Common Types of Truck Accidents in Illinois

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick today at (847) 807-8695 to learn about your legal options.

Truck accidents are among the most dangerous incidents on Illinois roads, often resulting in severe injuries, property damage, and complex legal claims. From jackknife crashes and rollovers to underride collisions and cargo-related incidents, these accidents can have devastating consequences.

Illinois highways, particularly in and around Chicago, Waukegan, and Lake County, see heavy truck traffic daily. While commercial vehicles are essential to the economy, they pose serious risks when drivers, trucking companies, or cargo handlers fail to follow safety regulations.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be facing steep medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, and legal uncertainty. At The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick, we provide trusted legal guidance to victims of truck crashes throughout Illinois.

Our goal is to help you understand how these accidents happen, what makes them so serious, and how our team can pursue compensation on your behalf.

Jackknife Accidents

Let’s start with jackknife accidents. A “jackknife” occurs when a truck’s trailer swings to the side and forms an angle with the cab that resembles a folding pocketknife.

We investigate the cause of the jackknife, gather black box data, review maintenance records, and determine whether the trucking company followed safety protocols. If negligence played a role, we work to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue full compensation for your losses.

What Causes a Truck to Jackknife?

• Braking Too Hard: If a truck driver slams on the brakes or brakes unevenly, the trailer can pivot to one side.
• Slippery Roads: Wet, icy, or snowy conditions in Illinois can reduce tire traction and make it easier for the trailer to swing.
• Speeding or Sudden Maneuvers: Sharp turns or abrupt lane changes can throw the trailer off balance.

In many cases, the truck driver tries to correct the trailer’s movement, but the momentum is too great. Once the trailer is swinging wildly, it becomes very hard to control.

Why Jackknife Accidents Are So Dangerous

• Multiple Collisions: The trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, striking cars in its path.
• Widespread Chaos: Nearby drivers may panic or swerve to avoid the trailer, leading to chain-reaction crashes.
• Risk of Overturning: The truck itself might roll over if the driver is unable to regain control.

Injuries and Damages

Victims often face serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or long-term disabilities. Property damage can also be extensive, especially if multiple vehicles get caught in the trailer’s path. Medical bills and repair costs can skyrocket, and you might have to take time away from work to recover.

Preventing Jackknife Accidents

• Proper Maintenance: Ensuring the truck’s brakes, tires, and coupling systems are in good condition is crucial.
• Safe Driving Habits: Truckers should slow down in poor weather, keep a safe distance from other cars, and avoid slamming on the brakes.
• Training and Experience: Skilled drivers learn how to handle trailer sway and know when to avoid hard braking or abrupt turns.

Even with proper precautions, jackknife crashes can still occur. If you find yourself involved in one, you might feel scared, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next. That is where an experienced Illinois truck accident lawyer can step in.

The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick is here to help you understand your options, gather evidence, and fight for the financial support you need.

Underride Collisions

An underride collision happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, typically from the rear or side.

How Underride Collisions Occur

• Sudden Stops: If a truck stops quickly and the driver behind does not have enough time to react, the smaller car can wedge under the trailer.
• Poor Visibility: In dim light or bad weather, a driver may not notice a slow-moving or stopped truck.
• Lack of Adequate Guards: Some trucks are not equipped with effective underride guards, allowing cars to slide underneath more easily.

Seriousness of Underride Crashes

When a smaller vehicle is forced underneath a large truck, the top part of the car can be crushed. This can cause severe head, neck, and spinal injuries. In the worst cases, underride collisions can be fatal. Survivors may need multiple surgeries, long hospital stays, and extensive rehabilitation.

Regulations and Safety Measures

• Rear Guards: Federal regulations in the United States require most commercial trucks to have rear underride guards. However, these guards vary in effectiveness, especially during side impacts.
• Reflective Tape and Lights: Trucks should have proper reflective markings and lights to increase visibility at night or during harsh weather conditions in Illinois.
• Driver Awareness: Motorists should maintain a safe following distance and stay alert for sudden stops, especially around large trucks.

Who Could Be Liable in a Truck Accident in Illinois?

Liability can be complicated in underride collisions. You might assume the driver of the smaller vehicle is always at fault for “running into” the truck, but that is not necessarily true. In some cases, the truck driver or the trucking company may bear responsibility if they fail to maintain proper safety guards or brake lights.

Additionally, truck maintenance issues, like broken tail lights, can reduce visibility and lead to these tragedies. Sometimes, even the manufacturer of the underride guard or trailer could share liability if the guard was defective.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride collision, you deserve strong legal support to investigate all potential causes. At The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick, we know how to uncover critical evidence, hold the responsible parties accountable, and work to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Rear-End Crashes

Rear-end truck crashes can be terrifying. Large commercial vehicles carry a lot of weight, so when they slam into the back of a smaller car, the consequences can be severe.

Frequent Causes of Rear-End Truck Collisions

• Following Too Closely: Big trucks require more distance to stop. If a truck driver tailgates and the car in front brakes suddenly, a crash is likely.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting the radio, or eating behind the wheel can delay a trucker’s reaction time.
• Drowsiness or Fatigue: Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road. If they doze off or lose focus, they may fail to break in time.
• Faulty Brakes or Equipment: Poorly maintained brakes can make it difficult to stop, even at normal speeds.

Impact on Victims

Rear-end collisions involving trucks can lead to:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden jolt can strain muscles and ligaments in your neck and back.
• Spinal Cord Damage: A high-impact collision might lead to herniated discs or more severe spinal injuries.
• Head Trauma: Hitting your head on a steering wheel or dashboard can result in concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress can develop after a terrifying accident.

Insurance Complications and Liability

Determining responsibility in a rear-end truck crash may seem straightforward. Usually, the driver who hits from behind is at fault. However, multiple factors can complicate the situation, such as:

• Multi-Vehicle Pileups: If the truck pushes your car into another vehicle, more than one party may share liability.
• Brake Malfunctions: The trucking company or maintenance provider might be at fault if defective brakes contributed to the crash.
• Driving Under Pressure: Sometimes, trucking companies pressure drivers to meet tight deadlines, leading to unsafe driving behavior.

Why Legal Support Matters

If you are recovering from injuries and facing mounting bills, dealing with insurance companies can be stressful. At The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick, we aim to ease that burden. We help you gather important evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.

We also stand by you during negotiations and, if necessary, take your case to court. Our primary goal is to help you pursue compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and the emotional impact of the crash.

Rollover Accidents

A rollover accident can happen when a truck tips onto its side or completely flips over. These crashes are often dramatic and can create chaos for everyone on the road.

Common Factors in Truck Rollovers

• High Center of Gravity: Trucks are taller and heavier than regular cars, making them more prone to tipping.
• Uneven Weight Distribution: If cargo is not balanced properly, the truck is more likely to sway and flip.
• Speeding on Curves or Ramps: Taking a turn or exit ramp too fast can cause the truck to lose stability.
• Strong Winds: High-profile vehicles like semis are more affected by gusty winds that can push them off balance.

Dangers to Other Drivers

When a truck rolls over, it can block multiple lanes, spill cargo, or even burst into flames if the fuel tank ruptures. Nearby vehicles may not have enough time to stop or avoid debris, leading to secondary collisions. This can result in a chain reaction of accidents that injures many people on the highway.

Types of Injuries

Victims in or around a rollover crash may face:

• Crushed Vehicle Damage: If your car is trapped under the rolled truck.
• Serious Head and Spinal Injuries: A high-impact force can lead to traumatic brain injuries or paralysis.
• Multiple Broken Bones: Rolling trucks can create massive force upon impact.
• Burns or Chemical Exposure: If the truck is carrying flammable or hazardous materials.

Liability in Rollover Cases

Determining liability might require looking at the following:

• Driver Conduct: Speeding or aggressive driving may place the blame on the truck driver.
• Maintenance Records: Poorly maintained tires or brakes can contribute to rollovers.
• Cargo Loading Practices: If the shipping company did not secure or distribute cargo correctly, they could be held liable.
• Road Conditions: In rare cases, a poorly designed curve or a neglected road hazard might contribute to the crash.

Rollover accidents can have long-lasting consequences for victims. At The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick, we strive to help you find out who is at fault and secure the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses tied to the collision.

Cargo-Related Accidents

Now, let’s look at cargo-related accidents, which can happen when a truck’s load is not secured properly or when it spills onto the roadway.

Why Cargo Matters

• Improper Loading: If the load is too heavy on one side or not fastened securely, it can shift while driving, disrupting the truck’s balance.
• Overloading: Exceeding weight limits can strain tires and brakes, making accidents more likely.
• Falling Debris: Cargo might fall off the truck if not properly tied down, leading to dangerous road obstacles.

Risks and Dangers

Cargo that falls onto the highway can cause:

• Sudden Swerves: Other drivers might swerve to avoid debris, leading to collisions.
• Tire Blowouts: Sharp objects or broken pallets can puncture tires.
• Chain Reactions: One car hitting cargo can set off a multi-vehicle crash.

If the cargo contains hazardous materials, there’s an added risk of fires, explosions, or chemical spills. These can force evacuations and cause severe burns or respiratory issues.

Legal Implications

Trucking companies must follow specific rules about how cargo is loaded and secured, often set by federal agencies. If the company or loader fails to comply, they may share liability for any resulting accident.
Additionally, the truck driver is expected to check their load before and during the trip. If they overlook obvious problems, they, too, might be held accountable.

If you are dealing with a cargo-related accident, proving who is at fault can be complex. The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick can investigate these factors thoroughly, working to identify responsible parties and seek compensation on your behalf.

Fatigue and Impaired Driving Incidents

Fatigue and impaired driving are major factors in many trucking accidents across Illinois.

Driver Fatigue

• Long Hours on the Road: Truck drivers often face tight deadlines that can tempt them to push past recommended driving limits.
• Federal Regulations: Hours-of-service rules exist to prevent fatigue, but not all drivers follow them.
• Warning Signs: Drifting into other lanes, inconsistent speed, or hitting rumble strips are common signs a driver may be nodding off.

Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and might not brake or steer quickly enough to avoid hazards. This can cause rear-end collisions, lane departures, or other types of crashes.

Impaired Driving

Impairment can come from alcohol, drugs (prescription or illegal), or even certain over-the-counter medications that cause drowsiness. If a driver is under the influence, they might:

• Make Poor Decisions: Such as speeding or weaving through traffic.
• Lose Focus: They may not see traffic signals or changes in the flow of vehicles.
• Have Slower Reflexes: Crucial seconds to brake or swerve could be lost.

Legal Consequences

A fatigued or impaired truck driver who causes an accident can be held liable for the damages you suffer. Trucking companies may also share the blame if they fail to enforce rest breaks or allow unsafe drivers to stay on the road.

If you suspect that fatigue or substance use played a role in your truck accident, The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick can examine driving logs, toxicology reports, and other key evidence to help establish negligence.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, whether it involved a jackknife, underride collision, rollover, or any other type of crash, do not wait to seek experienced legal help.

At The Law Offices of Michael W. Kopsick, we focus on offering clear, compassionate guidance to accident victims throughout Illinois, including residents in Waukegan, Lake County, and the greater Chicago area.

Our team will listen to your story, investigate the specifics of the crash, and advise you on your rights to compensation. We aim to stand by your side, dealing with insurance adjusters and legal documents so you can focus on recovery. Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to match your individual situation.

Contact The Law Office of Michael W. Kopsick today at (847) 807-8695 or visit our office to learn more about how we can help. We are committed to fighting for fair compensation and ensuring that responsible parties are held accountable. Your health, financial stability, and peace of mind are our top priorities.