If your life was flipped upside down by a truck collision anywhere in Livingston County—from a collision on I-55 near Pontiac to a rear-end crash on Route 47 by Forrest—your top concern should be healing, not battling insurers. At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we understand how devastating semi and big rig accidents can be for working families in Central Illinois.
Local clients often come to us from small communities like Dwight or Cullom, worried about losing their homes because an injury has sidelined them from shifts at manufacturing plants or logistics warehouses. Others are retirees in Saunemin who fear they’ll never drive comfortably again after a high-speed truck scare on Route 116. We’ve seen these worries firsthand — and built our entire approach around easing them.
When you trust our team, we handle the trucking companies, their high-pressure insurance adjusters, and their lawyers — so you can focus on recovery.
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 Livingston County? Major Routes Like I-55 Are Especially Hazardous
Commercial trucks run heavily through this part of Illinois, hauling grain, fertilizer, steel beams, and retail freight up and down I-55, across Route 23, and through local arteries like Route 116 and Route 47. Many of these rigs are routed through Livingston County to avoid busier metro congestion, which ironically makes our rural roads a magnet for large trucks that simply aren’t built for narrow county highways.
Residents in Pontiac, Fairbury, and nearby towns know these roads can be tricky even in good weather. Add in a driver pushing to hit a delivery window, or an overloaded grain hauler trying to brake on loose gravel by a farm turnoff, and crashes become inevitable. We’ve handled cases involving:
- Intersection collisions near train crossings in Dwight, where trucks didn’t yield properly
- Side-impact wrecks on local farm-to-market roads, with trailers blocking partial lanes
- Overpass or bridge strikes by oversized loads, especially on old infrastructure with tighter clearances
Livingston County families often tell us their biggest fear is how quickly a normal drive — like heading to pick up grandkids or driving to OSF Saint James for a checkup — can turn catastrophic when sharing roads with 40-ton vehicles.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Livingston County?
Truck crashes in this area typically come down to three factors: fatigue, mechanical failures, and pushing the limits of local roads. Many out-of-town trucking firms don’t understand our mix of flat highways, abrupt slopes, and unlit rural lanes. We’ve documented crashes where:
- Drivers logged 14+ hours behind the wheel, then dozed off on I-55 just south of Pontiac
- Maintenance was skipped by cut-rate outfits based outside Illinois, resulting in worn brakes or tire blowouts
- Rigs attempted to navigate tight residential streets in Fairbury, clipping parked cars or running wide on corners
Another local pain point is blind spot collisions. Semi drivers who don’t carefully watch smaller SUVs or sedans trying to pass on Route 23 have caused multiple devastating T-bones.
When we build a case, we gather trucking logs, weigh station data, dash cam footage, and local witness accounts to show precisely how these systemic oversights tie directly to your injuries.
Who’s Liable After a Truck Accident in Livingston County?
Liability in truck crashes is rarely simple. Even if it looks like a straightforward rear-end caused by the driver, we often find deeper negligence, from companies cutting corners on driver vetting to maintenance subcontractors ignoring essential checks. This matters hugely in Livingston County, where many semis are operating under long-haul contracts that stretch across multiple states.
We routinely pursue compensation from:
- Freight brokers who hired underqualified drivers to save a buck
- National trucking fleets that pressured drivers to skip rest breaks through Dwight and Saunemin just to meet quotas
- Third-party repair shops that signed off on unsafe rigs
- Trailer owners different from the cab owner — adding layers of insurance coverage
And because local collisions frequently involve mixed commercial-agricultural cargo (grain trucks, feed haulers, even specialty livestock trailers), there may be multiple insurers each trying to blame the other. Having a skilled truck accident attorney means your claim doesn’t get lost in their finger-pointing.
What Damages Can You Claim After a Truck Crash Near Livingston County?
We work closely with local healthcare teams and rehab facilities — from OSF Saint James in Pontiac to physical therapists in Fairbury — to document the full impact of your injuries. This isn’t just about initial ER bills. Many Livingston County crash victims face:
- Months off the job, with families worried about losing employer insurance
- Long-term back or spinal issues, making farm work or factory lifting impossible
- Intense PTSD, leaving folks afraid to even drive local roads like Route 116 after witnessing a jackknife crash
Your claim can include:
- Emergency and continuing medical care
- Future procedures or adaptive equipment (like back braces or vehicle modifications)
- Lost wages now and reduced earning power down the line
- Pain, emotional distress, and overall loss of life enjoyment
Don’t let a quick settlement from an out-of-state insurer cheat you. We’ve seen offers that wouldn’t even pay for six months of therapy, much less a lifetime of modified work.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656Why Livingston County Residents Trust Chicago Injury Lawyer for Truck Cases
Local families tell us they chose Chicago Injury Lawyer because we blend the personal touch of a small firm with heavyweight resources to face down national trucking corporations. We’ve built a network of accident reconstruction engineers familiar with Midwest freight logistics. Our team personally visits crash sites by railroad junctions, small-town intersections, and major Livingston County overpasses to document evidence most big insurers hope to ignore.
Clients often tell us they appreciate that we:
- Handle every communication with adjusters, so they don’t get cornered by lowball tactics
- Provide clear, frequent updates, eliminating the stress of wondering “what’s happening?”
- Treat each case like family, not a file number
From farm families who rely on daily field work to grandparents who just want safe roads to pick up kids at school, we take these cases personally because we know how devastating a truck crash can be for entire communities.
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
Illinois generally gives you two years from the date of a crash to file a lawsuit. But these claims often involve complex insurance negotiations, subpoenas for driver logs, and accident reconstruction that can take months. The longer you wait, the more likely critical data disappears — GPS logs get overwritten, drivers move to different companies, and witnesses’ memories fade.
Trucking companies are aggressive about sending their own investigators out immediately after a crash near places like Route 116 or small country bridges. Don’t give them a head start that could weaken your case.
Get Directions to Our Law Office
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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.
- 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 Livingston County
Who’s liable after a truck accident in Livingston County?
It might be the driver, the trucking company pushing unsafe schedules, a negligent freight broker, or even a local maintenance shop.
What damages can I claim after a crash near I-55?
Hospital and follow-up medical costs, lost paychecks, pain and suffering, plus potential long-term disability needs.
How do I file a truck crash claim in Livingston County?
Call for a free consultation, gather medical and police reports, and let our team take on the paperwork and insurers.
Is there a deadline to sue after a truck crash in Livingston County?
Yes — generally two years, though trucking insurers often try to impose shorter reporting windows.
What if the truck company’s insurer denies my claim?
We’ll prepare to take it to court. Insurers who try to lowball local families frequently change their tune once faced with litigation.