Total reviews: 136 | Average rating: 4.9
Isaac Camaro
Matthew Malone
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
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
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
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
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
(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.
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
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
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
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
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 .
Sharif Maadi
I’ve had the opportunity to co-counsel with John Risvold and he is a great attorney. He brings a high level of experience, strategic insight, and tenacity to every case. Truly an asset to the personal injury field. Rest assured, your case is in good hands with this firm
Sarah Moon-Sarudi
Chris Gauther was our attorney and he was very communicative and thorough! We highly recommend the firm! Patty the paralegal was awesome as well! Overall we had a great experience!
Trevor Block
I had an outstanding experience with Collins Law Firm following my car accident in McHenry County, IL. From start to finish, the team was responsive, knowledgeable and truly had my best interests at heart. A special thank you to Chris Gauthier, who handled my case with professionalism and care. His guidance made a stressful situation much more manageable. I highly recommend Collins Law Firm to anyone in need of strong, compassionate legal representation.
Sorina Huerta
My brother suffered horrific injuries in a hit and run accident that involved a drunk driver. I called a couple of other law firms before I VERY fortunately found Collins Law Firm. Our attorney, Ed Manzke, worked diligently and expeditiously to get my brother the highest compensation available in our personal injury case. Ed surpassed our family’s expectations not only in his knowledge and work ethic, but in his genuine compassion for my brother’s situation. He made accommodations that facilitated meeting with us in person WHILE my brother was still in the hospital undergoing surgeries and procedures. Frankly, Ed was the only attorney that offered to do this and it helped speed our case along at a point when we felt that time was of the essence. Additionally, Ed’s assistant, Amber Blevins, deserves acknowledgment for all of her hard work as well. She always offered to answer any questions we had throughout the process and would often reach out to check on my brother’s condition on her own, or at Ed’s request. It means so much when you’re going through a devastating event, that you feel heard, seen and supported. If you want professionals that truly fight for you and treat you as if you’re their only client, then I HIGHLY recommend you contact Collins Law Firm!
Lis Meeker
I cannot speak highly enough of attorney Ed Manzke and his assistant, Amber Blevins, at The Collins Law Firm. Ed worked diligently and with great integrity to help me receive compensation for a lead paint disaster at my residence. From start to finish, Ed, Amber, and the entire team were professional, responsive, and compassionate.
Ed’s thorough guidance and legal expertise gave me tremendous confidence throughout the process. He was always available to answer questions, explain next steps, and provide reassurance when needed. Amber’s attention to detail and communication were equally impressive—she was organized, proactive, and supportive at every turn.
Their combined professionalism, empathy, and commitment truly set them apart. I am deeply grateful to Ed, Amber, and the Collins Law Firm for their outstanding work. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of trusted and skilled legal representation. Thank you, Ed!
Kacie Frese
Fantastic law firm! Christopher Gauthier kept me up to date every step of the way, and helped me figure out a game plan. Im very satisfied with my service here!
denise trabolsi
John Risvold was recommended by a friend and he was a great fit!
Professional and pleasant from the first conversation we had!
He was always available and kept me informed of progress! Patty and Chris worked and made sure I was comfortable and getting all the information needed.
I would highly recommend John and his team.
Eder Sanchez
My lawyer was Chris Gotti. He is the best lawyer I could have ever asked for hands down. He was always on top of things and whenever he had news, he would always communicate with me right away! He is very understanding and friendly to talk to and will make you feel comfortable right away! Pick Chris Gotti as your lawyer! He won’t let you down I promise you!
Molly Wojda
Ed and Amber were wonderful to work with. Very professional and achieved a fair settlement for a dog bite/attack. Definitely recommend choosing Collins Law Firm.
Tony Rodriguez
The staff at Collins Law Firm was very professional and cooperative. From Patty the Legal Assistant to Chris Gauthier, the Attorney who handled my case. Chris G was even polite to refer me to another lawyer in a different field for something else I needed help in. Things were handled quickly and firmly and I knew all the steps along the way because Chris G kept in contact with me at all times. The result of my case was very pleasing, and I will always deal with Collins Law Firm if I ever need legal assistance, which I don't hope I will but they are my choice if I do.
Izzy
My decision to go with Ed Manske and Amber Blevins to handle my mom’s injury case was one of the best decisions I’ve made! From the beginning Ed took the time to listen and put me and my mom at ease. When we made a decision to open a case it came at a time when I was overwhelmed with my mom’s medical situation including countless hospital visits, therapy, bills, doctor appointments etc so throwing a dart and picking a lawyer added to my plate. Both of them were beyond outstanding! They were both extremely professional, communicated expectations, we never seemed rushed to get off the phone quite the contrary they made sure we didn’t have any additional questions. Ed is genuine and truly makes you feel like you are his only case. Thank you so much!
Shirley Q
I found myself in a car accident situation where I didn’t know who to turn to or what to do. Chris was easy to talk to and I’m glad that the Collins Law firm handled my case all the way through. I’m blessed to have had them, and definitely recommend to anyone who needs fair and compassionate council. Thank you, Collins Law!
Vera Eaves
This is by for the best experience I have had with a law firm, Collins Law Firm. From the onset of the car accident away from our home town, I did not know whom to call but with a search on the internet, I found this firm online. I was so pleased with initial call and conversation. The agents I have dealt with are professional, knowledgeable, very helpful, great tone on the phone and very patient. They took the time to explain what needs to be done and the expectation. My recent agent Chris G. is so awesome. He always showed empathy besides being patient knowledgeable and understanding. He never beat around the bush with my questions, just gave me straight answers. For real!! I will definitely recommend Collins Law Firm to friends and relatives. Their agents exceeds 100% and gives satisfactory RESULTS.
Peter Bray
Every business dreams to have a lawyer like Rob Dawidiuk! Through acquisitions, Rob and his team helped me grow to become the largest Massage Envy franchisee in the country. He handled every transaction, every negotiation, and every touch point to a better outcome than planned. Purely flawless. Pure diplomacy. Rob and his team lead the negotiation and sale of my business to the private equity firm tax-efficiently for the best possible exit. Rob then helped me to acquire a second national franchise (FedEx Ground) in two different states over a period of four years totaling 16 separate transactions and did them all to his standard of excellence. I've been very fortunate to have Rob in my corner for the last eleven years not only for his M&A expertise, but also for his day-to-day business counsel and support. - Peter Bray
Jesse Carlson
What John and especially Chris did to help me reach the settlement I wanted was truly awesome. Chris had great communication and kept me in the loop with my case the whole time, answering questions and going back and forth with the at fault party’s insurance. On top of being a diligent advocate they were genuinely nice and caring people. I’ve never worked with lawyers before but these guys were great and although I don’t live in the state they practice I’d highly recommend them to anyone who’s been in an accident and needs representation.
Go with The Collins Law Firm.
You won’t regret it.
Melanie Weirich
Rob Dawidiuk does a great job as your general counsel and handling transactions and litigation. He makes himself available to answer any questions or concerns and helps you work through them. I highly recommend Rob as your attorney.
John Puscheck
I have worked with Rob Dawidiuk of Collins Law Firm on several matter pertaining to my company. He was always responsive, knowledgeable, and professional. On some complicated matters, including a commercial property sale, his expertise was key in getting deals done and representing my interests. I've recommended Rob to other business associates and will continue to do so.
Steve Gon
I have had the pleasure of working with Rob Dawidiuk for virtually all of our corporate legal needs. He's brilliant, works very hard, and always in our best interest.
Lori Hilson Cioromski
I have worked with Robert Dawiduk for over 10 years, Rob has helped me not only to successfully negotiate tough business contracts but also with the sale of multiple businesses.
I highly recommend Rob for your business; he is fair, highly responsive, provides direct feedback, and offers the best solutions for successful outcomes.
Scott MacNeil
Rob Dawidiuk is an outstanding attorney and really great to deal with. We have worked on many many transactions together!
Bruce Grabenkort
I have been working with Rob Dawidiuk on a foreclosure file for the last two years. Rob is a conscientious and thoughtful attorney that looks at the whole picture in the case. He is available when I call. Rob has been a long-term attorney associated with this bank and will be in the future.
Jeffrey Weisenberger
My wife and I recently closed on our first home and Rob Dawidiuk was incredible in helping us through the entire process. He was quick in responding to any questions we had at any point and guided us each step of the way! Throughout the entire process, Rob went explained the process in a way that was easy for us to understand and made us feel confident that we knew what we were signing up for. Thank you so much for all of your help!
Amanda Marshall
My husband and I worked with Rob Dawidiuk for our real estate closing. Rob is kind, honest, and responsive. I would highly recommend working with Collins Law.
Vinny F
My family has worked with Collin's and Rob Dawidiuk for almost 20 years. We met Rob when they were representing our insurance carrier for an Asbestos brake shoe claim, for which we had no liability. Rob immediately filed for a dismissal, and the plaintiff's attorney was shocked that Rob wouldn't put more time into the case because he could bill the insurance company for more time.
As a business owner, this show of high ethics is why we have been with Collins since then through thick and thin.
They have handled every aspect of legal work for our business (employment law, contract, real estate, product liability, etc).
Luke Flaska
Excellent business to partner with. Rob Dawidiuk has helped our business with all general counsel needs throughout the United States. Not only are they outstanding legal counsel, but also great people. I strongly recommend to anyone.
Robert Barth
As in-house counsel for a nonprofit corporation, I worked with Rob Dawidiuk as our trial attorney on a complex case. After years of motions, discovery, and partial summary judgments, Rob defended us in a four-day trial and Rob was successful in winning on all issues in the case. It is a pleasure to work with Rob who is a very competent and skilled attorney.
Lei Rome
Working with Ed Manzke and Amber was an absolute blessing. From the moment I reached out, they treated me with kindness, understanding, and a level of professionalism that immediately put me at ease. They didn’t just handle my case—they truly cared about my well-being and fought hard to get the best possible outcome. They explained everything clearly, kept me informed at every step, and never made me feel like just another client. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion made all the difference, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. If you need lawyers who are not only skilled but also genuinely care, Ed and Amber are the ones to call.
Emma Sibert
Chris did a great job! I highly recommend him for any case.
MillionDolla Montana
Really good people John is very patient and responsive with handling you personal request
Kathy B.
John Risvold exceeded our expectations! I was involved in a car crash which resulted in needing several neck and back surgeries, as well as numerous other medical procedures. When the medical bills started piling up and I wasn't feeling better, I sought legal help. My husband and I met with John Risvold, who explained the legal process and stood by us every step of the way, exhibiting patience and professionalism. It was a great relief to offload our anxiety and legal work to him and we always felt that John had our back. The case went to trial and John (and Chris Gauthier) gave a master class on how to litigate a civil claim. We won the case and are extremely happy with how we were treated. We strongly recommend John Risvold and The Collins Law Firm!
Chef Ken
John at Collins Law has been wonderful help. I'm forever grateful he tackled this case, handled it with care, was efficient, and compassionate. He responded to any questions I had at incredible speed & in great detail. He cares for his clients, and has been wonderful during this trying time. You cannot ask for a better experience, highest respects for John. Highly reccomend.
T G
I cannot say enough great things about Chris Gauthier!. He has demonstrated outstanding negotiation skills, resolving my case efficiently and effectively. Chris ability to analyze the situation, provide sound advice, and keep me informed at every step was both reassuring and impressive. What stood out the most was his dedication to achieving the best possible outcome from me. Chris treated my case with care, making me feel valued and supported throughout the entire process.
If you're looking for a lawyer who is knowledgeable, communicative, and truly cares about your best interests, I highly recommend Christopher Gauthier!
Scott Meech
Working with Ed J. Manzke and THE COLLINS LAW FIRM has been great. Communication, follow-up, advice, and experience were all excellent. Before I met Ed, I was at a low point, as a drunk driver had dramatically changed my life. I was seriously wondering what I could do, and he provided us with a light at the end of the long tunnel. Thank you to everyone at the firm for all their help; we are lucky to have had your support.
Jane Gratz
Ed and his team worked tirelessly to help me with a personal injury situation. They are friendly and kind and want to help you achieve the highest level of settlement resolution. Definitely recommend them as a legal team!
Wafaa Alwawi
I had an outstanding experience with Ed from the Collins Law Firm as my injury lawyer. I was involved in a car accident and was connected with Ed from this firm. Ed was incredibly empathetic, always taking the time to listen and prioritize my needs throughout the entire process. His communicative and transparent approach ensured that I was informed and comfortable with every decision made. Ed’s dedication and support were instrumental in navigating my case, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a compassionate and effective injury lawyer.
Donna Harris
I received the best over the phone consultation, he was very helpful and informative, thank you so much
Lana Edwards
John has helped me out on a couple of times. He really cares about people and helping them . That is a rare thing with most people and very refreshing to see!!
Tony Stigvils
I called Collins law firm when I was hit by an SUV. Edward Manzke was my attorney. I couldn't be more then happy with him. He didn't treat me as a client, he treated me as a human being, that was important to me. Thank you . Ed.
Every day, tens of thousands of commercial trucks travel Illinois roads. They run I-80 through the south suburbs, haul freight up I-55 into Chicago, and move goods along I-88 through the DuPage County corridor. Most of the time, they share the road without incident. When they don't, the results can be catastrophic.
Truck accidents are not like car accidents. The vehicles are heavier, the injuries are more severe, and the legal landscape is far more complex. Federal regulations govern how trucking companies operate, how their drivers log hours, and how their vehicles are maintained. When those rules are broken and someone is seriously hurt, multiple parties can be held responsible.
The Illinois truck accident attorneys at Collins Law Group represent victims of semi-truck crashes, tractor-trailer collisions, jackknife accidents, underride crashes, and wrongful deaths caused by commercial vehicle negligence throughout Illinois. We know how these cases work, we know how trucking companies and their insurers defend them, and we know how to win.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck crash, call us today for a free consultation. We are available around the clock, and if you cannot come to us, we will come to you.
If you've been in a crash with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, you are not dealing with a typical personal injury claim. These cases are governed by a separate body of federal law, they involve multiple defendants with separate insurance policies, and the companies on the other side move fast.
Here is what makes them different.
Federal Regulations Apply
Commercial trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a federal agency that sets binding rules on everything from how many hours a driver can be behind the wheel to how vehicles must be inspected and maintained. When a trucking company or driver violates those regulations and a crash follows, that violation is evidence of negligence. Knowing which regulations apply, how to obtain compliance records, and how to use them at trial is a skill set that goes well beyond standard car accident litigation.
Multiple Parties Can Be Liable
In a car accident, liability usually points to one driver. In a truck crash, it can point to the driver, the trucking company, a cargo loading contractor, a maintenance vendor, a vehicle manufacturer, or some combination of all of them. Each of those parties carries separate insurance coverage. Identifying every responsible party and pursuing every available policy is essential to recovering full compensation — and easy to get wrong without an attorney who handles these cases regularly.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
Commercial trucks generate data that passenger vehicles do not. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) record hours of service. Event data recorders — truck black boxes — capture speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments before a crash. Dashcam footage, GPS records, and dispatch communications can all be critical. Trucking companies and their insurers know this. They retain defense counsel immediately after a serious crash, and evidence can be lost, overwritten, or destroyed if you do not act quickly. Illinois law allows attorneys to send spoliation letters demanding preservation of this evidence. We send them fast.
The Injuries Are More Severe
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The physics of a collision between that vehicle and a passenger car are devastating. Traumatic brain injuries, serious spinal injuries, internal organ damage, crush injuries, and wrongful death are far more common in truck crashes than in standard car accidents. The compensation at stake is higher, which means the fight to minimize or deny your claim will be more aggressive.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Illinois
Truck crashes rarely happen without a reason. In most cases, the cause traces back to a decision someone made — a driver pushing past legal limits, a company cutting corners on maintenance, a dispatcher pressuring a driver to make an impossible delivery window. These are the most common causes we see in Illinois truck accident cases.
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
The FMCSA's hours of service regulations cap how long a commercial driver can operate a truck before mandatory rest. Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window, and no more than 70 hours over 8 consecutive days. When trucking companies pressure drivers to meet delivery quotas or when drivers falsify their logs to cover violations, fatigued driving is the result. A driver who has been awake for 18 hours has the impairment of someone with a blood alcohol level of 0.08. Learn more about fatigued truck driver accidents.
Distracted Driving
Federal law prohibits commercial drivers from using handheld mobile devices while operating a truck. Texting while driving at highway speed, even for a few seconds, is enough to cause a catastrophic crash. Distraction also includes in-cab navigation systems, dispatch communications, and eating behind the wheel.
Improper Loading and Unsecured Cargo
Cargo that is improperly loaded, unevenly distributed, or inadequately secured shifts during transport. That weight shift affects how a truck handles, brakes, and responds to sudden steering inputs. In some cases, cargo falls from the vehicle entirely, creating hazards for everyone on the road. Liability in these cases may rest with the loading company, the shipper, or both — not just the driver.
Failure to Maintain Equipment
Federal regulations require commercial carriers to conduct regular inspections and maintain detailed maintenance records. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering defects, and lighting failures that cause crashes are often the result of deferred maintenance or ignored inspection findings. When we investigate a truck crash, maintenance logs and inspection records are among the first documents we subpoena.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Large trucks require significantly more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded semi traveling at 65 mph needs nearly 525 feet to come to a complete stop — nearly two football fields. Speeding, tailgating, and aggressive lane changes by truck drivers are common contributing factors in rear-end and sideswipe crashes on Illinois highways.
Inadequate Training, Negligent Hiring, and Freight Broker Liability
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly licensed, trained, and fit to operate a commercial vehicle. When a company hires a driver with a history of violations, skips required background checks, or puts an undertrained driver behind the wheel, it is liable for the crash that follows. Learn more about trucking company negligence.
Freight brokers and shipping brokers can be held liable as well. In Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, the United States Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that freight brokers can be sued under state negligence law for negligently hiring an unsafe motor carrier. The Court held that such claims are not preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act, and that states retain full authority to require brokers to exercise ordinary care in selecting the carriers they dispatch. If a broker placed a dangerous carrier on the road, one with a troubled FMCSA safety record, unqualified drivers, or a history of regulatory violations, and that carrier caused your crash, the broker can be held responsible.
Drunk or Drugged Driving
The legal blood alcohol limit for commercial drivers in Illinois is 0.04 — half the limit for passenger vehicle drivers. Drug use, including prescription medications that impair reaction time, is also a documented problem in the long-haul trucking industry. When a driver operates a commercial vehicle while impaired, both the driver and the company that put them on the road can be held liable.e government won’t require it, and many trucking companies don’t want to pay for the extra equipment.
One of the most important differences between truck accident cases and standard car accident claims is the number of parties who can be responsible for what happened. Identifying every liable party matters because each one carries separate insurance coverage. Missing one means leaving compensation on the table.
The Truck Driver
Driver error is the most common cause of commercial truck crashes. Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, fatigue, and failure to follow traffic laws can all form the basis of a negligence claim directly against the driver.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their drivers under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior. They can also be independently liable for their own negligence, including negligent hiring, inadequate driver training, falsified logs, pressure to violate hours of service rules, and failure to maintain their fleet. Trucking company negligence is one of the most significant and frequently overlooked sources of liability in these cases.
Freight Brokers and Shipping Brokers
As established in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, freight brokers can be sued under state negligence law when they hire a motor carrier they knew or should have known was unsafe. If a broker selected a carrier with a conditional FMCSA safety rating, a history of driver-qualification failures, or unresolved maintenance violations, that broker shares responsibility for the crash.
Cargo Loaders and Shippers
When improperly loaded or unsecured cargo contributes to a crash, liability can extend to the company responsible for loading the truck. This includes third-party logistics providers, warehouse operations, and shippers who direct how cargo is packed and secured. These parties are often overlooked but can carry substantial insurance coverage.
Vehicle and Component Manufacturers
When a truck fails because it was built wrong, the manufacturer answers for that. A defective steering column, a tire that blows out due to a manufacturing flaw, a trailer hitch that gives way — these are not accidents. They are the predictable result of putting a dangerously defective product on the road. If the failure traces back to a design defect or an error on the assembly line, the manufacturer can be held liable for every injury that follows.
Maintenance and Repair Contractors
Many trucking companies outsource vehicle maintenance to third-party contractors. When a mechanical failure caused by negligent repair work contributes to a crash, that contractor can be independently liable. Brake jobs, tire replacements, and steering system repairs that are done wrong create real and foreseeable danger on the road.
Government Entities
Dangerous road conditions, including inadequate signage, missing guardrails, poor lighting, and defective highway design, can contribute to truck crashes. In some cases, a government entity responsible for road design or maintenance can be held liable. These claims involve strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines under Illinois law and require immediate attention.
Serious truck accidents produce serious damages. Illinois law allows victims to pursue compensation for every way the crash has affected their life, not just the immediate medical bills. Here is what you may be entitled to recover.
Medical Expenses
This includes every cost associated with treating your injuries, past and future. Emergency room care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, assistive devices, and any ongoing medical treatment you will need for the rest of your life. In catastrophic injury cases, lifetime medical costs can reach into the millions. We work with medical experts and economists to make sure those future costs are fully accounted for in your claim.
Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity
If your injuries have kept you out of work, you can recover the wages you lost during your recovery. If your injuries have permanently affected your ability to work, either in your current field or at all, you can recover the difference between what you would have earned over your lifetime and what you are now able to earn. These calculations require expert testimony and economic analysis. We handle that.
Pain and Suffering
Illinois law allows you to recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your injuries. This is not a soft category. In catastrophic injury cases involving permanent disability, chronic pain, or traumatic brain injury, pain and suffering damages can exceed the economic damages. Juries understand what it means to live with permanent injuries, and we know how to present those damages effectively.
Emotional Distress and Psychological Harm
A serious truck crash does not just injure your body. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and the psychological impact of permanent disability are all compensable under Illinois law. These damages require documentation and often expert testimony from mental health professionals.
Loss of Normal Life
Illinois recognizes loss of normal life as a distinct category of damages separate from pain and suffering. If your injuries have prevented you from enjoying activities, hobbies, and relationships that were part of your life before the crash, you are entitled to compensation for that loss.
Loss of Consortium
If your injuries have damaged your relationship with your spouse, your spouse may have an independent claim for loss of consortium, covering the loss of companionship, affection, and support caused by your injuries.
Wrongful Death Damages
If a loved one was killed in a truck crash, Illinois law gives surviving family members the right to pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the income the family depended on, and the grief and loss of a lifetime without that person. Learn more about wrongful death claims arising from commercial vehicle accidents.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, including knowingly placing a driver with a dangerous record on the road, falsifying logs, or ignoring repeated safety violations, Illinois courts may award punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct. These damages go beyond compensation and send a message.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Illinois
The steps you take in the hours and days after a truck crash can have a significant impact on your case. Trucking companies and their insurers move fast. Here is what you need to do.
Call 911
Get police and emergency medical services to the scene immediately. A police report creates an official record of the crash and is one of the first documents we obtain when we begin investigating a case. If you are seriously injured, your only job is to get medical attention. Everything else can wait.
Get Medical Treatment, Even If You Feel Fine
Many serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries, do not produce obvious symptoms immediately after a crash. Adrenaline masks pain. Symptoms emerge hours or days later. If you decline medical treatment at the scene and show up at a hospital two days later, the insurance company will argue your injuries were not caused by the crash. Get evaluated. Let the records speak.
Document the Scene If You Can
If you are physically able, photograph everything. The position of the vehicles, damage to your car, skid marks, road conditions, cargo on the road, and the truck's license plate and DOT number. The DOT number on the side of the truck identifies the carrier and is critical for pulling their FMCSA safety record. If you cannot do this yourself, ask someone at the scene to help.
Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company's Insurance Adjuster
You will likely hear from the trucking company's insurer quickly. They are not calling to help you. They are calling to gather information that limits what they have to pay. Do not give a recorded statement. Do not accept any offer. Do not sign anything. Tell them you are represented by an attorney, even if you have not hired one yet. Then call us.
Preserve Everything
Save all medical records, bills, photos, and any communications from the trucking company or its insurer. If your vehicle has a dashcam, preserve that footage immediately. Do not have your vehicle repaired or scrapped until it has been inspected. Physical evidence from the crash itself, including your car, can be critical.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Immediately
Time is the most important factor in a truck accident case. The trucking company retains defense counsel immediately after a serious crash. Their lawyers begin building a defense while you are still in the hospital. Electronic logging device data, black box data, and dashcam footage can be overwritten within days if no one demands preservation. Under Illinois law, you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim, but waiting costs you evidence. Contact the Illinois truck accident attorneys at Collins Law Group as soon as possible. We will send a spoliation letter, secure the evidence, and start building your case from day one.
There is no shortage of personal injury lawyers in Illinois who will take a truck accident case. The question is whether your attorney has the experience, the resources, and the willingness to actually try the case if that is what it takes to get you full compensation. In truck accident cases, that distinction is everything.
These Cases Require Specialized Knowledge
Truck accident litigation is governed by a body of federal law that most personal injury attorneys rarely encounter. FMCSA regulations dictate how carriers must operate, how drivers must log their hours, and how vehicles must be inspected and maintained. Knowing which regulations apply, how to obtain compliance records, how to read a carrier's safety rating, and how to use regulatory violations as evidence of negligence at trial requires experience that goes well beyond standard car accident litigation. Hiring an attorney without that background is a significant disadvantage from day one.
Evidence Disappears Without Fast Action
The trucking company's defense attorneys are retained immediately after a serious crash. Black box data gets overwritten. Dashcam footage disappears. Logs get amended. An experienced truck accident attorney knows to send a spoliation letter demanding preservation of all electronic and physical evidence within days of the crash. Waiting costs you evidence you cannot get back.
The Other Side Has Resources. So Do We.
Trucking companies and their insurers are not passive defendants. They have experienced defense counsel, retained experts, and significant financial resources dedicated to minimizing what they pay. Matching that requires a firm with the financial strength to hire accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economic experts, and the trial experience to use them effectively. Collins Law Group has both.
We Know How the Defense Thinks
Before joining Collins Law Group, several of our attorneys spent years on the defense side, representing insurance companies and learning exactly how they evaluate, defend, and try to minimize serious injury claims. That experience is a direct advantage in every truck accident case we handle. We know what they are looking for before they look for it.
We Focus on Catastrophic Cases
Collins Law Group is a catastrophic injury and wrongful death firm. Truck accident cases are not a sideline for us. They are the core of what we do. We have obtained significant verdicts and settlements for victims of catastrophic truck accidents throughout Illinois, and our attorneys have been recognized as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Leading Lawyers in Illinois.
We Are Trial Lawyers
Most personal injury firms settle every case. We prepare every case for trial from day one. That posture changes how insurers respond to our demands. When a trucking company's insurer knows your attorney is willing and able to take a case to a jury, the settlement conversation looks different.
We Come to You
If you are hospitalized or cannot travel, we will come to you. We offer free consultations, we work on a contingency fee basis, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact Collins Law Group today for a free consultation with an Illinois truck accident attorney.
Collins Law Group represents victims of all types of commercial truck accidents throughout Illinois, including crashes involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs, cargo trucks, fuel trucks, and delivery vehicles. Our clients include drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The scale of the problem is significant. According to the FMCSA's 2024 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics, in 2022 large trucks were involved in 14% of all fatal crashes on the nation's roadways, resulting in 5,936 total fatalities and 160,000 people injured. In Illinois alone, 218 people were killed in large truck crashes in 2022. The total economic cost of large truck crashes nationwide that year exceeded $152 billion. These are not abstract numbers. They represent families whose lives were changed in an instant by a crash that, in most cases, was preventable.
Here are the cases we handle.
In most cases, Illinois law gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the two-year clock generally runs from the date of death. If a government entity is involved, notice requirements can be as short as one year. These deadlines are firm. Missing them means losing your right to recover compensation entirely. More importantly, waiting costs you evidence. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after a serious truck crash. Watch our video on Illinois statute of limitations.
Every case is different. The value of a truck accident claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses past and future, the income you have lost and will lose, the degree of the defendant's negligence, and the insurance coverage available. In catastrophic injury cases involving permanent disability, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, claims can be worth millions of dollars. The only way to get an accurate assessment of your case is to speak with an experienced Illinois truck accident attorney.
Multiple parties can be liable in a truck accident, and each carries separate insurance coverage. The truck driver, the trucking company, a freight broker, a cargo loading contractor, and a vehicle manufacturer can all be responsible depending on the facts of your crash. Identifying every liable party and pursuing every available insurance policy is one of the most important things an experienced truck accident attorney does. Missing a liable party means leaving compensation behind.
Yes. In Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, the United States Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that freight brokers can be sued under state negligence law for hiring unsafe motor carriers. If a broker selected a carrier with a poor FMCSA safety rating, unqualified drivers, or a history of regulatory violations, the broker can be held liable for the crash that followed.
Trucking companies sometimes classify drivers as independent contractors to avoid liability. Illinois courts look past that label. If the trucking company controlled how, when, and where the driver worked, the company can still be held liable for the driver's negligence regardless of how the employment relationship was characterized on paper.
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule. As long as you are less than 51% responsible for the crash, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $1,000,000, you recover $800,000. Do not assume that any degree of fault on your part bars your claim.
Yes. Truck accident cases involve federal regulations, multiple defendants, aggressive insurance defense, and evidence that disappears quickly. The trucking company's insurer has experienced adjusters and defense attorneys working to minimize your claim from the moment the crash is reported. Going up against that without legal representation almost always results in a lower recovery than the case is worth. Collins Law Group offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing until we win.
It depends on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or goes to trial. Straightforward cases with clear liability can resolve in months. Cases involving multiple defendants, disputed liability, or catastrophic injuries often take one to three years. We move cases as efficiently as possible while making sure we never settle for less than a case is worth. Rushing a settlement to close a file is not how we operate.
The most valuable evidence in a truck accident case includes the truck's black box data, electronic logging device records, dashcam footage, the carrier's FMCSA safety history, driver qualification files, maintenance and inspection records, dispatch communications, and the police report. Much of this evidence is time-sensitive. Black box data can be overwritten within 30 days. We move immediately to preserve it.
Truck accident cases move fast, and the window to preserve critical evidence is narrow. The longer you wait, the harder your case becomes to prove.
Collins Law Group represents seriously injured victims and grieving families throughout Illinois. We offer free consultations, we work on a contingency fee basis, and you pay nothing unless we win. If you cannot come to us, we will come to you.
Contact us today to speak with an Illinois truck accident attorney.
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Chris G. was very professional and helpful!