A devastating wreck on I-70 near the Keller Drive interchange or a violent jackknife on US-45 by Evergreen Avenue can turn your entire life upside down in seconds. At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we use decades of experience with Illinois truck liability laws to hold negligent truck drivers, careless freight companies, and sloppy maintenance contractors accountable. Whether you’re rushed to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham for emergency surgery or undergoing long months of rehabilitation after a traumatic brain injury, we build a customized legal strategy that demands maximum recovery for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, so you can focus on getting well.
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 Effingham County? Major Routes Like I-70 & I-57 Are High-Risk
Effingham County is the crossroads of two of the Midwest’s busiest freight corridors:
- I-70, which funnels semis between St. Louis and Indianapolis, creates intense east-west cargo traffic.
- I-57, linking Chicago to southern Illinois and carrying thousands of 18-wheelers daily.
- US-45 and US-40, serving local factories and grain elevators, are often congested with farm equipment and commercial trucks.
Specific high-risk spots include:
- The I-70/I-57 cloverleaf, where rapid lane changes and merging tankers create confusion and collisions.
- Keller Drive and Evergreen Avenue, crowded with local delivery trucks navigating tight urban intersections.
- Industrial driveways along Fayette Avenue, where trailers back out unexpectedly.
Our team investigates every crash, gathering surveillance video from area truck stops, black box data, and skid-mark measurements to build the strongest case possible.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Effingham County, IL?
Effingham County’s busy freight arteries mean collisions are often caused by a deadly mix of:
- Driver fatigue: Cross-country drivers pushing beyond FMCSA Hours-of-Service limits, especially those hauling cargo from Chicago or Louisville.
- Speeding through rural connectors: Semis barreling down US-40 often misjudge curves near Shumway and lose control.
- Poorly secured loads: Grain trucks leaving local elevators frequently shift their cargo on turns, destabilizing the rig.
- Deferred maintenance: Bald tires and worn brakes from low-cost repairs lead to catastrophic failures.
- Blind-spot collisions: Many semis have 30-foot-long no-zones, especially risky in stop-and-go traffic on Fayette Avenue.
We pull maintenance logs, driver hour reports, and ELD downloads to prove each safety lapse that caused your wreck.
Who’s Liable After a Truck Accident in Effingham County, IL?
Liability in truck crashes often reaches well beyond the driver:
- Truck drivers, for fatigue, distraction, intoxication, or simply ignoring local traffic laws.
- Freight companies for cutting corners on hiring, failing to train, or pressuring drivers to break hours-of-service rules.
- Maintenance shops, for negligent inspections or improper brake jobs.
- Cargo loaders, if improper distribution caused jackknifing.
Our seasoned truck crash lawyer team investigates every angle — from black box crash recordings to invoices from the last brake replacement — to hold all negligent parties accountable and maximize your compensation.
What Damages Can You Claim After a Truck Crash Near Effingham County, IL?
Victims of semi-truck collisions can demand a full range of damages, including:
- Medical costs, from ER bills at St. Anthony’s Memorial to long-term therapy, pain management, or orthopedic follow-ups.
- Lost wages, covering the time you missed work and future lost earning potential if you can’t return to the same job.
- Pain and suffering, to address daily physical pain, PTSD, and emotional trauma.
- Property damage, repairing or replacing your vehicle, electronics, and personal items destroyed in the crash.
- Wrongful death, if a loved one died, covers funeral costs, loss of companionship, and the family’s future financial security.
Submit Case Info from I-70 at Exit 160 Today to ensure critical evidence — like tollway camera footage or crash debris assessments — is preserved before it disappears.
Why Effingham County, IL, Residents Trust Chicago Injury Lawyer for Truck Cases
With 20+ years of experience across central and southern Illinois, we offer unmatched local insight paired with big-city resources:
- We handle filings in Effingham County Circuit Court on Jefferson Avenue and understand how local juries view trucking cases.
- We partner with top reconstruction experts to digitally recreate collisions on rural routes or high-speed interstates.
- We coordinate with physicians at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial and Carle Richland Memorial Hospital to document your medical needs.
- Our strong Google and Yelp ratings from clients throughout Teutopolis, Dieterich, and Mason reflect our commitment to clear, compassionate legal support.
EXCELLENT Based on 315 reviews Posted on Kat ChowTrustindex 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.Posted on angel martinezTrustindex 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 beyondPosted on John HarkerTrustindex 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.Posted on Ryan H.Trustindex 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.Posted on Scorpion SolarTrustindex 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!!!Posted on Zak GreenTrustindex 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!Posted on KelliTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Explained everything well. Kept us informed. I'm glad we found him.Posted on bruce paulsonTrustindex 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.Posted on Austin “i like trains” ArveyTrustindex 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 date of your crash to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you permanently lose the right to recover, no matter how strong your evidence is. Acting quickly means we can secure black box data, dashcam footage, and roadside debris records before they vanish.
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 Effingham County, IL
Who’s liable after a truck accident in Effingham County, IL?
Liability often extends beyond the driver to the trucking company, maintenance contractor, or even the cargo loader. We examine logs, bills, and inspection reports to hold all parties accountable.
What damages can I claim after a crash on I-70?
You can pursue medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and — in fatal cases — wrongful death compensation for your family.
How do I file a truck crash claim in Effingham County, IL?
It starts with a free consultation. We investigate, file in Effingham County Circuit Court, negotiate with insurers, and prepare your case for trial if needed.
Is there a deadline to sue after a truck crash in Effingham County, IL?
Yes — typically two years. The sooner you start, the stronger your case.
What if the trucking company’s insurer denies my claim?
Insurance adjusters often minimize or deny valid claims. We counter with independent investigations and file suit to secure what you truly deserve.



