New Illinois Law Could Lead to More Chicago Trucking Accidents - 2011-08-26

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn this week signed legislation that allows Illinois’ Department of Transportation to issue permits for loads that until now would have exceeded size and weight restrictions for the state.

In a statement, Gov. Quinn said: “This law will significantly cut transportation costs for companies throughout Illinois to help them grow their businesses and put more people to work. Common sense laws like this will help us continue to strengthen Illinois’ position as the nation’s inland port.”

Senate Bill 42 was sponsored by Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. Daniel Beiser (D-Alton). It applies to “divisible” loads that previously had to be broken down into separate shipments to meet the standard truck weight limit of 80,000 pounds. This new law means that the Department can now issue the permits for a truck hauling a load in excess of 80,000 pounds if it is traveling less than five miles and will not negatively impact pavement conditions along its route. 

In order to decide whether a load has to be split into another load, IDOT also has to assess the safety of other motorists and the effects on economic development in the surrounding area. Any vehicle load found by IDOT to be non-divisible still must comply with the state’s established size and weight requirements, the governor’s statement said.

The law offices of Langdon & Emison has litigated many matters related to Chicagoland workplace accidents and trucking accidents, as well as disputes over defective products. With more than 75 years of combined experience, the firm’s attorneys have the knowledge and resources to hold trucking companies accountable. Led by J. Kent Emison and Bob Langdon, the firm has successfully obtained eight-figure verdicts and settlements for truck accident victims and their families, including clients injured in collisions.