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Whether you’re commuting through Hinsdale or traveling along I-294 or Route 83, sharing the road with large commercial trucks comes with risks. When a truck accident happens, the consequences can be devastating—and you deserve legal representation that knows how to fight back.
At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we have extensive experience handling truck accident claims in Hinsdale and throughout DuPage County. We understand the complexities of these cases, and we’re ready to help you pursue the full compensation you need.
Reach out today at (312) 236-2900 or online to find out how our dedicated attorneys can help you get back on the road to recovery.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Hinsdale
Truck accidents can occur anywhere in Hinsdale, from local streets near downtown to busy thoroughfares like Ogden Avenue (Route 34) and 55th Street. Here are some of the most common causes of truck crashes in the area:
Driver Fatigue
Many truckers are under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, which can lead to drowsy or fatigued driving. Even though federal regulations limit drive time, violations are common and put others at risk.
Distracted Driving
Being distracted while driving, whether from texting, eating, or using GPS, while behind the wheel of a massive commercial vehicle can have catastrophic consequences—especially in areas with frequent stop-and-go traffic like York Road or near Hinsdale’s Metra station.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Overloaded or unbalanced trailers can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents. These crashes are especially dangerous on curves or ramps like those connecting Route 83 to I-294.
Brake or Equipment Failure
Commercial trucks must be regularly maintained. When companies cut corners or ignore safety regulations, mechanical failures—such as brake malfunction—can lead to high-speed collisions.
Negligent Hiring or Training
If a trucking company fails to properly vet or train its drivers, it can be held liable for accidents caused by inexperience or recklessness on local roads.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Hinsdale
Large trucks pose unique dangers due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability. Even a moment of driver negligence can lead to catastrophic consequences. Our firm has handled a wide range of truck accident cases throughout Hinsdale and the surrounding areas, including:
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle to the cab—often due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions. These accidents can block multiple lanes of traffic on roads like I-294 or Ogden Avenue, resulting in pile-ups and serious injuries.
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a tractor-trailer. These are among the most fatal types of crashes, especially when the truck lacks proper underride guards. They often occur at intersections or when trucks make wide turns near Hinsdale’s residential neighborhoods.
Rollovers
A rollover can happen if a truck takes a turn too fast, is improperly loaded, or swerves to avoid an obstacle. These dangerous incidents are more common on curved highway ramps like those connecting to Route 83, putting nearby vehicles at serious risk.
Blind Spot / Sideswipe Accidents
Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides, particularly along the right and rear. If a driver fails to check these zones while changing lanes or merging near high-traffic areas like York Road, it can result in devastating sideswipe collisions.
Rear-End Collisions with Trucks
Because trucks require much longer stopping distances, a distracted or speeding truck driver may crash into stopped traffic ahead. Alternatively, a smaller car may rear-end a slow-moving truck—leading to serious damage or even underride injuries.
Accidents Involving Hazardous Materials
Some trucks transport dangerous chemicals or flammable substances. If improperly handled, an accident involving a hazmat truck can lead to toxic exposure, chemical burns, or fire. These cases often require expert analysis and involve both federal and state safety regulations.
Fatal Truck Crashes
Due to the size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, many truck crashes tragically result in death. We represent grieving families in wrongful death claims, helping them seek justice and financial relief during an incredibly difficult time.
Whether your accident occurred on the Tri-State Tollway, Route 34, Garfield Street, or a residential road in Hinsdale’s historic district, we’ll thoroughly investigate the crash, identify the liable parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Liable for a Truck Accident in Hinsdale?
Truck accident claims are often more complex than typical car crash cases because they may involve multiple layers of liability, federal trucking regulations, and corporate insurers.
Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence system (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), which means you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% at fault, but your award may be reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility.
Truck Driver
The driver may be personally liable if they were speeding, distracted (e.g., texting), driving under the influence, or violating rest-hour regulations. Fatigue is a common factor on long stretches like I-294 or overnight hauls through Hinsdale.
Trucking Company
Employers are often responsible for the actions of their drivers under the principle of vicarious liability. They may also be directly liable for negligent hiring, lack of proper training, or failure to maintain the vehicle according to federal safety standards.
Cargo Loaders
Third-party companies may be hired to load freight. If the load is unbalanced, unsecured, or overweight, it can affect the truck’s stability and braking—leading to rollovers or lost cargo on roads like Route 83.
Truck Manufacturer or Parts Supplier
Mechanical defects, such as faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or steering issues, can cause or contribute to a crash. In those cases, a product liability claim may be brought against the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part.
Government Entities
If your crash involved poor road maintenance, dangerous design (like inadequate lighting or signage), or large potholes, the Illinois Department of Transportation or a local Hinsdale agency may be partially responsible.
Our legal team works with accident reconstructionists, industry experts, and medical professionals to build a case backed by facts. We gather truck “black box” data, driver logs, vehicle inspection reports, surveillance footage, and more to prove liability.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Hinsdale Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often lead to life-altering injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, or internal organ trauma. Recovery may take months—or years. We help clients recover damages for both economic and non-economic losses, including:
- Medical Expenses – Hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, prescriptions, future medical needs.
- Lost Wages – Time off work during recovery, and future lost income if your earning ability is reduced.
- Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings.
- Pain and Suffering – For physical pain, chronic discomfort, and long-term medical effects.
- Emotional Distress – Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the toll of reliving the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If you can no longer participate in hobbies, activities, or daily routines.
- Wrongful Death Damages – Funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship for surviving family members.
We fight for maximum compensation, not just quick settlements—ensuring that you’re financially stable while you heal physically and emotionally.
How a Hinsdale Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
Insurance companies representing trucking companies are aggressive and well-funded. Their goal is to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. That’s why it’s critical to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side—especially one familiar with DuPage County courts and Hinsdale’s local roads.
Here’s how Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can support you:
Conduct a Thorough Investigation
We examine the accident scene, obtain truck maintenance records, gather digital data from electronic logging devices (ELDs), and interview eyewitnesses to build a rock-solid claim.
Coordinate Medical Care
We can help you get the treatment you need through our trusted network of orthopedic specialists, neurologists, and physical therapists in and around Hinsdale.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
We’ll handle all communications with insurance adjusters and legal teams, protecting you from lowball offers and manipulative tactics.
Litigate Aggressively if Needed
If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re ready to take your case to trial in DuPage County Circuit Court or the appropriate federal venue. We prepare every case as if it’s going to court—because preparation drives results.
No matter where your accident occurred—whether near Hinsdale Central High School, in the Spring Rock Park area, or on a congested stretch of Ogden Avenue—our lawyers will provide the compassionate guidance and aggressive representation you need.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Hinsdale Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident, don’t wait. Time is critical in gathering evidence, preserving your rights, and filing your claim. At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., you don’t pay unless we win.
Call our team today at (312) 236-2900 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation today. We’re ready to help you recover.
