Truck Accident Attorney in Bloomington

More Than 40 Years of Experience for Your Truck Accident Claim

A collision involving an 18-wheeler, big rig, or other commercial truck can cause catastrophic injuries because of the vehicle’s size and weight. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Bloomington, IL, Haxel Law represents injury victims facing difficult claims against trucking companies and insurers.

Martin Haxel has more than 40 years of experience representing injury victims, including prior experience handling personal injury matters for insurers. We know how these claims are built and defended, and we use that insight to investigate fault, anticipate defenses, and pursue compensation through settlement or litigation.

Contact us at (217) 215-4166 for a free consultation with our Bloomington truck accident lawyer. We work on contingency.

Truck Traffic on Bloomington Roads

Bloomington sits at the convergence of several major freight corridors, which means commercial truck traffic is a daily reality on roads throughout the area. The Illinois Department of Transportation identifies I-55, I-74, I-39, and U.S. Route 51 as part of the Bloomington-Normal transportation network.

Commercial trucks also use local corridors for regular deliveries, including:

• Interstate 55 (I-55): A major north-south freight route with high-speed merging zones.
• Interstate 74 (I-74): A long-haul trucking route through central Illinois that also carries commuter traffic.
• Interstate 39 (I-39) Interchange Areas: Connecting routes where lane changes and merging bring trucks and passenger vehicles together.
• US Route 51: A key arterial road shared by commercial deliveries and local traffic.
• Veterans Parkway & East/West Oakland Avenue: Local commercial corridors where delivery trucks turn and share the road with passenger vehicles.

Interstate interchanges, merging areas, and commercial delivery corridors create situations where large trucks and passenger vehicles share limited space. A brief lapse in attention or a mechanical failure at highway speed can cause a serious collision.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Car Accidents

Trucking companies are regulated by state and federal laws, including safety standards enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Whether a violation occurred depends on the evidence in each case and may require a detailed review of compliance records, hours-of-service logs, electronic logging device data, and inspection history.

We investigate claims, obtain the evidence needed to address insurer positions, and pursue settlement or litigation based on the case and our client’s goals. Our experience handling more than 100 trials and appeals prepares us to litigate when a fair settlement isn’t available.

Common Types of Truck Collisions

The movement and configuration of a commercial truck can affect how a crash happens, what injuries result, and which evidence matters. Common collision types include:

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out and forms a 90-degree angle with the cab, often caused by sudden braking or slippery roads.
• Rear-End Collisions: Trucks require a much longer stopping distance because of their size, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes.
• Underride Accidents: These catastrophic collisions happen when a smaller vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer.
• Rollover Accidents: Trucks can tip over when drivers lose control, take turns too sharply, or drive on uneven terrain.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks require extra room to turn, which can trap nearby vehicles in a dangerous “squeeze.”
• Head-On Collisions: These severe crashes can occur when a truck drifts into oncoming traffic.

What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents?

A truck crash may result from the conduct of the driver, the practices of the trucking company, a mechanical problem, or another third party’s negligence. Potential causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Despite federal hours-of-service requirements intended to regulate driving and rest periods, truckers sometimes drive beyond safe limits, leading to drowsy driving and slower reaction times.
• Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, eating, or adjusting GPS systems can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: A speeding truck requires more distance to stop and can strike with greater force.
• Improper Loading: Overloaded or unevenly balanced cargo can cause trucks to tip or lose control.
• Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance or defective parts, such as brake or tire failures, can lead to accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Truck drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol endanger others on the road.
• Weather Conditions: Ice, snow, and rain increase stopping distances and can make large trucks difficult to control.

When we investigate a truck accident claim, we look for evidence connecting a cause to the crash: driver records, electronic logging device data, dispatch records, maintenance and inspection records, cargo information, vehicle data, photographs, and witness accounts. We use that evidence to establish fault and challenge insurer defenses.

Common Big Rig Accident Injuries

Because of the size and weight difference between trucks and passenger vehicles, injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe. They may require long-term medical treatment, cause permanent disability, or prove fatal. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns and lacerations
• Crush injuries and amputations
• Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Who May Be Liable for a Truck Accident?

Unlike many car accidents, a commercial truck collision may involve several responsible parties, including:

• Truck Drivers: If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or otherwise negligent.
• Trucking Companies: Employers may be liable if they pressured drivers to violate hours-of-service rules, failed to maintain trucks, or hired unqualified drivers.
• Cargo Loaders: If improperly loaded cargo contributed to the crash.
• Manufacturers: If a defective truck part, such as brakes or tires, caused the accident.
• Maintenance Providers: Companies responsible for maintaining trucks may be held accountable for poor inspections or repairs.