Trial-Tested Trucking Accident Attorneys In Chicago
Last updated on October 14, 2026
At Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger Trial Lawyers, we provide strong representation to people and families injured in collisions with commercial vehicles. When a large tractor-trailer collides with a passenger car, the results are generally serious. If you choose to engage our firm, you will work directly with a senior partner who takes over your case — never a junior associate or paralegal.
Our trial lawyers reject inadequate insurance settlements and prepare every truck accident lawsuit for trial. If you need an experienced personal injury attorney who handles these accidents in Illinois, our team draws on more than a century of combined trial experience to protect your rights.
What Causes Most Trucking Accidents?
Commercial truck collisions are rarely simple accidents; most result from preventable safety violations and careless operating practices. A rapid, thorough investigation is necessary to identify the root cause. Common factors leading to severe collisions include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel and violations of federal hours-of-service rules.
- Truck driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, or operating under the influence.
- Improper loading: An overloaded truck or unsecured cargo causing vehicle instability.
- Inadequate truck maintenance: Worn brakes, bald tires or mechanical failures.
Ignoring safety rules often leads to serious injuries. To preserve important evidence, our lawyers who manage eighteen-wheeler accidents act quickly to secure electronic logging data, black box records, and maintenance logs.
Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Truck Accident?
In a truck accident, responsibility generally extends beyond the driver; under federal trucking regulations, several corporate bodies can be held legally liable. Potentially liable parties in a truck accident claim include:
- The trucking company: If it imposed unsafe delivery schedules, engaged in improper hiring, or failed to enforce safety standards, the company that owns the truck may be at fault.
- Cargo loaders: Those who put the products on the truck are liable when the cargo is not securely fastened or when the gross weight limit is exceeded.
- Maintenance contractors: Failing to inspect, repair or service critical safety systems can put these contractors at fault.
- Equipment manufacturers: Defective truck components or mechanical failures may have caused the accident.
To identify all responsible parties and obtain the highest possible insurance compensation, our attorneys use their understanding of tractor-trailer accident cases to carefully review corporate records, safety ratings and lease agreements.
How Is A Truck Accident Claim Different From A Car Accident Claim?
A truck accident claim is far more complicated than one from an ordinary car crash because of strict federal safety regulations, large corporate insurance limits, and the possibility of multiple corporate defendants. You need an attorney who manages semi-truck or big rig accidents because commercial carriers often assemble powerful legal teams after an accident. You need someone who understands federal regulations and can handle corporate defendants in court.
Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys At Shapiro, Cohen & Basinger Trial Lawyers
If you or a member of your family have suffered injury as a result of a commercial truck accident, do not accept a quick payment. Our lawyers work hard to obtain full compensation, including noneconomic damages for pain and suffering and long-term economic damages for future medical expenses and lost earning capacity. To determine the total cost of your injury over a lifetime, we work with trusted medical experts and economic specialists, showing our commitment to your full recovery.
You can reach our Chicago office by telephone at 312-957-8807 or fill out our online form to schedule a free, confidential consultation.