Truck Accident Lawyer Edwards 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 Edwards County, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
As trusted Edwards County, IL, truck accident attorneys, our firm is committed to ensuring you receive a fair settlement that addresses both special and general damages resulting from any negligent accident.
When recovering from a truck accident, having the right legal representation is vital. At Hassakis & Hassakis, our focus on truck accident cases ensures that we fully understand the complexities involved. We offer personalized support and skilled legal counsel to help you through this challenging time. Here’s why you should choose our firm if to fight for your rights if you need a Edwards County, 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: Figuring out who is responsible for a truck accident may involve the truck driver, the trucking company, or even third parties such as cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. An experienced attorney can assist in establishing liability and ensuring that all parties at fault are held accountable.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurers often have large legal teams working to minimize payouts. A lawyer experienced in truck accidents can effectively negotiate with insurers and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
- 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 Edwards County, 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: Long stretches of driving can lead to significant fatigue in truck drivers, as highlighted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. When drivers are exhausted, their reaction times are delayed, and decision-making capabilities are compromised, which can dramatically increase the risk of mishaps on the road.
- 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: 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: Trucks are designed with strict weight limits to ensure safe operation. Exceeding these limits compromises maneuverability and increases the distance required to stop safely. This makes overloaded trucks a significant factor in accidents, particularly in congested traffic situations.
- 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: 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 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.
The FMCSA reports nearly 6,000 truck-related deaths and over 100,000 injuries each year. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our locations today. We are here to help you pursue special and general damages to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Should You Get a Truck Accident Lawyer in Edwards County, 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.
If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to two types of compensation: special damages and general damages. Special damages cover objectively economic losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. On the other hand, general damages address non-economic losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Understanding the differences between these damages is crucial for ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve in Illinois. See below for more information about truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Injuries in Edwards 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 Edwards County, IL, Truck Accidents
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and subsequent injuries. It encompasses not only the immediate pain experienced but also the chronic pain that may persist over time. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the duration of the pain, and the impact on daily life are considered when determining the amount awarded for pain and suffering. This type of compensation aims to provide some measure of relief for the profound discomfort and anguish the victim endures.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries restrict your ability to engage in daily activities, hobbies, or experiences that you once found fulfilling, you may be eligible for compensation. This can include losing the ability to participate in recreational pursuits, social gatherings, or enjoy everyday pleasures like spending time with family. Courts acknowledge that this loss can carry significant emotional weight, warranting appropriate compensation.
- Emotional Distress: This includes various psychological challenges that may develop following a traumatic truck accident, like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims often face emotional upheaval that interferes with their daily lives. Compensation for emotional distress is intended to acknowledge and remedy the psychological effects of the accident and its long-term implications for the victim’s mental health.
- Loss of Consortium: This compensation is intended for the family members of the injured individual for the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy caused by the victim’s injuries. It reflects the reality that truck accident injuries can disrupt the dynamics within families, affecting relationships with spouses, children, and other loved ones. The effects may include a decline in affection, emotional support, and shared activities, resulting in a significant shift in family interactions.
These damages may fluctuate according to the seriousness of the accident and the enduring impact of the injuries incurred.
Your Edwards County, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have experienced a truck accident in Edwards 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.