Truck Accident Lawyer Richland County, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Richland County, IL. If you or someone close to you has been involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer without delay. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we are here to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. We’ve been proudly serving Southern Illinois for nearly 75 years, securing millions in successful case results. Reach out to our team today by calling (618)-244-5335 or contact us online.
Why Pick Our Firm for Richland County, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
With our experts as Richland County, IL, truck accident attorneys, we are dedicated to obtaining fair settlements for any negligence or accident that covers both special and general damages.
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 when you need a Richland County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This makes sure you receive:
- 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: 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 companies and their insurers often have large legal teams working to minimize payouts. A lawyer experienced in truck accidents can effectively negotiate with insurers and advocate for the compensation you 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: Truck drivers and companies must follow detailed federal rules, including limits on driving hours and maintenance requirements. An attorney with expertise in these regulations will determine if any breaches led to the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Richland County, 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: Long hours spent on the road can lead to severe exhaustion for truck drivers and there are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines to support this. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs decision-making abilities that can significantly increase the risk of mistakes and accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers encounter various distractions, such as using their phones, eating, or adjusting their radios. When drivers lose focus—even briefly—they heighten the risk of collisions. Trucking companies must adopt strict measures to curb distracted driving to ensure the safety of all drivers. A distracted driver could forced off the road without knowing it and create a dangerous situation for everyone.
- 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 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 are meant to keep everyone safe on the road. When trucks drive too fast, they have a harder time stopping or controlling their movement. Because trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles, crashing at high speeds can lead to serious injuries and damage.
- 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: Adverse weather conditions are critical factors in road safety. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can limit visibility and make roads slippery, posing serious challenges for truck drivers. It’s essential for them to modify their speed and driving habits in these conditions, but not all comply, raising the likelihood of collisions.
- 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.
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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.
As reported by the FMCSA, nearly 6,000 people lose their lives in truck-related accidents annually, with over 100,000 sustaining injuries. If you or a family member has been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our locations today. We can help you obtain special and general damages to ensure you receive appropriate compensation.
Why Should You Get a Truck Accident Lawyer in Richland County, IL?
Truck accidents are often more complicated than car accidents because they involve trucking companies, insurance companies, and government regulations. Having a skilled lawyer can help you manage these complexities and make sure you get the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your property. They can negotiate with insurance companies, find out what caused the accident, and determine who is at fault, which is important when multiple parties are involved. Without legal help, you might end up settling for less than you should or being unfairly blamed for what happened.
After a truck accident, you or your loved ones may qualify for two main types of compensation: special damages and general damages. Special damages are objective economic losses, such as medical bills, lost income, and damage to your vehicle. In contrast, general damages refer to non-economic losses, like pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and the loss of companionship. It’s important to recognize both types of damages to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover. See below for more details on truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Cases in Richland 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 Richland County, IL, Truck Accidents
- 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 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 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.
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 Richland County, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
Should you or a loved one be involved in a truck accident in Richland County, IL, our dedicated lawyers are here to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve while guiding you through the legal complexities. For over 70 years, our firm has helped clients win millions in compensation. Call us now at 618-244-5335 or fill out our online contact form.