Truck Accident Lawyer Cahokia, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Cahokia, IL. If you or someone close to you has been involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer without delay. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we are here to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. We’ve been proudly serving Southern Illinois for nearly 75 years, securing millions in successful case results. Reach out to our team today by calling (618)-244-5335 or contact us online.
Why Pick Our Firm for Cahokia, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
With our experts as Cahokia, IL, truck accident attorneys, we are dedicated to obtaining fair settlements for any negligence or accident that covers both special and general damages.
Choosing the right legal representation after a truck accident can make all the difference in your recovery journey. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we specialize in truck accident cases and understand the unique challenges they present. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized support and expert guidance every step of the way. Here’s why you should consider Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights when you need a Cahokia, IL, truck accident lawyer. This includes:
- Specialized Expertise: Truck accident cases tend to be more intricate than standard car accidents because of the various regulations, numerous parties involved (such as the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer), and commercial trucking insurance policies. Attorneys with a background in this field are skilled at navigating these complexities and can assist you in obtaining a fair settlement.
- Determining Liability: Identifying who is at fault in a truck accident can involve the truck driver, the trucking company, or even third parties like cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A skilled attorney helps in determining liability and ensuring that all responsible 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: Truck accidents can result in serious injuries, from traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord injuries. An attorney can assist victims in claiming compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care needs.
- Federal Regulations: Trucking companies and drivers must adhere to strict federal regulations, such as hours of service and proper vehicle maintenance. An experienced attorney will examine whether any regulatory violations played a role in the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Cahokia, 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 hours spent on the road can lead to severe exhaustion for truck drivers and there are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines to support this. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs decision-making abilities that can significantly increase the risk of mistakes and 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: 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: Safety regulations dictate specific weight limits for trucks to ensure safe driving. When these limits are surpassed, it not only hampers the truck’s handling but also extends the distance necessary to stop safely. This can lead to a higher likelihood of accidents, particularly in busy traffic environments.
- Speeding: Speed limits exist to ensure the safety of all road users. When truck drivers exceed these limits, it becomes more difficult to stop or control their vehicles. Given their size and weight, collisions at high speeds can result in severe injuries and significant property 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: Adverse weather conditions are critical factors in road safety. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can limit visibility and make roads slippery, posing serious challenges for truck drivers. It’s essential for them to modify their speed and driving habits in these conditions, but not all comply, raising the likelihood of collisions.
- Failure to Account for Blind Spots: Trucks have expansive blind spots that limit drivers’ visibility of smaller cars in adjacent lanes. Ignoring these blind spots when changing lanes or turning can result in serious collisions.
- Improper Training: Truck drivers must undergo rigorous training to ensure they can handle their vehicles safely. Those without adequate training might not know how to manage large trucks or react in emergencies, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Ongoing training and certification iscritical for promoting safety within the trucking industry.
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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 the latest statistics from the FMCSA, nearly 6,000 fatalities and over 100,000 injuries result from truck-related incidents every year. If you or a family member has been involved in a truck accident, don’t delay in contacting one of our locations today. We can help you pursue special and general damages to ensure fair compensation.
Why Would You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Cahokia, 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.
There are two types of compensation you can get if you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident. This includes special damages (objectively economic) and general damages (non-economic). See below for more information about truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Cases in Cahokia, 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 Cahokia, IL
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation is designed to cover the physical pain and emotional turmoil that victims experience due to the accident and their injuries. This includes both the immediate discomfort and any ongoing chronic pain that might arise. The amount awarded for pain and suffering is influenced by various factors, including the severity and permanence of the injuries, the duration of the pain, and how it affects the individual’s everyday life. The goal of this compensation is to acknowledge and provide some relief for the deep anguish the victim goes through.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries make it difficult for you to engage in activities, hobbies, or experiences that you previously enjoyed, you might be entitled to compensation for this loss. This encompasses the inability to participate in recreational activities, attend social functions, or enjoy the simple pleasure of being with loved ones. Courts recognize that the loss of life’s enjoyment can have profound emotional ramifications, making compensation appropriate.
- 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 form of compensation is awarded to family members of the injured person for the loss of companionship and intimacy due to the victim’s condition. It recognizes that the injuries from a truck accident can impact not just the victim but also their relationships with spouses, children, and relatives. This loss can lead to a reduction in emotional support and shared experiences, creating a profound effect on the family’s overall dynamics.
These damages can differ significantly based on the severity of the accident and the long-lasting effects of the injuries involved.
Your Cahokia, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
In the aftermath of a truck accident in Cahokia, IL, our lawyers are here to help you and your loved ones secure the compensation you deserve while guiding you through the legal intricacies. For over 70 years, our firm has successfully won millions for victims. Don’t hesitate to call us at 618-244-5335 or fill out our online contact form.