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Truck Accidents

Truck Accident Attorney

When an 18-wheeler causes a crash, the injuries are often catastrophic—and the legal fight is more complex. I handle the complexity so you can focus on recovery.

Last updated: January 2026·Written by Christopher Gutierrez, Esq.
No Fee Unless You WinFree ConsultationIL & AZ LicensedHablo Español
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Christopher Gutierrez

Christopher Gutierrez

Personal Injury Attorney

Illinois & Arizona State Bars
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
Available 24/7 · Hablo Español
(855) 444-5227
Christopher Gutierrez

Written by Christopher Gutierrez, Esq.

Personal Injury Attorney · Licensed in Illinois & Arizona

Truck accidents aren't just bigger car accidents. They're different cases entirely.

An 80,000-pound semi-truck carries 20-30 times more weight than a passenger car. When something goes wrong, the results are devastating. Catastrophic injuries. Fatalities. Lives changed forever.

The legal fight is also more complicated. Multiple liable parties. Federal regulations. Corporate defense teams. Insurance policies worth millions.

You need an attorney who understands trucking law—not someone who treats your case like a routine fender-bender.

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Case Types

Types of Cases I Handle

Semi-Truck/18-Wheeler Accidents

The largest and most dangerous commercial vehicles on the road. These cases often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles.

Delivery Truck Accidents

UPS, FedEx, Amazon—these drivers are under constant pressure to meet deadlines, which leads to speeding, distracted driving, and fatigue.

Tanker Truck Accidents

Carrying hazardous materials adds another layer of risk—and potentially another layer of liability when things go wrong.

Dump Truck Accidents

Common in construction zones, often caused by unsecured loads or poor visibility.

Garbage Truck Accidents

Frequent stops and starts, large blind spots, and residential area operation create unique hazards.

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What to Do After Your Accident

The steps you take after an accident can make or break your case.

1

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Truck accidents often cause severe injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Get checked by medical professionals right away.

2

Document Everything at the Scene

If possible, take photos of the truck, any company logos, DOT numbers, license plates, damage, and the accident scene.

3

Get Witness Information

Other drivers or bystanders may have seen what happened. Get their contact information before they leave.

4

Don't Speak to the Trucking Company

The trucking company will send investigators immediately. Don't give any statements without an attorney present.

5

Preserve Evidence

Don't repair your vehicle yet. Keep all medical records. Save any receipts related to the accident.

6

Call Me Immediately

Time is critical in truck accidents. Evidence disappears quickly—black box data can be overwritten, driver logs can be altered. I act fast to preserve everything.

Common Causes

01Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
02Distracted driving while operating the truck
03Improper cargo loading and securement
04Inadequate truck maintenance
05Speeding and aggressive driving
06Drunk or impaired driving
07Blind spot accidents
08Jackknife and rollover accidents

Common Injuries

Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord damage and paralysis
Severe burns
Amputations
Crush injuries
Internal organ damage
Multiple broken bones
Wrongful death

Illinois vs. Arizona Law

Understanding the differences in state law can significantly impact your case.

Illinois

Illinois follows modified comparative negligence. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations apply to commercial trucks. The statute of limitations is 2 years. Commercial trucks typically carry $1 million or more in liability coverage.

Arizona

Arizona follows pure comparative negligence. FMCSA regulations also apply here. The statute of limitations is 2 years. Multiple parties may be liable including the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and maintenance company.

Compensation You May Recover

If someone else caused your accident, they may be responsible for:

Lifetime medical care costs
Lost earning capacity
Disability accommodations
Pain and suffering
Emotional trauma
Loss of consortium
Punitive damages
Wrongful death damages
Future medical expenses

Your Case Process

Step 1

Immediate Investigation

Time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly. I act fast to preserve black box data, driver logs, and witness statements before they can be lost or destroyed.

Step 2

Expert Analysis

I work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and industry experts who understand FMCSA regulations to build an airtight case.

Step 3

Identify All Liable Parties

The driver is rarely the only responsible party. I investigate the trucking company, shipper, maintenance provider, and any other entity that contributed to the accident.

Step 4

Aggressive Negotiation or Trial

I negotiate directly with trucking companies and their insurers, refusing to accept inadequate offers. If they won't pay fairly, I'm prepared to go to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are truck accident cases different from car accidents?

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Truck accidents involve federal regulations (FMCSA), multiple liable parties (driver, company, manufacturer), more severe injuries, and larger insurance policies. They require specialized legal knowledge and immediate investigation.

Who can be held liable in a truck accident?

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Multiple parties may be liable: the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, truck manufacturer, maintenance company, and others. I investigate all potential sources of recovery.

What evidence is important in truck accident cases?

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Critical evidence includes the truck's black box data (ECM/ELD), driver logs, drug/alcohol test results, maintenance records, company safety history, cargo loading documents, and GPS data.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?

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Two years in both Illinois and Arizona. But don't wait—trucking companies immediately send investigators and may destroy evidence. Contact me right away.

Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Contact me for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Christopher Gutierrez is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Arizona.

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Your information is protected and confidential

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Related Reading

Learn more with these in-depth articles from our blog.

Understanding Truck Accident Cases
How Long Does a Case Take?
5 Mistakes That Destroy Claims
Christopher Gutierrez
About the Author

Christopher Gutierrez, Esq.

Christopher Gutierrez is a bilingual personal injury attorney licensed in both Illinois and Arizona.

Illinois State BarArizona State Bar

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