Amazon Semi Crash on Kennedy Expressway Highlights Workers’ Compensation Issues for Chicago Delivery Drivers

A recent Amazon Prime semi crash on the Kennedy Expressway (I-94) near Lawrence Avenue shut down lanes on Chicago’s Northwest Side, drawing attention to the risks faced by delivery drivers and commercial workers across Chicago and Cook County.

The crash occurred around 10:17 p.m. in the northbound lanes, according to Illinois State Police. While no injuries were reported in this incident, similar crashes frequently leave delivery drivers, truck drivers, and warehouse workers injured while on the job.

For workers hurt in crashes like this, the issue is often workers’ compensation — not just a personal injury claim.

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Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Amazon and Delivery Drivers in Illinois

Many Amazon drivers, warehouse workers, and commercial truck drivers in Chicago are classified as employees of third-party logistics companies. If you are injured while working — including while driving, loading, unloading, or making deliveries — you may be entitled to Illinois workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who caused the crash.

Workers’ compensation may apply even when:

• You were driving a delivery route

• You were operating a company or leased vehicle

• The crash happened on a major roadway like I-94 or the Kennedy Expressway

• Another driver caused the collision

• Holiday weather or traffic congestion caused the accident

Unlike personal injury cases, fault does not matter in Illinois workers’ comp.  You should consider filing a workers’ comp case in cases like these.

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Common Injuries in Delivery Truck and Semi Crashes

Even when crashes don’t appear catastrophic, commercial vehicle accidents often cause injuries that worsen over time. Common injuries we see in Chicago delivery driver and truck accident workers’ comp cases include:

• Neck injuries – whiplash, disc injuries, nerve compression

• Back injuries – herniated discs, lumbar strains, spinal injuries

• Shoulder injuries – rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, impingement

• Soft tissue injuries and repetitive trauma aggravated by the crash

These injuries can prevent delivery drivers from lifting, driving, or performing physical work — making workers’ compensation benefits critical.

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Illinois Workers’ Compensation Benefits Available to Injured Drivers

If you are injured on the job in Illinois, workers’ compensation may provide benefits such as:

• Medical treatment related to your work injury

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments while you are unable to work

• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) if you return to light duty at reduced pay

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) for lasting neck, back, or shoulder injuries

• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) in severe cases

• Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your prior job

These benefits apply to many delivery drivers, warehouse workers, and trucking employees across Chicago and Cook County.

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When a Personal Injury Claim May Also Apply

In some cases, an injured worker may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party personal injury claim — such as when another negligent driver causes the crash.

This often happens in:

• Multi-vehicle crashes on the Kennedy Expressway

• Accidents involving unrelated commercial vehicles

• Situations where a non-employer caused the injury

These cases require coordination to protect your workers’ comp rights while pursuing additional compensation.

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Local Help for Chicago Delivery Driver Workers’ Compensation Claims

Delivery drivers and commercial workers injured in crashes on I-94, the Kennedy Expressway, and Chicago’s Northwest Side should understand their workers’ compensation rights early.

Whether you drive for Amazon, a third-party delivery company, or a logistics contractor, Illinois workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect injured workers — but employers and insurers often push back.  An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help to ensure that you receive all of the benefits and compensation you are entitled to after an accident.

FAQ: Chicago Delivery Driver Workers’ Compensation After a Truck Crash

Can a delivery driver get workers’ compensation after a crash in Chicago?

Yes. In Illinois, delivery drivers injured while working — including those driving Amazon routes or commercial vehicles — may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, even if the crash was caused by another driver and even if it occurred on a public roadway like the Kennedy Expressway (I-94).

What if I work for a third-party Amazon delivery company?

Many Amazon drivers in Chicago work for third-party delivery service providers. If you are classified as an employee and were injured while performing job duties, you may still be eligible for Illinois workers’ compensation, regardless of Amazon’s involvement.

Do I need to prove fault to receive Illinois workers’ compensation?

No. Illinois workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You do not need to prove that anyone caused the crash in order to receive benefits. You only need to show that the injury occurred in the course of your employment.

What injuries are commonly covered in delivery truck crashes?

Workers’ compensation commonly covers injuries such as:

• Neck injuries, including whiplash and disc injuries

• Back injuries, including herniated discs and lumbar strain

• Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears
  These injuries are especially common in delivery and trucking crashes and may qualify for medical care and wage replacement benefits.

What workers’ compensation benefits are available in Illinois?

Injured workers in Illinois may be entitled to:

• Payment of medical expenses

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments

• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) for lasting injuries

• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) in severe cases

• Vocational rehabilitation, if needed

Can I have both a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury case?

Sometimes. If a third party — such as another driver — caused the crash, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate personal injury claim. These cases must be handled carefully to protect your benefits.