Truck Accident Lawyer Clinton County, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Clinton County, 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 Clinton County, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
As experienced Clinton 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.
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 Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights when you need a Clinton County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This ensures you receive:
- 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: Establishing who is at fault in a truck accident can involve several parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and possibly third parties like cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A competent attorney can aid in identifying liability and ensuring that all responsible parties are appropriately held accountable.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies associated with trucking firms often have extensive legal teams focused on reducing payouts. An attorney with experience in truck accidents can skillfully negotiate with these insurers and fight for the compensation you 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: There are strict federal rules governing truck drivers and companies, such as hours of service limits and vehicle maintenance standards. A lawyer experienced in truck accident cases will look into whether any violations influenced the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Clinton 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: 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, whether from phones, food, or adjusting the radio, can lead to serious consequences for truck drivers. A split-second diversion of attention can significantly raise the likelihood of an accident. To mitigate this risk, trucking companies need to establish and enforce strong policies against distracted driving. There is always a risk a truck driver could run someone off the road or cause 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: 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 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: Driving while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or some prescription medications can drastically reduce a driver’s judgment and motor skills. Truck drivers in this condition pose a considerable threat to themselves and others on the road, underscoring the importance for trucking companies to prioritize safety and responsible driving practices.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Weather conditions are a major factor in road safety. Inclement weather like rain, fog, snow, and ice can obscure visibility and make roads treacherous. Truck drivers should adapt their speed and behavior when facing such conditions, but not all follow this guideline, which can lead to 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.
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In Illinois and across much of the United States, the weight limit for semi-trucks is set at 80,000 pounds. For comparison, the average car weighs around 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 Clinton County, 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.
In the event of a truck accident, there are two primary types of compensation you may be able to pursue: special damages and general damages. Special damages encompass objective economic losses, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. General damages, on the other hand, cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. Understanding both types of damages can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. See below for additional information on truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Cases in Clinton 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 Truck-Related Crashes in Clinton County, 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 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 covers a spectrum of psychological issues that can surface after a traumatic truck accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors may endure emotional challenges that hinder their ability to live normally. Compensation for emotional distress seeks to confront the psychological fallout from the accident and recognize its potential long-term impact on the victim’s mental health.
- Loss of Consortium: This type of compensation is granted to the family members of an injured person for the loss of companionship, emotional support, and intimacy resulting from the victim’s injuries. It highlights how the consequences of a truck accident can ripple through family relationships, impacting spouses, children, and other relatives. The resulting loss may manifest as reduced emotional connection and fewer shared moments, deeply affecting family life.
These damages can vary depending on the severity of the accident and the long-term impact of the injuries.
Your Clinton County, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers
In the aftermath of a truck accident in Clinton County, 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.