St. Clair County Truck Accident Lawyer

A semi truck accident can change lives in an instant. From severe injuries to devastating financial loss, victims of these collisions often face a long and difficult road to recovery. At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we understand how serious these truck accident cases are, especially when dealing with a negligent driver or trucking company, and we’re here to help. As a premier law firm serving St. Clair County, we are committed to delivering personalized legal support and advocating for justice on behalf of individuals injured in truck accidents.

Whether you’ve been hurt in a semi truck crash on I-64, Route 15, or a local road in Belleville, East St. Louis, or surrounding areas, our truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help cover your ongoing medical bills. We handle all types of truck accident cases and offer experienced representation, clear communication, and a client-focused approach that keeps your best interests at the forefront of every decision.

Understanding Truck Accidents in St. Clair County, IL

Truck accident cases are far more than larger versions of typical car crashes. These collisions, often involving a semi truck accident, commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and delivery vans, and the consequences are typically far more severe. Due to their size and weight, trucks can cause catastrophic damage in the event of an impact, leading to injuries like traumatic brain injury and significant compensation for pain and suffering, especially when traveling at high speeds or carrying heavy cargo.

Truck Accident Trends and Risks in the Region

St. Clair County, IL, sees a steady flow of large commercial trucks due to its proximity to major highways and logistics routes that connect Illinois to neighboring states. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, thousands of truck accidents occur annually in the state, with a significant portion of those incidents leading to truck accident lawsuits taking place in southwestern Illinois. Factors contributing to these incidents include:

Driver Fatigue: Although the trucking industry has strict driving rules, many commercial truck drivers may be tempted to push the limits, thereby increasing the risk of truck crashes.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Common causes of truck accidents stem from negligent or reckless driving.
Distracted Driving: Eating, using a cell phone, and even changing the radio station can distract truck drivers or other drivers, leading to commercial truck accidents. If a truck driver’s negligence contributed to the cause of a serious accident, you deserve fair compensation.
Mechanical Failure or Poor Maintenance: While trucking companies are required to follow federal trucking regulations regarding fleet maintenance and truck safety, failure to do so can lead to accidents involving commercial vehicles.
Improperly Secured or Loaded Cargo: Larger commercial vehicles that are improperly loaded can lead to truck wrecks when cargo moves around and the truck becomes unstable.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions: Many truck accidents occur during or after storms.

Even a momentary lapse in judgment by a truck driver or negligence by the trucking company can have deadly consequences.

In addition to the physical trauma, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, shoulder injury, and traumatic brain injuries, victims often face emotional distress, lost wages, and crippling medical bills. Cases involving hazardous cargo or violations of federal regulations require specialized knowledge. For families, a serious truck accident can mean years of caregiving, reduced quality of life, or even the loss of a loved one. That’s why it’s so important to have a legal team with experienced truck accident lawyers who truly understand what’s at stake regarding your truck accident lawsuit and how to maximize compensation while recovering compensation for you.

Legal Services for Truck Accident Victims

At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we provide comprehensive legal services for individuals injured in truck accidents. From the moment you contact our firm, we prioritize compassion, clarity, and aggressive advocacy.

Thorough Case Evaluation and Strategy: We start by listening to your story, gathering details about the accident, and reviewing any available evidence to identify every potential liable party. Our truck accident attorneys thoroughly evaluate police reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data to build the strongest possible case for a fair settlement or truck accident settlements after severe accidents, including those resulting in wrongful death. This investigation often focuses on the negligence of both the driver and the trucking company. We also work closely with accident reconstruction experts when needed.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurers often have large legal teams whose primary goal is to minimize payouts in truck accident lawsuits. They may try to shift blame, deny liability, or offer an unreasonably low settlement. Identifying all responsible parties involved is critical, especially when the client suffered severe injuries requiring multiple surgeries. That’s where we step in. Our personal injury attorneys know how to negotiate from a position of strength for favorable truck accident settlements, pushing for maximum compensation that covers your medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and even future medical treatment. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.
Litigation and Trial Representation: If a fair truck accident settlements amount can’t be reached in truck accident lawsuits involving large trucks (including complex wrongful death cases), we’re not afraid to take your case to court. With years of courtroom experience and a track record of success, our legal team is prepared to argue your case before a judge or jury. We tailor our litigation strategy to your unique situation, always with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome.

A Legal Team of Truck Accident Attorneys For You

What sets Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, apart in achieving favorable truck accident settlements is our unwavering dedication to each and every client. We take the time to understand exactly how the client suffered—physically, financially, and emotionally. We believe that personalized service, open communication, and trust form the foundation of a successful legal partnership.

You’ll never feel like just another case file in our handling of truck accident cases. Whether your collision involved a semi truck, box truck, or a negligent tractor trailer driver, we are here for you. From your first consultation to the final resolution of your truck accident claim, we’re here to answer your questions, explain your options, and keep you updated on every development. Our Illinois truck accident lawyers take the time to understand how the accident has affected your life and what you need to move forward.

Every truck accident case is unique, which is why we tailor our approach to meet your specific circumstances. We start by gathering crucial evidence, including witness contact information, and documenting all injury related expenses and future medical expenses. Whether we’re pursuing settlement negotiations with the insurance company or preparing for trial, we plan every detail with precision and purpose. Our truck accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims throughout Illinois, and we’re proud to stand up for those who need a strong legal voice.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in St. Clair County, IL

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident and suffered injuries, taking the right steps immediately after the crash can make a significant difference in the strength of your truck accident claim.

Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first. Even if your truck accident injuries appear minor, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or a severe brain injury, may not be immediately apparent. Documenting the damage to the client’s vehicle is also vital for the case. Furthermore, these stressful events can affect your entire household, which is why we also consider the impact on your family members.
Document Everything: If you’re able, collect evidence at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and write down everything you remember about the moments leading up to the truck accident. Be sure to get the truck drivers’ information, including license number and DOT (Department of Transportation) number.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters: The semi truck owner or truck accident settlements representative for the insurance company may contact you quickly after the crash to discuss your claim or the available insurance coverage. It is best to avoid making statements or signing documents without consulting a skilled truck accident lawyer for legal advice. What you say can be used against you later in your truck crash lawsuit.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer: The sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the better your chances of building a strong truck accident case. At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we offer free consultations and are ready to begin protecting your rights right away, especially in cases involving disputes with the insurance company. While we cannot guarantee an average settlement, our goal is always to achieve the maximum possible final settlement for you.

Truck Accident Lawsuits FAQ

What is a truck’s ‘black box’ and how is it used in my claim?

The “black box” is actually the truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Electronic Logging Device (ELD). It records crucial pre-collision data, including speed, braking force, shifting, and hours of operation. We move quickly to secure this data before the trucking company can tamper with it or download it, as this evidence is often key to proving the driver’s negligence.

Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. This is a common defense tactic used by trucking companies. However, we often prove the trucking company maintained enough operational control over the driver—through branding, dispatching, or contracts—to be held responsible for the driver’s negligence under the doctrine of vicarious liability.

How long does the trucking company have to preserve evidence?

Federal regulations require trucking companies to preserve records for specific periods. More importantly, once you hire us, we immediately issue a Spoliation Letter (or Preservation Letter), which legally compels the trucking company to preserve all evidence related to the crash, including the truck itself, the ELD data, maintenance records, and driver logbooks. Failure to comply can be used against them in court.

Are truck accident settlements typically higher than car accident settlements?

Generally, yes. This is due to two main factors: 1) The injuries are typically catastrophic, leading to much higher lifetime medical expenses and damages; and 2) Trucking companies are required to carry much higher insurance policies (often millions of dollars) than standard car drivers, making larger settlements possible.

Talk to a St. Clair County Truck Accident Lawyer Today

You don’t have to face the aftermath of a truck crash alone, especially when the at-fault party may carry minimal insurance coverage or when dealing with devastating wrongful death claims. Let the personal injury lawyers at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, provide dedicated legal representation, stand beside you, advocate for you, and fight for the justice you deserve. With our experience, dedication, and results-driven approach, you can trust us to handle your truck accident case with care and determination.

We will work with you to hold the negligent driver accountable and secure the financial compensation you deserve, countering the legal defenses raised by the insurance policy carriers of the trucking company.

When a semi truck accident happens, contact the law firm of Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, today.