Chicago, IL (June 15, 2026) – An Illinois Department of Transportation worker and a motorist were hurt on early Sunday morning, June 14, after a Kia sedan struck an IDOT truck stopped on the outbound Dan Ryan Expressway on Chicago’s South Side. The crash happened just before 2 a.m. in the express lanes of Interstate 94 southbound, near 37th Street.
Table of Contents
The IDOT worker was standing outside their truck, which was stopped with emergency lights on while helping a disabled motorist. The Kia lost control and hit the IDOT truck, which was pushed forward into the disabled motorist’s vehicle. The IDOT worker and the Kia’s driver were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
No names or ages were included in the initial report. All lanes on the expressway had reopened by approximately 6:30 a.m.
The cause of the collision is still being investigated.
We wish those hurt a full and speedy recovery.
What Are the Legal Rights of Emergency Workers Hurt on the Job in Chicago, IL?
When a roadway worker is hurt while on duty in Chicago, they are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Illinois law. This covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who was at fault. However, if a third party, such as a negligent driver, caused or contributed to the injury, the worker may also have grounds for a separate personal injury claim beyond what workers’ comp provides.
Roadway and utility workers face some of the highest on-the-job injury risks in Illinois. IDOT crews, traffic patrol workers, and others who operate along corridors like the Dan Ryan or Interstate 290 are routinely exposed to fast-moving traffic during lane closures and emergency stops.
Illinois Move Over laws are designed to protect these workers, but violations remain common, and the consequences can be severe. When a driver’s failure to slow down or change lanes results in a worker being hurt, that driver may bear civil liability for the damages that follow.
Injuries in these crashes can be significant. Workers struck by or caught between vehicles may face broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or long-term mobility limitations.
Workers’ compensation may not fully address the financial impact of a serious injury, particularly when long-term care, rehabilitation, or permanent disability is involved. A personal injury claim against the at-fault driver can sometimes help recover damages that fall outside the scope of workers’ comp coverage. In these cases, a Chicago personal injury attorney familiar with both workers’ compensation and personal injury law can help an injured worker understand the full range of options available.
If you are uncertain of what to do after an accident in Chicago, we are avaialbel to guide you. At Ankin Law, we work with injured individual across Illinois to help them understand their options
To learn more, contact Ankin Law at (844) 600-0000. We are available to review your case and explain what steps could be available for you.
Note: We use outside sources such as news reports, police reports, social media platforms, and first-hand or eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen throughout the state of Illinois. We have not verified any of the facts surrounding this particular accident. Please contact Ankin Law, LLC, if you locate any incorrect information in our post. We will correct it immediately or remove a post if requested.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a solicitation for business. It’s vital to understand that these posts do not offer legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes can differ based on individual circumstances. For personalized legal guidance, please reach out directly to Ankin Law, LLC. The featured image used in this post was not taken at the accident scene.
