Truck Accident Lawyer Steeleville, 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 Steeleville, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?
As trusted Steeleville, 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.
The right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your truck accident case. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we have the expertise to handle the complexities of truck accident claims. You’ll receive personalized attention and experienced guidance as we help you navigate your recovery. Here’s why you should consider our firm if to fight for your rights when you need a Steeleville, IL, truck accident lawyer. This includes:
- Specialized Expertise: Truck accident cases often involve more complexities than ordinary car accidents due to regulations, several parties involved (like the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer), and commercial trucking insurance policies. Lawyers who specialize in this area understand how to navigate these issues effectively to help you achieve 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.
- 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: Severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, are common in truck accidents. An attorney can help victims pursue compensation for their medical expenses, lost earnings, and future treatment needs.
- 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 Steeleville, IL
As highlighted by Forbes, many truck accidents result from adverse weather, drunk driving, speeding, or happen at intersections. For additional insights, check 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: 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: Safety regulations dictate specific weight limits for trucks to ensure safe driving. When these limits are surpassed, it not only hampers the truck’s handling but also extends the distance necessary to stop safely. This can lead to a higher likelihood of accidents, particularly in busy traffic environments.
- 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: Consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or even specific prescription medications can significantly affect a driver’s judgment and physical abilities. Impaired truck drivers present a major risk to everyone on the road, highlighting the need for trucking companies to enforce strict safety protocols and responsible practices.
- 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: Trucks have large blind spots that can make it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles alongside them. Failing to check these blind spots before changing lanes or making turns can lead to dangerous collisions.
- 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 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 Would You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Steeleville, 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 may be eligible for two distinct types of compensation: special damages and general damages. Special damages are objective economic losses, covering expenses such as medical treatment, lost wages, and property damage. General damages, in contrast, are non-economic and include aspects like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Understanding both types of compensation can significantly impact your recovery process and the overall outcome of your case. See below for more details regarding truck accident damages in Illinois.
Special Damages for a Truck Accident Injuries in Steeleville, 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 Steeleville, IL
- Pain and Suffering: This compensation type focuses on the physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the accident and related injuries. It covers both the immediate pain felt right after the incident and any chronic pain that may develop later. When determining the compensation amount for pain and suffering, various factors come into play, including the severity of injuries, how long the pain lasts, and the impact on the victim’s daily activities. This compensation aims to provide some measure of relief for the significant emotional and physical distress the victim faces.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in daily activities, hobbies, or experiences that once brought you joy, you may qualify for compensation. This loss can encompass the inability to engage in recreational pursuits, attend social events, or enjoy simple pleasures like being with family and friends. Courts acknowledge that the diminished ability to enjoy life can lead to significant emotional distress, making compensation necessary.
- Emotional Distress: This encompasses a variety of psychological challenges that may arise after a traumatic truck accident, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims might experience emotional distress that impacts their everyday lives. Compensation for emotional distress is designed to address the mental toll of the accident and the enduring effects it can have on the victim’s psychological 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.
These damages can vary depending on the severity of the accident and the long-term impact of the injuries.
Your Steeleville, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident in the Steeleville, 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 Steeleville, 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.