If you were hit by a semi-truck on University Parkway, struck by an 18-wheeler on Cicero Avenue, or sideswiped near the ramps to I-57, your entire life may have changed in an instant. Many families in University Park depend on steady paychecks from logistics hubs, local manufacturers, trades, or commuting into the greater Chicago area — all jobs that rely on staying physically healthy. When a truck accident puts you in the hospital, leaves you unable to work, or piles up huge medical bills, your entire household can feel the strain. At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we help University Park residents take on national trucking insurers, making sure you don’t settle for far less than what your recovery demands.
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 University Park? Busy Routes Like I-57, University Parkway, and Cicero Are High Risk
University Park sits right by critical freight corridors in Will County and southern Cook County. I-57 channels heavy truck traffic between Chicago and downstate Illinois, while University Parkway, Cicero Avenue, and nearby stretches like Stuenkel Road are packed daily with local delivery trucks serving warehouses, industrial parks, and nearby shipping facilities. Accidents often happen when semis misjudge turns off I-57, speed to meet tight drop-off schedules, or fail to yield while maneuvering into narrow local business areas. Suppose you were struck on your way home from work, hit by a delivery truck near local neighborhoods, or rear-ended while taking kids to Governors State University. In that case, you might now be dealing with ER bills, weeks of painful rehab, and big worries about lost income.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in University Park?
Reports from the Will County Sheriff’s Office and local police agencies highlight common crash issues such as:
- Driver fatigue, with truckers pushing long hours up and down I-57 to meet aggressive freight deadlines, often skipping federally required rest breaks.
- Blind spot collisions occur when large trucks turn onto Cicero Avenue or onto more minor local roads and fail to see nearby cars or motorcycles.
- Speeding and abrupt lane shifts, especially near industrial corridors where drivers hurry between distribution centers and retail hubs.
- Shifting or improperly secured loads, common in warehouse-to-store deliveries, can cause trailers to sway or jackknife on sudden stops.
Because fully loaded rigs can weigh 20-30 times more than your car, even minor errors can result in catastrophic wrecks, leading to head, neck, and spinal injuries that forever change your quality of life.
Who’s Liable After a Truck Accident in University Park?
Unlike simple car accidents, truck crashes nearly always involve more than just the driver. Depending on what happened, multiple parties could share responsibility, including:
- The truck driver was cited for speeding, distracted driving, or breaking hours-of-service laws.
- The trucking or freight company may overload shipments or pressure drivers into unsafe timelines.
- Maintenance contractors, if worn brakes, tires, or steering systems caused or worsened the crash.
- Freight loaders, if unbalanced cargo made the trailer tip or drift into your lane.
A skilled truck crash lawyer digs deeper than the local crash report. We secure electronic logs, black box data, weigh station slips, and even nearby security camera footage to prove who truly caused the wreck. Without this evidence, trucking insurers often try to blame local drivers or minimize the impact of your catastrophic injuries.
What Damages Can You Claim After a Truck Crash Near University Park?
If your crash happened on University Parkway, Cicero Avenue, by ramps feeding into I-57, or on surrounding local roads, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Full medical expenses, from ER visits to orthopedic surgeries and long-term physical therapy.
- Lost wages are critical for University Park residents who rely on stable paychecks from trades, warehouse jobs, or small businesses.
- Reduced future earning power, if permanent injuries stop you from working the same job or force you to cut back hours.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress, recognizing the anxiety, sleep issues, and lifestyle changes that often follow major truck crashes.
- Property damage, since collisions with semis often destroy smaller family cars or work vehicles.
- Punitive damages are awarded in cases of clear safety violations by the trucking company or driver.
We build claims that look far beyond your ER bills, protecting your family’s future so you’re not left paying out of pocket later for someone else’s negligence.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656Why University Park Residents Trust Chicago Injury Lawyer for Truck Cases
Families and workers across University Park rely on us because our vehicle injury attorneys pair decades of aggressive courtroom experience with local understanding of how a single crash can upend your finances. Whether your accident happened on Governors Highway, near local residential developments, or in industrial areas just off I-57, we know these roads — and we understand how insurers often try to argue shared fault or minimize payout offers by citing complex traffic patterns. We prepare every case as if it’s heading to trial, showing insurers we won’t settle for less than what your injuries truly require.
Don’t Wait — Illinois Has a Deadline for Truck Accident Claims
Under Illinois law, you typically have two years from the date of your crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. But truck cases also involve crucial electronic data — like driver logs, black box recordings, and shipping manifests — that can vanish in just weeks. Acting fast helps secure this critical evidence, putting us in the strongest position to demand full compensation.
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. :)
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- 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.
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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 University Park
Who’s liable after a truck accident in University Park?
It might be the driver, trucking company, maintenance crews, or freight handlers, depending on the investigation.
What damages can I claim after a crash on Cicero or University Parkway?
You can pursue costs for medical care, lost wages, future reduced earnings, pain and suffering, vehicle replacement, and possibly punitive damages.
How do I file a truck crash claim in University Park?
Call our Personal injury lawyers. We handle the investigation, secure key evidence, negotiate with insurers, and prepare your case for court if needed.
Is there a deadline to sue after a truck crash in Illinois?
Yes — generally two years, but critical trucking records can disappear quickly, so it’s best to start immediately.
What if the trucking insurer denies my claim?
We prepare every case from day one for trial, sending a clear message that we won’t accept lowball offers.