Picture driving along U.S. Route 67 or Illinois 336, heading toward Macomb to drop your kids at a summer camp by Spring Lake Park or on your way to catch a game at Western Illinois University. In an instant, an 18-wheeler merges too quickly or fails to yield on a county road, slamming into your car and leaving you with injuries that change everything. Suddenly, your routine trips to McDonough District Hospital become about more than errands — they’re about MRIs, follow-up surgeries, and bills piling up fast.
The experienced team at Chicago Injury Lawyer understands how one truck driver’s mistake or a freight company’s rush to meet a schedule can devastate families across McDonough County. We help local residents who find themselves unable to work farm jobs, factory shifts, or university roles because of back injuries, head trauma, or severe fractures after these wrecks. Our job is to ensure the people who put profit ahead of your safety pay, not you.
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 McDonough County? Routes Like U.S. 67 Are a Major Risk
Big trucks use U.S. 67 and Illinois 136 to cut through McDonough County daily, hauling freight from the Quad Cities and Burlington area down to Springfield or into Missouri. That means local roads see serious trucking volume, not just small farm trucks but full-size semis and tankers that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
We’ve seen crashes on West Jackson Street in Macomb where trucks try to squeeze past local traffic or miss turns near the university. Other collisions happen on East University Drive, packed with students and staff trying to cross. And rural roads outside Macomb? They’re often narrow, with limited shoulders. When a semi drifts over the centerline or speeds on a curve near places like Industry or Blandinsville, the outcome can be catastrophic.
After crashes, many residents are rushed to McDonough District Hospital, worried not only about pain but also about how long they’ll be off work. For a county that relies heavily on manufacturing, agriculture, and local services — jobs that demand physical health — any long-term injury can throw your finances into chaos.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in McDonough County?
We often discover these wrecks aren’t just “bad luck.” They’re the direct result of choices by big freight operations trying to protect profits:
- Drivers running past legal hours under FMCSA rules to meet tight delivery windows, nodding off on stretches of Illinois 336
- Poorly maintained brakes or bald tires, especially on hilly county highways
- Cargo loaded carelessly at out-of-county warehouses, causing trailers to sway or tip on sharper curves
- Truckers are distracted by route apps, missing slow-moving farm vehicles or school buses that are common on rural McDonough County roads
Your family shouldn’t have to pay for shortcuts taken by trucking outfits. We pull driver logs, shipping manifests, and maintenance records to show exactly how their negligence led to your crash.
Who’s Liable After a Truck Accident in McDonough County?
Liability often stretches far beyond the driver behind the wheel. Under Illinois law, we can demand payment from:
- The trucking company that sets unreasonable delivery deadlines or fails to vet drivers with past accidents
- Maintenance contractors who didn’t properly check brake systems or tire integrity
- Freight loaders who improperly balanced pallets, leading to unstable trailers
- Larger national brokers that pushed volume over safety
By finding every responsible party, we can pursue full damages that actually match your medical needs and future losses, critical when long-term disability keeps you off the job or forces you to abandon physical work altogether. You can see more about how we uncover these layers on our truck accident lawyer page.
What Damages Can You Claim After a Truck Crash Near McDonough County?
Truck accidents often lead to costs that keep spiraling long after the ambulance leaves. Many McDonough County residents work in ag operations or manufacturing, where strength and mobility aren’t optional. After a crash, they’re forced to sit out planting seasons, skip local shifts, or close small businesses because lifting or long days on concrete floors just isn’t possible anymore.
That’s why we pursue damages to cover:
- ER and hospital care at McDonough District, plus any transfers for specialized surgeries in Peoria or Springfield
- Lost income for weeks or months off the job
- Reduced earning power if you can’t return to your regular work or need to change fields entirely
- Long-term care costs, like PT or in-home help for severe injuries
- Pain, emotional distress, and PTSD, which are especially common after wrecks with large commercial vehicles
- Vehicle replacement or repairs, crucial in a region where distances make car access essential
We make sure these numbers reflect the true financial and personal impact, not the lowball settlement figures insurance adjusters often offer when they know families are struggling.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656Why McDonough County Residents Trust Chicago Injury Lawyer for Truck Cases
Local families choose Chicago Injury Lawyer because we understand how trucking insurers operate — and we don’t let them steamroll residents of smaller communities. We’re familiar with the local accident patterns, like where Jackson Street merges into Route 136 traffic, or how U.S. 67 funnels semis right past residential driveways. We work fast to secure intersection footage, police crash reports, and black box data before it disappears.
Our approach protects you financially from day one. We advance all case costs, so you pay nothing upfront. You get clear, frequent updates. And we only get paid if we win, meaning your family takes on no extra risk when you’re already trying to balance medical costs and household bills.
Don’t Wait — Illinois Has a Deadline for Truck Accident Claims
Even if you’re hoping the pain goes away or think you might “manage” your bills somehow, Illinois generally imposes just a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases. Meanwhile, trucking companies and their lawyers start building defenses the day of the crash. They look for ways to blame rural road conditions, farm equipment, or even your own driving. Waiting too long means crucial evidence — from dashcams to maintenance records — might be lost, weakening your case.
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 McDonough County
Who’s liable after a truck accident in McDonough County?
It might be the driver, but also the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance shops, or national freight brokers. We figure out who’s legally responsible.
What damages can I claim after a crash on U.S. 67?
Everything tied to your losses: hospital bills, missed work, future surgeries, long-term therapy, pain, emotional distress, and property replacement.
How do I file a truck crash claim in McDonough County?
We handle every step — from evidence gathering to negotiations — so you can focus on healing.
Is there a deadline to sue after a truck crash in McDonough County?
Generally, two years from the accident, though certain exceptions apply. The sooner we start, the stronger your case.
What if the trucking company’s insurer denies my claim?
We’re prepared to take them to court. Many insurers deny valid claims, hoping rural residents will give up. We won’t let that happen.