Truck Accident Lawyer Centralia, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Centralia, 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 Choose Our Firm for Centralia, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
As experienced Centralia, IL, truck accident attorneys, our firm is dedicated to helping you get a fair settlement for any negligence or accident to cover special and general damages.
After a truck accident, selecting the right lawyer is essential to ensuring your recovery. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we specialize in truck accident cases and are prepared to face the unique challenges these claims bring. Our team is committed to providing personalized support and expert representation every step of the way. Here’s why you should choose our firm if to fight for your rights when you need a Centralia, IL, truck accident lawyer. This includes:
- Specialized Expertise: Truck accident cases often involve more complexities than ordinary car accidents due to regulations, several parties involved (like the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer), and commercial trucking insurance policies. Lawyers who specialize in this area understand how to navigate these issues effectively to help you achieve a fair settlement.
- Determining Liability: In a truck accident, establishing fault can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and third parties like cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A knowledgeable attorney can help determine liability and ensure that all responsible parties face the consequences.
- Communicating With Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurance providers typically employ large legal teams to limit their financial liability. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can negotiate effectively with these insurers and advocate for the compensation you are entitled to receive.
- Injury Severity: Truck accidents frequently lead to serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. A skilled attorney can assist victims in obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost income, and future healthcare requirements.
- Federal Regulations: Federal guidelines for truck drivers and companies include strict rules about service hours and vehicle maintenance. A skilled attorney will investigate whether any violations of these regulations contributed to the crash.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Centralia, 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 can take many forms, such as using a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. When truck drivers take their eyes off the road—even for a brief moment—they significantly increase the risk of accidents. Trucking companies should implement and enforce strict policies against distracted driving to safeguard other drivers that could be forced off the road or involved in a collision.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe operation of any vehicle, and trucks are no exception. Neglecting essential parts like brakes, tires, and lights can cause serious mechanical failures. Such issues can lead to significant accidents that could easily be avoided with timely maintenance inspections.
- 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 set to ensure the safety of all road users. Trucks driving too fast face greater difficulties in stopping and controlling their movements. Given their significant size and weight, a high-speed collision with a truck can have catastrophic consequences for everyone involved.
- 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: Due to their size, trucks have extensive blind spots, making it hard for drivers to see adjacent smaller vehicles. Neglecting to look in these blind spots before altering lanes or making turns can lead to hazardous collisions.
- Improper Training: Truck driving is a skilled profession that requires adequate training and experience. Drivers who lack proper training may not understand how to handle large trucks safely or how to react in emergency situations, which can lead to mistakes on the road. Ongoing training and certification is essential for safety in 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 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 Centralia, IL?
Truck accidents are often more complicated than car accidents because they involve trucking companies, insurance companies, and government regulations. Having a skilled lawyer can help you manage these complexities and make sure you get the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your property. They can negotiate with insurance companies, find out what caused the accident, and determine who is at fault, which is important when multiple parties are involved. Without legal help, you might end up settling for less than you should or being unfairly blamed for what happened.
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 Centralia, 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 Centralia, IL, Truck Accidents
- 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 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.
The extent of these damages can differ based on how severe the accident was and the lasting effects of the injuries sustained.
Your Centralia, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers
Should you or a loved one be involved in a truck accident in Centralia, 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.