An accident with a semi-truck on I-55 can flip your life upside down in seconds. One moment, you’re heading to work or coming home from a weekend trip—and the next, you’re dealing with a damaged vehicle, physical pain, and a long list of questions that don’t have easy answers. In moments like these, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in how your recovery unfolds.
I-55 is one of the busiest highways in the country, especially near major urban corridors like Chicago. The constant flow of commercial traffic creates higher risks for serious collisions, often involving out-of-state carriers and large trucking companies. These aren’t your average fender-benders—they’re complex, high-impact incidents that can cause lifelong injuries and legal complications.
If you’ve been injured after an I-55 truck accident, the most important thing you can do is protect your health and your legal rights. That starts with understanding what to do immediately following the crash and how to position yourself for the strongest possible claim.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps you should take after being hit by a truck on I-55 so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and support.
1. Prioritize Safety and Call for Help
The very first thing to do after a truck crash—before anything else—is to check yourself and others for injuries. If you’re physically able, get to a safe location away from traffic and call 911. Law enforcement will arrive to secure the scene and create an official accident report, which becomes a key piece of evidence later on.
Even if you feel “okay,” do not skip medical attention. Some injuries, like concussions or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation protects your health and also documents your condition from day one—something insurance companies will scrutinize later.
2. Gather Evidence While You Can
If your injuries allow, take photos of everything—the truck, your vehicle, road conditions, debris, skid marks, and nearby traffic signs. Get names and contact details from any eyewitnesses, and make note of the truck’s license plate and company branding.
Also, if there are traffic cameras or local businesses nearby, your attorney may be able to obtain valuable surveillance footage. Every piece of evidence can help your case, especially if there’s a dispute about fault or liability.
3. Avoid Talking to the Trucking Company’s Insurance
Once the trucking company finds out about the accident, their insurance team will likely reach out. Their goal? To get you to say something that weakens your claim or accept a lowball settlement before you understand the full scope of your damages.
You are under no obligation to talk to them—and you absolutely should not provide a recorded statement without legal advice. Let your attorney handle all communication moving forward.
4. Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately
Truck accidents are not like regular car crashes. The legal process is more complicated, involving state and federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and high-dollar insurance policies.
An experienced truck accident attorney can help you navigate the process, investigate the crash, and fight for fair compensation. This includes recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care if your injuries are long-term.
Your lawyer will also make sure all filing deadlines are met and that no evidence is lost due to delays. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
5. Track Your Medical Treatment and Recovery
After the accident, it’s important to follow all prescribed treatments and attend follow-up appointments. Keep a journal of your recovery process—documenting pain levels, emotional distress, and how your injuries affect your daily life. These notes can support claims for non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
Also, hold on to every bill and receipt—emergency room visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and even travel costs related to your treatment. These records will help calculate the full financial impact of the crash.
Final Thoughts
Being hit by a truck on I-55 is overwhelming—but you don’t have to go through it alone. By acting quickly, documenting everything, and working with a skilled attorney, you can protect your health and build a strong legal case for compensation.
The road to recovery may be long, but you have rights—and with the right support, you can take control of your future after an I-55 truck accident.