Who Is Liable After a Truck Accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway?

The Dan Ryan Expressway is one of the most heavily traveled roads in Chicago. It runs from the heart of Chicago to the Southern suburbs. Many semis, rigs, tractor-trailers, box trucks, delivery trucks, and other trucks cause accidents due to the negligence of the truck driver or the people and companies responsible for the truck driver’s performance and the truck.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we understand how to show the cause of truck accidents on the Dan Ryan Expressway and who is liable. We demand compensation for all your financial and personal damages. Call us today to discuss your right to compensation.

Where is the Dan Ryan Expressway?

The Dan Ryan Expressway (named after Dan Ryan, Jr., a former President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners) extends from the Jane Byrne Interchange with I-290 near downtown Chicago through Chicago’s South Side. It runs for 12 miles and meets up with the Chicago Skyway. The Dan Ryan Expressway helps people who live in the southern suburbs commute into and out of the heart of Chicago.

Parts of the Dan Ryan have 14 lanes of travel (7 each way). Four lanes are express lanes. The other 3 lanes are used for access to the exit and on-ramps. Commuters who live in the South Loop region regularly use the Dan Ryan, which can cause traffic jams during rush hours.

The Dan Ryan Expressway is part of I-90 and I-94, which are east-west interstate highways nationally but run north-south through Chicago.

How much traffic is there on the Dan Ryan Expressway?

According to the travel website, Driving and Vibin’ (as of 4/21/2023), the Dan Ryan can have more than 300,000 vehicles on any given day.

The morning and evening rush hour traffic is when the Dan Ryan Expressway is most congested. One of the public transportation routes, the Red Line, runs down the center of the Dan Ryan. The Red Line makes Wrigley Field, DePaul University, and other Chicago venues accessible.

What are the common causes of truck accidents on the Dan Ryan Expressway?

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we work with investigators, the police, trucking safety experts, and other professionals to help show how your truck crash happened and why it was preventable. Some of the common causes of Chicago truck accidents on the Dan Ryan Expressway include the following:

• Cargo overloads. Trucking companies must load their trucks according to federal and state laws, and according to acceptable industry standards. When trucks that use the Dan Ryan are overloaded, the cargo can shift, causing the driver to lose control. The cargo can also spill onto the road, causing an emergency situation for everyone near the truck.
• Blind spots. Most commercial trucks and other trucks have poor visibility on all sides. Truck drivers need to be extra cautious when changing lanes or stopping.
• Driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates how many hours commercial truck drivers can drive. The purpose of these Hours of Service Rules is to ensure drivers get the rest they need to stay awake while driving. Tired drivers are dangerous drivers.
• Speeding. Even with many lanes, many drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for traffic conditions. The faster that truck drivers travel, the more distance and time they need to stop. Driving at night while driving fast increases the risk of catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
• Congestion/freight traffic. The Dan Ryan Expressway is often congested during rush hour and during major city events. Truck accidents can occur when truck drivers and other drivers fail to slow down and use caution in heavy traffic.
• Construction. The Dan Ryan Expressway regularly undergoes construction for lane improvements, repairs, and other work. Truck accidents can happen when drivers merge into other lanes, stop suddenly, or become confused about where to drive.
• Merging. The Dan Ryan Expressway has numerous entrances. Drivers need to understand when and how to merge, especially when trucks are nearby. Truck drivers who merge need to ensure that they have enough room to complete the merge.
• Passing. Many truck drivers pass to get to their destination faster. Many drivers pass to get out of the way of trucks. When trucks and other cars pass, they need to ensure that they can safely complete the pass and that the truck driver is aware of the truck’s blind spots.
• Inclement weather. Chicago has its fair share of storms and snowfalls. Many truck accidents happen on the Dan Ryan when drivers fail to use proper caution in bad weather.
• Other causes. Other common causes of truck accidents include:

o Drunk driving. Truck drivers who have a cold brew or liquor shouldn’t drive.

o Driving while distracted. Many drivers text, use their cell phones, eat, drink, and look at their GPS while driving. These distractions can cause drivers to veer into other lanes, tailgate, and fail to anticipate or respond to emergencies.

What laws govern truck driving on the Dan Ryan Expressway?

We understand the relevant federal and Illinois regulations that govern truck driving in Illinois and the traffic laws of Illinois. Federal requirements include rules governing electronic logging devices.

Illinois laws include:

• Weight and size laws
• Insurance requirements for commercial trucks
• Insurance requirements for non-commercial trucks
• Class truck routes
• Traffic laws

Who do you hold accountable for truck accidents on the Dan Ryan Expressway?

In many Chicago truck accident cases, there are multiple defendants. Multiple defendants can mean that there’s more insurance coverage. Often, each defendant will blame the other defendant. At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we file claims against everyone responsible and seek to hold each of the defendants liable.

We understand why truck accidents are dangerous and who is responsible.

Potential defendants vary depending on the circumstances.

A truck driver or the driver of another vehicle

We hold drivers accountable when violations of the traffic laws, negligence, or reckless driving cause an accident.

The truck driver’s employer

Employers are generally liable for the negligent acts or omissions of their employees committed within the scope of employment.

The owner of the truck, if the owner and driver differ

Truck fleet companies and other truck owners may be liable if they fail to conduct background checks or monitor the drivers who drive their trucks.

The broker who arranges the shipment

Trucking brokers may be responsible if they negligently select a motor carrier or for other negligent reasons.

The companies involved in the shipment

Trucking companies and businesses that request a shipment or agree to deliver a shipment may be liable if they pressure truck drivers to drive fast to meet unreasonable schedules or for other reasons.

Loading and unloading companies

Companies that load trucks may be liable for overloading the cargo or failing to properly secure it. The companies that unload trucks may be liable if the truck causes an accident while backing into or out of the loading facility or for other reasons.

Manufacturers of defective truck parts

Our Chicago truck accident lawyers hold the manufacturers of defective truck parts, such as brakes, tires, and hydraulic systems, liable if the defect causes an accident that causes injuries.

Inspection, maintenance, and repair companies

Truck owners often employ companies to regularly inspect and maintain their trucks to ensure compliance with federal and Illinois laws. When the inspections don’t take place, routine maintenance isn’t performed properly, or the repairs are inadequate, these companies may be liable for a truck accident.

A seller of alcohol, if the alcohol causes the intoxication that causes the accident

Alcohol vendors may be liable under the Illinois Dramshop Act if the statutory requirements are met.

A governmental entity or agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation, the City of Chicago, or other governmental entities may be liable in limited circumstances, subject to Illinois governmental immunity laws, for truck accidents on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

FAQs

How much time do I have to file a truck accident claim in Illinois?

Generally, truck accident victims must file personal injury claims within two years from the date of the accident and wrongful death claims within two years after the date of death.

What compensation can victims of truck accidents on the Dan Ryan Expressway receive?

Our Dan Ryan truck accident lawyers seek compensation for all your economic and non-economic damages (past and future), including the following for all your injuries (catastrophic, permanent, chronic, and serious):

• Medical bills
• Lost income and benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage, including vehicle damage
• The inability to use a body part
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of life’s pleasures
• Loss of consortium

We seek wrongful death damages for the eligible family members if a truck accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway is fatal.

What if I’m partially responsible for a truck accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway?

If you are partially at fault, Illinois applies the modified comparative negligence system.

You can still file a truck accident claim provided that your degree of fault is 50 percent or less. Your recovery will then be reduced by your degree of fault.

Speak with our experienced Dan Ryan Expressway truck accident lawyers today

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we have several decades of experience fighting for victims of Chicago truck crashes on I-90, I-94, and other interstates, expressways, and highways in and around Chicago. We’re ready now to hold the drivers and companies that cause truck accidents liable for the injuries and deaths they cause.

Call us or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis.