Interstate Truck Accidents on I-94

Of the many interstate highways that run through Chicago and across Illinois, Interstate 94 is one of the most dangerous. Because I-94 connects to so many other routes, it’s frequently used by trucks as they carry cargo west toward the coast, east toward Indiana and Michigan, or even north toward Canada. That much truck traffic on I-94 means other drivers are frequently at risk of being involved in truck crashes. Many truck accidents can leave victims with devastating, lifelong injuries.

The Illinois truck crash lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard know how catastrophic a truck crash can be. We want to help if you’ve been injured in an accident. Over the past 40 years, our firm has recovered more than $2 billion in compensation for our clients. We want to use our knowledge and experience to help you seek the money you need after a truck accident. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.

Where Does I-94 Go?

I-94 is so popular with truck drivers because it’s a convenient route to many places throughout the U.S. Starting at its eastern endpoint in Port Huron, Mich., it runs west until it reaches the eastern edge of Lake Michigan. From there, it dips south into Indiana before turning north again to connect with Chicago and Milwaukee.

After reaching Milwaukee, I-94 then makes a sharp turn west toward Madison, Wis., before gradually making its way northwest toward Minnesota’s Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. From that point, I-94 continues steadily west until it reaches its western terminus in Billings, Mont., where it intersects with Interstate 90. By following I-90, truckers can reach Seattle on the west coast.

Because Seattle is one of the biggest ports in the U.S., it’s one of the most popular starting points and endpoints for truck drivers. Truck drivers can follow I-94 to reach many major cities in the US. From Port Huron, they can continue northeast to get to Toronto in Canada. It’s no wonder so many truck drivers use I-94, and why there are so many truck accidents as a result.

Major Freeways Interconnecting to I-94

Some of the major interstates that connect to I-94 in Illinois are:

Interstate 90 – I-94 connects with I-90 on the north side of Chicago near the Albany Park neighborhood. From there, the two interstates merge until they split on the south side of Chicago, with I-90 heading southeast toward Whiting, Ind., while I-94 runs straight south toward Calumet City.
Interstate 80 – I-94 connects with I-80 near the suburb of Homewood via the I-294 bypass. From here, drivers can head east toward Indiana or west toward Iowa.
Interstate 57 – I-94 connects with I-57 near the campus of Chicago State University. I-57 runs south toward Champaign, home of the University of Illinois, from the Chicago area before continuing to Missouri.
Interstate 55 – As I-94 and I-90 run through the heart of Chicago, they intersect with I-55 near the Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park. Interstate 55 runs east until it reaches Lake Michigan. It continues southwest toward Springfield and further toward St. Louis.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-94

Truck crashes are an epidemic on I-94. Some of the most common causes of these incidents include:

Fatigued driving – Truck drivers are under intense pressure to deliver products within specific timeframes. This can lead them to keep driving even when they’re tired and should stop to rest. Because semi-trucks are so much bigger and heavier than passenger cars, they require a lot more care to handle safely. Drivers will have a more challenging time keeping their vehicles under control when they are tired.
Speeding – Deadline pressure can also lead truck drivers to speed to make sure they reach their destination in time. While speeding may seem harmless, it’s hazardous for trucks because they take much longer to slow down and stop safely. This means that a speeding truck driver will likely have a harder time avoiding a crash if an emergency arises.
Impaired driving – As dangerous as driving while impaired is for drivers of passenger cars, it’s even more dangerous for truck drivers. Truck drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol might experience delayed reaction times, impaired ability to judge speed and distance, and drowsiness.
Distracted driving – Truck drivers are just as susceptible to distractions as any other driver if they’re not careful. Common distractions that can affect truck drivers include talking on a cellphone, texting, snacking, grooming, using a navigation device, looking at traffic coming the other way, and daydreaming.
Mechanical failure/defects – Trucks are designed to carry massive loads. This also means they’re subjected to much more wear and tear than other vehicles. If a truck has a tire blowout or a critical component fails (brakes, transmission, suspension, etc.), the driver could lose control. Mechanical failure can also happen if maintenance workers don’t do their jobs properly.
Loose/shifting cargo – A truck’s cargo must be carefully secured and balanced to help the truck stay balanced as it’s moving. If the cargo shifts in transit or comes loose, the driver could lose control, resulting in an accident.

If you were injured in a truck accident on I-94 in Chicago, do not hesitate to reach out to the experienced legal team at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard.

I-94 Truck Accident Reports

The latest data from the Illinois Department of Transportation shows that there were 9,296 crashes involving tractor-trailers across the state in one recent year. These crashes left 311 people with incapacitating injuries and 119 people dead. The data also shows that there were 114 crashes involving incapacitating injuries on interstates, as well as 49 fatal crashes on interstates.

What to Do If You Were Involved in a Semi Truck Accident on I-94

If you were involved in a semi crash on I-94, you should take the following steps to protect yourself and your claim:

Call 911 and report the incident
Seek immediate medical assistance
Write down all information about the semi-truck, including the company name on the truck, the license plate number, and the numbers on any tags
Get the truck driver’s insurance, employer, and contact information
Ask any witnesses for their contact information
Take pictures of your injuries, the accident scene, and damage to the vehicles involved

And, of course, if you were injured in an accident on I-94, reach out to a skilled truck accident lawyer who can fight for your fair compensation.

Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard Today

If you’ve been injured in an I-94 traffic crash in Illinois, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer right away. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, our skilled trial attorneys fight for the rights of people like you. Our track record of successful results speaks for itself. Call us or reach out to us online today for a free case evaluation.