When I was 9 years old, my father was catastrophically injured. He was a Teamster. Drove trucks for a living. Strong guy who took care of our family.
That injury took everything from him.
But here's what really gets me about truck accidents—I've seen both sides. My dad drove trucks. I know how hard that job is. I also know what happens when things go wrong.
Last year, I got a call from a family in Pilsen. Their son was driving home on the Dan Ryan when an 18-wheeler changed lanes right into him. Crushed the driver's side. Kid's in the hospital with a broken leg, messed up back, can't work. And you know what? The trucking company already had investigators at the scene taking photos and interviewing witnesses before the ambulance even left.
That's how these cases work. The trucking companies move FAST because they know how much money is on the line. And if you don't have someone who knows what they're doing on your side, you're gonna get steamrolled.
I'm Scott DeSalvo. I handle truck accident cases all over Chicago. I've gone up against the big trucking companies and their teams of lawyers. I've won cases involving 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, semis, garbage trucks—you name it. Recovered millions for people who got seriously hurt through no fault of their own.
Here's the thing about truck accident cases. They're not like regular car accidents. They're more complicated. More money involved. More parties fighting you. The trucking company has lawyers. The insurance company has lawyers. You need someone who knows how to handle them.
That's what I do. And I only represent injured people—NEVER trucking companies or their insurers. Your fight is my fight.
Call me right now. (312)-500-4500. Any time. Day, night, 2am, Sunday, doesn't matter. The call's free. We'll talk like friends.
No pressure. Just straight answers about your case.
Chicago's tough on everyone. But when you're dealing with commercial trucks on the Kennedy, the Dan Ryan, or I-90, the stakes are different.
These vehicles weigh 80,000 pounds when they're fully loaded. Your car? Maybe 4,000 pounds. That's not a fair fight.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, truck accidents account for nearly 10% of all fatal crashes in Illinois. Think about that. Tractor-trailers are only 3.5% of vehicles on the road, but they cause 10% of deaths. The math is scary.
I've handled truck accident cases on every major highway around Chicago. The Kennedy during rush hour with trucks trying to make deliveries downtown. The Eisenhower where trucks barrel through at 70 mph. I-94 where the Dan Ryan Expressway connects with I-90 at the Jane Byrne Interchange—one of the busiest and most dangerous interchanges in the country. In one year, Illinois State Police responded to over 22,000 crashes there.
Let me tell you about some specific trouble spots where I've handled cases:
Dan Ryan near 95th Street. Tons of merging. Southbound traffic hits a major interchange. Northbound vehicles have to choose between local and express lanes. Trucks changing lanes. Recipe for disaster.
Stevenson Expressway (I-55). One of America's most congested roads. Sudden lane shifts. Construction zones. Trucks can't stop fast enough when traffic backs up.
Lake Shore Drive. Truckers aren't even supposed to use it without a permit. The tight curves and variable speeds are dangerous for long, heavy vehicles. But some still do it anyway.
I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway). Connects the western suburbs to downtown through some of the busiest areas. Truck traffic all day and night.
Here's what makes these accidents so serious:
The size difference is massive. When a fully loaded semi hits a car, the damage is catastrophic. I've seen cases where the car was completely destroyed and the truck driver didn't even know he hit someone.
Stopping distance matters. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a loaded truck needs way more distance to stop than a car. At highway speeds, we're talking about the length of two football fields. When truck drivers don't leave enough space or they're going too fast, people get killed.
Blind spots everywhere. Trucks have huge blind spots. Both sides. Directly behind. Right in front of the cab. If you're in one of those spots and the truck changes lanes or turns, you're in trouble.
Driver fatigue. FMCSA found that fatigue causes about 6% of truck accidents. That might not sound like much, but when you're talking about thousands of crashes, that's a lot of people getting hurt because a driver was too tired to be safe.
Poor maintenance. When trucking companies don't maintain their vehicles properly—bad brakes, worn tires, faulty lights—accidents happen. FMCSA says vehicle braking problems cause 14% of truck crashes. That's the number one mechanical cause.
The trucking companies know all this. They have investigators and lawyers whose job is to minimize what they pay. They'll try to blame you. Say you were in the blind spot. Claim their driver did nothing wrong.
You need someone who knows how to fight back.
I handle all types of commercial truck accident cases throughout Chicago and Illinois. Large or small, I handle them all.
18-wheeler and semi-truck accidents. These are the big rigs hauling cargo across the country. When they crash, the results are usually catastrophic. I've handled cases on I-90, I-94, I-55—all the major routes.
Delivery truck accidents. Amazon, FedEx, UPS trucks all over Chicago. These drivers are under crazy pressure to make deliveries fast. That leads to accidents. I've handled cases in every neighborhood—Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Pilsen, Bridgeport, everywhere.
Box truck accidents. U-Haul, Penske, Budget. Often driven by people who aren't professional drivers and don't know how to handle a big vehicle. Higher center of gravity makes them tip over easier.
Garbage truck accidents. These trucks make constant stops, back up frequently, and have serious blind spot issues. I've seen bad accidents involving garbage trucks throughout the city.
Tanker truck accidents. When hazardous materials are involved, these get even more dangerous. Spills, fires, explosions—these accidents can affect entire neighborhoods.
Jackknife accidents. When the trailer swings out and creates a V-shape with the cab. These often involve multiple vehicles and happen in bad weather or when drivers brake too hard.
Underride accidents. When a car goes underneath a truck's trailer. These are some of the most horrific accidents I've seen. Often fatal.
Rollover accidents. When trucks tip over, usually from taking turns too fast or having improperly loaded cargo.
Wide turn accidents. Trucks need lots of room to turn. When they don't check properly or swing too wide, they hit cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians.
Whatever type of truck accident you were in, if you got hurt, call me. (312)-500-4500. Let's talk about what happened.
Here's where truck accident cases get interesting—and why you need a lawyer who knows what they're doing.
There might be multiple parties responsible for your injuries. That's actually GOOD for you because it means more insurance coverage available to pay your claim.
The truck driver. If they were speeding, distracted, tired, drunk, or violated traffic laws, they're liable. But that's just the start.
The trucking company. Companies are responsible for their drivers' actions under a legal principle called "respondeat superior." They're also liable if they pushed drivers to break federal regulations, didn't properly train them, or hired someone with a bad driving record. I dig into their hiring practices, training programs, and company policies.
The truck owner. Sometimes the driver doesn't own the truck. The owner can be liable for maintenance failures.
The cargo loading company. FMCSA says improper loading causes crashes. If cargo was loaded wrong or not secured properly, the company that loaded it can be held responsible.
The maintenance company. If poor maintenance or faulty repairs caused the accident, the company that services the truck might be liable.
The truck or parts manufacturer. If defective equipment—brakes, tires, steering—caused the accident, I go after the manufacturer. Product liability claims can bring in additional insurance coverage.
The shipping company. Companies that hire trucks to transport goods can sometimes be held liable too.
This is why you need a lawyer who knows how to investigate these cases. I dig into everything—driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, company policies, hiring practices, training records. I find everyone who's responsible and go after all of them.
More defendants means more insurance coverage. That means more money available to fairly compensate you.
Truck accident cases typically involve serious money because the injuries are severe and there's substantial insurance coverage available.
Here's what I fight to get for you:
Medical expenses. Every penny. Emergency room, ambulance, hospital stays, surgery, specialists, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, home healthcare. Not just what you've already spent—what you'll need for the rest of your life. I work with life care planners who calculate your future medical needs.
Lost wages. Every day you missed work. Every hour. If you had to use vacation or sick time, that counts too.
Lost earning capacity. This is huge. If you can't go back to your old job or can't work as much as before, I get you compensated for that lost income for the rest of your working life. I work with economists who calculate this down to the dollar.
Pain and suffering. The physical pain. The emotional trauma. The frustration and depression that come with serious injuries. This matters, and Illinois law says you deserve compensation.
Disability and disfigurement. If you have permanent injuries or scars, you're entitled to substantial compensation.
Loss of enjoyment of life. When you can't do the things you used to love—playing with your kids, your hobbies, activities—that has real value under Illinois law.
Property damage. Your vehicle repair or total loss. Rental car costs.
Loss of consortium. For your spouse—the impact your injuries have had on your marriage and family life.
Punitive damages. In cases where the trucking company or driver was grossly negligent—like falsifying logbooks, ignoring safety violations, or knowingly putting unsafe trucks on the road—Illinois law allows punitive damages to punish them. I've pursued these in cases where companies ignored federal regulations.
The trucking company's insurance will try to lowball you. They'll make a quick offer hoping you don't know what your case is really worth.
Don't take it. Call me first. (312)-500-4500. Let me tell you what you're actually entitled to.
When my father got hurt, his lawyer treated him terribly. That experience taught me exactly how NOT to handle cases.
I run my practice on Three Principles. And they matter ESPECIALLY in truck accident cases because these cases are so complex:
You deserve to have your phone calls answered. You deserve to know what's happening with your case. You deserve a lawyer who gives a damn.
When you work with me, you're not a number. Everyone on my team knows that winning your case while actually helping you is the whole point.
I return calls. I answer questions. I keep you in the loop. And in truck accident cases where things move fast and there's a lot happening, communication matters even more.
I've spent over $100,000 on advanced trial training. I'm a graduate of Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College and the prestigious KTI "The Edge" program. Not one in 10,000 lawyers has done the training I've done.
Why does this matter in truck accident cases? Because trucking companies have teams of lawyers. They have unlimited resources. You need someone who can go toe-to-toe with them.
Insurance companies know which lawyers can actually try cases. They pay more to lawyers they're scared of. That's me.
In truck accident cases, time is EVERYTHING. Evidence disappears. The trucking company is already investigating and building their defense.
Here's what I do immediately:
Preserve the evidence. Trucks have "black boxes" that record data—speed, braking, hours driven. This data can be overwritten or "lost." I send preservation letters immediately to make sure evidence is protected. I've had cases where trucking companies "couldn't find" the black box data until my preservation letter forced them to produce it.
Get the driver logs. Federal law requires truck drivers to keep logs of their hours. Companies sometimes falsify these to hide violations. I get the real records, including electronic logging device data.
Review maintenance records. Poor maintenance causes accidents. I dig through service records, inspection reports, repair histories. FMCSA requires specific maintenance schedules—I make sure companies followed them.
Check the driver's record. Has this driver caused accidents before? Do they have violations? I pull their complete driving history and employment records.
Investigate the company. Does this trucking company have a history of safety violations? Have they pushed drivers to break rules? I investigate their safety rating with FMCSA and their accident history.
Work with experts. Accident reconstruction specialists, trucking industry experts, medical experts, life care planners, economists—I bring in the best to build your case.
Interview witnesses. Before they forget or the trucking company gets to them.
Document the scene. Photos, videos, measurements—everything.
I beat the insurance company to the punch. And that means better results for you.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
If you've been in a truck accident, here's what you need to do RIGHT NOW:
Get medical help immediately. Even if you think you're okay. Adrenaline masks pain. Some injuries don't show symptoms for hours or days. Get checked out.
Call the police. Make sure there's an official accident report. This is critical evidence.
Document everything you can. If you're able: Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, your injuries, road conditions, the truck's company name, DOT number, license plate. The more evidence, the better.
Get the truck driver's information. Name, contact info, driver's license, trucking company name, insurance information, the truck's license plate and identification numbers.
Get witness information. Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened. Witnesses disappear fast.
Don't give statements to ANYONE. Not to the trucking company. Not to their insurance. Not to their investigators. They WILL twist your words against you.
Don't sign ANYTHING. The trucking company might try to get you to sign a release or statement before you even know how badly you're hurt. Don't do it.
Don't post on social media. Seriously. The trucking company's lawyers will look at your Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, everything. They'll use it against you.
Call me BEFORE you do anything else. (312)-500-4500. The trucking company already has a team working against you. You need someone on your side just as fast.
Look, I know you're hurt. I know you're stressed. I know dealing with insurance companies and lawyers sounds overwhelming. But time matters in these cases. Evidence disappears. The trucking company's story gets locked in.
Call me now. Not next week. Now.
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents usually cause serious injuries.
Let me tell you what I typically see:
Traumatic brain injuries. Head injuries from the impact. These range from concussions to permanent brain damage. Insurance companies love to minimize these, but they're devastating.
Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spine can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, permanent disability. These are life-changing injuries that require lifetime care.
Back and neck injuries. Herniated discs, fractures, nerve damage. Often need surgery. Cause chronic pain for the rest of your life.
Broken bones. Fractures to arms, legs, ribs, pelvis. Usually need surgery, pins, rods, plates. Long recovery periods.
Internal injuries. Organ damage, internal bleeding. These are life-threatening. Require emergency surgery. Often cause long-term complications.
Amputations. In severe crashes, limbs can be crushed beyond repair or severed in the accident.
Burns. If there's a fire, especially with tanker trucks carrying fuel or chemicals.
Crush injuries. When the truck's weight collapses your vehicle. These cause severe tissue damage, fractures, nerve damage.
Cuts and lacerations. Glass and metal cause serious cuts that leave permanent scars. Sometimes require plastic surgery.
Psychological trauma. PTSD, anxiety, depression after experiencing a traumatic truck accident. These are real injuries under Illinois law, and they deserve compensation.
Wrongful death. Too many truck accidents are fatal. I've represented families who lost loved ones. Nothing I do brings them back, but I make sure the family gets the compensation they're entitled to under Illinois wrongful death law.
These aren't minor injuries. They change lives. They prevent people from working. They require extensive medical treatment. They deserve serious compensation.
Don't let the insurance company tell you your injuries aren't that bad. You deserve every penny it takes to make you whole again.
You might be thinking you can handle this yourself. Or maybe you're thinking about using your regular lawyer.
Let me tell you why that's a bad idea.
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers. The moment an accident happens, they have investigators and attorneys working to minimize their liability. You're one person going up against a corporation with unlimited resources. You need someone who can match them.
The insurance coverage is massive. Commercial trucks carry much higher insurance policies than regular cars—often millions of dollars. The insurance companies will fight HARD to avoid paying those amounts. They have professional adjusters and lawyers whose entire job is to pay you as little as possible.
Federal regulations are complex. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations govern trucking companies and drivers. There are rules about hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, cargo securement, everything. Knowing these regulations and how to use violations to prove your case takes experience. I know these rules inside and out.
Multiple parties are involved. As I mentioned earlier, there might be several defendants—the driver, the company, the owner, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, parts manufacturers. Sorting that out and going after all of them requires legal expertise.
Evidence disappears fast. Logbooks, black box data, maintenance records, video footage—companies know what evidence hurts them. They've been known to "lose" critical evidence. A lawyer can preserve this evidence through legal demands and court orders. I've done it hundreds of times.
Your injuries might be worse than you realize. Some injuries get worse over time. If you settle too early for too little, you can't go back for more money later. You get one shot at this. Make it count.
They'll use your words against you. Anything you say to the trucking company, their insurance, or their investigators can and will be used to deny or minimize your claim. Even innocent statements get twisted.
Illinois law is complicated. Comparative fault rules, damages calculations, wrongful death claims, statutes of limitations—there are lots of legal issues that affect your case. One mistake can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
I've handled hundreds of truck accident cases. I know how these cases work. I know what evidence to look for. I know how to deal with trucking company lawyers and insurance adjusters. I know what your case is worth.
And most important—I only represent injured people. Never trucking companies. Your fight is my fight.
I represent truck accident victims all over Chicago and the surrounding areas.
Chicago neighborhoods: I've handled cases from the Loop to Lincoln Park. From Pilsen to Hyde Park. Wicker Park, Lakeview, Logan Square, Bridgeport, South Shore, Bronzeville, Austin, Humboldt Park, Rogers Park, Edgewater, Andersonville, West Town, Bucktown, Ukrainian Village, Albany Park, North Center, Lincoln Square, Old Town, Gold Coast, River North, Streeterville, South Loop, West Loop, Englewood—everywhere.
Chicago suburbs: Evanston, Skokie, Oak Park, Cicero, Berwyn, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Hoffman Estates, Park Ridge, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Wheaton, Bolingbrook, Orland Park, Tinley Park—all surrounding areas.
Major highways: I-90 (Kennedy Expressway, Chicago Skyway), I-94 (Dan Ryan Expressway, Edens Expressway), I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway), I-55 (Stevenson Expressway), I-294 (Tri-State Tollway), Lake Shore Drive, Jane Byrne Interchange—all Chicago-area highways where truck accidents happen.
My office is at 1000 Jorie Blvd, Ste 204, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Right on "Lawyer's Row," across from the courthouse. But here's the thing—I'll meet you wherever works for you.
Your home. The hospital. A coffee shop near you. Really, anywhere you feel comfortable.
Because although we settle about 90% of our cases quickly, we also go to court when we need to. And having my office downtown—where the insurance companies know I can afford the expensive rent and where I'm steps from the courthouse—sends a message. It tells them I'm ready, willing, and able to fight.
But I also visit clients all over Chicago and the suburbs. We can meet wherever is easiest for you.
The important thing is that we talk. Call me. (312)-500-4500.
Two years from the date of the accident. That's the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Illinois. Miss that deadline and you lose your right to compensation forever. There are very few exceptions.
But here's the thing—you shouldn't wait anywhere near two years. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. The trucking company's story gets locked in. Call me NOW. (312)-500-4500.
They always say that. Every single time. That's why investigation matters. I find the real evidence—black box data, witness statements, driver logs, maintenance records, the actual facts. The truth comes out when you dig for it.
Illinois has a "modified comparative fault" rule. As long as you're less than 51% at fault, you can still recover. Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still win. Even if you were partly at fault, call me. Let's talk about it.
Depends on your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and lots of other factors. But truck accident cases are typically worth MORE than regular car accidents because:
The injuries are more severe, the insurance coverage is higher (often millions of dollars), multiple parties might be liable, punitive damages are sometimes available.
The consultation is free. Call me and I'll give you an honest assessment. (312)-500-4500.
Most settle. About 90% of my cases settle without going to trial. But here's the key—the trucking companies know I'm willing and ready to go to court. That knowledge helps me get better settlements.
If they won't settle fairly, I'll take your case to trial. I've done it. I'll do it again.
How long will it take?
Some cases settle in months. Others take longer, especially if we go to trial. I move as fast as possible while fighting for maximum compensation. I won't rush you into a bad settlement just to close your file.
Nothing upfront. Zero. I work on contingency. That means I only get paid if you get paid.
My fee is 33⅓% if we settle before trial, 40% if we go to trial. These are standard rates in Illinois. Medical malpractice cases are 33⅓%.
And here's what's really important—I advance ALL case costs. Medical records, expert witnesses, court filing fees, depositions, accident reconstruction, investigators—everything. You don't pay me back unless we win.
You never pay out of pocket. I only get paid if you get paid first.
Pretty good deal, right?
Doesn't matter. Even if they followed every regulation, they can still be liable if their driver was negligent. Running a red light isn't a trucking regulation violation, but it's still negligence that makes them liable.
Also, I often find violations when I dig deep enough. Companies are good at hiding them.
Trucking companies LOVE to claim their drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability. But under Illinois and federal law, there are specific tests to determine if someone is really an independent contractor or actually an employee.
I investigate the actual relationship. How much control did the company have? Who provided the truck? Who paid for fuel and maintenance? Who set the routes and schedules? Often, "independent contractors" are really employees, and the company is liable.
Even if they truly are independent contractors, there are still other parties who might be liable—the truck owner, the maintenance company, the cargo loader, the parts manufacturer. I find them all.
Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life. Scott is a down to earth person and attorney. Scott is a 5 star first class act who really knows his stuff. The Judge said his presentation was one of if not the best he had ever seen. Take my advice, hire Scott I’m sure you’ll be 200% satisfied I was.
Scott not only cares about the case, but he truly cares about his clients and that makes him the best lawyer I have ever met and hired! He won my case! He is thorough in everything he does. I highly recommend Scott, and will always refer him to family and friends.
I hired Scott DeSalvo upon a friend’s recommendation. His office kept me informed of developments as they happened, and I felt the settlement reached was fair considering my injuries. I would highly recommend Scott DeSalvo to represent your personal injury case.
Look, I know you're dealing with a lot. Truck accidents are serious. You're hurt. Worried about medical bills. Worried about missing work. And you've got the trucking company and their insurance already working against you.
You need someone on your side. Someone who knows how these cases work and isn't afraid of big trucking companies and their lawyers.
When I was 9, I watched what happened to my father when he got hurt and didn't have the right lawyer. I watched his case drag on for 17 years. I watched the insurance company run him around. And at the end, his own lawyer sued him for more money.
I became a lawyer so that would NEVER happen to anyone I represent.
I've dedicated my entire career—my entire life, really—to helping injured people fight back against insurance companies and big corporations that only care about their bottom line.
I've spent over $100,000 on advanced training. I fly all over the country studying with the best trial lawyers in America. I've developed my own case management systems to handle cases better and faster than other lawyers.
And I did it all for one reason: so YOU get the very best representation possible.
Your fight is my fight.
So here's what I want you to do right now:
Pick up the phone and call me. (312)-500-4500.
Doesn't matter what time it is. I'm available 24/7/365. Day, night, weekend, holiday, 3am on Christmas—doesn't matter. I'm here.
The call's free. The consultation's free. We'll talk like friends. No pressure, no games, no lawyer BS. Just honest answers about your truck accident case.
I'll tell you straight up if I think you have a case and what it might be worth. Then you decide if you want to hire me. Your choice. Either way, we end up as friends.
Sound good?
Remember: You pay nothing unless I win. I cover all costs. No money out of pocket. No risk to you.
The trucking company already has a team working against you. You need someone fighting FOR you just as hard.
Call (312)-500-4500 right now.
Let's talk about your truck accident. Let's figure out what happened. And let's get you the compensation you deserve.
Your fight is my fight. Let's do this together.
Main Office:
1000 Jorie Blvd Ste 204
Oak Brook, IL 60523
New Cases: 312-500-4500
Office: 1 312-895-0545
Fax: 1 866-629-1817
service@desalvolaw.com
Chicago and Other Suburban Offices
By Appointment Only
