Truck Accident Lawyer Godfrey, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Godfrey, 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.
Why Choose Our Firm for Godfrey, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
As trusted Godfrey, 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.
The right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your truck accident case. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we have the expertise to handle the complexities of truck accident claims. You’ll receive personalized attention and experienced guidance as we help you navigate your recovery. Here’s why you should consider our firm if to fight for your rights if you need a Godfrey, 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.
- 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: Severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, are common in truck accidents. An attorney can help victims pursue compensation for their medical expenses, lost earnings, and future treatment needs.
- Federal Regulations: Truck drivers and companies must follow detailed federal rules, including limits on driving hours and maintenance requirements. An attorney with expertise in these regulations will determine if any breaches led to the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Godfrey, IL
As highlighted by Forbes, many truck accidents result from adverse weather, drunk driving, speeding, or happen at intersections. For additional insights, check below:
- Driver Fatigue: Spending extended periods on the road can lead to extreme exhaustion among truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration outlines regulations aimed at preventing this. Fatigue can slow reaction times and hinder sound judgment, substantially raising the risk of 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: Routine maintenance is vital for any vehicle, but it’s especially important for trucks. Ignoring regular upkeep of crucial parts like brakes, tires, and lights can result in dangerous mechanical breakdowns. If these failures happen while driving, they can lead to severe accidents that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.
- 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 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: Weather plays a crucial role in road safety. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can reduce visibility and traction, creating hazardous driving conditions. Truck drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior during adverse weather, but not all do, increasing the chances of accidents.
- Failure to Account for Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots that can make it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles alongside them. Failing to check these blind spots before changing lanes or making turns can lead to dangerous collisions.
- Improper Training: Operating a truck safely requires specialized training and expertise. Drivers without proper training may find it challenging to manage large vehicles or handle emergencies effectively, resulting in dangerous situations on the road. Regular training and certification are essential to uphold safety in the trucking field.
Here are a few of our other services:
In Illinois and throughout most of the United States, semi-trucks cannot exceed 80,000 pounds in weight. For reference, the average car weighs roughly 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 Should You Get a Truck Accident Lawyer in Godfrey, IL?
Truck accidents are usually more complicated than regular car accidents because they involve trucking companies, insurance matters, and government rules. A good lawyer can help you deal with these challenges and make sure you get the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your property. They can also negotiate with insurance companies, look into what caused the accident, and figure out who is responsible, which is important when there are multiple parties involved. Without a lawyer, you might end up settling for less money than you should or being blamed unfairly for the accident.
If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you could seek two types of compensation: special damages and general damages. Special damages are objectively economic losses that include things like medical bills, lost earnings, and repairs to your vehicle. General damages, however, relate to non-economic aspects, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. Knowing how these damages apply to your situation is essential for maximizing your compensation. See below for further information on truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Injuries in Godfrey, 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 Godfrey, IL
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and the resulting injuries. This includes not only the acute pain felt immediately but also any chronic pain that may linger long after. The evaluation of pain and suffering compensation considers factors such as the intensity of the injuries, the length of time the victim suffers, and how these injuries disrupt their daily life. This compensation seeks to offer some relief for the extensive discomfort and distress experienced by the victim.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries stop you from taking part in activities, hobbies, or experiences that you previously enjoyed, you might be eligible for compensation. This can cover your inability to engage in recreational activities, socialize, or even savor everyday moments with loved ones. The legal system recognizes that losing the ability to enjoy life as you once did can have serious emotional impacts, justifying the need for 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 awarded to family members of the injured person for the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy due to the victim’s condition. It recognizes that the injuries sustained in a truck accident can affect not only the victim but also their relationships with spouses, children, and other family members. This can manifest in reduced affection, emotional support, or shared experiences, leading to a profound impact on family dynamics.
These damages can vary depending on the severity of the accident and the long-term impact of the injuries.
Your Godfrey, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you care about has been in a truck accident in Godfrey, IL, our truck accident lawyers are ready to assist you in obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to while navigating the legal process. With more than 70 years of experience, our firm has won millions for victims. You can contact us at 618-244-5335 or complete our online contact form today.