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Truck Accident Lawyer Highland, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Highland, 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 Pick Our Firm for Highland, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
As experienced Highland, 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.
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 as well as experienced guidance as we help you navigate your recovery. Here’s why you should choose Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights when you need a Highland, IL, truck accident lawyer. This makes sure 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: In a truck accident, establishing fault can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and third parties such as cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A knowledgeable attorney can help determine liability and also ensure that all responsible parties face the consequences.
- 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 also 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: Federal laws govern truck drivers and companies, covering areas like service hours and vehicle upkeep. A knowledgeable attorney can investigate whether violations of these regulations contributed to the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Highland, 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: 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: 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 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 under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even certain prescription medications can severely impair a driver’s judgment and motor skills. Impaired truck drivers pose a significant risk to themselves and others on the road, making it essential for trucking companies to prioritize safety and responsibility.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Weather is a key contributor to road safety issues. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can limit visibility and compromise traction, making driving hazardous. Truck drivers are expected to adjust their speed and driving approach in adverse weather, but many fail to do so, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Failure to Account for Blind Spots: Trucks are equipped with large blind spots that can hide smaller vehicles from a driver’s sight. Failing to check these areas before making lane changes or turns greatly increases the risk of accidents.
- Improper Training: Truck driving is a skilled profession that requires adequate training and experience. Drivers who lack proper training may not understand how to handle large trucks safely or how to react in emergency situations, which can lead to mistakes on the road. Ongoing training and certification is essential for safety in the trucking industry.
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In In Illinois and most of the United States, semi-trucks cannot exceed 80,000 pounds. The average car weighs next to 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 Highland, IL?
Truck accidents are typically more complex than regular car accidents because they involve trucking companies, insurance issues, and federal laws. An experience lawyer can help you tackle these challenges and ensure you receive the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. They can also negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the accident’s cause, and determine liability, which is important when there are several parties involve. Without legal representation, you could end up settling for less than you deserve or being wrongly blame for the accident.
If you or a loved one were involve 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 Cases in Highland, IL
- Medical Expenses: This includes a comprehensive range of costs associated with medical care following the accident. It encompasses not only immediate hospital expenses but also medical treatments that may be require due to the injuries. Victims may need specialize 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 damaged in the accident. This can include items like electronics or 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 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 Highland, IL, Truck Accidents
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation refers to the damages awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress that result from the accident and the injuries sustained. This compensation covers both immediate pain and any long-term discomfort that may occur. Factors considered in determining the amount include the severity of the injuries, the duration of pain experienced, and the effect on the victim’s daily life. The objective of this compensation is to help alleviate some of the discomfort and anguish experience by the victim.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in daily activities, hobbies, or experiences that once brought you joy, you may qualify for compensation. This loss can encompass the inability to engage in recreational pursuits or being with family and friends. Courts acknowledge that the diminished ability to enjoy life can lead to significant emotional distress, making compensation necessary.
- Emotional Distress: This refers to the struggles that can follow truck accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims may find it difficult to manage their emotions and carry out daily activities. Compensation for emotional distress aims to recognize the psychological impact and its consequences for mental health.
- Loss of Consortium: This type of compensation is provide 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. This can manifest in reduced affection, emotional support, or shared experiences, leading to a profound impact on family dynamics.
The amount of these damages can change depending on the accident’s severity and the long-term consequences of the injuries suffered.
Your Highland, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have experienced a truck accident in Highland, IL. We assist you in obtaining the compensation you 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.
