Quick Summary: Truck accident cases are very different from standard car crashes because they often involve severe injuries, multiple potentially liable parties, and highly specialized evidence. In the first 48 hours, try to preserve as much information as possible—including photos, dashcam footage, witness contacts, medical visit records, and the police report number. These early details can make a major difference in how your claim is evaluated. At Thomas Law, we help injured people throughout Chicago, IL and nearby counties such as DuPage, Will, and Lake understand their rights and navigate the next steps.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complicated

Collisions with large commercial trucks can be overwhelming. Beyond the physical and emotional impact, the legal process is often more complex than a typical motor vehicle collision. That’s because trucking cases usually involve several parties—such as the driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, or cargo loaders—each with their own insurance carriers and legal teams. Evidence disappears quickly, so moving fast is important.

If you’d like an overview of vehicle-related claims, explore: Motor Vehicle Accidents.

What to Preserve in the First 48 Hours

No one expects to be in a crash with a commercial truck, but if it happens, the first 48 hours are critical. Here’s what to gather or save whenever possible:

• Photos and videos of the scene, skid marks, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions
• Dashcam footage (yours or from others)
• Witness contact information to support your account of what happened
• Medical records from your first evaluation—this helps link your injuries directly to the crash
• Police report number so your attorney can obtain the full report later

If you’re unsure what to do after an injury, here’s a helpful guide: What to Do if Injured?

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Chicago, IL

Truck crashes throughout Chicago and surrounding counties like DuPage, Will, and Lake often stem from preventable issues, such as:

• Driver fatigue due to long hours or violating hours-of-service rules
• Poor vehicle maintenance including brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering issues
• Improper loading causing cargo shifts, rollovers, or loss of vehicle control
• Distracted driving, especially during long-haul routes
• Speeding or unsafe driving in heavy traffic or poor weather

Key Evidence an Attorney May Request

Because trucking companies and insurance carriers move quickly after a crash, your attorney should act fast too. At Thomas Law, we often request several types of specialized evidence to protect our clients’ claims:

• Driver logbooks to check for fatigue, breaks, and hours-of-service violations
• Black box data (event data recorders) showing speed, braking, and steering inputs before the crash
• Maintenance and inspection records that may show overdue or improperly completed repairs
• Cargo loading reports to determine whether improper loading contributed to the crash
• Company safety policies that may reveal negligent hiring or training practices

For more general questions about injury claims, visit: Car Accident FAQs.

Serving Chicago and Surrounding Counties

Thomas Law represents injured individuals across Chicago, IL and nearby areas in Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake Counties. If you were hit by a semi-truck, delivery truck, dump truck, or other commercial vehicle, our team can help guide you through the process and determine the best path forward.

Learn more about the areas we serve here: Service Areas.

When to Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, speaking with a lawyer early can help protect valuable evidence and ensure your rights are preserved. At Thomas Law, we handle communication with insurance companies, investigate the crash, and work to secure fair compensation for medical bills, time off work, and long-term needs.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Chicago or the surrounding counties, we’re here to help. Reach out to Thomas Law today to discuss your case in a friendly, no-pressure consultation.

Contact us:
Request a consultation or call 312-527-4600.