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Truck Accident Lawyer Harrisburg, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Harrisburg, IL. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to reach out to a local truck accident attorney right away. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Our Southern Illinois law firm serving for nearly 75 years and secured millions in successful case results for our clients. Contact our Southern Illinois truck accident lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online for assistance.
Why Choose Our Firm for Harrisburg, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
With our experts as Harrisburg, IL, truck accident attorneys, we are dedicated to obtaining fair settlements for any negligence or accident that covers both special and also 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 prepare to face the unique challenges these claims bring. Our team is dedicate to providing personalized support as well as expert representation every step of the way. Here’s why you should consider our firm if to fight for your rights if you need a Harrisburg, IL, truck accident lawyer.
We make sure that you get:
- Specialized Expertise:
Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accidents due to regulations, multiple parties involved (driver, trucking company, manufacturer), and commercial trucking insurance policies. Lawyers with experience in this area understand how to navigate these complexities and also help you get a fair settlement. - Determining Liability:
Identifying who is at fault in a truck accident can involve the truck driver or even third parties like cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A skilled attorney helps in determining liability and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable. - 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 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, as well as future care needs. - 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 Harrisburg, 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: 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 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: Proper maintenance is a key factor in vehicle safety, especially for trucks. When vital components such as brakes, tires, and lights are not regularly checked, it results in dangerous mechanical failures. These failures can lead to serious accidents that could prevents with routine maintenance.
- Overloading: Safety regulations dictate specific weight limits for trucks to ensure safe driving. When these limits are surpassed, it not only hampers the truck’s handling but also extends the distance necessary to stop safely. This can lead to a higher likelihood of accidents, particularly in busy traffic environments.
- 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 significantly impacts road safety. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can decrease visibility and traction, leading to dangerous driving situations. Truck drivers need to adapt their speed and driving style in these conditions, but many fail to do so, heightening the risk of 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 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.
Here are a few of our other services:
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.
The FMCSA reports nearly 6,000 truck-related deaths and over 100,000 injuries each year. If you or a loved one has been involve 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 Harrisburg, IL?
Truck accidents are usually more complicated than car accidents due to the involvement of trucking companies and government regulations. A good lawyer can help you navigate these issues and ensure you get the compensation you need for medical costs and property damage.
They can negotiate with insurance companies, investigate what is the cause of accident, and figure out who is at fault, which is vital when multiple parties are involve. Without a lawyer, you might settle for less than you should or face unfair blame for the accident.
After a truck accident, you or your loved ones may qualify for two main types of compensation: special damages and general damages. Special damages are objective economic losses, such as medical bills, lost income, and damage to your vehicle.
In contrast, general damages refer to non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and the loss of companionship. It’s important to recognize both types of damages to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover. See below for more details on truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Cases in Harrisburg, IL
- Medical Expenses: This includes a comprehensive range of costs associates 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 require due to the injuries sustain. 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 entitle 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 damage 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 cover 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 Harrisburg, IL
- Pain and Suffering:
This refers to compensation for the pain and distress resulting from the accident and subsequent injuries. It encompasses not only the immediate pain experience 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. - Loss of Enjoyment of Life:
If your injuries restrict your ability to engage in daily activities 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 covers a spectrum of psychological issues that can surface after a truck accident, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. 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 form of compensation is give to family members of the injured person for the loss of companionship and intimacy due to the victim’s condition. It recognizes that the injuries from a truck accident can impact not just the victim but also their relationships. This loss can lead to a reduction in emotional support and creating a profound effect on the family’s overall dynamics.
These damages can vary depending on the severity of the accident and the long-term impact of the injuries.
Your Harrisburg, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in the Harrisburg, IL, area. Our lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve and guide you through legal hoops. For more than 70 years, our firm has won millions for victims. You can call us now at 618-244-5335 or fill out our online contact form.
After a truck accident in Harrisburg, IL, you and your loved ones don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our lawyers are dedicate to helping you secure the compensation you need and will support you through every step of the legal journey. For more than 70 years, our firm has successfully won millions for victims. Reach out to us now at 618-244-5335 or complete our online contact form.
