A devastating collision on IL-17 near the Garfield turnoff or a rollover crash on County Road 1500E by local farms can instantly upend your life. You’re suddenly faced with painful injuries, growing medical bills, and weeks (or months) without a paycheck. At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we draw on decades of proven success under Illinois truck liability laws to hold reckless drivers, negligent freight companies, and careless maintenance providers fully accountable. Whether you’re treated at Morris Hospital for fractures or undergoing long rehabilitation after a spinal or head injury, we tailor a legal strategy to recover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, so you can concentrate 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 Garfield? Rural Routes Like IL-17 & County Roads Are Risky
Garfield, set amid Grundy County’s farmland, sits near key trucking corridors that carry grain, aggregates, and livestock between major interstates and local processing plants. Risk hotspots include:
- IL-17, which funnels heavy trucks east-west, connects to I-55 and passes directly by field entrances and rural driveways near Garfield.
- County Road 1500E, often used by semis as a shortcut between farm loading zones and grain elevators, with narrow shoulders and hidden intersections.
- IL-53 to the west, where large dump trucks from local quarries merge into regular traffic without warning.
- Farm approaches and gravel lanes, which force trucks to slow abruptly or back into roadways, increase the risk of rear-end and sideswipe crashes.
Our attorneys dig into every crash site, pulling roadway debris studies, dashcam and surveillance data, and eyewitness statements to build a clear picture of how your accident happened.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Garfield, IL?
Truck crashes in Garfield and surrounding Grundy County are often fueled by a combination of:
- Driver fatigue, with local haulers pushing hours-of-service limits on repetitive rural runs to stay competitive.
- Speeding on country highways, where rigs barrel down IL-17 trying to make up time between Morris and Pontiac, unable to slow for unexpected tractors or local vehicles.
- Unbalanced or shifting loads, especially common with grain or aggregate hauls, destabilize trailers on uneven rural pavement.
- Deferred maintenance, where worn brakes or balding tires give out on sharp gravel curves, leading to total loss of control.
- Blind-spot collisions, since many residents aren’t aware how far truck no-zones extend, risking severe sideswipes when rigs try to pass or turn.
We compile maintenance records, driver qualification files, and black-box downloads to prove every violation that contributed to your wreck.
Who’s Liable After a Truck Accident in Garfield, IL?
Truck cases usually involve more than just the driver. Responsible parties may include:
- Truck drivers, for driving distracted, exceeding safe speeds, or failing to yield to local traffic.
- Trucking companies, for negligent hiring, skipping vital driver safety training, or pressuring drivers to exceed legal hours.
- Maintenance shops, if skipped or sloppy inspections resulted in faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems.
- Loaders or agricultural contractors, if improperly secured freight caused swaying or jackknifing.
Our experienced truck crash lawyer team thoroughly investigates — from trip logs to last-minute repair receipts — to build the strongest case possible.
What Damages Can You Claim After a Truck Crash Near Garfield, IL?
Truck collisions often cause enormous physical, emotional, and financial strain. We fight to secure compensation for:
- Medical bills, from emergency care at Morris Hospital to specialized surgery, rehab, and ongoing trauma counseling.
- Lost wages and diminished future earnings, to make up for time you couldn’t work, and long-term impacts on your livelihood.
- Pain and suffering, addressing the daily physical pain and emotional distress tied to catastrophic crashes.
- Property damage, repairing or replacing your car, and any tools or equipment destroyed in the accident.
- Wrongful death damages, covering funeral costs and financial support if a loved one died due to trucking negligence.
Submit Case Info from IL-17 at County Road 1500E Today to lock in crucial evidence — like skid patterns, trucking GPS logs, and dashcam footage — before it’s lost or erased.
Why Garfield, IL, Residents Trust Chicago Injury Lawyer for Truck Cases
For over 20 years, we’ve protected central Illinois families, pairing deep local insight with national-level resources:
- We’re experienced with filings at Grundy County Circuit Court in Morris and know how local juries respond to massive out-of-state trucking companies.
- We work with top reconstruction experts to recreate collisions on narrow county roads and prove exactly how speed, fatigue, or improper loading caused your crash.
- We coordinate directly with doctors at Morris Hospital and trauma centers across the region to link your medical records clearly to the accident.
- Our five-star testimonials from families in Garfield, Dwight, and Braceville highlight 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 typically have just two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. Miss that window, and even overwhelming evidence can’t bring back your right to compensation. Acting quickly also preserves essential proof — like black-box event data, repair records, and road debris measurements — before trucking insurers conveniently “lose” it.
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 Garfield, IL
Who’s liable after a truck accident in Garfield, IL?
It’s often more than just the driver. Trucking companies, maintenance shops, and cargo loaders can all share responsibility. We thoroughly investigate every angle to hold them accountable.
What damages can I claim after a crash on IL-17?
Medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death compensation if a loved one was killed are all possible.
How do I file a truck crash claim in Garfield, IL?
Start with a free consultation. We gather evidence, file in Grundy County Circuit Court, negotiate forcefully with insurers, and prepare to take your case to trial if necessary.
Is there a deadline to sue after a truck crash in Garfield, IL?
Yes — generally two years under Illinois law. Moving quickly helps secure key evidence and gives your case the best possible start.
What if the trucking company’s insurer denies my claim?
It happens often. We respond by running independent investigations and preparing for court to demand the full compensation you deserve.