Truck Accident Lawyer Belleville, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer. If you or a loved one are involved in a truck-related accident, it’s important to contact a local truck accident attorney as soon as possible, It’s our job at Hassakis & Hassakis to protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Based in Southern Illinois, our firm has helped this community for close to 75 years and has won millions in case results for our clients. You can call our Southern Illinois truck accident lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online for more information.
Why Choose Our Firm for Belleville, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
As trusted Belleville, IL, truck accident attorneys, our firm is committed to ensuring you receive a fair settlement that addresses both special and general damages resulting from any negligent accident.
The right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your truck accident case. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we have the expertise to handle the complexities of truck accident claims. You’ll receive personalized attention and experienced guidance as we help you navigate your recovery. Here’s why you should consider Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights when you need a Belleville, IL, truck accident lawyer. This ensures you receive:
- Specialized Expertise: Cases involving truck accidents are typically more complicated than regular car accidents, given the numerous regulations and multiple parties involved, including the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer, as well as commercial trucking insurance policies. Experienced lawyers in this area know how to handle these complexities to secure a just settlement for you.
- Determining Liability: Identifying fault in a truck accident may require looking at various parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even third parties such as cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A skilled attorney will assist in determining liability and making sure that all liable parties are held accountable.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance providers linked to trucking companies usually have well-established legal teams dedicated to reducing claim payouts. An attorney experienced in truck accidents can effectively advocate for your rights and negotiate with these insurers to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurers often have powerful legal teams that aim to minimize their payouts in accidents. An experienced truck accident attorney can effectively handle negotiations with these insurers to fight for the compensation you are entitled to receive.
- Injury Severity: Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, from spinal cord injuries to traumatic brain injuries. An attorney can help victims seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs.
- Federal Regulations: Federal laws govern truck drivers and companies, covering areas like service hours and vehicle upkeep. A knowledgeable attorney can investigate whether violations of these regulations contributed to the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Belleville, IL
As reported by Forbes, many truck accidents are linked to adverse weather conditions, intoxicated driving, excessive speed, or occur at intersections. Check out the details below:
- Driver Fatigue: Long stretches of driving can lead to significant fatigue in truck drivers, as highlighted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. When drivers are exhausted, their reaction times are delayed, and decision-making capabilities are compromised, which can dramatically increase the risk of mishaps on the road.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions come in many forms like using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. When truck drivers divert their attention from the road–even for a moment–they increase the likelihood of a collision. Most trucking companies enforce strict policies against distracted driving to protect everyone on the road. Other drivers can be run off the road or collide with other vehicles.
- Maintenance: Proper maintenance is a key factor in vehicle safety, especially for trucks. When vital components such as brakes, tires, and lights are not regularly checked, it can result in dangerous mechanical failures. These failures can lead to serious accidents that could have been prevented with routine maintenance.
- Overloading: Every truck has a designated weight limit to promote safe operation. Exceeding these limits can make it challenging to control the vehicle and significantly increases the distance needed to stop. Overloaded trucks are often involved in accidents, especially during high-traffic conditions.
- Speeding: Speed limits are established to keep all drivers safe. When trucks travel too quickly, they experience challenges in stopping and maintaining control. Because of their substantial weight, accidents involving speeding trucks can result in grave injuries and considerable damage.
- Impaired Driving: The influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain prescription medications can severely affect a driver’s decision-making and physical control. When truck drivers are impaired, they create significant risks for everyone on the road. It’s essential for trucking companies to prioritize safety measures and responsible driving to mitigate these dangers.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Weather is a key contributor to road safety issues. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can limit visibility and compromise traction, making driving hazardous. Truck drivers are expected to adjust their speed and driving approach in adverse weather, but many fail to do so, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Failure to Account for Blind Spots: Trucks are equipped with large blind spots that can hide smaller vehicles from a driver’s sight. Failing to check these areas before making lane changes or turns greatly increases the risk of accidents.
- Improper Training: Operating a truck safely requires specialized training and expertise. Drivers without proper training may find it challenging to manage large vehicles or handle emergencies effectively, resulting in dangerous situations on the road. Regular training and certification are essential to uphold safety in the trucking field.
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In Illinois and most regions of the United States, the legal weight limit for semi-trucks is 80,000 pounds. To put that into perspective, the average car weighs about 4,000 pounds.
According to data from the FMCSA, there are close to 6,000 fatalities and more than 100,000 injuries due to truck-related incidents each year. If you or someone in your family has experienced a truck accident, don’t wait to contact us at one of our locations today. We can assist you in recovering special and general damages to make sure you get fair compensation.
Why Would You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Belleville, IL?
Truck accidents can be trickier than typical car accidents due to the involvement of trucking companies, insurance claims, and government rules. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist you in overcoming these hurdles and securing the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. They will negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the accident, and identify who is responsible, which is crucial when several parties are involved. If you go without legal representation, you may settle for less than you deserve or be wrongly blamed for the accident.
If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to two types of compensation: special damages and general damages. Special damages cover objectively economic losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. On the other hand, general damages address non-economic losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Understanding the differences between these damages is crucial for ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve in Illinois. See below for more information about truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Injuries in Belleville, IL
- Medical Expenses: This includes a comprehensive range of costs associated with medical care following the accident. It encompasses not only immediate hospital bills and surgical expenses but also ongoing rehabilitation, physical therapy, medication, and any future medical treatments that may be required due to the injuries sustained. Victims may need specialized care or long-term management, which can significantly increase medical expenses over time.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work during your recovery, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you lost. This includes not only the income lost during the initial recovery period but also any potential loss of future earning capacity if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability. It’s essential to document your earnings and the impact of your injuries on your ability to work.
- Property Damage: This category covers the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident. This can include items like clothing, electronics, or other belongings that were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. Assessing property damage accurately ensures you receive fair compensation for your losses.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This includes any costs incurred as a direct result of the accident that are not covered by insurance or other reimbursements. Examples include transportation to medical appointments, costs for assistive devices (like crutches, wheelchairs, or home modifications), and other necessary expenditures that arise as you navigate your recovery. Keeping detailed records and receipts for these expenses is crucial for substantiating your claims.
General Damages for Truck-Related Crashes in Belleville, IL
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and the resulting injuries. This includes not only the acute pain felt immediately but also any chronic pain that may linger long after. The evaluation of pain and suffering compensation considers factors such as the intensity of the injuries, the length of time the victim suffers, and how these injuries disrupt their daily life. This compensation seeks to offer some relief for the extensive discomfort and distress experienced by the victim.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries limit your ability to participate in daily activities, hobbies, or experiences that you once cherished, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. This includes the inability to enjoy recreational activities, attend social gatherings, or partake in simple joys like spending time with friends and family. Courts understand that the loss of enjoyment in life can lead to significant emotional effects, which warrants compensation.
- Emotional Distress: This encompasses a range of psychological challenges that may arise following a traumatic truck accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may experience emotional turmoil that affects their ability to function normally in daily life. Compensation for emotional distress seeks to address the psychological impact of the accident and the long-term effects it can have on the victim’s mental health.
- Loss of Consortium: This compensation is provided to family members of the injured individual for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy due to the victim’s injuries. It acknowledges that a truck accident’s impact extends beyond the victim, affecting their relationships with spouses, children, and other loved ones. This loss can be seen in diminished affection, emotional support, and shared experiences, significantly altering family dynamics.
These damages can differ significantly based on the severity of the accident and the long-lasting effects of the injuries involved.
Your Belleville, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers
Should you or a loved one be involved in a truck accident in Belleville, IL, our dedicated lawyers are here to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve while guiding you through the legal complexities. For over 70 years, our firm has helped clients win millions in compensation. Call us now at 618-244-5335 or fill out our online contact form.