Truck Accident Lawyer Johnston City, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Johnston City, 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 Johnston City, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
As trusted Johnston City, IL, truck accident attorneys, our firm is committed to ensuring you receive a fair settlement that addresses both special and general damages resulting from any negligent accident.
Choosing the right legal representation after a truck accident can make all the difference in your recovery journey. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we specialize in truck accident cases and understand the unique challenges they present. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized support and expert guidance every step of the way. Here’s why you should consider Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights if you need a Johnston City, IL, truck accident lawyer. This ensures 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: Identifying fault in a truck accident may require looking at various parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even third parties such as cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A skilled attorney will assist in determining liability and making sure that all liable 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: 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, and future care needs.
- 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 Johnston City, 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: Truck drivers often work long hours, which can result in extreme tiredness. According to guidelines from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, this fatigue can slow reaction times and cloud judgment, greatly heightening the risk of errors and accidents on the road.
- 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: 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: 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 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 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 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: Trucks have large blind spots that can make it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles alongside them. Failing to check these blind spots before changing lanes or making turns can lead to dangerous collisions.
- 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.
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In Illinois and much of the United States, the maximum allowable weight for semi-trucks is 80,000 pounds. To give you an idea, the average car typically weighs around 4,000 pounds.
According to the FMCSA, there are nearly 6,000 truck-related fatalities per year and more than 100,000 injuries. If you or a family member have been involved with a truck-related accident, don’t wait to contact one of our locations today. We can help you reclaim special and general damages in order make sure you receive fair compensation.
Why Would You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Johnston City, IL?
Truck accidents are often more complex than regular car accidents because they involve trucking companies, insurance issues, and government regulations. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and ensure you receive the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. They can negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the accident’s cause, and determine who is at fault, especially when multiple parties are involved. Without a lawyer, you risk settling for less than you deserve or facing unfair blame for the accident.
There are two types of compensation you can get if you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident. This includes special damages (objectively economic) and general damages (non-economic). See below for more information about truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Injuries in Johnston City, 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 Truck-Related Crashes in Johnston City, IL
- 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 restrict your ability to engage in daily activities, hobbies, 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 encompasses a variety of psychological challenges that may arise after a traumatic truck accident, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims might experience emotional distress that impacts their everyday lives. Compensation for emotional distress is designed to address the mental toll of the accident and the enduring effects it can have on the victim’s psychological health.
- Loss of Consortium: This compensation is provided to family members of the injured individual for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy due to the victim’s injuries. It acknowledges that a truck accident’s impact extends beyond the victim, affecting their relationships with spouses, children, and other loved ones. This loss can be seen in diminished affection, emotional support, and shared experiences, significantly altering family dynamics.
These damages can differ significantly based on the severity of the accident and the long-lasting effects of the injuries involved.
Your Johnston City, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
In the aftermath of a truck accident in Johnston City, 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.