Why Are Truck Accident Claims So Complex?

 Posted on January 13, 2026 in Truck Accidents

Truck accident claims are more complicated than most other auto accident cases. The main reason is that these crashes often involve more people, more rules, and more serious injuries and damage than a typical car accident.

The scale of the problem is significant. Over 108,000 truck crashes occurred nationwide in 2025, including nearly 3,000 fatal crashes, according to ConsumerShield. When large commercial trucks are involved, the legal and insurance issues are often much harder to untangle.

If you were injured in a crash involving a semi, our Cook County, IL truck accident lawyer can help you build your claim.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims often involve more than one liable party. Who is legally responsible depends on what caused the crash and who had control over different parts of the trucking operation.

The Truck Driver

A truck driver may be responsible if the crash involved speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or failure to follow traffic laws. Driver behavior is often one of the first things investigators examine.

The Trucking Company

The trucking company may share responsibility if it failed to properly hire, train, or supervise the driver. Companies can also be responsible for unsafe schedules that encourage drivers to rush or skip required rest breaks.

Maintenance and Repair Providers

If mechanical problems contributed to the crash, the company responsible for maintaining or repairing the truck may be at fault. Issues like brake failure or worn tires often point to maintenance problems.

Cargo Loading Companies

Cargo that is overloaded or not secured correctly can make a truck unstable. When shifting or falling cargo causes a crash, the company that loaded the truck may be responsible.

Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This means fault can be shared, and compensation depends on how responsibility is divided.

What Laws and Regulations Apply to Truck Accident Cases?

Truck accident claims are affected by both federal and state rules. Commercial trucking is closely regulated, and those rules often play a key role in determining fault. Federal regulations control how long truck drivers are allowed to be on the road. They also set rules for how trucks must be inspected and how cargo must be loaded and secured.

Illinois laws also apply to how crashes are reported and investigated. When these rules are violated, it can strongly affect who is held responsible.

Why Do Truck Accidents Often Cause More Serious Injuries?

Because of their size and weight, trucks can cause serious harm when they collide with passenger vehicles. Even crashes at lower speeds can result in life-changing injuries.

Common injuries include head injuries, spinal damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. These injuries often require long recovery times and ongoing medical care, which makes truck accident claims more complex to value and prove.

What Evidence Can Support an Illinois Truck Accident Claim?

Truck accident cases depend heavily on detailed evidence that is not part of most car accident claims. Some of this information can be lost if it is not preserved quickly.

Important evidence often includes:

• Police crash reports and witness statements

• Electronic logging data showing driver hours

• Truck inspection and maintenance records

• Driver training and qualification files

Some evidence overlaps with what is used in car accident cases. For example, you may need police reports and witness statements that you can use to show how the crash happened and who may be responsible.

How Do Insurance Issues Complicate Truck Accident Claims?

Truck accident claims often involve multiple insurance policies. Different companies may cover the driver, the trucking company, or other parties. Disputes can arise over which policy applies and how much coverage is available.

Insurance companies may also move quickly to limit what they pay. This can make the process more difficult for injured people without clear guidance.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Northbrook, IL Truck Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in a truck accident, Gruzmark Law, Ltd. can help you understand your options and protect your rights. We have more than 20 years of experience helping injured victims throughout Northern Illinois. That experience helps us handle complex truck accident claims involving serious injuries and multiple parties.

Call 847-729-7660 to schedule a free consultation with our Cook County, IL truck accident lawyer today. We also offer services in Russian and Mongolian.