Oakdale, IL

Truck Accident Lawyer Oakdale, IL

Truck Accident Lawyer Oakdale, IL. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck-related accident, don’t hesitate to contact a local truck accident lawyer. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we fight to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. With nearly 75 years of experience serving Southern Illinois, we’ve recovered millions in case results for our clients. Call us today at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online to learn more.

Truck Accident Lawyers Oakdale, IL | Free Consultation | Injury Attorneys

Why Choose Our Firm for Oakdale, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?

With our experts as Oakdale, IL, truck accident attorneys, we are dedicated to obtaining fair settlements for any negligence or accident that covers 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 and skilled legal counsel to help you through this challenging time. Here’s why you should choose our firm if to fight for your rights when you need a Oakdale, 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: When it comes to truck accidents, pinpointing who is at fault can involve various parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, or third parties like cargo loaders and vehicle manufacturers. An experienced attorney can facilitate the process of determining liability and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
  • 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 advocate for the compensation you are entitled to receive.
  • 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: Trucking companies and drivers must adhere to strict federal regulations, such as hours of service and proper vehicle maintenance. An experienced attorney will examine whether any regulatory violations played a role in the accident.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Oakdale, IL

According to Forbes, common causes of truck accidents include severe weather, impaired driving, excessive speed, or incidents at intersections. See more details 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 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: Keeping up with regular maintenance is essential for all vehicles, particularly trucks. Failing to maintain key components such as brakes, tires, and lights can lead to hazardous mechanical issues. When these problems arise on the road, they can cause serious accidents that might have been prevented through consistent maintenance checks.
  • Overloading: Trucks are designed with strict weight limits to ensure safe operation. Exceeding these limits compromises maneuverability and increases the distance required to stop safely. This makes overloaded trucks a significant factor in accidents, particularly in congested traffic situations.
  • 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: 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 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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In Illinois and across much of the United States, the weight limit for semi-trucks is set at 80,000 pounds. For comparison, the average car weighs around 4,000 pounds.

According to data from the FMCSA, there are close to 6,000 fatalities and more than 100,000 injuries due to truck-related incidents each year. If you or someone in your family has experienced a truck accident, don’t wait to contact us at one of our locations today. We can assist you in recovering special and general damages to make sure you get fair compensation.

Why Should You Get a Truck Accident Lawyer in Oakdale, 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.

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 Oakdale, 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 Oakdale, IL

  • 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 limit your ability to participate in daily activities, hobbies, or experiences that you once cherished, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. This includes the inability to enjoy recreational activities, attend social gatherings, or partake in simple joys like spending time with friends and family. Courts understand that the loss of enjoyment in life can lead to significant emotional effects, which warrants compensation.
  • Emotional Distress: This refers to the psychological struggles that can follow a traumatic truck accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may find it difficult to manage their emotions and carry out daily activities. Compensation for emotional distress aims to recognize and alleviate the psychological impact of the accident and its potential long-term consequences 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.

The nature of these damages can vary greatly depending on how serious the accident was and the long-term ramifications of the injuries experienced.

Truck Crash Attorneys Oakdale, IL | Personal Injury Lawyers Southern Illinois | Free Consultation

Your Oakdale, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in the Oakdale, 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 Oakdale, 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.

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