How Do I Seek Compensation After a Big Rig Crash?

 Posted on January 28, 2026 in Truck Accidents

A truck accident can leave people with serious injuries, long recoveries, and major financial stress. If you were hurt in a collision with a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, you may be able to seek compensation for what you lost.

These crashes are not rare. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration crash data updated in 2025, Illinois recorded 5,880 total crashes involving large trucks, many of them fatal. For injured victims, understanding the next steps matters.

As of 2026, Illinois law continues to allow injured crash victims to pursue compensation when negligence causes harm, but strict deadlines and evidence rules apply. Our Glenview, IL truck accident lawyers can explain how these claims work and how to build a strong case.

How Do I Seek Compensation After a Big Rig Crash in Illinois?

Seeking compensation after a truck accident usually involves an insurance claim, a lawsuit, or both. The purpose of compensation is to help restore financial stability after a serious injury.

In Illinois, compensation may include payment for medical care, both now and in the future. It may also include lost income while you recover and reduced earning ability if injuries affect your ability to work.

The law also allows recovery for non-financial harm, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In fatal crashes, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral costs and loss of financial support.

Illinois does not generally place a cap on these types of damages in truck accident injury cases. The amount depends on the facts of the crash and the severity of the injuries.

What Steps Should You Take After a Big Rig Crash in Illinois?

The steps you take after an accident can directly impact your case. Acting early helps protect evidence and creates a clear record of what happened.

Seek Medical Help

Call 911 right away after a crash. This brings emergency help to the scene and creates a police report. You should also get medical care, even if you feel okay. Some injuries take time to appear.

Document the Scene

If it is safe, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and damage. Get contact information from witnesses if possible. This evidence can help later if fault is disputed.

Do Not Speak With Insurance Companies Without Legal Guidance

Insurance companies may contact you quickly. They often ask for recorded statements or offer fast settlements. These steps usually protect the insurer, not the injured person. It is often better to wait until you understand your rights.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Big Rig Crash in Illinois?

These accidents often involve more than one responsible party. Illinois law allows injured victims to pursue claims against all parties whose negligence contributed to the crash.

Potentially responsible parties may include:

• The truck driver, if they were distracted, fatigued, or careless

• The trucking company, if it failed to train drivers or maintain vehicles

• A maintenance provider, if faulty repairs contributed to the crash

• A cargo company, if improper loading caused instability

Identifying all responsible parties helps ensure that all possible sources of compensation are considered.

How Long Do I Have To File a Claim for a Truck Accident in Illinois?

Several Illinois laws directly affect truck accident compensation claims. Illinois has a strict deadline for filing injury lawsuits. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the crash. Insurance companies will sometimes try to drag out a claim to pass this deadline and weaken your ability to recover compensation.

Why Are Big Rig Crash Claims More Complicated Than Car Accidents?

Truck accident claims are more complex because commercial trucks are larger, heavier, and subject to special safety rules. Trucking companies often carry large insurance policies and have legal teams focused on limiting payouts.

Evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic data may be critical. This information can disappear quickly if it is not preserved early. An attorney can take early steps to preserve this evidence, such as sending formal notices and requesting records, before it is lost or overwritten.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our North Shore Truck Accident Attorneys

For more than 20 years, the attorneys at Gruzmark Law, Ltd. have been helping injured victims throughout Northern Illinois collect damages after serious truck accidents. Call 847-729-7660 to schedule a free consultation with a Glenview, IL truck accident lawyer you can trust, and learn more about your legal options. We can offer services in Russian and Mongolian.