I-94 Truck Accident Lawyer

Chicago I-94 Truck Accident Law Firm

I-94 is part of the sprawling interstate system running through the heart of Chicago and is one of the busiest highways in Illinois. It serves as a critical route for commuters, tourists, and freight haulers moving goods across the Midwest. With this constant volume of traffic, accidents are inevitable, and when they involve tractor-trailers or other large commercial vehicles, the consequences can be devastating.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago-based team has decades of experience representing individuals harmed in crashes along I-94 and across Cook County. We’ve recovered millions for accident victims and their families, handling complex claims involving medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs.

If you or someone close to you has been involved in a semi-truck accident on I-94, our Chicago truck accident attorneys are ready to help. We offer a free initial consultation and work on contingency, so you don’t pay unless we win.

The Role of I-94 in Illinois Freight and Traffic

Stretching from the Wisconsin border through downtown Chicago and into Indiana, Interstate 94 plays a vital role in regional transportation. Often referred to as the Edens Expressway (north of the Loop) and the Dan Ryan Expressway (south of the Loop), I-94 connects several of the state’s busiest corridors.

Serving both urban and suburban zones, I-94 accommodates a mix of passenger vehicles and commercial fleets. This heavy traffic, combined with frequent lane shifts and high-speed merges, contributes to a significant number of truck accidents every year.

Accident Reports and I-94 Truck Crash Data

The Illinois Department of Transportation reported close to 300,000 crashes statewide in 2023. Only a small percentage involved large trucks. However, those collisions made up 9% of all fatal crashes. On a high-traffic corridor like I-94, where commercial vehicles move at high speeds alongside commuters, the stakes are higher. 

When something goes wrong, such as worn brakes, a tired truck driver, or a missed inspection, the consequences can be life-altering. Reviewing crash reports and physical evidence is typically the first step in understanding what caused the crash and who should be held accountable. 

Key I-94 Intersections and Congestion Points

I-94 passes through a number of high-traffic junctions where congestion, construction, or abrupt merges often lead to accidents:

• I-90 Kennedy Expressway – A major commuter and freight artery that feeds into downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport, often packed with merging traffic from suburban routes.
• I-294 Tri-State Tollway – One of Illinois’ busiest freight bypasses, connecting northern and southern suburbs and commonly used by trucks to avoid city congestion, though backups are still frequent.
• I-55 Stevenson Expressway -This corridor is a key route for trucks hauling goods between Chicago and southern Illinois. It is known for lane reductions and unpredictable traffic flow.
• IL Route 41 (Lake Shore Drive) – Scenic but narrow, this lakefront highway sees heavy local traffic and can become a chokepoint when drivers enter or exit I-94.
• I-290 Eisenhower Expressway – A direct downtown access route that merges into I-94 near the Loop, creating a dense, multi-expressway interchange notorious for aggressive lane changes and bottlenecks.

These intersections frequently serve as bottlenecks and are common sites for truck crashes, particularly during rush hour or poor weather that can throw even the best truck drivers off course. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-94

Many of the incidents involving truck drivers on I-94 could have been prevented with better oversight or safer driving practices. Factors contributing to a typical commercial crash include:

• Truck Driver Fatigue – Long shifts and tight delivery windows cause many truck drivers to skip rest breaks or exceed hours-of-service regulations.
• Distracted Driving – Even a quick glance at a GPS or phone by a truck driver can lead to disaster in fast-moving traffic.
• Speeding or Aggressive Lane Changes – Large trucks require extra stopping distance, and a truck driver’s sudden movements increase the risk of collisions.
• Brake Failures or Equipment Issues – Poor maintenance is a serious risk, especially for the braking systems on a loaded semi truck.
• Overloaded or Unsecured Cargo – Shifting weight can destabilize a trailer and lead to a semi crash or jackknife.
• Bad Weather or Low Visibility – Rain, snow, and fog make I-94 especially hazardous for truck drivers traveling at high speeds.

Under Illinois law, commercial trucks must comply with size and weight limits. Violating these regulations can establish legal liability if the violation contributed to the accident.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Truck Accident Case?

Truck collisions rarely involve only one party. In many I-94 accidents, multiple companies or truck drivers are involved in what went wrong.

Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck Drivers who ignored safety procedures or drove while tired, distracted, or under the influence.
• Trucking companies that skipped inspections or encouraged unsafe schedules.
• Employers responsible for hiring and supervising the truck driver.
• Vehicle maintenance crews that failed to repair brakes or tires.
• Cargo loading companies that improperly packed a trailer.
• Parts manufacturers in cases involving mechanical failure.

Illinois follows a comparative negligence standard. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to recover damages, so long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Our truck accident lawyers evaluate the accident scene, maintenance logs, and crash reports to hold every responsible party accountable.

What to Do After a Truck Crash on I-94

If you’re involved in a semi-truck accident, your first priority should always be safety and medical care. Once you’re stable, these steps can help protect your legal options:

• Call 911 to report the crash and receive emergency care.
• Take photos and video of the accident scene, including all vehicles and road conditions.
• Gather names and insurance details from all parties and any witnesses, including truck drivers.
• Request a copy of the police and accident reports.
• Keep copies of all medical bills, treatment plans, and recovery timelines.
• Avoid speaking to insurers until you’ve consulted a lawyer.

Some injuries may take time to appear, and others, such as head trauma or spinal damage, can worsen without immediate treatment. Prompt care helps protect your health and makes it easier to prove that your injuries are crash-related.

How Our Commercial Crash Lawyers Can Help

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has a long track record of success in complex truck accident cases. Our team has represented clients injured in jackknife crashes, rear-end impacts involving loaded semis, and other serious truck crashes. We work closely with clients to:

• Investigate the cause of the crash.
• Preserve black box data and driver logs.
• Collect medical records to support a claim for serious, long-term injuries.
• Work with crash experts to determine liability and damages.
• Negotiate with insurers or take your case to trial.

We focus on pursuing full financial compensation for clients, including medical bills, loss of income, rehabilitation, and future care costs.

Get a Free Consultation with a Truck Accident Attorney Today

You don’t need to handle a truck accident claim alone. The earlier you start the process, the more evidence can be preserved, and the stronger your case may be. Illinois law generally gives you two years to file a personal injury claim, but acting sooner helps protect your right to seek compensation.

The best semi-truck accident attorneys in Chicago are here to help. Schedule a free initial consultation today to speak with an experienced truck accident legal expert about your I-94 case.

Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to consult a Chicago personal injury attorney.

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.