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Chicago Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accident Lawyer
A low-clearance bridge accident can happen in seconds, but the injuries it causes can last a lifetime. When an overheight truck strikes a bridge, viaduct, or underpass in Chicago, the force of impact can collapse cargo onto vehicles below, send the truck jackknifing into traffic, or cause a catastrophic multi-vehicle pileup. Victims of these crashes face serious medical bills, lost income, and long recoveries. If you or someone you love was hurt in one of these accidents, a Chicago personal injury lawyer at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accidents So Dangerous in Chicago
- Illinois and Federal Laws That Apply to Low-Clearance Bridge Accidents
- Who Can Be Held Liable for a Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accident
- What Compensation Can You Recover After a Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accident
- Steps to Take After a Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accident in Chicago
- Why Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Handles Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accident Claims
- FAQs About Chicago Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accidents
What Makes Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accidents So Dangerous in Chicago
Chicago’s urban grid is full of low-clearance structures. Railroad viaducts run through neighborhoods like Pilsen, Bridgeport, and Wicker Park. Underpasses cut under the elevated CTA lines along Lake Street, the Green Line corridor, and the Blue Line through Logan Square. Many of these structures were built decades ago, long before modern semi-trucks became the standard. Their posted clearances often fall well below the height of a fully loaded commercial truck.
The federal height limit for most commercial vehicles on interstate highways is 13 feet, 6 inches under the regulations established by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA). But Chicago’s secondary roads, viaducts, and older underpasses routinely have clearances far below that standard. Older roads, secondary routes, and urban areas often have bridges with significantly lower clearances, some as low as 9 or 10 feet.
When a truck exceeds a posted clearance, the results are violent. The top of the trailer can shear off, sending debris raining down on nearby vehicles. The sudden stop can cause the truck to jackknife or roll over into adjacent lanes. Drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles nearby have almost no time to react. On busy corridors like Western Avenue, Ashland Avenue, or the stretch of Canal Street near the Chicago River, these crashes create immediate danger for everyone on the road.
Bridge or tunnel strikes caused by over-height vehicles, such as heavy trucks, occur when these vehicles’ height exceeds the clearance underneath the structure, and research indicates that bridge strikes have been a persistent issue, as evidenced by the increasing number of reported incidents and associated costs over the years. The danger is not limited to the truck itself. Falling cargo, structural debris, and secondary collisions all create serious injury risks for innocent bystanders.
Illinois and Federal Laws That Apply to Low-Clearance Bridge Accidents
Multiple laws govern how trucking companies and drivers must manage vehicle height and route planning. Violating these laws is a form of negligence that can form the foundation of a personal injury claim.
Under 625 ILCS 5, the Illinois Vehicle Code, commercial vehicles must comply with posted height restrictions on Illinois roads and structures. A driver who ignores a posted clearance sign and strikes a bridge has violated a specific traffic law. That violation is direct evidence of negligence.
Under 625 ILCS 5/15-318, the Illinois Vehicle Code also holds drivers and owners jointly and severally liable for damage to any highway or structure caused by illegal operation of a vehicle, including operating a vehicle that exceeds the maximum dimensions permitted under that chapter. This means both the driver and the trucking company that owns the vehicle can be held accountable when a bridge strike occurs because of an overheight load.
In response to the challenges posed by bridge strikes, the Illinois Department of Transportation has taken steps to mitigate the risks associated with over-height vehicles, and Senate Bill 1653, enacted into law in March 2023, mandates the establishment of a pilot program by IDOT to install early warning devices near bridges or viaducts. This program, codified under 605 ILCS 5/4-225, shows that the state recognizes bridge strikes as a serious public safety problem. When government entities fail to properly post or maintain clearance warnings, they may also share responsibility for an accident.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates commercial trucking under 49 CFR, requires carriers to ensure their vehicles are operated safely and within legal size limits. A carrier that assigns a driver to a route without checking bridge clearances, or that fails to verify the actual loaded height of a trailer, may be independently liable for the crash.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accident
Liability in a low-clearance bridge accident rarely falls on just one party. These crashes typically involve a chain of decisions, and each decision-maker in that chain can share responsibility.
The truck driver is usually the first party examined. A driver who ignores posted clearance signs, uses an incorrect GPS route designed for passenger vehicles, or fails to know the height of the vehicle being operated has acted negligently. A low-clearance truck accident in Chicago may turn on what the driver, dispatcher, and carrier knew before the vehicle reached the bridge.
The trucking company is often the most important defendant. Carriers are responsible for route planning, vehicle inspections, and driver training. Commercial equipment can vary by tractor, trailer, suspension, load, and configuration, and a height estimate copied from an outdated specification sheet may not match the vehicle operating on the road. A company that hands a driver a route without confirming the truck’s actual loaded height has failed in a basic duty of care.
Third-party shippers and freight brokers can also be liable. If a shipper loaded cargo that pushed the trailer above its rated height without notifying the carrier, that shipper contributed to the crash. Cargo-related negligence is a common thread that connects low-clearance bridge accidents to other types of truck crash claims, including those involving unsecured cargo or shifting loads.
Responsibility for a bridge or warning device can vary, and a roadway may involve the City of Chicago, Cook County, the Illinois Department of Transportation, a railroad, or another public or private owner. When a clearance sign is missing, damaged, or inaccurately posted, the entity responsible for that structure may share liability. Claims against government bodies in Illinois require specific notice procedures and shorter deadlines, which is one reason acting quickly with an attorney matters.
A Chicago truck accident lawyer from Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can investigate every link in this chain, identify all responsible parties, and build a case that accounts for every source of liability.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accident
Illinois law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. The goal is to make you whole, meaning to put you in the financial position you would have been in had the accident never happened.
Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses the accident caused. These include all past and future medical expenses, from emergency room treatment and surgery to physical therapy and long-term care. They also include lost wages for any time you missed from work, and loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to the same job or working at all.
Non-economic damages address the human cost of the injury. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact the injury has had on your relationships are all compensable under Illinois law. In cases involving severe injuries, these damages can be substantial.
Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your share of fault does not exceed 50 percent. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This is why having an attorney who can build the strongest possible case on your behalf matters so much.
If a loved one was killed in a low-clearance bridge truck accident, the family may be able to bring a claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180). This law allows surviving family members to recover for the financial support and companionship they have lost. A truck accident attorney at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can evaluate whether a wrongful death claim applies to your situation.
Steps to Take After a Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accident in Chicago
What you do in the hours and days after a low-clearance bridge accident can directly affect the strength of your claim. Evidence disappears fast. Bridges get repaired, warning signs get replaced, and trucking companies begin their own investigations immediately after a crash.
Call 911 right away and get medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, do not produce obvious symptoms right away. A medical record from the day of the accident creates a direct link between the crash and your injuries.
Document the scene if you can do so safely. Take photos of the bridge, the posted clearance sign, the truck, your vehicle, and any visible injuries. Get the names and contact information of witnesses. Ask for the responding officer’s badge number and the police report number.
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to find reasons to reduce or deny your claim. Anything you say can be used against you.
A bridge strike can change the roadway before investigators arrive, the structure may be closed, debris may be removed, and traffic may be redirected, making early documentation important to understanding the original conditions. An attorney can send preservation letters to the trucking company and relevant government agencies to prevent critical evidence from being destroyed.
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the injury under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. Claims involving government entities may have shorter deadlines. Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to recover. Contact the truck accident lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg as soon as possible after the accident.
Why Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Handles Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accident Claims
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has represented injured Chicagoans for decades. The firm handles serious personal injury claims, including truck accidents caused by overheight vehicles, negligent route planning, and defective or missing bridge clearance warnings. The firm is located at 205 W Randolph St., Suite 925, Chicago, IL 60606, in the heart of downtown Chicago, just blocks from the Cook County Courthouse where many of these cases are litigated.
The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered in your case. You should be aware that even on a contingency fee arrangement, clients may still be responsible for certain costs and expenses. The firm will explain all fee arrangements clearly at the outset so you understand exactly what to expect.
Low-clearance bridge accidents involve multiple parties, complex federal and state regulations, and evidence that must be preserved quickly. The attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg know how to investigate these cases, work with accident reconstruction experts, and hold trucking companies accountable. Whether your accident happened under a railroad viaduct in Bridgeport, an underpass near Union Station, or a low bridge on a side street in Avondale, the firm is ready to fight for you.
If you were hurt in a low-clearance bridge truck accident anywhere in the Chicago area, call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg at (312) 222-0010 for a free consultation. You can also reach the truck accident attorney team through the firm’s website. There is no obligation, and speaking with an attorney costs you nothing.
FAQs About Chicago Low-Clearance Bridge Truck Accidents
What should I do if I was injured when a truck struck a low-clearance bridge near my vehicle?
Call 911 immediately and get medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and request a copy of the police report. Do not speak with any insurance company before consulting an attorney. Evidence at bridge strike scenes disappears quickly, so contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible gives you the best chance of preserving the evidence needed to support your claim.
Can I sue the trucking company if their driver ignored a posted clearance sign?
Yes. A driver who ignores a posted clearance sign has violated Illinois traffic law, and the trucking company that employs that driver can be held vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence. The company may also face direct liability for failing to plan a safe route, failing to verify the vehicle’s actual loaded height, or failing to properly train the driver. Both the driver and the company can be named as defendants in your personal injury claim.
Can a government agency be sued if a clearance sign was missing or incorrect?
Potentially, yes. If the City of Chicago, Cook County, the Illinois Department of Transportation, or another government entity was responsible for maintaining the clearance warning at a bridge and failed to do so, that entity may share liability for the accident. Claims against government bodies in Illinois require specific notice procedures and must be filed within shorter timeframes than standard personal injury claims. An attorney can identify which government entity controls the structure and ensure all deadlines are met.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a low-clearance bridge truck accident in Illinois?
In most cases, the Illinois statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. However, if a government entity shares responsibility, the deadline to file a notice of claim can be as short as one year, or even shorter in some circumstances. Missing these deadlines can permanently end your right to recover compensation. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights.
What if the truck driver says the clearance sign was inaccurate or not visible?
That argument does not automatically eliminate the driver’s or carrier’s responsibility. Investigators can examine sign placement records, maintenance logs, engineering surveys, and pavement elevation data to determine whether the posted clearance was accurate. They can also review the driver’s route records, GPS data, and the carrier’s pre-trip inspection logs. Even if a sign was partially obscured, the driver and carrier still have an independent duty to know the height of the vehicle and plan a safe route. Multiple parties can share fault, and each one can be held accountable for their share.
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