michelle stump
19 days ago
Working with Ed and Amber has been a true pleasure. They handled my claim efficiently and professionally, ensuring the process moved smoothly from start to finish. Their responsiveness, expertise, and effectiveness in working with the insurance carrier contributed greatly to a successful resolution. I sincerely appreciate their efforts, dedication, and guidance throughout the matter, and I am grateful for the outstanding service they provided.
Johanna Bukowski
2 months ago
Ed and Maggie have both been a pleasure to work with! They keep you up to date on your case, clearly explain the process and next steps along the way, respond quickly to any questions and always offer different options to discuss details (email, phone, text, Zoom, etc.). What I appreciate more than anything, is their genuine compassion and concern for you as a person. They both demonstrate true empathy for what is most likely one of the most unexpected and traumatic events in a person’s life and do everything they can to ensure justice is served. I highly recommend Collins Law!
Jeff Matticks
3 months ago
I became aware of Collins Law Group after I was involved in a motorcycle, several years ago. Since that time I have reached out to Ed Manzke, at Collins Law Group, for assistance in a couple of other areas. In each instance, I have found Ed and his team to be very helpful with great communication, keeping me informed every step along the way. Everyone who I have interacted with, at Collins Law Group, demonstrated that they are interested in building relationships so that you know who you can turn to for any of your legal needs.
Ella Folson
3 months ago
Chris and John were attentive and thorough to my needs throughout my entire case. I appreciate the all the time and effort they took. I will be recommending their services going forward to family and friends! Thank you so much for all your help!
J. Savv
3 months ago
Ed Manzke was very patient and kind with helping me and my sister with our mom’s case. He often took the time out his day to explain everything to ensure we understood what was going on. The law firm itself is organized making our whole process run smoothly. I appreciate Ed and his team.
Unique Morris
3 months ago
Ed Manzke was very informative, clear and honest when it came to my mother and father’s case. He took his time with all of my questions and concerns, making sure that no questions went unanswered and that there was no room for confusion with our case. I’m forever grateful for Ed and everyone at the law firm.
Nick Erlenbaugh
3 months ago
Collins Law was recommended to me after I was involved in an accident with a semi-truck. Amber Blevins was exceptional to work with. She is a total pro at what she does and made the process as easy as she could for me. Ed ensured I received the best outcome possible and exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone who might be shopping around for an attorney!
Dwayne Kurfirst
4 months ago
I want to take a moment to recognize John at Collins Law for the incredible work he did in helping my mom secure her settlement. It wasn’t a quick or easy process—it took time, patience, and persistence—but John stayed committed every step of the way. What stood out most was his professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for getting the best possible outcome. He kept us informed, navigated the complexities with confidence, and ultimately delivered results that truly made a difference for our family. If you’re looking for someone who will put in the work, stand by you through a long process, and follow through, I highly recommend John and the team at Collins Law.
Helen Montague
5 months ago
We are fortunate to have had the chance to work with John Risvold as he represented my brother in his case. Professional, personable and authentic in his manner, John kept us informed throughout the long process, and was always available to respond to my many questions. Having never been involved with a law suit, I really appreciated John's patience (especially since I am 1,000 miles away) and his genuine care for my brother's well being. We are forever grateful, John. Thank you.
Matthew Malone
6 months ago
I had an excellent experience being represented by Collins Law Firm. Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins were amazing to work with and truly helped me in my time of need. Both were extremely personable and knowledgeable throughout every step of the way. I would absolutely recommend them for anyone’s legal needs.
Ronnie Sanchez
6 months ago
I had an excellent experience with The Collins Law firm. Amber was extremely helpful, kind, and friendly throughout the entire process. She took the time to explain everything clearly whenever I didn’t understand something, which meant a lot to me. I truly felt supported and informed. I will absolutely seek Collin’s help again if I ever need legal assistance in the future. Thank you again :)
Maddie Scheele
6 months ago
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Ed Manzke and Amber Blevins. They are truly the best of the best. The efficiency and professionalism throughout the entire process of my case has been unmatched. What I really want to point out, though, is the empathy and compassion both Amber and Ed hold. That was the true difference maker. I knew they both prioritized my well-being and made that their number one priority. They represented me to their highest capabilities through every step of my case, and I cannot thank them and Collins Law Firm enough.
Leticia Pink
7 months ago
Ms. Maggie Galka is an experienced environmental (radon) attorney who prioritizes her clients' health and safety in her legal practice. She maintains thorough records and offers strategic advice while working with government agencies. Ms. Galka demonstrates key values such as integrity, expertise, respect, empathy, and compassion essential for positive outcomes. Her professionalism, follow-up and communication skills are excellent. Ms. Galka's guidance extends beyond legal issues, and the Collins Law Firm advocates strongly and effectively for clients. We sincerely thank Collins Law Firm, and in particular Ms. Galka, for helping our family reach a successful outcome and for their meaningful impact on our community. I strongly recommend Ms. Galka and Collins Law Firm as an outstanding legal firm.
Megan
7 months ago
I can’t say enough good things about John Risvold at The Collins Law Firm. From start to finish, John was professional, responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and always made me feel like my case truly mattered. His dedication, attention to detail, and genuine care made a stressful situation much easier to handle. John’s expertise and clear communication built a lot of trust, and I’m very grateful for his hard work. I would highly recommend John Risvold to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled attorney.
David Bretti
7 months ago
(Translated by Google) They are very responsible in what they do, they were able to resolve my case quickly and efficiently, I especially recommend Mr. Chris for always being in contact and being honest throughout the process 👏🏻 (Original) Son muy responsables en lo que hacen, pudieron resolver mi caso de forma rápida y eficaz, recomendando, especialmente el Se Chris por siempre estar en contacto y ser sincero en todo el proceso 👏🏻
Jas R.
7 months ago
Amber was very thorough, informative, and made this process very easy for me, which I greatly appreciated considering all the events that led up to this point. Justice isn’t always served, but working with Collin’s Law Firm really me feel that my injuries were tangibly worth something, and that to some degree, justice was served. Would highly recommend this law firm to anyone seeking out a personal injury firm/attorney.
Amy Ressen
9 months ago
I wana say a huge thank you to the Collin’s Law firm and Chris Gauthier for helping me with my Complicated case. They helped me put my life back together after a horrible incident that I didn’t think I could over come. Chris was always good about communicating and he made sure I got what I deserved! I highly recommend this law firm they were so kind and reassuring that things would work out. Thank you again for all the hard work and being there to help me through the process when I didn’t know where to turn to for help! Thanks again Chris and The Collin’s Law firm!
Lauren Dryanski
9 months ago
I had an exceptional experience with Collins Law Firm . A special thank you to Chris, my lawyer, and Patti, the legal assistant. They helped me navigate my car accident proceedings from start to finish, and I always felt like I was in great hands. Chris was incredibly knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and explained everything in a way I could understand. He always made sure I felt informed and supported, especially when it came to legal details I wouldn’t normally know. Patti was also wonderful—very helpful, communicative, and always made sure I had everything I needed throughout the process. I never once doubted this team. They made everything easy and stress-free. I would absolutely recommend Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of legal support!
Will Brooks
10 months ago
John brings impressive expertise and heartfelt dedication to every matter he handles. His thoughtful approach and clear communication make it easy to trust his advice, and it’s evident he is committed to fighting for what’s right with both professionalism and empathy. John’s balance of insightful expertise and warm, personal attention truly sets him apart.
Icela Hernandez
0 years ago
If ever needed. I will gladly go to the Collins law firm again. They were always quick to respond any questions. Happy to say case is closed and all went well .
Not every serious crash in Illinois involves a semi-truck. Utility vans, service trucks, delivery vehicles, buses, and specialized work vehicles cause some of the most severe injuries we see, often because they're driven for hours on tight schedules, operated by companies carrying substantial commercial insurance, and involved in collisions with pedestrians and cyclists in the neighborhoods and parking lots where they work. If you were hurt by a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, visit our Illinois Truck Accident Lawyer page for information specific to those cases. For every other type of commercial vehicle, here's what you need to know.
Commercial vehicle accidents are fundamentally different from typical car accidents. The injuries are more severe, the liable parties are harder to identify, and the insurance companies defending trucking companies and fleet operators are better funded and more aggressive. Illinois law gives victims of commercial truck accidents the right to pursue compensation from every responsible party, including drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Illinois, you need an attorney who knows how these cases work. The commercial vehicle accident attorneys at Collins Law Group represent victims of semi-truck crashes, bus accidents, delivery vehicle collisions, and other commercial vehicle accidents throughout Illinois. We will identify who is responsible, build the strongest possible case, and fight for the full compensation you are owed.
Get a free, no-obligation case review. We're available 24/7 and you pay nothing unless we win.
A commercial vehicle is any vehicle used for business purposes, typically to transport goods or passengers for profit. These vehicles are larger, heavier and more difficult to maneuver than regular passenger cars, which contributes to how bad the accidents can be.
Commercial vehicles come in many forms, and the type of vehicle involved in your crash often determines which company, contractor, and insurance policy is responsible.
Plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and other tradespeople drive utility vans and service trucks every day, often carrying commercial auto policies of $1 million or more. These vehicles make frequent stops in residential neighborhoods and commercial lots, which raises the risk of pedestrian and bystander injuries.
Box trucks, step vans, and cargo vans move packages and freight throughout Illinois for companies large and small. If you were hit by an Amazon-branded vehicle, read more on our Illinois Amazon Delivery Accident Lawyer page, which breaks down liability across Amazon Relay, DSP, and Flex drivers.
Dump trucks, garbage and recycling trucks, and tow trucks are built for specific jobs and often operate under municipal contracts or specialized equipment rules that create unique liability questions.
Shuttle buses and transit buses carry passengers throughout Illinois communities, airports, and hotels, and a crash can mean injuries to multiple people at once.
Commercial vehicle operators are subject to stricter regulations than those who drive personal vehicles. To operate these vehicles, drivers must hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which involves specialized training. They are also required to undergo routine drug testing to ensure they’re fit to drive.
Additionally, commercial vehicle drivers must adhere to hours-of-service regulations, which limit the amount of time they can drive without resting. This helps prevent driver fatigue, one of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents.
While any accident can be devastating, commercial vehicle accidents can be much worse because of the size and weight of these vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations categorize commercial vehicles as vehicles used to transport property or passengers that meet specific criteria:
The larger the vehicle, the more damage it can cause in the event of a crash. For example, a collision between a passenger car and a semi-truck could result in catastrophic injuries due to the significant weight difference. Large trucks also have longer stopping distances, meaning they require more time to come to a full stop. They can also be harder to maneuver, especially when navigating tight spaces or congested areas.
These factors make commercial vehicle accidents particularly dangerous for everyone involved, but especially for pedestrians.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Injured victims, including passengers, pedestrians and other drivers, can file a lawsuit. Family members of those killed in the accident may also file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Determining liability in a commercial vehicle accident can be tricky. In most cases, the liability may fall on one or more of the following parties:
An experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney can help identify the parties involved and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your damages.
Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, injuries from accidents involving these vehicles can be severe. Common injuries include:
Losing someone to a crash caused by a negligent trucking company or driver is devastating. Illinois law gives surviving family members the right to file a wrongful death claim and pursue compensation for funeral and burial costs, the income your family depended on, and the grief and loss you will carry for the rest of your life.
No lawsuit brings someone back. But holding the responsible parties accountable matters, and so does making sure your family is not left bearing the financial weight of someone else's negligence.
Commercial vehicle accidents occur for various reasons and often involve multiple factors. Some of the most common causes include:
One of the leading causes of commercial vehicle accidents is driver fatigue. Commercial drivers are only required to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Due to these long work hours, drivers can become drowsy or fall asleep at the wheel.
Commercial vehicle operators can be distracted while driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that 71% of large truck crashes occurred when the driver was distracted by other activities, such as eating, using a cell phone or checking a map.
Improperly loaded cargo can cause a commercial vehicle to become unstable or difficult to control, especially when making turns or driving on uneven roads.
When commercial vehicles are not properly maintained, mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts—can cause accidents.
Some commercial vehicle drivers may exceed speed limits or drive recklessly, especially when under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules.
Bad weather can make roads slippery and difficult to navigate, especially for large trucks that take longer to stop.
If you've been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
A commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you determine what compensation you may be eligible for and pursue the necessary legal actions to recover these damages.
When choosing a lawyer for your case, consider the following factors:
Don't hesitate to ask questions during the consultation to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout the legal process.
Why You Need an Attorney
Commercial vehicle cases are not straightforward personal injury claims. Multiple defendants, layers of insurance coverage, and trucking companies with experienced defense lawyers working against you from day one. The deck is stacked. Insurers will move fast to limit what they pay, and without someone in your corner who knows how these cases work, you will likely settle for far less than your case is worth.
At Collins Law Group, our commercial vehicle accident attorneys know what these cases demand and what it takes to win them. We offer free consultations, we are available around the clock, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you. The trucking company's insurer is already building its case. You should be too. Contact us today.
In most Illinois personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Some situations change that deadline: claims involving government entities can have much shorter notice requirements, and different rules can apply to minors. Waiting also costs evidence: vehicles get repaired, camera footage gets overwritten, and witnesses move. The safest move after a serious crash is to talk to a lawyer well before any deadline is close. The consultation is free.
Yes, in many cases. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule: you can recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible for what happened, and your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. In other words, being partly at fault does not end your case; even at exactly 50 percent responsibility, recovery is still possible. Insurance companies know this rule and often try to push more blame onto the injured person, which is one of the main reasons to have a lawyer handling those conversations.
Collins Law Group represents clients injured in commercial vehicle and passenger car crashes across the Chicago suburbs. Visit our local car accident lawyer page for your community:
Delivery crashes turn on who employed the driver and whose insurance responds, and the answer is different at each company. Start with our guides to FedEx crashes, UPS crashes, Walmart truck crashes, Amazon delivery crashes, and delivery app crashes involving Spark, Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats drivers.
John D. Risvold is an equity partner at Collins Law Group, P.C. in Naperville, Illinois. He represents individuals and families in catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases, focusing on commercial trucking crashes, rideshare and autonomous vehicle litigation, medical malpractice and birth injury, and product defect claims. He has tried cases to verdict in Illinois courts, recovered more than $50 million for clients over thirteen years of practice, and has been named to Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation and Illinois Super Lawyers.
