A devastating wreck on US-20 winding through the Galena hills or a side-impact crash on IL-84 near the Mississippi River overlook can shatter your life in moments. Suddenly, you’re burdened with painful injuries, staggering medical bills, and weeks or months without income. At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we bring decades of success under Illinois truck liability laws to hold reckless truck drivers, negligent freight companies, and careless maintenance contractors accountable. Whether you’re treated at Midwest Medical Center for broken bones or facing long rehabilitation after spinal or traumatic brain injuries, we build a strategy to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, so you can focus on healing.
Call us now at 312-261-5656 for a free, no-obligation consultation, available 24/7. With our no-fee-unless-we-win policy, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
Hurt in a Truck Crash in Galena? Scenic Routes Like US-20 & IL-84 Are High-Risk
Galena’s historic hills and river valleys are stunning, but they also attract heavy commercial truck traffic that often proves dangerous on sharp curves and narrow lanes. Local hazards include:
- US-20, the main route through Galena, famous for steep grades and blind curves. Truckers unfamiliar with the area frequently misjudge these hills, speeding or failing to brake in time.
- IL-84, hugging the Mississippi, where long trailers cross centerlines on tight bends near Chestnut Mountain Resort.
- Downtown streets, like Main Street, crowded with tourists and delivery trucks making sharp turns in tight spaces.
- Country roads lead to local quarries and farms, where gravel trucks and farm equipment often force sudden stops or evasive moves.
Our legal team thoroughly investigates crash sites, pulling dashcam footage, black-box data, and witness statements to piece together exactly how your wreck happened.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Galena, IL?
Truck crashes here often stem from a dangerous mix of:
- Driver fatigue, common among operators hauling freight between Chicago and Dubuque who push beyond FMCSA hours-of-service limits.
- Speeding on hilly, winding routes, leading to rollovers or trucks crossing into opposing lanes, especially on US-20.
- Shifting loads, with improperly secured cargo destabilizing trailers on curves, causing jackknifing or tip-overs.
- Deferred maintenance, where worn brakes or bald tires give out on steep downhill runs into Galena’s valleys.
- Blind-spot side-swipes, as local drivers often don’t realize how large a semi’s no-zones are on rural two-lane roads.
We examine repair records, freight logs, and ELD data to prove precisely how each safety failure contributed to your crash.
Who’s Liable After a Truck Accident in Galena, IL?
Truck cases are rarely limited to just the driver. Potentially liable parties include:
- Truck drivers, for distraction, fatigue, or pushing speeds unsafe for Galena’s steep grades.
- Trucking companies, for negligent hiring, failing to train drivers on mountain driving, or forcing illegal hours.
- Maintenance providers who cut corners on brake or steering repairs.
- Cargo loaders, if an unbalanced load caused the rig to sway or overturn.
Our skilled truck crash lawyer team reviews everything — from shop receipts to driver hour logs — to hold all negligent parties accountable and maximize your compensation.
What Damages Can You Claim After a Truck Crash Near Galena, IL?
Victims of truck crashes in the Galena area often face enormous costs. We fight to secure full compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including ER care at Midwest Medical Center, surgeries, follow-ups, rehab, and psychological support for crash trauma.
- Lost wages and future earnings, paying for the work you missed, and covering long-term impacts if you can’t return to your previous career.
- Pain and suffering reflecting the lasting physical agony and emotional scars from your accident.
- Property damage, to repair or replace your vehicle, and personal belongings destroyed in the crash.
- Wrongful death damages covering funeral costs and providing future support if a loved one was killed.
Submit Case Info from US-20 at Gear Street Today to preserve vital evidence — like truck GPS data, maintenance logs, and road debris assessments — before it’s gone.
Why Galena, IL, Residents Trust Chicago Injury Lawyer for Truck Cases
With over 20 years fighting for Illinois families, we pair small-town attentiveness with big-city resources:
- We’re experienced with filings in Jo Daviess County Circuit Court on North Bench Street and understand how local juries view large out-of-state trucking firms.
- We partner with top accident reconstructionists to recreate crashes on Galena’s winding hills and prove precisely how speed or shifting loads caused your wreck.
- We coordinate with physicians at Midwest Medical Center and major regional trauma hospitals to document the clear connection between the crash and your injuries.
- Our five-star reviews from residents across Galena, East Dubuque, and Elizabeth reflect our reputation for transparent, client-centered advocacy that keeps you informed every step.
EXCELLENT Based on 315 reviews Kat Chow2024-11-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't stress enough how grateful I am that we hired Paul Marriett to help us with our case. His communication was not only timely and thorough but also understandable. He did a phenomenal job guiding us through the process and preparing us for the courtroom, which put our minds at ease. Once our hearing came, he did his job flawlessly and won our case. Additionally, he was quite pleasant to speak with when our judge was behind schedule and while the court was in recess. I highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney and will reach out again in the future should we ever need representation. angel martinez2024-11-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and helpful! I would recommend to all my friends and family to hire him. He was eager to know the circumstances of my case even before I hired him. I did contact other lawyers and offices, but none came close to the comfort I felt while talking to Mr. Marriertt, I really felt like he cared about the situation I found myself in. He deserves 6 stars for going above and beyond John Harker2024-11-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul helped me out with a traffic citation. The communication was great as he walked me through my options and what to expect with my court date and plea deal. 10/10 service. Highly recommended. Thanks again, Paul. Ryan H.2024-11-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was very professional, sharp dressed and clearly a notch above most in the courtroom. He understood my plight and refused to be bullied. Knows the law to a T....I'm keeping him on speed dial. I think u will trust him too. Scorpion Solar2024-10-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. BEYOND satisfied with the services & representation! The communication & efforts have been above & BEYOND! Amazing price as well for a minor traffic hiccup. 11/10 recommend & prefer this firm for any future occurrences!!! Very transparent, & puts in the effort to help you!!! Zak Green2024-10-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are needing a lawyer in Rockford or the surrounding areas this is the guy you need to get ahold of! Do not waste your time or money going to someone else.... From the very start Mr. Marriett was on top of his job. I called several lawyers before him and he was the first to thoroughly explain everything I needed to hear without even asking him to. The definition of a great lawyer. Each time we went to court he always let me know ahead of time either in person or via phone what the expectations or options would be going in. I highly recommend Paul Marriett if you are in need of a lawyer! Kelli2024-10-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Explained everything well. Kept us informed. I'm glad we found him. bruce paulson2024-10-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very late on sharing my feedback only because I’m google illiterate. Attorney Merriett did a very smart excellent job for me and not real expensive considering how stupid I was to get in trouble . Thank you! For all your professionalism! Bruce P. Austin “i like trains” Arvey2024-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and a reliable lawyer. I'm glad we got him instead of getting anyone else. :)
Don’t Wait — Illinois Has a Deadline for Truck Accident Claims
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have only two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and you lose your right to recover, no matter how strong your evidence is. Acting quickly also ensures we secure black-box downloads, maintenance files, and dashcam footage before trucking companies or insurers conveniently “lose” them.
Get Directions to Our Law Office
Visit us in Chicago for a free consultation
- Address: 101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B, Chicago, IL 60606 Get Directions
- Driving Directions: If you’re traveling from The Loop, head north on Wacker Drive. Our office is between Lake and Randolph Streets, easily accessible from I-90 and I-94.
- Parking Options: Convenient parking is available at nearby garages, such as the Wacker & Monroe Garage, and there are metered spaces along N Wacker Drive.
- Landmarks Nearby: Our office is just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and close to The Loop, making it a convenient location for visitors.
Contact Us
Chicago Injury Lawyers
101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 261-5656
Email: contact@chicagoinjurylawyer.com
Hours: 24/7
FAQs — Truck Accident Claims in Galena, IL
Who’s liable after a truck accident in Galena, IL?
It may be the driver, trucking company, maintenance shop, or cargo loaders. We carefully investigate every angle to hold all parties accountable.
What damages can I claim after a crash on US-20?
Medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property repairs, and — in fatal cases — wrongful death compensation for surviving families.
How do I file a truck crash claim in Galena, IL?
It starts with a free consultation. We gather evidence, handle filings in Jo Daviess County Circuit Court, negotiate tough with insurers, and prepare for trial if needed.
Is there a deadline to sue after a truck crash in Galena, IL?
Yes — typically two years. Acting now helps protect critical evidence and strengthens your case.
What if the trucking company’s insurer denies my claim?
Denials and lowball settlements are common. We counter with independent investigations and are fully prepared to take your case to court to secure fair compensation.