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Truck Accident Lawyer Johnson County, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Johnson 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 Pick Our Firm for Johnson County, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
Our team of Johnson 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.
When recovering from a truck accident, having the right legal representation is vital. At Hassakis & Hassakis, our focus on truck accident cases ensures that we fully understand the complexities involved. We offer personalized support as well as skilled legal counsel to help you through this challenging time. Here’s why you should consider Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights if you need a Johnson County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This ensures 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: Establishing who is at fault in a truck accident can involve several parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and possibly third parties such as cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A competent attorney can aid in identifying liability and ensuring that all responsible parties are appropriately 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 also advocate for the compensation you are entitle to receive.
- 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 Johnson 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: 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: Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe operation of any vehicle, and trucks are no exception. Neglecting essential parts like brakes, tires, and lights can cause serious mechanical failures. Such issues can lead to significant accidents that could easily be avoided with timely maintenance inspections.
- Overloading: Trucks have specific weight limits put in place for safety and operational reasons. Exceeding these limits not only makes trucks more difficult to maneuver but also increases the stopping distance require to halt the vehicle safely. Overloaded trucks are a common cause of accidents, particularly in busy 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: The influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain prescription medications can severely affect a driver’s decision-making and physical control. When truck drivers are impaired, they create significant risks for everyone on the road. It’s essential for trucking companies to prioritize safety measures and responsible driving to mitigate these dangers.
- 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: Due to their size, trucks have extensive blind spots, making it hard for drivers to see adjacent smaller vehicles. Neglecting to look in these blind spots before altering lanes or making turns can lead to hazardous collisions.
- Improper Training: Truck driving is a skilled occupation that necessitates comprehensive training and experience. Inadequately trained drivers may lack the knowledge needed to operate large trucks safely or react appropriately in critical situations, leading to road errors. Continued training and certification is essential for ensuring a safe trucking environment.
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According to regulations in Illinois and most of the U.S., semi-trucks are limited to a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds. In contrast, the typical car weighs approximately 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 involve in such an accident, please reach out to one of our locations today. We are dedicate to helping you recover special and general damages to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Would You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Johnson County, IL?
Truck accidents are usually more complicated than car accidents due to the involvement of trucking companies, insurance matters, and government regulations. A good lawyer can help you navigate these issues and ensure you get the compensation you need for medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. They can negotiate with insurance companies, investigate what caused the 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.
In the event of a truck accident, there are two primary types of compensation you may be able to pursue: special damages and general damages. Special damages encompass objective economic losses, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. General damages, on the other hand, cover non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. Understanding both types of damages can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. See below for additional information on truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Injuries in Johnson County, IL
- Medical Expenses:
This includes a comprehensive range of costs associate 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 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 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 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 detail records and receipts for these expenses is crucial for substantiating your claims.
General Damages for Johnson County, IL, Truck Accidents
- Pain and Suffering:
It refers to the damages offer for the physical and emotional distress that result from the accident and the injuries. 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 and the effect on the victim’s daily life. The objective of this compensation is to help alleviate some of the profound discomfort experience by the victim. - Loss of Enjoyment of Life:
If your injuries prevent you from participating in daily activities you may qualify for compensation. This loss can encompass the inability to engage in recreational pursuits like being with family and friends. Courts acknowledge that the diminish ability to enjoy life can lead to significant emotional distress, making compensation necessary. - Emotional Distress:
This encompasses a variety of psychological challenges that may arise after a truck accident, such as post-traumatic stress disorder & more. Victims might experience emotional distress that impacts their everyday lives. It address the mental toll of the accident and effects it can have on the victim’s psychological health. - Loss of Consortium:
It is provide to family members of the injured person for the loss of companionship 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, 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 Johnson County, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers
After a truck accident in Johnson County, IL, our lawyers are here to help you secure the compensation while guiding the legal process. 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.
