What any and all penalties and fines can a truck driver face if they spill their load?

It all depends on where the accident happens and who the investigating officer is. Back in the early 1980s while I was approaching the toll booth on I294 on the west side of Chicago a flat bed truck ran into the rear of my trailer and a large piece of machinery fell off his truck. The driver and I got together and when the Police arrived I told them I was cut off by a car and had to hit the brakes real hard resulting in the other truck swerving and hitting me, so he was never charged. I know the Police Officer smiled at this story but thats how he reported it. His Company had to pay for all damages and the cleanup but no charges were laid.