Truck Accident Lawyer Piatt County, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer. If you or a loved one are involved in a truck-related accident, it’s important to contact a local truck accident attorney as soon as possible, It’s our job at Hassakis & Hassakis to protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Based in Southern Illinois, our firm has helped this community for close to 75 years and has won millions in case results for our clients. You can call our Southern Illinois truck accident lawyers at (618)-244-5335 or contact us online for more information.
Why Choose Our Firm for Piatt County, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
As trusted Piatt 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 Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights if you need a Piatt County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This makes sure 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: In a truck accident, establishing fault can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and third parties like cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A knowledgeable attorney can help determine liability and ensure that all responsible parties face the consequences.
- 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 can result in serious injuries, from traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord injuries. An attorney can assist victims in claiming compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care needs.
- 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 Piatt County, IL
According to Forbes, most accidents involve bad weather, drunk driving, speeding, or happened at intersections. See below for more details:
According to statistics from Forbes, the majority of truck accidents are caused by factors such as poor weather, drunk driving, speeding, or take place at intersections. For more information, see 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 like texting, eating, or fiddling with the radio can severely compromise a truck driver’s focus. When drivers allow these distractions to pull their attention away, the chances of an accident rise dramatically. It’s crucial for trucking companies to enforce strict anti-distracted driving policies to protect everyone to reduce collision rates and to make sure no one is run off the road.
- 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 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 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 expansive blind spots that limit drivers’ visibility of smaller cars in adjacent lanes. Ignoring these blind spots when changing lanes or turning can result in serious collisions.
- 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.
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In Illinois and most regions of the United States, the legal weight limit for semi-trucks is 80,000 pounds. To put that into perspective, the average car weighs about 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 Piatt 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 involved. Without a lawyer, you might settle for less than you should or face 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 Piatt 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 Truck-Related Crashes in Piatt County, IL
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering compensation is designed to cover the physical pain and emotional turmoil that victims experience due to the accident and their injuries. This includes both the immediate discomfort and any ongoing chronic pain that might arise. The amount awarded for pain and suffering is influenced by various factors, including the severity and permanence of the injuries, the duration of the pain, and how it affects the individual’s everyday life. The goal of this compensation is to acknowledge and provide some relief for the deep anguish the victim goes through.
- 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 range of psychological challenges that may arise following a traumatic truck accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may experience emotional turmoil that affects their ability to function normally in daily life. Compensation for emotional distress seeks to address the psychological impact of the accident and the long-term effects it can have on 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 extent of these damages can differ based on how severe the accident was and the lasting effects of the injuries sustained.
Your Piatt County, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you care about has been in a truck accident in Piatt County, IL, our truck accident lawyers are ready to assist you in obtaining the compensation you’re entitled to while navigating the legal process. With more than 70 years of experience, our firm has won millions for victims. You can contact us at 618-244-5335 or complete our online contact form today.