Accidents involving commercial trucks can be catastrophic. Due to their size and weight, trucks often cause far more damage than regular passenger vehicles — leading to serious injuries, emotional trauma and mounting medical bills.
If you were injured in a truck accident in Illinois, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your health, your legal rights, and your financial recovery.
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional right away. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or brain trauma, may not show symptoms right away but can be life-threatening.
Medical documentation also plays a critical role in any potential personal injury claim. Delaying treatment can weaken your case and give insurance companies a reason to question the seriousness of your injuries.
2. Call the Police and Report the Accident
Always report the accident to law enforcement. When the police arrive, they’ll create an official accident report that includes statements, contact information, diagrams, and possibly the officer’s opinion about who was at fault. This report will be essential if you pursue legal action.
If you’re physically able, collect the names and contact details of everyone involved, including the truck driver and any witnesses at the scene.
3. Preserve Evidence from the Scene
If it’s safe, take photos or video of the scene. Be sure to capture:
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Vehicle damage
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License plates
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Road conditions
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Traffic signs or signals
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Injuries you sustained
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Any skid marks or debris
The more information you gather at the scene, the better your attorney will be able to build your case.
4. Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Companies
After a crash, the trucking company’s insurer may contact you for a statement or offer a quick settlement. It’s important to be cautious. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may try to get you to say something that can be used against you later.
Don’t agree to a recorded statement or sign anything without first speaking with a qualified attorney.
5. Contact an Attorney with Truck Accident Experience
Truck accident cases are more complex than regular car accidents. They often involve multiple parties — including the truck driver, the trucking company, a parts manufacturer, or even a cargo loading company. Federal and state regulations can also impact liability.
An attorney with experience handling commercial truck cases in Illinois can investigate the crash, preserve crucial evidence (such as black box data and maintenance logs), and help determine who is legally responsible for your injuries.
6. Know the Time Limits
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. Failing to file a claim within this window can bar you from recovering compensation.
However, it’s important to act quickly — especially in trucking cases, where evidence can disappear or be destroyed over time.
Let the Dinizulu Law Group Help You Move Forward
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, the Dinizulu Law Group can help. Our team has the knowledge and resources to stand up to powerful trucking companies and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (312) 384-1920 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
