According to a report from CBS News, a dump truck was involved in a major rollover crash in Barrington, Illinois. The incident is still under a more comprehensive investigation by law enforcement. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, we put injured victims and their families first. Truck companies must be held accountable. Here, our Chicago auto accident lawyer provides an overview of what we know about the crash and highlights the risk of truck rollover wrecks.
Truck Rollover Crash in Barrington, Illinois
As confirmed in reporting from CBS News Chicago, a five-axle dump truck overturned after colliding with an SUV near the east side of the intersection on Dundee Road in Barrington, Illinois. The truck came to rest upside down. It was a serious medical emergency. First responders were on the scene. The truck driver was trapped in the cab. The good news is that emergency crews performed an extraction and were able to successfully free the trapped driver. The rollover truck accident is still under a more comprehensive investigation by law enforcement.
Why Large Trucks are So Susceptible to Rollover Crashes
Large commercial trucks are inherently more vulnerable to rollover accidents than passenger vehicles. Their weight distribution, high center of gravity, and the overall load dynamics create unique challenges for stability. Here are some of the reasons why truck rollovers are a serious risk:
- High Center of Gravity: Dump trucks, tractor-trailers, and other heavy vehicles are tall and carry significant weight above the chassis. When a driver takes a turn too sharply or travels over uneven pavement, that elevated center of mass can shift and cause the vehicle to tip. It is the top reason why trucks are at a higher risk of being involved in a rollover crash.
- Load Imbalance: Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo is one of the leading causes of truck rollovers. A shifting load (such as if a dump truck carrying gravel, asphalt, or construction debris) can quickly destabilize the vehicle. Control of the truck may be hard.
- Speeding (Curves and Ramps): Even moderate speeds can be excessive for large trucks entering curves or ramps. There is a scientific reason for this: Centrifugal force acts more seriously on heavy vehicles. It can pull weight forward and increase the odds of a rollover.
- Truck Driver Error: A fatigued or distracted driver may overcorrect steering inputs, brake too hard, or misjudge curve entry speed. These sudden maneuvers are especially dangerous in multi-axle trucks due to their slow weight transfer and delayed response.
Notably, large truck rollovers are extremely dangerous. When they happen, truck rollover crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), amputations, and spinal cord damage.
Illinois is a Fault-Based Motor Vehicle Accident State
Illinois follows a traditional fault-based system for motor vehicle accidents, including commercial truck crashes. Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, liability for a truck accident will be determined by negligence. Put another way, the party (truck driver or otherwise) who is responsible for causing the accident bears the financial responsibility for resulting damages.
When multiple parties share blame, Illinois applies a modified comparative negligence rule: a claimant may still recover compensation if less than 50 percent at fault, but any award is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30 percent responsible for your own crash, you will be liable for 30 percent of your damages.
Note: Commercial trucking operations are notoriously complex. There are often multiple insurers, federal regulations, and overlapping corporate liability. You need strong, experienced legal representation from a top-rated Chicago motor vehicle accident attorney. Our firm can help.
Rollover Accidents are Time-Sensitive (Know the Statute of Limitations)
Personal injury claims are time-sensitive. Victims of rollover truck crashes in Illinois must act quickly to protect their rights. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. There are only very limited exceptions to the statute of limitations. A proactive approach is a must. The failure to file within this period can bar recovery entirely. Further, because key evidence (black-box data, driver logs, cargo records, etc) can be lost or destroyed. The sooner you speak to a Chicago rollover accident lawyer, the better.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Victims and Families
Were you hurt in a truck rollover crash in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including for non-economic losses. How much can you expect to recover through your claim? The answer depends on a wide range of case-driven factors. With that being said, you should be prepared to face challenges from the insurance company. Insurers fight hard to pay out less in settlement negotiations. Our Chicago, IL truck accident lawyers can help. You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Property damage;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical expenses;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Why Trust the Chicago Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Kennedy Watkins
Motor vehicle accident claims are complicated. That is especially true for rollover accidents involving a large truck. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago attorneys handle all types of car accident cases, including truck accidents and rollover crashes. With a proven history of verdicts and settlements, we invest time, resources, and attention to detail into each and every case that we take on. Your initial consultation with our Chicago motor vehicle accident lawyer is free and confidential.
Contact Our Chicago Traffic Collision Attorney Today
At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago motor vehicle accident attorney has the skills and experience that you can trust to fight for justice. If you have any questions about a motor vehicle accident claim, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for a free, no obligation consultation. From our Chicago office, we handle claims throughout all of Northern Illinois.