Trucking Accident Lawyer in Ottawa, IL

We count on tractor-trailers to keep the local economy going. We see many large trucks pass through LaSalle County to other parts of Central Illinois and the Midwest. Yet when these commercial vehicles get into accidents, the injuries and property damage can be tremendous.

If you were hit by an 18-wheeler, you need the team at Onward Injury Law on your side. Managing Attorney Josh Rohrscheib and his team can help ensure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies or trucking companies. We even the odds so you can recover with dignity and strength.

Don’t face the litigation process alone. For a free case review with our experienced truck accident lawyers in Ottawa, IL, contact our law firm today.

How Common Are Trucking Accidents in the Ottawa Area?

Big rig crashes accounted for roughly 3.7% of all collisions in Illinois based on the latest data available.

According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 11,980 semi-truck and tractor-trailer collisions in the state of Illinois in 2023. This included 1,957 injury crashes and 121 fatal collisions with large trucks.

According to LaSalle County crash data, there were 129 big rig crashes in 2023; Ottawa-specific accident data recorded 7 semi-truck crashes in the city during 2023.

Where Truck Accidents Often Occur in the Ottawa Area

These are a few major highways around LaSalle County where big rig accidents are likely to happen.

• Interstate 80: The second-longest interstate in the country, plenty of large trucks drive along I-80 en route to the Chicago area and the East Coast or headed west. Dangers from heavy commercial traffic and high speeds are magnified by winter weather.
• Interstate 39: Though located in neighboring LaSalle to the west, it’s worth noting the potential dangers of large truck crashes on I-39. This interstate runs from Central Illinois to Madison. There may be considerable hazards due to fatigue from truckers coming from or headed to Wisconsin.
• U.S. Route 6: If large trucks wind up on U.S. 6, there’s a serious risk of head-on crashes or getting run off the road if truckers are not attentive. There are also a number of farm trucks that may be on the highway, which could create hazards for all motorists.
• Illinois Route 23: Large trucks on Route 23 could cause major accidents on the rural highway.
• Illinois Route 71: Large trucks on Route 71 can similarly cause major accidents due to a lack of attention while truckers are on rural roadways.

Risk of Big Rig Crashes in Surrounding Rural Areas

We’ve noted a few potential hazards to drivers on rural roads in and around LaSalle County. On two-lane rural highways, truckers may not abide by rules of the road or may not see other motorists at intersections. Crops may be tall and obscure views, or a lack of lighting at night may lead to otherwise avoidable collisions.

Drivers need to exercise additional caution when driving outside of Ottawa city limits. It can take much longer for emergency vehicles to reach people on rural roads around Central Illinois.

Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents

There are some of the most common causes of semi-truck crashes in LaSalle County.

Truck Driver Fatigue

Long-haul truckers spend many hours behind the wheel and on the interstate. This can lead to drowsiness and possibly falling asleep while driving. Even a minor lapse in attention can lead to a catastrophic collision.

Distracted Truck Drivers

Anything that diverts a trucker’s attention from the road or takes their hands off the wheel can be considered a distraction. Common distractions for truck drivers include eating while driving, texting or talking on the phone, rubbernecking, or looking up directions.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Truckers need to be careful and follow all traffic laws because of the sheer size of a semi-truck. Speeding, failing to yield, and aggressive driving can all increase the risk of a serious accident.

Failure to Check Blind Spots

There are major blind spots all around a tractor-trailer. Truck drivers must check mirrors and remain alert while turning or merging in busy areas in order to avoid serious accidents with vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Impaired Driving by Truckers

When truck drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they put countless lives at risk. Trucks in DUI crashes need to be held accountable for the injuries and property damage they cause.

Truck Driver Inexperience

Driving an 18-wheeler takes time to master. When new truckers get behind the wheel, they may not know how to account for inclines or what to do in emergencies, which increases the risk of collisions.

Bad Weather and Road Conditions

Ice, snow, and sleet can make interstates and rural highways even more dangerous and increase the risk of multi-vehicle wrecks. In addition, poor lighting, potholes, and bad road conditions around LaSalle County could increase the chances of a large truck crash.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Below are some of the most common types of accidents involving 18-wheelers.

• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident is when a trailer turns in toward the cab, much like a folding knife. These accidents are often caused by truck drivers overcompensating while steering, sudden or improper braking, sharp turns, and heavy cargo.
• Underride Collisions: Underride collisions occur when another vehicle gets trapped under the trailer of a big rig. These accidents are usually caused by a trucker failing to check their blind spot before merging or turning.
• Rollover Accidents: When tractor-trailers rollover, they can fall on their side and crush any adjacent vehicles. These types of trucking accidents are usually caused by poorly loaded cargo, taking a turn too fast, or improper braking.
• Rear-End Collisions: It takes much longer for an 18-wheeler to come to a complete stop compared to commuter vehicles. When truckers are speeding, drowsy, or not paying attention, this can cause catastrophic rear-end crashes.
• Wide-Turn Accidents: Semi-trucks make wide turns. If truckers aren’t careful, they could hit a nearby vehicle while turning.
• Lost Load Accidents: When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can spill onto the road. This can damage a vehicle hit by the debris and cause additional accidents due to the hazards left on the road.
• Getting Run Off the Road: Drivers may swerve out of the way of a tractor-trailer in order to avoid a direct collision. However, driving off the road can cause major injuries.

State and Federal Laws Relevant to Your Trucking Accident Case

There are a few key state and federal laws that apply to tractor-trailer collisions in Central Illinois.

FMCSA Hours of Service Regulation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has outlined strict hours-of-service regulations intended to prevent driver fatigue. Truckers and trucking companies can be held liable for any injuries or property damage if they ignore driving limits or encourage drivers to violate these regulations.

In addition to hours-of-service regulations, truckers must also abide by federal laws related to vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements, vehicle weight limits, CDL licensing rules, drug and alcohol testing, and the use of an electronic logging device (ELD).

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

In Illinois, you typically have two years from the date of a trucking accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim (Illinois Compiled Statutes 735 § 5/13-202). Once the two-year deadline has expired, you can no longer file a lawsuit.

There are some exceptions to this two-year statute of limitations depending on the parties involved and the circumstances of the crash. Regardless, it’s best to speak with our Ottawa trucking accident lawyers as soon as possible.

Partial Fault/Modified Comparative Negligence

Illinois is a modified comparative negligence state. This means you can file a truck accident lawsuit as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the collision. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of partial liability.

For example, say that you receive $100,000 in damages, but you are found 25% responsible for the big rig crash. You would still receive $75,000.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Semi-Truck Accident?

Depending on the details of your trucking accident in the Ottawa area, these parties could be held liable for the crash. Our lawyers will carefully review the details of your case and make sure all negligent parties are held accountable.

• The Truck Driver: When short-haul or long-haul truck drivers are reckless or inexperienced, they need to be held responsible for causing a collision.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies can be held liable for lax hiring and screening practices or for encouraging drivers to violate federal regulations.
• Repair and Maintenance Crews: When vehicle maintenance crews don’t repair big rigs or identify issues that need fixing, they can be held liable should accidents occur.
• Local Municipalities: When road authorities in LaSalle County fail to prepare for winter weather conditions or do not repair damaged roads, they could be held responsible for trucking accidents.

What Damages are Recoverable Following a Semi-Truck Accident?

Compensation for a trucking accident in the Ottawa area can vary. Factors that affect how much your case is worth include available insurance coverage, the severity of your injuries, the number of parties involved in the accident, and other factors.

At Onward Injury Law, we’ll review the ways the collision has affected your life and help you understand the real value of your trucking accident claim.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to calculable losses caused by a semi-truck accident. Common examples of economic damages after a crash include:

• Medical bills (past, current, and future needs)
• Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy
• Damage to your vehicle and other belongings
• Lost wages due to medical leave
• Loss of future earning potential due to serious injury

Non-economic damages are subjective changes in your quality of life. These kinds of damages are difficult to calculate since there are no concrete amounts that define them. Common examples of non-economic damages in semi-truck accident cases include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Physical disfigurement or impairment
• Changes in quality of life

Damages After a Fatal Semi-Truck Accident

If you lose a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, you have our sincerest condolences. When you are ready to speak with our attorneys, we can discuss filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation in fatal truck accident cases can cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, grief counseling, and the pain of such a tragic loss.

Punitive Damages in Trucking Accident Claims

Punitive damages are a form of exemplary damages, meaning that they are intended to punish the negligent party for their actions rather than compensate a family for economic and non-economic losses. To be eligible for punitive damages after a semi-truck accident in Illinois, there must be clear and convincing evidence that the other party acted in a willful and wanton manner or caused intentional harm.

Receiving punitive damages is rare. The trucking accident attorneys here at Onward Injury Law can let you know if you can pursue punitive damages based on the evidence in your case.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in the Ottawa Area

If you get into a trucking accident in the Ottawa area, follow these key steps. Doing so can help you as you seek a settlement or pursue litigation.

• Check for Injuries: See if you’ve been hurt and check with any passengers who are also in your vehicle.
• Get Yourself to Safety: If you are able to do so, move your vehicle out of the path of traffic and get anyone in the vehicle to safety. Lay down flares to alert other motorists to slow down.
• Call 911: Call local authorities to respond to the crash and to send an ambulance.
• Exchange Information with Others: Get contact information with the trucker and any other drivers involved in the collision. Also, be sure to get the contact info from anyone who witnessed the accident.
• Take Photos and Videos of the Truck Accident: Document the trucking accident with photos and video. Get video and pictures from multiple angles, and take photos of the road and the surrounding area as well.
• Cooperate with Authorities: Provide factual statements to police officers and any emergency crews responding to the accident. This will help them file an official report, which can help with insurance claims and litigation.
• Seek Medical Attention: Injuries from a trucking accident are not always apparent. Even if you seem okay after a semi-truck collision, visit a doctor to get checked out just in case.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurer that you were in a collision. Don’t admit fault or offer your opinion. Just provide the facts.
• Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer: After a major crash involving an 18-wheeler, it’s best to contact our Ottawa trucking accident attorneys for a consultation. Onward Injury Law can help you take on insurance companies and trucking companies.

Why Choose Onward Injury Law for Your Trucking Accident Claim

There are many law firms serving truck accident survivors in Central Illinois, but Onward Injury Law offers strong and reliable representation that always puts you and your situation first.

• We Put People and Healing First: You and your family are not case numbers. We care about your recovery and long-term well-being, and will always prioritize what’s best for you.
• We Simplify Complicated Legal Topics: Truck accident litigation, insurance coverage, and federal trucking regulations are complex, but we’ll make sure you understand every aspect of your case.
• We’re Dedicated and We Give a Damn: You deserve transparency, honesty, and regular communication from us as your accident claim progresses.
• We Only Get Paid If We Win for You: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless or until we secure a settlement or win damages in court.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Ottawa, IL

After a major big rig crash in LaSalle County, you need Onward Injury Law on your side. Managing Attorney Josh Rohrscheib can support you in your recovery, offering answers and peace of mind during a difficult time.

To request a free consultation with our truck accident lawyers in Ottawa, IL, contact Onward Injury Law today. We’re here to help and ready to listen.