The #1 Collinsville Truck Accident Lawyer

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, our attorneys bring decades of trial experience and a deep understanding of the trucking industry, making us uniquely equipped to represent injury victims after a serious truck wreck.

These cases often involve devastating injuries and complex legal issues, and we approach each one with the resources and strategic focus required to win.

We prepare every personal injury case for trial, not settlement, making sure that our clients are in the strongest possible position to recover full financial compensation—whether at the negotiation table or in court.

Our team knows how to investigate truck crashes thoroughly, establish liability among all responsible parties, and push back against the corporate defense tactics of large trucking companies.

Our Collinsville truck accident lawyers include:

• Ted Gianaris – Firm founder and nationally recognized trial lawyer with decades of experience in personal injury, product liability, and high-stakes transportation cases involving the trucking industry.
• Joshua A. Edelson – Experienced in complex litigation and insurance disputes, with a strong record of advocacy for truck wreck and auto accident victims.
• Suvir Dhar – Focuses on catastrophic injury cases, including truck accidents that result in life-altering harm, bringing a compassionate and detail-oriented approach to every client.
• Dirk Hennessey – Represents clients in trucking and railroad injury cases, with a background in trial and appellate litigation and a deep understanding of how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney from Gianaris Trial Lawyers?

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any upfront legal fees.

Our payment depends entirely on securing a financial compensation award or settlement for you—if we don’t win, you owe nothing.

This gives injury victims immediate access to trusted legal representation without added financial stress.

It also aligns our goals with yours: we’re driven to win the highest possible recovery for your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering.

With our team handling the legal burden, you can focus on recovery while we fight to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Truck accident claims are far more complex than standard car accidents due to the involvement of commercial drivers, corporate defendants, and extensive federal regulations.

When a collision with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle occurs, multiple parties may be held liable—including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, and cargo loaders.

Federal rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) govern hours of service, vehicle inspections, driver training, and recordkeeping—and violations of these rules can serve as powerful evidence of negligence.

In many truck accident cases, investigators must retrieve and analyze black box data, onboard logs, GPS records, and employment files to uncover the cause of the crash.

Because of these additional layers, it’s critical to work with a lawyer who has experience handling the unique legal, technical, and procedural aspects of truck crash litigation.

Victims of trucking accidents may suffer catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, and the financial stakes in these cases are often high.

Our personal injury lawyers build every case with trial in mind, holding trucking companies and insurers accountable from the start.

With the right legal team, you can feel empowered through the process, pursue full compensation, and focus on your recovery.

The legal process for a trucking accident case in Illinois is typically as follows:

1. Consult a Collinsville Truck Accident Lawyer: An experienced attorney will assess the accident details, determine if federal safety violations apply, and identify all potentially liable parties.
2. Investigation and Evidence Collection: Your legal team will obtain medical records, police reports, witness statements, black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and photos from the crash scene.
3. Negotiation with the Insurance Adjuster: Your attorney will communicate with insurance providers for the driver, the commercial vehicle owner, and any third-party contractors to pursue a fair settlement.
4. Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary): If the trucking company or insurers deny responsibility or offer inadequate compensation, your lawyer will file a formal lawsuit on your behalf.
5. Pre-Trial Process: This includes depositions, motions, expert witness disclosures, and potentially mediation to resolve the claim before trial.
6. Trial and Judgment: If the case goes to court, a judge or jury will review the evidence—including violations of federal regulations—and determine liability and damages.

Gathering Evidence for a Truck Accident Case

After large truck accidents, gathering the right evidence quickly is essential to protecting your case and pursuing fair compensation.

Your truck crash lawyers will take immediate steps to secure records, preserve physical evidence, and prevent crucial data from being lost or destroyed.

They will work with experts to analyze vehicle damage, accident reconstruction, and medical records tied to your severe injuries.

By organizing and presenting the evidence clearly, your attorney helps injured victims build a strong case against the trucking company and its insurers.

Evidence in a truck accident claim may include:

• Police reports and crash scene documentation
• Photos and videos showing vehicle damage and property damage
• Medical records, bills, and documentation of severe injuries
• Black box (event data recorder) information from the truck
• Driver logs and hours-of-service records
• Truck maintenance and inspection records
• Employment and training files for the truck driver
• Witness statements and contact information
• Surveillance or dashcam footage, if available
• Expert reports on accident reconstruction and injury impact
• Communication between the trucking company and driver before the crash

Types of Damages in a Truck Accident Case

After a serious truck accident, victims may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages based on the harm they’ve suffered and the long-term impact on their lives.

Your attorney will help you file claims for both economic and non-economic losses, using evidence from the accident scene, medical records, and employment documentation.

In many cases, victims face ongoing care needs, making it important to account for future medical bills and loss of income.

A skilled truck accident lawyer can build a detailed case that reflects the full scope of your medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning ability.

Damages in a truck accident case may include:

• Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
• Future medical bills for long-term care, physical therapy, or permanent disability
• Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
• Lost earning ability if the injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
• Pain and suffering from physical pain and emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to lasting impairments or activity limitations
• Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
• Emotional distress, anxiety, or psychological trauma
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members in fatal truck crash cases

Semi-truck accidents are often the result of negligence, whether by the truck driver, the trucking company, or a third party responsible for loading or maintaining the vehicle.

Unlike a standard car wreck, crashes involving commercial trucks tend to cause more serious injuries and involve more complex liability.

One of the leading causes is driver fatigue, especially when companies pressure drivers to exceed their legal hours of service.

Poor training, overloaded cargo, and mechanical failures also play a significant role in these crashes.

Many of the most devastating incidents involve rear-end collisions, side-swipe accidents, or other forms of reckless driving.

Identifying the exact cause is crucial to holding the right parties accountable and building a strong legal case.

Common causes of commercial truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue from exceeding hours-of-service limits
• Poor training or lack of experience operating a commercial vehicle
• Overloaded cargo or improperly secured loads
• Reckless driving, including speeding and aggressive lane changes
• Distracted driving, such as using a phone or GPS while driving
• Rear-end collisions caused by failing to maintain a safe stopping distance
• Side-swipe accidents during unsafe merging or lane changes
• Brake or tire failure due to lack of maintenance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication
• Improper passing or failure to yield the right of way

State and Federal Regulations for the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry in the United States operates under a comprehensive framework of federal and state regulations designed to ensure the safety of commercial motor vehicle operations and protect public welfare.

At the federal level, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces regulations covering various aspects of trucking, including driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.

For instance, the FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) rules limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can operate to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

Additionally, the FMCSA mandates regular vehicle inspections and maintenance to ensure that trucks are in safe operating condition.

In Illinois, state-specific regulations complement federal laws to address local transportation needs and safety concerns.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) oversees the issuance of permits for oversize and overweight vehicles, ensuring that such vehicles comply with state road safety standards.

IDOT also conducts compliance reviews and safety audits of commercial motor carriers operating within the state.

Both federal and state regulations require trucking companies to implement drug and alcohol testing programs for drivers, maintain accurate records, and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Non-compliance with these regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines and suspension of operating privileges.

These regulatory measures are crucial in minimizing the risk of truck accidents and ensuring that trucking operations do not compromise public safety.

Understanding and adhering to these complex regulations is essential for trucking companies and drivers alike.

For individuals involved in truck accidents, awareness of these regulations can be pivotal in legal proceedings, as violations may establish liability and influence the outcome of personal injury claims.

Truck accidents often cause far more serious harm than standard vehicle collisions due to the sheer size and force of commercial trucks.

Victims may suffer a wide range of physical injuries, many of which require long-term medical care or result in permanent disability.

From neck injuries and broken bones to severe trauma like burn injuries and traumatic brain injuries, the physical toll of a truck crash can be life-altering.

In the most tragic cases, these injuries lead to wrongful death, leaving families devastated and seeking justice.

Truck accidents may cause the following injuries:

• Neck injuries, including whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal misalignment
• Back and spinal cord injuries, sometimes resulting in partial or full paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions, brain bleeding, and long-term cognitive impairments
• Broken bones, including fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or facial bones
• Burn injuries from fires, chemical spills, or explosions caused by the impact
• Lacerations from shattered glass, torn metal, or road debris
• Crush injuries when limbs or body parts are pinned by wreckage
• Internal organ damage, including punctured lungs or ruptured spleens
• Soft tissue injuries, such as torn ligaments and muscle damage
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Amputations or loss of limb function due to severe crush or impact injuries
• Wrongful death, often resulting from catastrophic trauma in high-speed or underride collisions

The Importance of Medical Documentation in Truck Accident Cases

Medical documentation plays a critical role in truck accident cases, serving as concrete proof of the injuries you sustained and the treatment you required.

Accurate and timely medical records help truck accident attorneys demonstrate the severity of your condition and link it directly to the crash.

This documentation becomes essential when negotiating with insurance companies, which often try to minimize claims or deny responsibility altogether.

It also helps clarify the timeline of your symptoms, the cost of your treatment, and the long-term impact on your daily life and ability to work.

For all parties involved, from insurers to opposing legal teams, well-organized medical evidence strengthens your case and increases the likelihood that you’ll recover compensation.

Without it, even clearly injured victims may struggle to prove the full extent of their losses.

If you were injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, you may qualify for a truck accident lawsuit depending on the facts of your case.

To pursue legal action, you must show that another party—such as the truck driver, trucking company, or a third-party contractor—was negligent or violated safety regulations.

Common qualifying scenarios include driver fatigue, reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, or improperly secured cargo.

If your injuries required medical treatment, caused you to miss work, or resulted in long-term impairment, you likely have grounds to file a claim.

In fatal crashes, surviving family members may also qualify to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

The more evidence you have—such as black box data, accident reports, and medical records—the stronger your case will be.

Speaking with an experienced truck accident lawyer is the best way to determine your eligibility and understand the potential value of your claim.

Every case is unique, and a legal consultation can help clarify your rights and next steps.

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we know that the aftermath of a truck accident can leave victims facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is committed to holding negligent truck drivers, companies, and insurers accountable, and fighting for the compensation our clients deserve.

We approach every case with focus, precision, and a readiness to go to trial—because that’s what it takes to get results in high-stakes trucking litigation.

Whether you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or the loss of a loved one, we’re here to advocate for you every step of the way.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident, contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation.

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions, explain your rights, and start building a powerful case on your behalf.