Articles Posted in Truck Accident

Commercial truck accidents are among the most devastating crashes on Illinois roads. Because tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. After a serious truck accident, one of the first questions investigators, trucking companies, and injured victims may ask is whether the truck driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Federal law requires commercial motor vehicle drivers to undergo drug and alcohol testing in certain circumstances following a crash. These testing requirements are designed to improve highway safety, identify impaired drivers, and hold negligent trucking companies accountable. For victims pursuing a personal injury claim, the results of a post-accident drug or alcohol test can also become critical evidence.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have represented victims of serious truck accidents in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Understanding when drug testing is required, what substances are tested for, and how these results may affect a personal injury lawsuit can help injured victims protect their legal rights. Continue reading

Commercial trucks are essential to the American economy, transporting nearly every product consumers use each day. However, because fully loaded tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, collisions involving these vehicles often result in devastating injuries or fatalities. While any crash involving a semi-truck can be serious, certain types of truck accidents are especially dangerous because of the tremendous forces involved and the unique operating characteristics of commercial vehicles.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 168,000 people were injured and over 5,000 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in a recent reporting year, with occupants of passenger vehicles accounting for the majority of fatalities. Large truck crashes have steadily increased over the past decade despite improvements in vehicle safety technology.

Understanding the most dangerous types of truck accidents can help motorists recognize hazardous situations, drive more defensively around commercial vehicles, and better understand why victims often suffer catastrophic injuries after these crashes. Continue reading

Interstate 55 is one of the busiest trucking corridors in Illinois, stretching from the Chicago metropolitan area through Joliet, Bloomington-Normal, Springfield, and toward St. Louis. Thousands of commercial trucks travel I-55 every day transporting freight, consumer goods, construction materials, fuel, and agricultural products across the Midwest.

Unfortunately, the heavy concentration of semi-trucks on I-55 also contributes to a significant number of serious and fatal truck accidents each year. Due to the size and weight of tractor-trailers, crashes involving commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries, fatalities, major highway closures, and complex legal claims.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have represented victims injured in trucking accidents throughout Illinois, and we understand how devastating these crashes can be for drivers and their families. Understanding the leading causes of semi-truck accidents on I-55 can help motorists stay safer and recognize when negligence may entitle them to compensation after a crash. Continue reading

Truck accidents are different from ordinary car accidents. Because commercial trucks are larger, heavier, and often traveling with freight or passengers, collisions with big rigs, delivery trucks, or tractor-trailers can cause catastrophic injuries, complicated insurance issues, and multiple potentially liable parties. Cook County is one of Illinois’ busiest driving regions. Data shows that Cook County accounted for a large share of crashes, injuries, and fatalities, making it especially important for victims to know the right steps to protect health and legal rights after a crash. Continue reading