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Chicago’s status as the country’s largest inland shipping hub drives high volumes of commercial truck traffic on major expressways. Its major intermodal yards and constant freight activity has increased the risk of serious truck-related accidents, especially on highways such as Interstates 90, 94, 55, and 294.
This can make things dangerous and confusing for Chicago residents. Fortunately, law firms like Rosenfeld Injury Law can provide legal counsel and guidance through even the most extreme cases.
Chicago’s intermodal network
Major intermodal yards fuel a steady stream of freight trucks that are essential for delivering supplies that keep the city and its people functioning. Still, the heavy presence of these vehicles puts those very people at greater risk. Being involved in an automotive accident is stressful enough, but a truck-related accident takes it to another level. The stakes are higher, the damage is greater, and the risk is far more deadly.
Being involved in a personal injury case can feel altogether overwhelming. You’re attempting to manage physical and emotional harm while also suddenly becoming responsible for many legal hurdles. To secure compensation that covers necessary medical treatment, acting quickly is crucial.
But when you’re hurt and overwhelmed, taking prompt action can be challenging. That’s why getting in touch with an experienced law office can be so beneficial and helpful; suddenly, a huge chunk of those responsibilities is off your shoulders. This allows you to focus more on healing rather than on logistics.
High-risk expressways
Highways such as I-90/I-94 (Kennedy/Dan Ryan), I-55 (Stevenson), I-294 (Tri-State), and I-80/57 are key freight routes with frequent congestion and accidents. And it isn’t hard to see why. Between the sheer volume of traffic that these expressways see and the litany of distractions that populate modern drivers’ worlds, accidents are increasingly common.
Use cases: Causes of accidents
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents in Chicago and is worsening. Whether it’s texting, browsing social media or answering calls, distractions divert drivers’ focus and can prove deadly. For instance, if traffic on I-55 slows significantly and a driver looks down to read a text, those few seconds could be the difference between life and death.
Under the influence
Driving under the influence continues to be a significant risk despite years of awareness efforts. Alcohol and drugs not only slow reactions but also impair the judgment required to identify hazards before crashes occur.
Speeding
Speeding and aggressive driving create a hazardous combination on these highways. Chicago’s aggressive driving culture promotes speeds that often exceed safe limits, especially when lanes have significantly different speeds. Such speed disparities make lane changes risky and high-stakes.
Injury risk factors
Trucks operate at different speeds, have larger blind spots and require longer stopping distances than regular cars. These factors make it far easier for a truck to be involved in an accident than a regular car and cause more damage.
What to do if you’re in an accident
When an accident occurs, if you can move safely, get to a secure location, assess injuries and call 911 immediately.
Furthermore, don’t assume that you’re uninjured just because you aren’t physically registering any pain. Adrenaline can mask these harmful symptoms and more for an extended period of time, with them only becoming apparent later.
To this end, you should document everything at the scene. Your perception of the accident is subjective and likely to be influenced in one way or another by the high-intensity emotions inherent to such events.
However, photographs are objective and can help you piece together more concretely what happened and how the accident affected you and your vehicle. Take photos from multiple angles, exchange insurance information with all parties involved, and collect contact details from witnesses. These details become crucial when insurance companies start asking questions and can be essential tools for your legal guidance team, such as the one at Rosenfeld Injury Law.
FAQ
Q1: Why is Chicago a hotspot for truck accidents?
A1: Chicago’s massive freight infrastructure and constant truck traffic on major highways like I-90 and I-294 make it one of the most congested and dangerous areas for trucking collisions.
Q2: What should I do after being hit by a commercial truck in Chicago?
A2: Seek medical attention, document the scene and contact a trusted Chicago truck accident lawyer to understand your legal options.
Q3: Which roads in Chicago see the most truck accidents?
A3: I-90/94 (Kennedy/Dan Ryan), I-55 (Stevenson), and I-294 (Tri-State Tollway) are among the most heavily trafficked and dangerous for commercial vehicles.