Truck Accident Lawyer Jackson County, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Jackson County, IL. In the aftermath of a truck accident, it’s vital to get in touch with a skilled local truck accident attorney. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we’ve been safeguarding the rights of accident victims in Southern Illinois for almost 75 years, winning millions in compensation for our clients. Call our Southern Illinois truck accident attorneys at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online for legal support today.
Why Choose Our Firm for Jackson County, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
Our team of Jackson County, IL, truck accident attorneys is focused on securing a fair settlement for any accident involving negligence, providing coverage for both 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 and experienced guidance as we help you navigate your recovery. Here’s why you should consider Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights if you need a Jackson County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This makes sure you receive:
- Specialized Expertise: Cases involving truck accidents are typically more complicated than regular car accidents, given the numerous regulations and multiple parties involved, including the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer, as well as commercial trucking insurance policies. Experienced lawyers in this area know how to handle these complexities to secure a just settlement for you.
- Determining Liability: Identifying who is at fault in a truck accident can involve the truck driver, the trucking company, 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.
- 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: Injuries from truck accidents can be particularly severe, including conditions like spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. A knowledgeable attorney can help victims navigate the process of obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and future care necessities.
- Federal Regulations: Truck drivers and companies are subject to strict federal regulations, including hours of service rules, vehicle maintenance, and more. An attorney with experience in this field will investigate whether any violations contributed to the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Jackson County, 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: 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: Truck drivers encounter various distractions, such as using their phones, eating, or adjusting their radios. When drivers lose focus—even briefly—they heighten the risk of collisions. Trucking companies must adopt strict measures to curb distracted driving to ensure the safety of all drivers. A distracted driver could forced off the road without knowing it and create a dangerous situation for everyone.
- 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 can result in dangerous mechanical failures. These failures can lead to serious accidents that could have been prevented with routine 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 established to keep all drivers safe. When trucks travel too quickly, they experience challenges in stopping and maintaining control. Because of their substantial weight, accidents involving speeding trucks can result in grave injuries and considerable 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 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: 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: The profession of truck driving demands significant skills and experience. When drivers lack sufficient training, they may not be equipped to handle large trucks safely or respond effectively in emergencies, leading to potential mistakes on the road. Ongoing education and certification is crucial for ensuring safety in the trucking sector.
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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 Would You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson County, IL, Truck Accidents
- Pain and Suffering: This type of compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress that arise from the accident and any resulting injuries. It includes both immediate pain and any long-term discomfort that may develop over time. When determining the amount awarded for pain and suffering, factors such as the severity of the injuries, the length of time the victim experiences pain, and how the injuries affect their daily activities are taken into account. Ultimately, this compensation aims to offer some relief for the significant suffering and emotional turmoil endured by the victim.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries hinder you from engaging in daily activities, hobbies, or experiences that you once found fulfilling, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. This can include the inability to participate in recreational activities, social gatherings, or even simple pleasures like spending time with loved ones. Courts recognize that the inability to enjoy life as before can have significant emotional consequences, warranting compensation.
- Emotional Distress: This encompasses a range of psychological challenges that may arise following a traumatic truck accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may experience emotional turmoil that affects their ability to function normally in daily life. Compensation for emotional distress seeks to address the psychological impact of the accident and the long-term effects it can have on the victim’s mental health.
- Loss of Consortium: This form of compensation is awarded 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 with spouses, children, and relatives. This loss can lead to a reduction in emotional support and shared experiences, creating a profound effect on the family’s overall dynamics.
The amount of these damages can change depending on the accident’s severity and the long-term consequences of the injuries suffered.
Your Jackson County, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
In the aftermath of a truck accident in Jackson 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.