Chester, IL

Truck Accident Lawyer Chester, IL

Truck Accident Lawyer Chester, IL. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck-related accident, don’t hesitate to contact a local truck accident lawyer. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we fight to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. With nearly 75 years of experience serving Southern Illinois, we’ve recovered millions in case results for our clients. Call us today at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online to learn more.

Truck Accident Lawyers Chester, IL | Free Consultation | Injury Attorneys

Why Pick Our Firm for Chester, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?

As experienced Chester, 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.

Choosing an experienced attorney is key to overcoming the complexities of a truck accident case. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we understand the unique difficulties these cases bring and are committed to offering tailored support and expert guidance to help you achieve a fair recovery. Here’s why you should consider our firm if to fight for your rights when you need a Chester, IL, truck accident lawyer. This makes sure you receive:

  • Specialized Expertise: The complexities of truck accident cases surpass those of standard car accidents, involving various regulations and multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, manufacturer, and commercial trucking insurance policies. Experienced attorneys in this field know how to maneuver through these challenges to ensure you receive a fair 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: 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: 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 Chester, IL

Forbes reports that truck accidents frequently occur due to bad weather, driving under the influence, speeding, or at intersections. Below are further details:

  • Driver Fatigue: Prolonged driving hours can leave truck drivers severely fatigued. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has established guidelines to address this issue. Fatigue can significantly reduce reaction speed and impair decision-making, increasing the likelihood of mistakes and collisions.
  • 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: Keeping up with regular maintenance is essential for all vehicles, particularly trucks. Failing to maintain key components such as brakes, tires, and lights can lead to hazardous mechanical issues. When these problems arise on the road, they can cause serious accidents that might have been prevented through consistent maintenance checks.
  • 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 play a crucial role in maintaining safety for all road users. Trucks that exceed these limits find it challenging to control their speed or stop effectively. The combination of a truck’s weight and speed means that crashes can lead to serious injuries and widespread damage.
  • Impaired Driving: Consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or even specific prescription medications can significantly affect a driver’s judgment and physical abilities. Impaired truck drivers present a major risk to everyone on the road, highlighting the need for trucking companies to enforce strict safety protocols and responsible practices.
  • 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 requires specialized skills and thorough training. Drivers who do not receive adequate training may struggle to operate large trucks safely or react appropriately in emergencies, which increases the risk of accidents. Continuous training and certification is vital to maintaining safety standards in the trucking industry.

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According to regulations in Illinois and most of the U.S., semi-trucks are limited to a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds. In contrast, the typical car weighs approximately 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 Chester, IL?

Truck accidents are usually more complicated than car accidents due to the involvement of trucking companies, insurance matters, and government regulations. A good lawyer can help you navigate these issues and ensure you get the compensation you need for medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. They can negotiate with insurance companies, investigate what caused the accident, and figure out who is at fault, which is vital when multiple parties are involved. Without a lawyer, you might settle for less than you should or face unfair blame 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 Chester, 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 Chester, 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 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 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.

The extent of these damages can differ based on how severe the accident was and the lasting effects of the injuries sustained.

Truck Crash Attorneys Chester, IL | Personal Injury Lawyers Southern Illinois | Free Consultation

Your Chester, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one have experienced a truck accident in Chester, 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.

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