Truck Accident Lawyer Jasper County, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Jasper County, IL. Being involved in a truck accident can be life-changing. It’s important to contact a local truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we’re committed to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. For nearly 75 years, we’ve been serving Southern Illinois and have recovered millions in case results for our clients. Call our Southern Illinois truck accident lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online for more information.
Why Choose Our Firm for Jasper County, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
At our firm, our experienced Jasper County, IL, truck accident attorneys are dedicated to fighting for a fair settlement for any negligence-related accident, covering all aspects of 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 choose our firm if to fight for your rights if you need a Jasper County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This ensures you receive:
- Specialized Expertise: Truck accident cases tend to be more intricate than standard car accidents because of the various regulations, numerous parties involved (such as the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer), and commercial trucking insurance policies. Attorneys with a background in this field are skilled at navigating these complexities and can assist you in obtaining a fair settlement.
- 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.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Trucking firms and their insurance companies frequently have substantial legal resources aimed at minimizing their payouts. An experienced lawyer in truck accident cases can adeptly negotiate with these insurers to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully 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: 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 Jasper 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: 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: 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 come with defined weight limits for operational safety. When these limits are ignored, it can lead to difficulties in maneuvering and increased stopping distances. Overloading is a prevalent cause of accidents, particularly when navigating through dense traffic.
- Speeding: Speed limits are designed to protect everyone on the road. Trucks that travel above these limits struggle to stop or maneuver safely. Due to their larger mass, high-speed collisions involving trucks can cause devastating injuries and extensive damage.
- Impaired Driving: When truck drivers are under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, or certain prescription drugs, their ability to make sound judgments and control their vehicles can be severely compromised. This impairment poses a serious danger to both the drivers themselves and others nearby, making it vital for trucking firms to focus on safety and accountability.
- 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: Truck drivers must undergo rigorous training to ensure they can handle their vehicles safely. Those without adequate training might not know how to manage large trucks or react in emergencies, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Ongoing training and certification iscritical for promoting safety within the trucking industry.
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.
The FMCSA indicates that almost 6,000 fatalities and more than 100,000 injuries occur each year due to truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, please reach out to one of our locations today. We are committed to helping you recover special and general damages to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Should You Get a Truck Accident Lawyer in Jasper County, 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.
After a truck accident, you may be eligible for two distinct types of compensation: special damages and general damages. Special damages are objective economic losses, covering expenses such as medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage. General damages, in contrast, are non-economic and include aspects like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Understanding both types of compensation can significantly impact your recovery process and the overall outcome of your case. See below for more details regarding truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Cases in Jasper 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 Jasper County, 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 profound discomfort and emotional anguish experienced 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, attend social events, or enjoy simple pleasures like 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 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 provided to family members of an injured individual for the loss of companionship and intimacy resulting from the victim’s injuries. It emphasizes that truck accident injuries can disrupt relationships with spouses, children, and other family members. The resulting effects may include diminished emotional support and fewer opportunities for shared experiences, profoundly impacting family connections.
These damages can vary depending on the severity of the accident and the long-term impact of the injuries.
Your Jasper County, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have experienced a truck accident in Jasper 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.