Truck Accident Lawyer Sesser, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Sesser, 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 Choose Our Firm for Sesser, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
As experienced Sesser, IL, truck accident attorneys, our firm is dedicated to helping you get a fair settlement for any negligence or accident to cover special and general damages.
After a truck accident, selecting the right lawyer is essential to ensuring your recovery. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we specialize in truck accident cases and are prepared to face the unique challenges these claims bring. Our team is committed to providing personalized support and expert representation every step of the way. Here’s why you should consider our firm if to fight for your rights when you need a Sesser, IL, truck accident lawyer. This makes sure you receive:
- Specialized Expertise: Truck accident cases tend to be more intricate than standard car accidents because of the various regulations, numerous parties involved (such as the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer), and commercial trucking insurance policies. Attorneys with a background in this field are skilled at navigating these complexities and can assist you in obtaining a fair settlement.
- Determining Liability: Establishing who is at fault in a truck accident can involve several parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and possibly third parties like cargo loaders or vehicle manufacturers. A competent attorney can aid in identifying liability and ensuring that all responsible parties are appropriately held accountable.
- 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: The severity of injuries sustained in truck accidents can be significant, ranging from spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries. An experienced lawyer can help victims secure compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and any future care they may require.
- 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 Sesser, 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: 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: 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 have specific weight limits put in place for safety and operational reasons. Exceeding these limits not only makes trucks more difficult to maneuver but also increases the stopping distance required to halt the vehicle safely. Overloaded trucks are a common cause of accidents, particularly in busy traffic conditions.
- 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: 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: 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: Due to their size, trucks have extensive blind spots, making it hard for drivers to see adjacent smaller vehicles. Neglecting to look in these blind spots before altering lanes or making turns can lead to hazardous collisions.
- Improper Training: Operating a truck safely requires specialized training and expertise. Drivers without proper training may find it challenging to manage large vehicles or handle emergencies effectively, resulting in dangerous situations on the road. Regular training and certification are essential to uphold safety in the trucking field.
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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 Sesser, 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.
If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you could seek two types of compensation: special damages and general damages. Special damages are objectively economic losses that include things like medical bills, lost earnings, and repairs to your vehicle. General damages, however, relate to non-economic aspects, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life. Knowing how these damages apply to your situation is essential for maximizing your compensation. See below for further information on truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Injuries in Sesser, 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 Sesser, 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 hinder you from engaging in daily activities, hobbies, or experiences that you once found fulfilling, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. This can include the inability to participate in recreational activities, social gatherings, or even simple pleasures like spending time with loved ones. Courts recognize that the inability to enjoy life as before can have significant emotional consequences, warranting 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 type of compensation is awarded to family members of the injured person for the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy due to the victim’s condition. It recognizes that the injuries sustained in a truck accident can affect not only the victim but also their relationships with spouses, children, and other family members. This can manifest in reduced affection, emotional support, or shared experiences, leading to a profound impact on family dynamics.
The amount of these damages can change depending on the accident’s severity and the long-term consequences of the injuries suffered.
Your Sesser, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
Should you or a loved one be involved in a truck accident in Sesser, 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.