Route 40 Truck Accident Lawyer

Chicago Route 40 Truck Accident Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash on Route 40, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to advocate for you. Our law firm brings decades of experience handling serious personal injury claims throughout Cook County and across Illinois. We’ve recovered millions for clients injured in large truck collisions and understand what it takes to win these complex cases.

Our Chicago semi-truck accident lawyers represent victims statewide, and we know how devastating tractor-trailer accidents can be both physically and financially. If you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery after a commercial truck crash, we can help. We offer a free consultation and charge no fee unless we win your case.

What Is Route 40 and Why Is It Important?

Route 40, also known as the National Road, is a major east-west corridor stretching across Illinois. Covering approximately 159 miles from East St. Louis to the Indiana border, it parallels Interstate 70 and serves as a vital connection between urban centers and rural communities.

The highway is used heavily by passenger vehicles, freight haulers, and fully loaded commercial trucks transporting goods through central Illinois. Route 40’s blend of two-lane rural stretches and busier suburban segments contributes to varying speed limits and traffic conditions, increasing the risk of truck accidents in both high-speed and stop-and-go zones.

Since it plays a major role in regional transportation and freight logistics, Route 40 is frequently used by tractor-trailers and other large trucks, often resulting in collisions that cause serious injuries.

Major Intersections and Connecting Routes on Route 40

Several key intersections and exits make Route 40 a heavily traveled route for both local commuters and commercial drivers:

• Interstate 55
• Interstate 70
• Illinois Route 143
• Illinois Route 160
• U.S. Route 40 Business through Highland
• Access roads to industrial areas near Greenville and Vandalia

These junctions create frequent merging, lane changes, and congestion points, especially where commercial trucks intersect with local traffic or construction zones. When accidents occur, they often involve multiple passenger vehicles and large trucks, requiring immediate accident reports and legal guidance.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Route 40

Preventable factors often cause truck accidents along Route 40. Based on Illinois accident data and trucking safety reports, some of the most common contributors include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, handheld phone use, or GPS interaction behind the wheel.
• Driver Fatigue: Hours of Service violations that lead to drowsy or impaired reaction times.
• Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, sudden lane shifts, or exceeding speed limits, which account for 44.9% of fatal accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Mechanical Failures: Worn tires, faulty brakes, or other preventable maintenance issues.
• Overweight Loads: Violations of Illinois’ weight limits.
• Severe Weather: Fog, snow, and ice can dramatically reduce stopping distance for fully loaded trailers.

Each of these factors increases the risk of a serious accident and can expose multiple parties to legal liability in a truck accident claim.

Potentially Liable Parties in a Route 40 Truck Crash

Truck crash lawyers must thoroughly investigate each case to identify who may be financially responsible. In a Route 40 truck collision, several potentially liable parties may share fault:

• The truck driver, for negligent operation or Hours of Service violations.
• The trucking company if they fail to maintain equipment or hire unqualified drivers.
• The employer (if different from the trucking company), for encouraging unsafe driving practices.
• A cargo loader, if the accident involves unsecured or imbalanced freight.
• A maintenance contractor, for failed inspections or repairs.
• A manufacturer, if defective brakes or tires contribute to the crash.
• A government agency, if poor road conditions, missing signage, or hazardous design play a role.

Under Illinois law, compensation may still be awarded even if the injured party is partially at fault. Comparative negligence allows recovery if you’re less than 51% responsible.

What to Do After a Truck Accident on Route 40

If you’re involved in a Route 40 truck accident, taking immediate steps can protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Call 911 and wait for police and medical help.
2. Seek medical attention right away—even if your injuries seem minor.
3. Take photos of vehicle damage, road debris, and visible injuries.
4. Collect witness contact information and exchange details with all drivers involved.
5. Request the police report and follow up on its availability.
6. Track all medical bills, prescriptions, and missed workdays.
7. Avoid discussing the crash online—insurance companies may monitor your posts.
8. Speak to an accident lawyer before giving a recorded statement.

These actions support your recovery, help your legal team collect evidence, and build a strong case for financial compensation.

How an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our team has decades of experience handling complex truck accident claims. We’ve secured millions in financial compensation for individuals dealing with serious injuries, pain and suffering, and long-term disability after crashes involving commercial trucks.

A Law Firm Built on Results

Our law firm represents individuals and families throughout Illinois in a wide range of personal injury cases. That includes claims involving tractor-trailers, passenger vehicles, wrongful death, and even medical malpractice. Every case receives focused attention backed by in-house resources and expert support.

We act quickly to collect evidence, investigate the truck driver and company, and review relevant accident reports. Our attorneys also coordinate with crash reconstruction specialists and medical professionals to develop a strong claim and support your right to pursue compensation.

How We Handle Insurance Companies

After a serious collision, insurance companies typically try to settle claims for less than they’re worth. Our legal team handles all communication with adjusters and corporate representatives so you can focus on recovering. We know how to counter tactics that minimize injuries, dispute liability, or delay payments.

We also gather critical records to support your claim, including medical attention received after the crash, wage loss documentation, and ongoing treatment needs. This helps us present a full picture of how the truck crash affected your life and why fair compensation is warranted.

Personal Injury Cases Involving Route 40 Truck Accidents

Every Route 40 truck accident lawyer at our firm understands the challenges these crashes create. We take the time to review each injury, treatment plan, and long-term consequence. That includes complications tied to medical malpractice or delayed diagnoses, both of which can factor into your claim.

Our truck accident lawyers work to collect evidence that supports each part of your case. We prepare settlement demands, negotiate with insurers, and take your case to trial if necessary. Each step is designed to help you pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and the impact the crash has had on your day-to-day life.

If you’ve been injured in a collision involving a large commercial vehicle, speaking with a personal injury attorney who handles Route 40 cases can make a real difference in your settlement outcome.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Route 40 Truck Accident Lawyer

Under Illinois law, you have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit related to a truck accident. That time can go by quickly, especially when you’re recovering from trauma and trying to rebuild your life. The sooner you contact a legal team, the stronger your case can be.

Our experienced accident lawyers offer free consultations. Our experts will explain your rights, review your accident reports, and help you decide how to move forward. If we represent you, you owe nothing unless we win.

If you’ve been involved in a truck crash on Route 40, don’t wait. Speak with a truck accident attorney today and take the first step toward recovery.

Call us today at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to speak with 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.