Semi-trucks are everywhere on Illinois highways. Most drivers know they are large, heavy, and dangerous in accidents. But there are many lesser-known facts about how semi-trucks are regulated, how liability works, and how that impacts injury claims.
Here are four things you probably didn’t know about semi-trucks that could make a difference if you are injured in a crash.
1. There Are Strict Rules on Hours of Service to Reduce Driver Fatigue
One of the biggest risks with semi-trucks is fatigue. To address that, federal regulations, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), set limits on how many hours a commercial truck driver can drive. These include how many hours on duty versus off duty, how long a driver must rest, and other safety requirements. Illinois requires semi-truck drivers operating in interstate commerce to comply with those hours of service rules.
What is less known is that violations of these hours of service rules often show up in truck-accident investigations. Logbooks and electronic logging devices may be reviewed closely. If a driver exceeded allowable driving hours, that can serve as evidence of negligence in a lawsuit. Knowing whether the driver or the trucking company broke those rules can seriously affect liability in your claim.
2. Illinois Has Specific Size, Weight, and Permit Requirements for Large Trucks
Semi-trucks are not free to carry any load, anywhere, anytime. Illinois has clear laws about how heavy and large they can be, particularly on certain highways, bridges, and for special hauling.
For example:
- Illinois’ Bridge Formula determines the maximum allowed weight for trucks on many highways, especially to protect bridges. If a truck exceeds those weight limits without permits, it may be violating state law.
- Oversize or overweight permits are required when a truck or its load exceeds the federal baseline or state maximums. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) issues those permits.
These regulations matter in personal injury cases. An overweight truck may be more likely to lose control, damage roadway infrastructure, or cause brake failure. If a truck was operating without the proper permit or was overloaded, that could be used to establish negligence or even recklessness in court.
3. Insurance Minimums for Semi-Trucks Are Much Higher Than for Regular Vehicles
Because of their size, weight, and potential for severe harm, semi-trucks are required to carry much larger insurance coverage than ordinary passenger cars.
In Illinois:
- For many commercial trucks carrying general freight, the minimum liability insurance requirement is $750,000.
- If the truck is carrying hazardous materials, the minimum required liability can be much higher, in some cases up to $5 million.
What many people do not realize is that despite these minimums, it may still not be enough in catastrophic injury cases. If the damages exceed that insurance limit, injured parties may need to explore whether additional coverages, umbrella policies, or multiple parties can be held liable.
4. Liability in Semi-Truck Accidents Can Involve Many Parties, Not Just the Driver
When a semi-truck collides with another vehicle, figuring out who is responsible can be complicated. It is not always just the driver who is liable.
Other potentially responsible parties include:
- The trucking company, for failing to properly maintain the truck, failing to train drivers, or pressuring drivers to break Hours of Service rules.
- Maintenance or repair vendors, if they performed poor work on brakes, tires, or lights.
- Cargo loaders, if a load was improperly secured or overloaded, leading to shifting cargo.
- The manufacturer or part supplier, if mechanical defects or failures are involved.
Illinois law recognizes that liability can be shared among multiple parties. If more than one party had a duty and breached that duty, then more than one may be responsible for damages. Illinois also follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning even if the injured person is partly at fault, they may recover damages so long as their fault does not exceed the statutory threshold.
Why These Facts Matter for Injured People
Knowing these lesser-known details can make a big difference if you or a loved one is injured in a crash with a semi-truck in Illinois.
They affect:
- The strength of your case: Evidence of regulatory violations, such as hours of service or overweight permits, provides a direct path to proving negligence.
- The amount you can recover: Higher insurance minimums and multiple liable parties may increase the available pool of compensation.
- Strategy and timing: Following proper procedures like preserving vehicle and logbook records, securing footage, and obtaining medical documentation becomes more important because trucking companies often have legal teams that know how to use these rules to their advantage.
In short, understanding these factors not only strengthens your position but also ensures that your attorney has the tools needed to hold negligent parties accountable.
Contact Joel E. Brown, P.C. for a Free Consultation
Understanding the hidden complexities of semi-truck regulations helps shed light on why these vehicles pose unique risks on Illinois roads. From strict hours-of-service rules to weight limits, high insurance minimums, and the possibility of multiple parties sharing liability, each factor plays a role in how negligence is proven and how damages are awarded.
Recognizing these issues not only highlights the importance of safety on the highways but also underscores the need for accountability when accidents occur.
To learn more, contact our skilled personal injury attorney at Joel E. Brown, P.C to schedule a free consultation. We are conveniently located in Peoria and proudly serve Peoria County, IL, and the neighboring communities.
Joel E. Brown, P.C
416 Main Street Suite 1300, Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 673 4357
Available 24/7