Truck Accident Lawyer Lawrence County, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
As trusted Lawrence County, 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 an experienced attorney is key to overcoming the complexities of a truck accident case. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we understand the unique difficulties these cases bring and are committed to offering tailored support and expert guidance to help you achieve a fair recovery. Here’s why you should consider our firm if to fight for your rights if you need a Lawrence County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This includes:
- Specialized Expertise: Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accidents due to regulations, multiple parties involved (driver, trucking company, manufacturer), and commercial trucking insurance policies. Lawyers with experience in this area understand how to navigate these complexities and help you get 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.
- 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: Truck accidents frequently lead to serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. A skilled attorney can assist victims in obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost income, and future healthcare requirements.
- 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 Lawrence County, 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: Spending extended periods on the road can lead to extreme exhaustion among truck drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration outlines regulations aimed at preventing this. Fatigue can slow reaction times and hinder sound judgment, substantially raising the risk of accidents.
- 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 upkeep is essential for any vehicle, particularly large trucks. Failing to properly maintain critical systems like brakes, tires, and lights can lead to significant mechanical failures. Such failures can result in serious accidents on the road that routine maintenance could have prevented.
- Overloading: Each truck is assigned a specific weight limit for safety and efficiency. When these limits are exceeded, it not only becomes harder to control the vehicle, but it also lengthens the stopping distance needed to bring it to a safe halt. Overloaded trucks frequently contribute to accidents, especially in heavy traffic scenarios.
- 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: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain prescription medications can greatly hinder a driver’s judgment and coordination. Truck drivers who are impaired create serious dangers for themselves and others on the road. It’s crucial for trucking companies to emphasize safety and responsibility in their operations.
- Poor Weather Conditions: The state of the weather is vital for safe driving. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can impair visibility and reduce traction, resulting in perilous driving conditions. Truck drivers must slow down and adjust their driving techniques during bad weather, yet many neglect to do so, increasing the risk of crashes.
- 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 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.
Learn more about other services below:
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 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 Lawrence 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.
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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, IL, Truck Accidents
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and subsequent injuries. It encompasses not only the immediate pain experienced but also the chronic pain that may persist over time. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the duration of the pain, and the impact on daily life are considered when determining the amount awarded for pain and suffering. This type of compensation aims to provide some measure of relief for the profound discomfort and anguish the victim endures.
- 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 covers a spectrum of psychological issues that can surface after a traumatic truck accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors may endure emotional challenges that hinder their ability to live normally. Compensation for emotional distress seeks to confront the psychological fallout from the accident and recognize its potential long-term impact 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 nature of these damages can vary greatly depending on how serious the accident was and the long-term ramifications of the injuries experienced.
Your Lawrence County, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in the Lawrence County, IL, area, our lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve and guide you through legal hoops along the way. For more than 70 years, our firm has won millions for victims. You can call us now at 618-244-5335 or fill out our online contact form.
After a truck accident in Lawrence County, IL, you and your loved ones don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Our lawyers are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need and will support you through every step of the legal journey. For more than 70 years, our firm has successfully won millions for victims. Reach out to us now at 618-244-5335 or complete our online contact form.