Personal Injury Law Blog

Interstate 64 (I-64) in Illinois is a vital artery for truck travel, acting as a significant conduit for freight and commercial transportation across the state and beyond. Its heavy usage by large trucks makes it a hotspot for motor vehicle accidents, particularly involving commercial vehicles. The varied conditions trucks encounter—from dense urban areas to more rural stretches—increase the likelihood of accidents. Furthermore, the legal and logistical complexities stemming from truck accidents on I-64 are amplified due to the interplay of state and federal transportation regulations, the involvement of commercial entities, and the severe impact these accidents can have on traffic and safety.

I-64: A Vital East-West Corridor

Illinois stands as an essential hub in the US interstate highway network. Interstate 64 (I-64) is crucial in this vast network, especially for freight movement. I-64 is a designated truck route in Missouri and Illinois, reflecting its significance in facilitating commerce and freight transport. While I-64 facilitates significant economic activity, the highway also poses risks related to truck accidents. Understanding these risks is crucial for anyone impacted by such incidents on I-64. 

Truck Accidents on I-64 in Illinois

Due to its heavy commercial use, truck accidents are a significant concern for the I-64. Truck accident types vary on this highway, but common themes emerge, reflecting broader trends in interstate trucking incidents. 

Rear-end Collisions

These occur frequently in congested traffic conditions or when there are sudden stops on the highway. The substantial size and weight of trucks mean that the impact of these collisions can cause significant damage to smaller vehicles and severe injuries to their occupants. The force generated by a heavy truck, even at low speeds, can result in devastating rear-end crashes.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out and forms a sharp angle with the cab. Jackknife accidents are often the result of sudden braking or encountering slippery road surfaces. These incidents can block multiple lanes of traffic, creating hazardous conditions for all road users and leading to multi-vehicle pile-ups.

Rollovers

Truck rollovers can be caused by various factors, including taking curves at excessive speeds, improper cargo loading that leads to shifts in weight, or driver error, resulting in the loss of vehicle control. Rollovers pose significant risks to the truck driver and nearby vehicles, as the truck can obstruct the roadway or collide with other vehicles.

Blind Spot Accidents

Due to their large size, trucks have extensive blind spots (“No-Zones”) where other vehicles can be invisible to the truck driver. Accidents in these blind spots frequently occur during lane changes or turns, where the truck driver fails to detect a smaller vehicle, leading to collisions that can result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Underride Accidents

These particularly lethal incidents happen when a smaller vehicle hits the back or side of a truck and slides underneath it. The truck’s lower clearance can cause the top of the passenger vehicle to be sheared off, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Tire Blowouts

Trucks with faulty or worn tires are at risk of experiencing blowouts, which can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and lead to accidents. These blowouts can be particularly dangerous on high-speed highways like I-64, where losing control of a large truck can result in multi-vehicle collisions or vehicles veering off the road.

Illinois law requires truck operators to maintain their vehicles properly and adhere to safety regulations to prevent such accidents. Despite these measures, the volume of traffic and the nature of long-haul trucking contribute to the risk of incidents on highways like I-64.

Liability for Truck Accidents on I-64

Determining liability for truck accidents on Interstate 64 (I-64) in Illinois involves a complex web of state and federal regulations. These accidents often result in severe consequences, necessitating a thorough investigation to identify the responsible parties. The nature of trucking operations, which frequently involves multiple entities, adds layers to the legal complexities surrounding such incidents.

Potentially liable parties in Illinois truck accidents on I-64 include the following:

• Truck Drivers,
• Trucking companies,
• Cargo loaders,
• Vehicle manufacturers, and
• Other motorists.

Liability in truck accidents on I-64 often requires a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to the incident, including driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and the actions of all parties involved. Determining who is at fault is crucial for injury victims seeking compensation and justice. 

Have You Been Hurt in a Truck Accident on I-64?

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an accident with a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle, the lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you learn more about your rights. It may be that you are entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, which may include amounts for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At the Chicago personal injury law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our dedicated truck accident attorneys have been helping victims recover financial compensation for what they’ve been through since 1987. We understand how to navigate the legal system in pursuit of a fair settlement or verdict that fully compensates you for your injuries and the impact that the accident had on your life–as well as your family’s life. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 877-595-4878. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.