Truck Accident Lawyer in Bloomington, IL
Truck accident lawyer in Bloomington, IL, Terry Dodds, fights negligent truck drivers and trucking companies to win maximum compensation for injury victims.
- Over 25 years of experience
- Millions recovered for clients
- No fee unless you win
Trucking companies and their insurers move fast after a wreck. They’ll dangle a settlement check and call it fair, hoping you sign before you know what your medical bills and lost wages actually add up to. Most of the time, that check won’t cover your first hospital visit, let alone the treatment still ahead.
Terry Dodds and the team at Dodds Law Office protect your rights and fight for what you’re actually owed. We’re a full-service personal injury firm based in Bloomington, IL, and we take on the truck accident cases other firms turn down, then win them.
What to Know About Semi-Truck Accident Claims in Bloomington & McLean County
Truck accident cases involve more moving parts than a typical car accident claim. Here’s what to know before you deal with a trucking company’s insurer in Bloomington or McLean County.
- Truck accident claims often involve federal regulations, such as FMCSA hours-of-service and driver qualification rules, on top of Illinois state law, making these cases more complex than a typical car accident claim.
- Illinois generally allows two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury claim, so getting legal guidance early helps protect your right to compensation throughout McLean County.
- More than one party can be liable for a truck accident, including the driver, the trucking company, a cargo loader, or a parts manufacturer, so a thorough investigation matters.
- A Bloomington truck accident lawyer familiar with the interstate corridors running through McLean County, including the I-55, I-74, and I-39 interchange, can help build a stronger claim against a trucking company’s insurer.
Meet Our Truck Accident Lawyer
Attorney at Law
Terry Dodds | Bloomington, Illinois
Terry Dodds is a Bloomington-Normal native who has practiced law since 2000. He earned his B.A. in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University and his J.D. from Southern Illinois University School of Law.
Terry began his career as a public defender before entering private practice, where he gained extensive experience in personal injury, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and criminal defense. He has handled both trial and appellate matters and is committed to protecting his clients’ rights and pursuing the results they deserve.
Bar Admissions
Illinois – Since 2001
Missouri – Since 2000
Education
J.D. – Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 2000
B.A. – Illinois State University, 1996
Publications
Equal Pay in College Coaching: A Summary of Recent Decisions
Recognition
Over 20 years of legal experience representing clients in personal injury, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice, and criminal defense matters.
Professional Associations
McLean County Chamber of Commerce — Member since 2007 Illinois State Bar Association — Member since 2006 McLean County Bar Association — Member since 2005
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Contact Dodds Law Office for a free consultation.
Why Hire Bloomington Truck Accident Attorney Terry Dodds?
The truck accident lawyer in Bloomington, IL you hire to represent you in your personal injury case could mean the difference between recovering enough compensation to pay for your current and future medical expenses and replace your lost wages, and facing significant financial burdens down the road.
To ensure you recover fair compensation for your losses, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer who is familiar with FMCSA regulations, the multiple parties who may be liable for your accident, and the impact of catastrophic truck accident injuries on victims’ lives.
What sets truck accident attorney Terry Dodds apart from other personal injury lawyers in Bloomington, IL?
Terry Dodds Wins More for Injured Truck Accident Victims
Terry uses his extensive knowledge of Illinois motor vehicle accident law, industry standards, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations that govern commercial trucks and trucking companies, to tip the scales of justice in your favor. His experience with commercial vehicle accidents helps him identify the details of truck crashes that a less experienced personal injury attorney might miss.
It is often these details that allow victims of semi truck accidents to sue multiple parties, or demonstrate that punitive damages should be awarded. Over the years, our law firm has recovered millions on behalf of our clients.
Terry Dodds Understands Serious Truck Accident Injuries May Impact Your Life
As a Bloomington truck accident attorney with over 20 years of experience representing the people of Illinois, Terry understands how severe injuries from trucking accidents can impact a victim’s life and the lives of family members. He has watched victims endure substantial financial losses that threaten their ability to get medical treatment, keep the lights on, or even put food on the table. He has seen the stress, the pain, and the frustration that a truck accident often leaves in its wake.
While filing a truck accident claim won’t erase the trauma his clients have experienced, Terry’s goal is to help you obtain financial compensation that will make dealing with your losses a little more bearable.
At Dodds Law Office, Our Clients Are Our Top Priority
Bloomington truck accident attorney Terry Dodds puts your wellbeing, your best interests, and your financial recovery first. Unlike some truck accident lawyers in Bloomington, Illinois, who focus on their own bottom line and obtaining fast settlements, Terry works to ensure that his clients receive full compensation for current and future losses.
When you hire Dodds Law Office to handle your truck accident case, you will have one-on-one, direct communication with Terry, who handles all of his clients’ cases himself. He will answer your questions, address your concerns, and keep you updated on the status of your accident claim or lawsuit as your case progresses.
Call Experienced truck accident lawyer Terry Dodds now at (309) 829-9300. FREE consultations.
Where 18-Wheeler Accidents Happen Most in McLean County, IL
Semi-trucks and commercial vehicles travel major freight corridors throughout McLean County every day, from interstate interchanges to routes near local industry. Explore the map below to see where truck traffic is heaviest, and if you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a commercial truck, Dodds Law Office is ready to help.
Loading interactive map…
Locations shown reflect known interstate corridors, interchanges, and freight routes in McLean County, and are provided for general informational purposes.
Hurt in a Semi-Truck Accident?
Truck accident claims involve federal trucking regulations and corporate insurers. Terry Dodds and the Dodds Law Office team know how to take on both.
Request A Free ConsultationWhat Laws Govern Truck Drivers in Illinois?
Commercial motor vehicles, including semi-trucks, are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Because not all the federal regulations preempt state law, the State of Illinois has also enacted laws regulating commercial motor vehicles and their drivers. Experienced central Illinois truck accident attorneys are familiar with the regulations that apply to semi-tractor trailers and their drivers.Â
Common regulations that truck drivers must follow include regulations dealing with logbooks (number of service hours), the record books of the employer, and regulations governing the securing and management of loads. Additionally, truck drivers must refrain from using cell phones while driving.
Truck drivers are required to adhere to regulations regarding their hours of service. These laws exist in an effort to prevent driver fatigue and subsequent accidents. In Illinois, the laws governing driving times impose:
- A maximum of 11 consecutive driving hours in a 14-hour period. This is to be followed by 10 consecutive off-duty hours.
- A maximum of 14 on-duty hours, including driving and non-driving activities, in a 24-hour period. Non-driving activities include maintenance, loading and unloading the trailer, completing paperwork, etc.
- A maximum of 60 hours of on-duty time in a seven-day period, or 70 hours during in an eight-day period.
In addition to the above regulations, truck drivers must meet licensing requirements and have sufficient training.
Truck Accidents Cause Serious Injuries
Facing a Long Recovery After a Truck Crash? We’re Here for the Long Haul.
Injuries from a collision with a semi-truck are often severe, and healing can take months or years. Dodds Law Office stands by truck accident victims throughout Bloomington and McLean County for as long as it takes, working to secure compensation that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Request A Free ConsultationIllinois Truck Driver Requirements and Criteria
The United States Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is responsible for ensuring unified motor carrier safety requirements and procedures in the United States, has identified minimum standards that the licensing entities of the states must ensure its licensed driver’s meet before they can lawfully issue any Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL’s). A state can lose federal funding should it fail to abide by the minimum requirements.
To obtain a CDL in Illinois, drivers must:
- Pass the General (Core) Knowledge written test and Combination Knowledge written test (Class A), the Air Brake Knowledge written test (if operating a CMV with air brakes), and successfully complete the CDL skills/drive test.
- Obtain a medical examiner’s certificate documenting that the applicant is physically qualified to operate a CMV.
- Not be disqualified in Illinois or another jurisdiction from obtaining a CDL, meaning that the applicant has not lost his or her right to drive in Illinois or another state.
- Meet the requirements of any special endorsements the driver might need for the type of motor vehicle he or she is seeking to drive.
- Pay the applicable fee(s).
For help proving a negligent truck driver violated the above regulations in Illinois, call truck accident lawyer Terry Dodds at (309) 829-9300.
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Understanding Illinois Truck Accident Claims
How Much Is An Illinois Truck Accident Claim Worth?
There isn’t really an average truck accident settlement amount because various factors impact the compensation victims receive. The value of a truck accident claim depends on the damages you suffered in the crash. Your damage award will increase or decrease based on the severity of your injuries. This is because more severe injuries will have a greater impact on the victim’s life, require more extensive medical treatment, and likely increase the amount of time needed to recover.Â
Damages available in a truck accident claim fall into three primary categories:
- Economic Damages: Economic damages are tied to the financial consequences of a crash, and are typically easy to document. Economic damages include initial medical expenses, lost wages, long-term treatment costs, and costs for medical equipment or prescriptions.Â
- Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages are harder to quantify, as they are not tied directly to the financial impact of a truck accident. Non-economic damages typically include emotional damages, such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: Only awarded under circumstances involving egregiously negligent behavior, punitive damages are intended to punish the liable party and prevent further harm to future victims.
Who Is At-Fault for a Truck Accident in Illinois?
The liable party in a truck accident claim depends on the circumstances that caused the crash. If the accident was due to driver negligence, such as reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, or substance use, the truck driver may be liable for your injuries. If the accident was caused by other factors, such as inadequate maintenance, improper training, negligent hiring, or over scheduling, the trucking company may be found at-fault.Â
An attorney will request the driver’s cell phone history to determine whether the driver was violating the regulations that prohibit texting or operating a cellular device while driving. The lawyer may also want to obtain the service records of the semi involved, the GPS data, or data from the event data recorder (EDR) or electronic control module (ECM), also known as the “black box”. This information will help your Bloomington truck accident lawyer prove you aren’t at-fault for your accident.Â
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Illinois?
Truck accident claims are governed by the same statute of limitations as other personal injury claims. In Illinois, truck accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim or lawsuit. There are, however, exceptions to the statute of limitations. These exceptions typically apply in cases involving incapacitated victims and minors. A semi-truck accident lawyer can help you determine how long you have to file your claim.
You’re Not Alone After a Semi-Truck Crash
Hurt in a Semi-Truck Accident? You Deserve a Team That Will Fight for You.
A crash with a commercial truck can be devastating, and the company behind it already has a legal team working against you.
Terry Dodds and the Dodds Law Office team have the experience to take on trucking companies and their insurers throughout Bloomington and McLean County. You focus on recovering — we’ll handle the fight.
Request A Free ConsultationWhat Should You Do After a Bloomington Truck Accident?
Due to their sheer size in comparison to the typical motor vehicle, the aftermath of a truck accident can be severe, often leading to serious injury or death. This can leave victims and their loved ones feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. If you’ve found yourself in an accident with a semi-truck, following these steps can protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
- Call 911: it is crucial after a truck accident to contact the local authorities. This enables you to make an official report of the incident, and it also gets paramedics on the way to provide emergency medical treatment, should you or other injured victims need it.
- Collect Evidence: If you are able to, collect any evidence you can regarding your accident. This can include pictures, videos, and witness statements.Â
- Seek Medical Attention: Make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious. This can ensure you get the proper treatment so you can begin to heal. Additionally, official medical records of your injuries can help strengthen your case.
- Contact an Attorney: Getting an experienced Bloomington truck accident attorney on your side can help ensure you get fair and full compensation for your losses. Additionally, your attorney will make sure your rights are protected, and will take care of the legal side of things so you can focus on your recovery.
Call Dodds Law Office at (309) 829-9300. Let’s Get Started With Your Recovery.
Other Serious Injury Cases We Handle in Bloomington, IL
Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common causes of truck accidents in Illinois?
Truck accidents in Illinois are commonly caused by driver negligence. Negligent driving behaviors that contribute to semi-truck crashes include intoxicated driving, fatigued driving, speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving.Â
How do I prove the truck driver was at-fault for my accident?
Your truck accident lawyer will help you gather evidence to prove the trucker was at-fault for your accident. Evidence in a truck accident case includes traffic camera footage, black box data, company maintenance logs, the truck driver’s log book, and photos and videos of the accident scene.
What if I’m partially at-fault for my truck accident?
You can still recover damages if you’re partially at fault for your truck accident in Illinois. This is because Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence structure in accident cases. Victims who are less than 50% at-fault for their accident can recover damages, but their damage award will be reduced by their percent of fault.
Local Resources for Truck Accident Victims in Bloomington, IL
After sustaining an injury in Bloomington or anywhere in McLean County, the first 72 hours matter. Whether you were hurt on Veterans Parkway, near Uptown Normal, or on I-55/I-74, knowing where to find medical care, a tow, or a rental car can make a difficult day easier. Dodds Law Office has compiled this list of trusted local resources to help Bloomington-Normal residents find the services they need.
Police & Public Safety
Bloomington Police Department
Address: 305 South East Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 820-8888
Website: Visit Website
For crash reports, non-emergency incidents, or to speak with the department directly. In a medical emergency or active crash, always call 911 first.
Accident Reports & Records
Bloomington Police Department – Crash Reports
Address: 305 S. East St., Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 820-8888
Website: Visit Website
Crash reports can be requested online or in person. Fees may apply, and reports are generally available online within 48–72 hours.
Medical & Emergency Care
OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center – Emergency Room
Address: 2200 E Washington St, Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 662-3311
Website: Visit Website
Provides emergency medical care for accident-related injuries and other urgent conditions.
Carle BroMenn Medical Center – Emergency Department
Address: 1304 Franklin Ave, Normal, IL 61761
Phone: (309) 454-1400
Website: Visit Website
Provides emergency care for Bloomington-Normal residents and accident victims.
Towing & Roadside Assistance
Joe’s Towing & Recovery
Phone: (309) 829-2123
Website: Visit Website
Towing and roadside assistance for accident victims and motorists in the Bloomington-Normal area.
Winks Towing Service
Address: 1902 W Market St, Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 828-7812
Website: Visit Website
Provides 24-hour towing, lockouts, jump starts, and roadside help.
Auto Repair & Collision Services
Gerber Collision & Glass – Bloomington
Address: 1 Gilmore Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: (309) 663-5011
Website: Visit Website
Provides collision repair services, insurance claim assistance, and repair estimates.
Bloomington Collision Repair, Inc.
Address: 1 Audie Murphy Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: (309) 838-7061
Website: Visit Website
Handles collision repairs, insurance claims, and free estimates for damaged vehicles.
Rental Cars
Enterprise Rent-A-Car – Veterans Parkway
Address: 1206 S Veterans Pkwy, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: (309) 664-0100
Website: Visit Website
Rental vehicles may be useful when your vehicle is being repaired following an accident.
Enterprise – Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)
Address: 3201 Cira Dr, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: (833) 516-2244
Website: Visit Website
Rental costs may be covered under your own policy or the at-fault driver's insurance, depending on the circumstances and available coverage.
Insurance Resources
Illinois Department of Insurance – Auto Insurance Resources
Consumer Assistance Hotline: (866) 445-5364
Website: Visit Website
The Illinois Department of Insurance provides information about auto insurance claims, coverage, comparative negligence, total-loss claims, and other insurance-related issues.
Illinois Department of Insurance — Consumer Complaints
Consumer Assistance Hotline: (866) 445-5364
Website: Visit Website
The Illinois Department of Insurance may investigate certain insurance complaints and provide consumer assistance, but it does not serve as your personal attorney or provide legal advice.
Injured in Bloomington, IL or Surrounding Areas?
Contact Dodds Law Office, PC to discuss your case.
Our Bloomington, Illinois Office Location
Terry Dodds is an amazing attorney will work with you we’ll talk with you and help you and fight for your settlement to the Max and to the best of his ability I suggest going to him he’s very honest and he fights to the end thank you Terry.
