Illinois Trucking Accident Statistics
Illinois ranks ninth nationally in large truck crash fatalities, recording approximately 145 deaths annually. Chicago is the nation's freight hub — where I-90/94, I-290, I-55, and I-80 converge — and urban intersection crashes account for 41% of Chicago truck accidents, far above the national average. Illinois's position at the center of the national rail and highway network means the state sees enormous through-freight volumes.
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Illinois ranks 9th nationally — 145 people die in large truck crashes every year, driven by Chicago's role as the nation's freight hub.
Urban intersection crashes account for 41% of Chicago truck accidents — far above the national average — driven by the city's role as the nation's freight hub.
Chicago is the nation's freight hub where I-90/94, I-290, I-55, and I-80 converge, handling more freight by rail and highway than any other city in the United States.
5-Year Trend (2019–2023)
Source: FMCSA Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts
| Year | Fatal Crashes | Fatalities | Injury Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 125 | 136 | 6,300 |
| 2020 | 122 | 133 | 5,900 |
| 2021 | 138 | 150 | 6,600 |
| 2022 | 134 | 146 | 6,700 |
| 2023 | 133 | 145 | 6,800 |
Data: FMCSA Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts, NHTSA FARS
Most Dangerous Trucking Corridors in Illinois
Annual commercial vehicle crash estimates — source: state DOT and FMCSA data
Top Contributing Factors in Illinois
Chicago's extreme traffic congestion creates elevated crash risk for commercial vehicles navigating complex interchange areas.
Illinois's role as the nation's freight hub with significant long-haul operations contributes to above-average fatigue rates.
Illinois's harsh winters create challenging conditions on I-80, I-90/94, and other major freight corridors.
Rural sections of I-55 and I-57 see elevated speeding-related commercial vehicle crashes.
Source: FMCSA Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts, state DOT reports. Percentages represent share of fatal crashes where factor was cited.
Key Facts for Illinois
- Illinois ranks #9 nationally in large truck crash fatalities
- Chicago is the nation's freight hub — more freight moves through Chicago than any other U.S. city
- 41% of Chicago truck crashes occur at urban intersections — far above the national average
- Illinois uses modified comparative fault — you can recover if less than 51% at fault
- Illinois's 2-year statute of limitations is strictly enforced
- Illinois's harsh winters create additional crash risk on I-80 and I-90/94
Illinois Legal Quick Reference
Evidence in trucking cases — including black box data, ELD records, and driver logs — can be destroyed within days. Contact a Illinois trucking accident attorney immediately after an accident.
Find a Illinois Trucking Accident Attorney
Browse our directory of experienced trucking accident attorneys across Illinois's major cities. All attorneys listed focus specifically on commercial trucking accident cases.
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Illinois records approximately 145 large truck crash fatalities per year, ranking 9th nationally. Chicago's role as the nation's freight hub — where I-90/94, I-290, I-55, and I-80 converge — drives a significant share of the state's commercial vehicle crash fatalities.