When a truck accident happens, the driver often gets blamed. But behind many serious crashes is a chain of corporate decisions: who was hired, how they were trained, what schedule they were given, and whether the truck was maintained. Illinois law lets you pursue that entire chain. The Crannell Law Group represents injured victims seeking to hold trucking companies accountable for their negligence.
Why Choose The Crannell Law Group for Your Trucking Company Liability Claim
You need an attorney who understands both the legal issues involved in trucking company negligence and the practical realities of commercial vehicle operations. The Crannell Law Group brings trial-ready litigation experience to every case. Our team includes attorneys with knowledge of federal motor carrier safety regulations and experience handling commercial vehicle accidents across Illinois.
Jonathan P. Crannell, our Founder and Managing Attorney, secured a $1.18 million verdict in a brain injury case in DuPage County. Meenaz I. Pradhan, our Associate Attorney, brings experience from the defense side. She previously represented carriers, giving her insight into how trucking companies operate and defend themselves. Antonio Arriola, our Trial Attorney, focuses on trial litigation and helps prepare each case for court from day one.
We handle your case on a contingency fee basis —you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We’re available 24/7 and respond to new inquiries the same business day. Contact The Crannell Law Group to schedule your free consultation.
How Trucking Companies Can Be Held Liable
Illinois law allows you to pursue two separate liability theories against a trucking company, and often both apply to the same accident.
Vicarious liability holds the company responsible for the negligent actions of its employee drivers. If your accident was caused by a driver’s negligence, the company that employed that driver may share responsibility.
Direct negligence claims target the company’s own decisions and actions. The company itself can be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, failure to maintain equipment, violations of safety regulations, and other corporate-level failures that contributed to your accident.
Direct Negligence vs. Vicarious Liability
The distinction matters because direct negligence claims give you a separate path to recovery that does not depend solely on proving the driver’s conduct. Even if the driver bears some responsibility, the company’s decisions may have created or worsened the conditions that led to the crash. This approach can strengthen your case and potentially increase settlement value.
Common Examples of Trucking Company Negligence
Trucking companies create liability through many types of negligent decisions:
Negligent hiring and qualification occurs when a company hires drivers without proper background checks, driving records review, or verification of qualifications. Under 49 CFR Part 391, drivers must meet specific qualification standards. A driver with a history of accidents, traffic violations, or substance abuse issues may pose a safety risk.
Inadequate training and supervision means the company failed to train drivers on safety procedures, proper vehicle operation, or compliance with regulations. Poor supervision can allow unsafe practices to continue.
Failure to maintain trucks properly puts others at risk. Brakes that do not function, worn tires, failing coupling systems, and other mechanical defects may be the company’s responsibility. 49 CFR Part 396 establishes vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements. Regular maintenance and inspection help reduce these risks.
Hours-of-service violations occur when companies push drivers to work beyond safe limits. Federal regulations limit driving hours to reduce fatigue-related accidents. Drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty window after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Ignoring these rules to meet delivery schedules can create dangerous conditions.
Inadequate safety protocols and procedures mean the company has not established or enforced standards for safe operation. This includes policies on speed, weather conditions, cargo loading, and emergency procedures.
Negligent entrustment happens when a company gives a truck to a driver it knows, or should know, may be unsafe to operate it. This might involve a driver with a suspended license, a history of reckless driving, or known substance abuse issues.
How We Build Your Trucking Company Liability Case
Building a strong case requires systematic investigation and evidence preservation from the moment you contact us.
We work to preserve critical evidence that trucking companies might otherwise lose. This includes driver qualification files, maintenance and inspection records, dispatch logs, electronic logging device data, hours-of-service records, and company safety policies.
We analyze whether the company violated federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSR). These regulations establish standards for hiring, training, maintenance, and operation. FMCSR violations may serve as evidence of negligence if the regulation was designed to protect the injured party and the violation contributed to the harm.
We examine the company’s hiring and training practices, including whether background checks were conducted, driving qualifications were verified, and safety training was provided.
We coordinate with accident reconstruction professionals to evaluate how the company’s actions contributed to the crash. This might involve examining mechanical failure or the role of driver fatigue.
We prepare every case for trial from the beginning. This approach can influence settlement negotiations because insurance companies know the case may proceed to court if necessary.
Damages in Trucking Company Liability Cases
When a trucking company’s negligence injures you, you may be able to recover compensation for multiple categories of damages.
Medical expenses include past treatment costs and projected future care. Serious truck accidents can result in ongoing rehabilitation, therapy, and additional medical needs.
Lost wages cover income lost during recovery. If injuries affect your ability to return to work, you may seek compensation for reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering may include physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Permanent disability or disfigurement damages may apply to lasting physical changes that affect daily life.
Wrongful death damages may be available if the accident resulted in the loss of a family member.
In cases involving gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may be available, depending on the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a trucking company liability claim and a driver negligence claim?
A driver negligence claim focuses on the driver’s conduct, such as speeding, distraction, fatigue, or traffic violations. A trucking company liability claim focuses on the company’s decisions and policies. Even if the driver bears responsibility, the company may have contributed to the conditions that led to the accident.
Can I sue both the driver and the trucking company?
Yes. Illinois law allows you to pursue both vicarious liability and direct negligence claims. In many cases, both theories apply, which can strengthen your position and potentially increase recovery.
How long do I have to file a trucking company liability lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. However, acting sooner may help preserve important evidence.
What evidence is most important in a trucking company liability case?
Driver qualification files, maintenance and inspection records, dispatch logs, electronic logging device data, hours-of-service records, company safety policies, and accident scene evidence can all play a role. We gather and analyze this evidence to support your claim.
How much is my trucking company liability case worth?
The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and the circumstances of the accident. Each case is different. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and provide general guidance.
Does Illinois follow comparative negligence?
Yes. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois follows modified comparative negligence. You may recover damages only if your fault is less than 50%, and any damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.
Contact The Crannell Law Group for a Free Consultation
If a trucking company’s negligence injured you, you may have the right to pursue compensation. The Crannell Law Group represents injured victims throughout Illinois in trucking company liability cases. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
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