My dad's injury changed everything for our family when I was just a kid. He was tough—drove trucks professionally as a Teamster, provided for us, never complained about the hard work.
One accident took all of that away from him.
What bothers me most about these cases is that I've witnessed both perspectives. Growing up with a truck driver dad taught me how demanding that profession is. I also learned firsthand what the aftermath of serious truck crashes looks like.
A few months back, a woman from Elgin called our office. She'd been heading east on I-90 near the tollway when a commercial truck's tire blew out, causing the driver to swerve directly into her lane. Her vehicle got crushed. She ended up with serious spinal injuries, fractured ribs, couldn't return to her job. Here's the crazy part—the trucking company sent their people to document everything and talk to witnesses while she was still being treated by paramedics.
This is standard operating procedure for these companies. They mobilize immediately because they understand exactly what's at stake financially. Without an experienced attorney protecting your interests, they'll run right over you.
My name is Scott DeSalvo. Throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas, I take on truck accident cases. I've battled major trucking corporations and their legal teams. My experience covers accidents with semis, delivery vehicles, 18-wheelers, garbage trucks—every commercial vehicle type. I've secured millions in compensation for people who suffered devastating injuries that weren't their fault.
Truck accident claims are completely different from typical vehicle collisions. More complexity. Higher stakes. Multiple entities working against you. The trucking operation has attorneys. Their insurance carrier has attorneys. You absolutely need representation that knows how to counter their tactics.
That's my specialty. And I exclusively represent injured victims—NEVER the trucking industry or their insurance carriers. When you're fighting, I'm fighting with you.
Call me immediately. (312)-500-4500. Anytime at all. Morning, evening, midnight, weekends, holidays—it doesn't matter. The consultation costs nothing. We'll have a real conversation. No sales pitch. Just honest information about your situation.
Whether you got hurt in a car crash, truck accident or it involved a bicycle, bus, train or even Uber or Lyft, we work hard to get you a top settlement fast!
Workers Comp and Third Party Work Injuries are handled with the best speed and professionalism to get you a fast and full recovery for work injuries.
Fell at a business or got bit by a dog or hurt by someone who was intoxicated? We make sure all the boxes are checked in premises liability cases to get it all for our clients.
Medical errors are the third highest cause of death in the United States, and we take an aggessive, meticulous approach to these most challenging cases to win for our clients.
Nursing home cases can involve falls, mistreatment, or bad medical care, buy they always involve a betrayal of trust, and that's why we pull out all the stops to maximize results for our clients.
Elgin's on major truck routes—I've beaten big trucking companies in cases just like yours. Call us before they hide the black box data.
The roads around Elgin present unique challenges for everyone, but commercial trucks create particularly hazardous conditions on I-90, Route 20, and the surrounding highways.
We're talking about vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded. Compare that to your passenger vehicle at roughly 4,000 pounds. The physics aren't in your favor.
Illinois Department of Transportation data shows truck accidents represent nearly 10% of all fatal Illinois crashes. Remember, tractor-trailers make up only 3.5% of highway traffic, yet they're responsible for 10% of fatalities. Those numbers tell a frightening story.
My firm has handled truck crash cases on every major roadway serving Elgin and the Fox Valley. I-90 where trucks push through at high speeds making Chicago deliveries. Route 31 running through the heart of Elgin where commercial traffic mixes with local drivers. The Jane Addams Tollway section where multiple interchanges create constant merging situations. Illinois State Police data shows thousands of crashes annually in these corridors.
Let me break down specific problem areas where my clients have been injured:
I-90 near Beverly Road. Heavy merging traffic. Commercial vehicles transitioning between the tollway and local routes. Lane changes happening constantly. Perfect conditions for serious accidents.
Route 20 through Elgin. Mix of local traffic and through-trucks. Frequent stops and starts. Delivery trucks making sudden turns into businesses. Speed variations that catch drivers off guard.
Randall Road corridor. Major commercial route with constant truck traffic. Multiple intersections. Right-turn accidents. Backing incidents in parking areas.
I-90/Route 25 interchange. Trucks entering and exiting the tollway. High speeds meeting local traffic patterns. Visibility challenges during certain conditions.
Here's what makes these crashes so devastating:
The weight disparity is brutal. When a fully loaded commercial truck collides with a passenger car, the destruction is usually catastrophic. I've handled cases where cars were completely demolished while the truck driver barely felt the impact.
Physics works against you. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration confirms that loaded trucks require exponentially more distance to stop than cars. At typical highway speeds, we're looking at stopping distances that stretch for hundreds of feet. When drivers underestimate this or travel too fast for conditions, fatal accidents occur.
Visibility limitations are massive. Commercial trucks have enormous blind spots—entire zones where cars simply disappear from the driver's view. Both sides of the trailer. The entire rear area. Directly in front of the cab. If you're positioned in any of these zones when the truck maneuvers, the consequences can be deadly.
Driver exhaustion plays a role. FMCSA research indicates that fatigue contributes to approximately 6% of commercial truck accidents. While that percentage sounds small, multiply it across thousands of crashes and you're looking at countless preventable injuries caused by drivers who shouldn't have been behind the wheel.
Maintenance shortcuts kill. When companies cut corners on vehicle maintenance—defective braking systems, tires with insufficient tread, malfunctioning lighting—accidents become inevitable. FMCSA data identifies faulty brakes as the leading mechanical failure in truck crashes, accounting for 14% of these incidents.
The companies involved understand these statistics completely. They employ investigators and legal teams specifically trained to minimize their financial exposure. They'll attempt to shift blame onto you. They'll argue you were positioned in a blind spot. They'll insist their driver operated appropriately.
You need someone who fights back effectively.
My practice covers every category of commercial truck accident case throughout Elgin, the Fox Valley, and all of Illinois. Regardless of size or complexity, I take them on.
Semi-truck and 18-wheeler crashes. These massive commercial vehicles transport cargo across state lines. When they're involved in accidents, injuries are typically catastrophic. My cases span I-90, Route 20, and every significant highway in the region.
Delivery vehicle collisions. FedEx, UPS, Amazon trucks everywhere throughout Elgin. These drivers face intense pressure to complete routes quickly. That pressure creates dangerous situations. I've represented clients from every Elgin neighborhood and surrounding community.
Box truck incidents. U-Haul, Budget, Penske rentals. Frequently operated by inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with handling large vehicles. High centers of gravity make rollovers more likely.
Garbage truck crashes. These vehicles make countless stops, reverse regularly, and have substantial blind spot problems. I've seen severe accidents involving waste management trucks across the area.
Hazmat tanker accidents. When dangerous materials are being transported, accidents become exponentially more serious. Chemical spills, fires, potential explosions—these incidents can impact entire blocks.
Jackknife crashes. The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. Often involves multiple vehicles and occurs during adverse weather or when drivers apply brakes incorrectly.
Underride collisions. A passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck's trailer. Among the most catastrophic accidents I encounter. Frequently fatal.
Rollover crashes. Trucks tip onto their sides, typically from excessive speed in turns or improperly secured cargo.
Wide turn collisions. Commercial trucks require substantial space for turns. When drivers misjudge clearances or don't check adequately, they strike cars, motorcycles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
Regardless of which type of truck accident caused your injuries, call me. (312)-500-4500. Let's discuss what happened to you.
This is where truck accident litigation gets complex—and why you need an attorney with specialized knowledge in this area.
Multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries. That's actually BENEFICIAL because it means more insurance policies available to compensate you fairly.
The driver. If they were exceeding speed limits, driving distracted, fatigued, intoxicated, or breaking traffic laws, they're liable. But there's usually more.
The trucking operation. Companies bear responsibility for employee actions under "respondeat superior" legal doctrine. They're also liable if they pressured drivers to violate federal regulations, failed to provide adequate training, or hired individuals with disqualifying driving histories. I examine their entire hiring process, training protocols, and corporate policies.
Vehicle owners. Sometimes drivers don't own the trucks they operate. Owners can be liable when maintenance failures cause accidents.
Cargo companies. FMCSA confirms that improper cargo loading causes accidents. If freight was loaded incorrectly or secured inadequately, the loading company faces potential liability.
Maintenance contractors. When inadequate maintenance or faulty repairs contribute to an accident, the service provider may be responsible.
Manufacturers. If defective equipment—braking systems, tires, steering components—caused the crash, I pursue the manufacturer. Product liability claims can substantially increase available coverage.
Shipping companies. Entities that contract for trucking services sometimes share liability.
This is why specialized legal knowledge matters. I investigate every detail—logbooks, maintenance documentation, electronic data recorders, company procedures, employment records, training files. I identify every responsible party and pursue them all.
Multiple defendants means multiple insurance policies. That translates to more compensation available for you.
Truck accident cases typically involve substantial compensation because injuries are severe and significant insurance coverage exists.
Here's what I pursue on your behalf:
Medical costs. Everything. Emergency transport, ER treatment, hospitalization, surgical procedures, specialist consultations, physical rehabilitation, prescriptions, medical devices, in-home care. Not only current expenses—future medical needs for your lifetime. I collaborate with life care planning experts who project your long-term medical requirements.
Lost income. Every dollar you've lost from being unable to work. Not just your current losses—your future earning capacity if you can't return to your previous employment or career path. I work with economic experts who calculate lifetime income loss.
Pain and suffering. The physical pain you've endured and will continue experiencing. This includes chronic pain, permanent discomfort, and reduced quality of life. Illinois law allows substantial compensation for this category.
Emotional trauma. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear—all common after serious truck accidents. Mental health consequences are real and compensable.
Disability and disfigurement. If you've suffered permanent disability or scarring, you deserve compensation for how this affects every aspect of your life going forward.
Loss of enjoyment. Activities you loved but can no longer participate in. Hobbies abandoned. Experiences missed. Reduced life quality.
Property damage. Your vehicle, personal belongings—everything destroyed in the crash.
Sometimes punitive damages. When trucking companies act with willful disregard for safety, Illinois law permits punitive damages—extra money meant to punish bad behavior and prevent future misconduct.
Wrongful death damages. If you lost someone you love, you can pursue compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering.
I fight for maximum compensation in every case.
My approach focuses on building the strongest possible case while you concentrate on healing.
Here's my process:
Free consultation. We talk. You tell me what happened. I ask questions. I evaluate your case. I explain your legal options. Everything confidential. Zero pressure. Just real information about your situation. Call anytime—(312)-500-4500.
Immediate investigation. Time destroys evidence. I act fast. My team visits the accident scene. We document everything. We identify witnesses and get their statements before memories fade. We preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
Federal regulations review. Commercial trucking is heavily regulated by the FMCSA. I analyze whether violations occurred. Driver logbook irregularities. Hours of service violations. Maintenance record gaps. I find violations that strengthen your case.
Black box analysis. Most commercial trucks have electronic data recorders—"black boxes"—that capture critical information. Speed, braking, steering, engine data. I obtain this data before trucking companies can "lose" it.
Expert engagement. I work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, trucking industry professionals, economists, and life care planners. These experts provide powerful testimony about how the accident happened and its impact on your life.
Fighting the insurance companies. Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly with settlement offers. DO NOT talk to them without an attorney. Their "generous" offer is probably a fraction of what your case is actually worth. I handle all communications and negotiations.
Demand preparation. I compile comprehensive demand packages documenting every aspect of your damages. Medical records, bills, employment documentation, expert reports, witness statements. I present an overwhelming case for maximum compensation.
Aggressive negotiation. Most insurance companies prefer settling rather than facing trial. I negotiate hard. I don't accept inadequate offers just to close files quickly. I hold out for fair compensation.
Trial preparation. While negotiating, I simultaneously prepare for trial. Depositions. Discovery. Motions. This demonstrates I'm serious about taking your case to court if necessary—which typically improves settlement offers.
Trial. If the insurance company won't settle fairly, I take your case to trial. I've tried cases. I'll try yours. I'm not afraid of courtrooms or trucking company lawyers.
Settlement or verdict. When we win—either through settlement or trial verdict—I make sure you get your money quickly.
Throughout this entire process, you're informed. I explain what's happening, answer your questions, and involve you in major decisions. Your case. Your choices.
Find Out What YOUR Case Might Be Worth...for free.
Lots of attorneys claim they handle truck accidents. Here's why I'm different:
Personal experience. My father's injury taught me how devastating these cases are. I've seen the insurance company games firsthand. I became a lawyer specifically to prevent what happened to my dad from happening to my clients.
Specialized knowledge. I've invested over $100,000 in advanced trial advocacy training. Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College. Rick Friedman's programs. KTI "The Edge." I continuously study with America's best trial attorneys to improve my skills.
Exclusive injury representation. I only represent injured people—NEVER trucking companies or insurance carriers. No conflicts of interest. Your fight is always my fight.
Significant verdicts and settlements. I've recovered millions for injured clients. My results speak for themselves.
No upfront costs. You pay nothing unless I win your case. I advance all case expenses—expert fees, court costs, investigation expenses, everything. You never pay out of pocket.
24/7 availability. I answer my phone. Day, night, weekends, holidays. When you call, you reach me, not some answering service. (312)-500-4500.
Personalized attention. You're not a case number. You're a person who got hurt and needs help. I treat you with dignity and respect.
Aggressive representation. Insurance companies know I fight hard and I'm willing to go to trial. That knowledge helps me get better settlements.
Clear communication. I explain things in plain English. No confusing legal jargon. You understand what's happening with your case at every stage.
Honest assessment. I tell you the truth about your case, even if it's not what you want to hear. I don't make unrealistic promises. I give you realistic expectations and then work to exceed them.
Illinois law imposes strict time limits for filing injury lawsuits. Generally, you have two years from the accident date. Miss that deadline and you lose your right to compensation—forever. No exceptions.
Evidence disappears fast. Witnesses forget details or become impossible to locate. Trucking companies dispose of records. Physical evidence at the scene vanishes.
Your medical treatment creates ongoing records that document your injuries. Delays in hiring an attorney can complicate establishing the full extent of your damages.
The trucking company's team started working immediately after your accident. Every day you wait gives them an advantage.
Call me right now. (312)-500-4500. Let's get started protecting your rights and building your case.
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
