back on track if you have been hurt in a truck accident. We are committed to getting you the justice you deserve.
When you need answers to all of your questions and a plan of action after a truck accident in and around Chicago or throughout Illinois, schedule a free consultation with our Chicago truck accident lawyers by calling 312-999-9999 or reaching out online. During your consultation, we will determine the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of your situation.
How Do I Know If I Have a Case?
The foundation of any truck accident claim is proving that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries and that you suffered real losses as a result. At GWC, our attorneys will carefully review the circumstances of your crash to determine whether a case exists and how strong it is.
Some of the key questions we look at include:
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Fault:
Did the truck driver, trucking company, or another party act carelessly or violate safety rules?
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Damages:
Have you suffered physical, financial, or emotional harm that can be documented and claimed?
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Causation:
Is there clear evidence linking the negligent conduct to the accident and your injuries?
Even if you believe you might share some responsibility, Illinois law may still allow you to recover compensation. The only way to know for sure is to have your situation evaluated by an experienced attorney. At GWC, we offer free consultations to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Chicago, IL, from GWC?
A qualified attorney will be able to advise you on everything you need to build a compelling claim for damages. This may be your first truck accident, but it won’t be the first for the defendant’s insurance company, which will count on your inexperience to minimize your compensation. Having a practiced lawyer on your side from the very beginning can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
At GWC, our attorneys know where to look and what to prove. We collect the documentation, data, and testimony that establish liability and damages — from medical records and employment documents to police reports, video evidence, and the truck’s “black box.” When necessary, we also work with outside experts in accident reconstruction, medicine, and trucking operations to strengthen your case.
Our goal is simple: to protect your rights and maximize your recovery while you focus on healing.
What to Expect After Reaching Out
Once you contact GWC Injury Lawyers, our focus shifts from what makes a case to what we do for you. From the first call or form submission, you can expect a structured, step-by-step process designed to give you peace of mind while we do the heavy lifting.
Here’s what typically happens after you reach out:
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Initial Consultation:
We listen to your story, review the accident details, and explain the law in plain terms.
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Full Investigation:
Our legal team gathers the evidence needed to support your claim — from medical records and police reports to black box data and witness statements.
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Advocacy and Negotiation:
We handle all communications with insurers and opposing attorneys, working toward the strongest possible settlement.
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Litigation if Necessary:
If the other side refuses to be fair, our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Throughout the process, we keep you updated, answer your questions promptly, and fight to ensure the liable parties bear the full cost of the accident. With GWC on your side, you can focus on recovery while we pursue the maximum compensation available.
Important Truck Accident Information
Truck accidents, particularly ones involving large semi-trailers, can be among the most destructive events on the road. According to the United States Department of Transportation, truck accidents lead to over 130,000 injuries annually across the United States. About 5,000 American truck crashes result in death each year. However, even non-fatal truck injuries can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating, something we at GWC Injury Lawyers know all too well.
Causes of Truck Accidents
There are many ways that negligent and distracted truck drivers contribute to and cause catastrophic Chicago truck accidents that victimize individuals and their families.
According to the CDC, truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours in a 14-hour period. Then, they must take a 10-hour break. However, the pressure of earning a living often forces truck drivers to push themselves beyond what is legal or safe.
Other common causes of truck accidents include:
Mechanical Failures
- Poor brakes
- Defective tires
- Trailer malfunctions or jackknifing
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Broken signals
- Broken lights
Driver Error
- Traveling too fast for conditions
- Fatigue
- Cell phone use
- Texting
- Intoxication
- Over-the-counter drug misuse
- Distraction
- Unfamiliarity with the area
- Road hazards
- Inclement weather conditions
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accident victims can experience anything from mild to severe injuries, including:
- Fractured bones
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic head injury
- Neck strains
- Shoulder, arm, and hand injuries
- Knee, leg, foot, and hip impairment
- Deep lacerations
- Abrasions
- Contusions
- Burns
- Scars
- Disfigurement
- Organ damage
- Herniated discs
- Amputated limbs
- Paralysis
- Fatalities
- Psychological distress
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
Many of the injuries sustained in a truck accident will require years of medical treatment and chronic pain management. They may also lead to lost wages and the inability of the injured victim to return to the occupation he or she held before the incident. As such, any settlement that a victim’s truck accident attorney obtains should reflect all of the costs of the injuries.
Other Truck Accident Damages
In addition to physical injuries and lost wages, there are a number of other damages for which truck accident victims may seek compensation. For example, a skillful attorney could help ensure that any settlement or verdict would take into account the additional out-of-pocket expenses the plaintiff incurred because of the truck accident. This might include the cost of childcare and the price of transportation to and from medical appointments.
If the conduct of the responsible party in a truck accident was especially egregious or involved illicit actions such as fleeing the police or driving under the influence, a victim’s attorneys might be able to recover punitive damages. Illinois courts sometimes award these to discourage this dangerous behavior. The amount of punitive damages ordered can depend upon the severity of the defendant’s transgressions and the extent of his or her assets. The truck accident lawyers at GWC will always work to maximize punitive damages if the facts of a case warrant them.
If a victim dies in a truck accident, his or her surviving family members could pursue a wrongful death claim against the parties responsible to compensate them for the personal and economic burdens they have taken on because of the loss of a loved one.
To learn more about the types of compensation you could receive as the victim of a truck accident, contact GWC today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with an attorney.
