I-80 Truck Accident Lawyer in Chicago
Semi-trucks cross the country every day as they transport the materials and products that make our lives easier. The fastest way for them to do so is via the Interstate Highway System, of which Interstate 80 is a major component. I-80 is one of the most important transcontinental corridors in the United States, connecting New York with Chicago and ultimately California. As a result, it is a major ground-shipping route with high volumes of semi-truck traffic – and many semi-truck accidents, too.
If you were injured in a semi-truck crash on Interstate 80, you need to get in touch with an experienced Chicago semi-truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies are looking out for their own best interests after an collision, not the health or welfare of the people they may have injured. Paying crash victims full and fair compensation does not benefit the trucking company or its insurers. That’s why you need someone willing to fight for you and recover meaningful compensation for your injuries. You need Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
Our firm was founded more than 40 years ago with the express purpose of helping injured people get the money they need for their medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. Our team has decades of experience fighting for accident victims just like you. If you are ready to find out how much money you could be owed, contact our office today for a free case evaluation.
I-80 Overview
Interstate 80 is one of the most vital transcontinental corridors in the interstate system. It runs from San Francisco in the west to New York City in the east, totaling nearly 2,900 miles in length. It is one of the original routes that made up the Interstate system in 1956. Its final section was laid down in 1986.
Like most interstate highways, I-80 isn’t just a transnational roadway but a vital piece of regional infrastructure in the states and cities through which it passes. This includes Chicago, where it serves as one of the major east-west conduits through the city and its southern suburbs.
Main Uses
In peak locations, almost 300,000 vehicles travel along I-80 daily. Many stretches are very traffic-heavy, especially with large trucks and commercial vehicles. Since I-80 is a continuous route that extends coast to coast, it is a popular route for the trucking industry. The roadway connects major cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Cheyenne, Omaha, Chicago, Cleveland, and Hackensack.
In the Chicago area, I-80 is a major east-west conduit that runs through the southern suburbs. This means that the road is shared by commercial truckers, daily commuters, and vacationers traveling through the Midwest.
I-80 Hazards
The hazards on I-80 are primarily due to the high volume of traffic that travels across it on a daily basis. One hazard is the high volume of commercial traffic on the road, which means that passenger vehicles are forced to share the roadway with large trucks operated by drivers under tight deadlines.
Construction is another serious hazard. There are numerous projects on the roadway meant to expand lanes and resurface older portions of the road. Construction zones can be hazardous for both passenger vehicles and large semi-trucks.
Some of the other common hazards that commonly cause I-80 semi accidents include:
- Heavy traffic
- Traffic jams
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Drunk drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Construction
Major I-80 Intersections and Junctions
I-80 is a major traffic corridor that connects with many other highways. Some of these major interchanges in Illinois are:
What to Do If You Are in an I-80 Accident Today
If you are involved in an I-80 crash, call the authorities and seek medical attention immediately. Law enforcement can help control the scene, which can be vital on a busy interstate. Your safety comes first, and the authorities and emergency personnel can provide you with the help you need.
If you are not taken to an emergency facility, you should still see a doctor as soon as you are able to. Even if you feel fine, you may have suffered injuries of which you are not yet aware. A doctor can perform a prompt diagnose and help treat your injuries. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
You should also get in touch with an experienced Chicago I-80 truck accident attorney as soon as you are able to. Trucking companies will vigorously fight to protect their profits. They have teams of lawyers on payroll or retainer, waiting to spring into action to protect the company. An experienced truck crash lawyer can help protect your rights.
An attorney can place a fair value on your claim, thoroughly investigate the collision to collect vital evidence, and negotiate with the trucking company or its insurer on your behalf.
I-80 Truck Accident Reports
Truck accidents are a frequent occurrence on I-80 in Illinois. Some incidents that have made the news in recent years include:
- Two hurt in fiery semi-truck crash on I-80 in Illinois: Two people were injured when two semi-trucks collided near mile-marker 110 in Grundy County in January 2022.
- Collision involving three semi-trucks shuts down I-80 near Indianapolis Blvd. A truck driver was injured and 40,000 pounds of salt were spilled onto the roadway following a crash involving three semi-trucks on I-80 near Indianapolis Boulevard in December 2021.
- Wrong-way crash involving a car and two semi-trucks kills one in Illinois. A driver was killed when two trucks and an SUV collided on the interchange from I-80 to I-294 in February 2022.
Contact I-80 Truck Accident Lawyers Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard Today
If you were injured in a semi-truck accident on I-80, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced truck crash lawyer for help. The experienced I-80 truck crash lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. have secured over $2 billion in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. Let our team help you pursue the compensation you deserve after an I-80 truck accident.
Contact our Chicago office today to set up a free case evaluation.