I-88 Truck Accident Lawyer

Chicago I-88 Truck Accident Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in one of the many truck crashes that occur on I-88, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. 

As the best semi truck accident law firm in Chicago, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has decades of experience helping victims of serious crashes across Illinois. Our firm has secured millions for clients facing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery after highway collisions involving tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles.

From our headquarters in Chicago, we represent victims statewide, including along high-risk corridors like I-88. We understand the life-altering effects of severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and orthopedic complications. 

These types of injuries often require months or years of treatment, rehabilitation, and in some cases, lifelong care. That’s why our firm offers a free case evaluation to help you understand your legal rights without any upfront cost. You owe no fee unless we win your case.

What Is I-88 and Why Is It Important?

Interstate 88 (I-88), officially known as the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway, runs for approximately 140 miles across northern Illinois. 

Starting in East Moline and stretching to Hillside just outside of Chicago, this major east-west artery supports both commuter traffic and substantial freight movement. It is a crucial link between urban centers and rural agricultural areas.

Designated as part of the National Highway System, I-88 plays a central role in the trucking industry. The route sees daily traffic from thousands of tractors, making it one of Illinois’ most traveled major highways for freight logistics. 

In addition to its economic importance, I-88 features frequent toll plazas, narrow shoulders, and variable speed zones, factors that often contribute to dangerous conditions and an increased likelihood of accidents.

The highway serves both local and long-haul freight carriers, and its strategic placement supports a continuous flow of goods between Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. Because of this, I-88 is often used as a preferred route for the industry to avoid congestion on I-80 or I-90, despite its own accident hotspots.

Major Intersections and Connecting Routes

Several key junctions make I-88 a critical hub for both regional traffic and long-haul transport. These include:

• Interstate 80 in East Moline
• Interstate 39 near Rochelle
• Interstate 355 in Downers Grove
• Illinois Route 56, connecting western suburbs
• U.S. Route 30 and Illinois Route 59, which feed into Naperville and Aurora

Traffic density peaks near Naperville and Aurora due to daily commuters and the convergence of commercial routes. These areas are known for bottlenecks, construction zones, and short entrance ramps, creating hazardous merging conditions that frequently lead to accidents.

Additionally, toll booths in high-speed zones often cause abrupt braking and lane changes, which are particularly dangerous when tractor-trailers are involved. Combined with inclement weather and tight curves, these factors significantly increase the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-88

I-88 is the site of numerous accidents every year, many of which result from preventable errors or safety violations. Common causes include:

• Distracted or fatigued truck driver behavior, including cellphone use and lack of sleep.
• Speeding through construction zones or toll areas.
• Weather conditions like ice and fog that reduce visibility.
• Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance.
• Improperly loaded or overweight trailers.
• Aggressive driving or unsafe lane changes in high-traffic zones.

Driver fatigue remains one of the leading causes of accidents in the U.S., with many incidents tied to Hours of Service violations. In Illinois, regulations place strict limits on vehicle weight, axle loads, and cargo distribution. Violations of these rules can result in loss of control or rollovers, particularly on curved or sloped sections of I-88.

The combination of high-speed traffic, heavy freight loads, and inconsistent road design makes I-88 particularly vulnerable to rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, and underride crashes, all of which can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Who Is Liable in an I-88 Truck Accident?

Liability in truck crashes along I-88 can be complex, involving multiple parties:

• The truck driver, especially if they were speeding, impaired, or distracted.
• The trucking company, for failure to maintain vehicles or comply with safety regulations.
• A third-party maintenance provider responsible for inspecting or repairing the vehicle.
• A cargo loading contractor, if the freight was unbalanced or improperly secured.
• A parts manufacturer, if a defect in the brakes or tires contributed to the crash.
• State or local authorities, if road conditions, poor lighting, or signage failures played a role.

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule, which allows injured parties to recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault. This means that even if you were partially responsible for the crash due to speeding or failing to signal, you may still be eligible for compensation.

Investigating the root cause of the crash and assigning liability is essential to a successful personal injury claim. This often requires accident reconstruction, expert witness testimony, and a comprehensive review of maintenance logs, driver records, and black box data.

What to Do After a Truck Accident on I-88

After a crash on I-88, your actions can protect your health and legal rights. The following are recommended:

• Call 911 and remain at the scene to ensure law enforcement documents the incident.
• Seek immediate medical care, even if you feel your injuries are minor.
• Photograph the crash site, vehicle positions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
• Collect contact information from witnesses and all drivers involved.
• Request a copy of the police report as soon as it becomes available.
• Avoid posting details about the accident on social media platforms.
• Contact an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

Delays in receiving medical care or reporting the crash can be used against you during settlement negotiations. Acting quickly ensures that critical evidence is preserved and allows your legal team to advocate on your behalf.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

Our firm understands the long-term impact of truck crashes, especially those resulting in severe injuries such as paralysis, internal bleeding, or post-traumatic stress. We have successfully helped clients navigate complex claims involving catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and wrongful death cases following collisions with large tractors.

We offer:

• Immediate investigation and documentation.
• Crash reconstruction experts to identify the cause and liability.
• Medical experts to evaluate current and future treatment needs.
• Negotiation with insurers and defense teams to maximize compensation.
• Trial-ready representation when fair settlements aren’t offered.

Our attorneys have deep knowledge of how the trucking industry operates and the common tactics used to shift blame. From understanding federal safety regulations to dissecting employment relationships between carriers and drivers, we build compelling claims that hold all negligent parties accountable.

Contact an I-88 Truck Accident Attorney Today

You have only two years to file a lawsuit, so acting quickly is critical. Delays can result in lost evidence, witnesses’ unavailability, and reduced negotiation leverage.

If you were injured on one of Illinois’ busiest major highways, don’t wait. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, investigate the facts, and pursue full compensation.

Contact us directly or fill out our online form to speak with a dedicated personal injury lawyer in Chicago today. It’s time to take the first step toward recovery and justice. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.