Truck Accident Lawyer Bond County, 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 Bond County, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
As experienced Bond County, IL, truck accident attorneys, we are committed to helping you secure a fair and equitable settlement for any accident caused by negligence, ensuring that both special and general damages are covered.
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 choose our firm if to fight for your rights if you need a Bond County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This includes:
- Specialized Expertise: Truck accident cases can be significantly more complex than typical car accidents due to the involvement of various regulations, multiple parties (such as the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer), and commercial trucking insurance policies. Lawyers with expertise in this area can effectively navigate these complexities to help you secure a just settlement.
- 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: Trucking firms and their insurance companies frequently have substantial legal resources aimed at minimizing their payouts. An experienced lawyer in truck accident cases can adeptly negotiate with these insurers to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
- Injury Severity: The severity of injuries sustained in truck accidents can be significant, ranging from spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries. An experienced lawyer can help victims secure compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and any future care they may require.
- Federal Regulations: Truck drivers and companies are subject to strict federal regulations, including hours of service rules, vehicle maintenance, and more. An attorney with experience in this field will investigate whether any violations contributed to the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Bond County, IL
According to Forbes, common causes of truck accidents include severe weather, impaired driving, excessive speed, or incidents at intersections. See more details below:
- Driver Fatigue: Extended hours behind the wheel can cause serious exhaustion for truck drivers, a concern addressed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This fatigue can slow down their reactions and impair judgment, leading to a higher likelihood of errors and road accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions like texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio can severely compromise a truck driver’s focus. When drivers allow these distractions to pull their attention away, the chances of an accident rise dramatically. It’s crucial for trucking companies to enforce strict anti-distracted driving policies to protect everyone to reduce collision rates and to make sure no one is run off the road.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is critical for any vehicle, especially trucks. Neglecting to properly maintain vital components like brakes, tires, and lights can lead to dangerous mechanical failures. When these failures occur while driving, they can result in serious accidents that could have been avoided with routine checks.
- Overloading: Trucks come with defined weight limits for operational safety. When these limits are ignored, it can lead to difficulties in maneuvering and increased stopping distances. Overloading is a prevalent cause of accidents, particularly when navigating through dense traffic.
- Speeding: Speed limits are designed to protect everyone on the road. Trucks that travel above these limits struggle to stop or maneuver safely. Due to their larger mass, high-speed collisions involving trucks can cause devastating injuries and extensive damage.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain prescription medications can greatly hinder a driver’s judgment and coordination. Truck drivers who are impaired create serious dangers for themselves and others on the road. It’s crucial for trucking companies to emphasize safety and responsibility in their operations.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Weather plays a crucial role in road safety. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can reduce visibility and traction, creating hazardous driving conditions. Truck drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior during adverse weather, but not all do, increasing the chances of accidents.
- Failure to Account for Blind Spots: The large blind spots on trucks can obscure drivers’ views of nearby smaller vehicles. If drivers do not check these areas before changing lanes or turning, it can lead to dangerous accidents.
- Improper Training: Truck driving is a skilled occupation that necessitates comprehensive training and experience. Inadequately trained drivers may lack the knowledge needed to operate large trucks safely or react appropriately in critical situations, leading to road errors. Continued training and certification is essential for ensuring a safe trucking environment.
Here are a few of our other services:
In In Illinois and most of the United States, semi-trucks cannot exceed 80,000 pounds. The average car weighs next to 4,000 pounds.
According to the FMCSA, there are nearly 6,000 truck-related fatalities per year and more than 100,000 injuries. If you or a family member have been involved with a truck-related accident, don’t wait to contact one of our locations today. We can help you reclaim special and general damages in order make sure you receive fair compensation.
Why Would You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Bond County, IL?
Truck accidents are often more complex than regular car accidents because they involve trucking companies, insurance issues, and government regulations. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and ensure you receive the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. They can negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the accident’s cause, and determine who is at fault, especially when multiple parties are involved. Without a lawyer, you risk settling for less than you deserve or facing unfair blame for the accident.
After a truck accident, you may be eligible for two distinct types of compensation: special damages and general damages. Special damages are objective economic losses, covering expenses such as medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage. General damages, in contrast, are non-economic and include aspects like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Understanding both types of compensation can significantly impact your recovery process and the overall outcome of your case. See below for more details regarding truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Injuries in Bond County, 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 Bond County, IL, Truck Accidents
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation refers to the damages awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress that result from the accident and the injuries sustained. This compensation covers both immediate pain and any long-term discomfort that may occur. Factors considered in determining the amount include the severity of the injuries, the duration of pain experienced, and the effect on the victim’s daily life. The objective of this compensation is to help alleviate some of the profound discomfort and emotional anguish experienced by the victim.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries hinder you from engaging in daily activities, hobbies, or experiences that you once found fulfilling, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. This can include the inability to participate in recreational activities, social gatherings, or even simple pleasures like spending time with loved ones. Courts recognize that the inability to enjoy life as before can have significant emotional consequences, warranting 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 an injured individual for the loss of companionship and intimacy resulting from the victim’s injuries. It emphasizes that truck accident injuries can disrupt relationships with spouses, children, and other family members. The resulting effects may include diminished emotional support and fewer opportunities for shared experiences, profoundly impacting family connections.
These damages may fluctuate according to the seriousness of the accident and the enduring impact of the injuries incurred.
Your Bond County, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have experienced a truck accident in Bond County, IL, our team of lawyers is ready to assist you in obtaining the compensation you rightfully deserve while guiding you through the legal process. With over 70 years of experience, our firm has secured millions for victims. Contact us today at 618-244-5335 or fill out our online contact form.