Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents on Chicago streets and highways often leave people facing serious injuries, lost wages, and lasting uncertainty. From congested expressways like I-90 and I-94 to industrial corridors near rail yards and distribution centers, large commercial trucks are a daily presence throughout the city. As a Chicago-based law firm, we work with individuals and families whose lives are disrupted after collisions involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and other large vehicles. In our experience, understanding the common causes of truck accidents is a critical first step toward accountability, safety, and recovery.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents?

Commercial truck accidents rarely happen without warning. Many truck crashes are the result of preventable mistakes, unsafe practices, or violations of state and federal safety regulations. Truck accident negligence may involve truck drivers, trucking companies, other drivers on the road, or a combination of factors.

Tight delivery schedules, heavy traffic, poor weather conditions, and mechanical issues can all increase risk when judgment and reaction time are compromised. Not all truck accidents stem from a single error. Instead, many involve overlapping causes that unfold in seconds but have life-changing consequences.

Commercial Truck Driver Error

Commercial truck drivers operate some of the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road. Because large commercial vehicles require advanced driving technique, careful judgment, and constant awareness, driver error plays a significant role in many truck accidents. Truck driving laws and regulations exist to reduce these risks, but when drivers fail to follow them, passenger vehicles and other road users can suffer devastating harm.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue remains one of the major factors in truck accidents across Illinois. Long routes, overnight hauls, and pressure to meet tight delivery schedules can push drivers beyond safe limits. When a truck driver doesn’t respect truck driver hours of service regulations, judgment and reaction time decline sharply. We have seen cases where a driver fell asleep at the wheel after more than 24 consecutive hours behind the wheel, leading to catastrophic truck collisions.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another common cause of truck accidents. Using a cell phone, adjusting navigation systems, or responding to dispatch messages can divert attention at the worst possible moment. Cell phone policy for CDL drivers restricts handheld device use, but violations still occur often. Even a brief distraction can cause poor directional control, missed turn signals, or failure to stop safely in changing traffic situations.

Speeding

High speeds magnify the danger posed by a commercial truck. Speeding reduces stopping distance, worsens vehicle control, and increases the force of impact in motor vehicle crashes. On busy Chicago arterials and expressways, speeding by a big rig can quickly turn a minor traffic situation into a severe accident with extensive property damage and severe injuries.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving by commercial truck drivers is especially dangerous. Alcohol, illegal substances, and certain prescription medications impair coordination and judgment. Federal law mandates FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements, yet violations still occur. Impairment increases the likelihood of reckless driving, delayed reactions, and fatal truck accidents that may lead to wrongful death claims.

Trucking Company Negligence

While truck driver negligence is common, trucking companies themselves often play a direct role in truck accidents. The trucking industry is governed by state and federal regulations designed to protect public safety. When companies cut corners to save time or money, the risk of vehicle accidents rises significantly.

Inadequate Driver Training

Commercial truck drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license and meet strict standards before operating large trucks. Illinois CDL requirements are intended to ensure drivers understand traffic laws, vehicle handling, and safety equipment. When trucking companies fail to provide adequate driver training or allow inexperienced drivers onto Chicago roads, the results can be devastating for car drivers sharing the road.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Poor vehicle maintenance is a frequent contributor to truck accidents causes. Large commercial vehicles require regular inspections and repairs to remain safe. Issues like worn tires, faulty brakes, and broken lights increase the risk of mechanical failure. Companies must comply with commercial truck reflective tape requirements and other visibility rules, especially during nighttime or heavy rain conditions.

Mechanical Failures

Mechanical failure can cause sudden loss of control without warning. Problems with steering systems, braking components, or defective parts may result from skipped inspections or delayed repairs. CDL pre-trip inspection requirements exist so that truck drivers and companies can identify hazards before a trip begins. When these inspections are ignored, mechanical failures can cause truck accidents involving multiple vehicles.

Improper Cargo Loading

Cargo loading errors are another dangerous yet common cause of truck accidents. Freight that is not properly secured can shift during transit, altering balance and stability. Cargo securement requirements are designed to prevent cargo shift, jackknifing, and rollovers. Improper cargo loading can cause a truck to veer from its travel lane or overturn during changing lanes or sudden stops.

Other Drivers’ Negligence

Not all truck accidents are caused by commercial drivers or trucking companies. Negligent and distracted driving by other passenger vehicle drivers on the road sometimes contribute to dangerous situations involving trucks.

Improper Lane Changes

Improper lane changes by other vehicles are a frequent factor in truck accidents. Cutting off a commercial truck leaves little room for braking, especially given the weight and stopping distance of a large truck. When other drivers make rash decisions or misjudge speed or space, the truck driver may be unable to avoid a collision.

Following Too Closely

Tailgating a big rig is extremely dangerous. Trucks need more distance to stop safely, and following too closely limits reaction time for both drivers. In sudden traffic slowdowns, rear-end collisions can result in extensive property damage and major injuries.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield at intersections, ramps, or merging lanes often leads to large truck crashes. Other drivers may underestimate a truck’s size or speed, creating unavoidable conflicts that result in severe car accident outcomes.

Blind Spots

Large trucks have significant blind spots, often referred to as “no-zones.” When other motor vehicle drivers linger in a truck’s blind spots, the risk of collision increases. Truck’s blind spots make it difficult for even experienced drivers to see surrounding vehicles during lane changes or turns.

Other Critical Events

In addition to driver behavior and company practices, unexpected events and environmental factors can be common causes of truck accidents. These events often combine with human error to produce severe outcomes.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, or fog reduce visibility and traction. Trucks are especially vulnerable to skidding and loss of control in poor weather. Adverse weather requires slower speeds and greater caution, but not all drivers adjust appropriately.

Roadway Hazards

Roadway hazards like construction zones, uneven pavement, debris, or poorly marked lanes can create dangerous conditions for large commercial vehicles. When hazards are present, even small errors can escalate into major truck accidents involving multiple vehicles.

How We Can Help After a Truck or Car Accident

When truck accidents occur, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. As a Chicago truck accident lawyer team, we support our clients throughout the entire legal process, from the first phone call through resolution. Truck accident cases are often complex, involving multiple parties and aggressive insurance defenses. We stand with our clients at every step, offering clarity, stability, and advocacy during a difficult time.

Our role includes investigating the causes of such accidents, identifying responsible parties, preserving evidence, and navigating complex state and federal regulations. We take the burden off our clients so they can focus on healing.

We help by:

• Investigating the crash thoroughly: Reviewing police reports, scene evidence, vehicle damage, and available video to understand how the accident occurred.
• Preserving key trucking evidence early: Securing driver logs, electronic data, maintenance records, and cargo documents before they are lost or altered.
• Identifying all liable parties: Looking beyond the driver to trucking companies, contractors, cargo handlers, or manufacturers when appropriate.
• Handling insurance and regulatory issues: Managing communications with insurers and addressing trucking law and regulatory violations that affect the claim.
• Documenting injuries and damages: Working with medical providers to reflect the full impact of injuries, medical care needs, and lost income.
• Guiding clients every step of the way: Keeping clients informed, answering questions, and providing steady support throughout the case.

We focus on building strong cases grounded in facts, accountability, and respect for the people we serve, while helping our clients move forward with confidence.

Book a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, speaking with a Chicago motor vehicle accident lawyer can help you understand your options. We offer a free consultation and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

We stand with you during this difficult time. You’re not alone, and we believe in your case. Contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help you move forward.