Truck Accident Lawyer Vandalia, 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 Pick Our Firm for Vandalia, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
As experienced Vandalia, IL, truck accident attorneys, we are committed to helping you secure a fair and equitable settlement for any accident caused by negligence, ensuring that both special and general damages are covered.
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 consider Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights when you need a Vandalia, IL, truck accident lawyer. This ensures 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: 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: 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 are subject to strict federal regulations, including hours of service rules, vehicle maintenance, and more. An attorney with experience in this field will investigate whether any violations contributed to the accident.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Vandalia, IL
Forbes reports that truck accidents frequently occur due to bad weather, driving under the influence, speeding, or at intersections. Below are further details:
- 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 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 critical for any vehicle, especially trucks. Neglecting to properly maintain vital components like brakes, tires, and lights can lead to dangerous mechanical failures. When these failures occur while driving, they can result in serious accidents that could have been avoided with routine checks.
- 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 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 while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or some prescription medications can drastically reduce a driver’s judgment and motor skills. Truck drivers in this condition pose a considerable threat to themselves and others on the road, underscoring the importance for trucking companies to prioritize safety and responsible driving practices.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Weather plays a crucial role in road safety. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can reduce visibility and traction, creating hazardous driving conditions. Truck drivers must adjust their speed and driving behavior during adverse weather, but not all do, increasing the chances of accidents.
- Failure to Account for Blind Spots: Trucks possess significant blind spots that obstruct drivers’ views of smaller vehicles beside them. Not checking these blind spots prior to changing lanes or turning can result in serious 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.
Here are a few of our other services:
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.
The FMCSA indicates that almost 6,000 fatalities and more than 100,000 injuries occur each year due to truck accidents. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, please reach out to one of our locations today. We are committed to helping you recover special and general damages to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Should You Get a Truck Accident Lawyer in Vandalia, IL?
Truck accidents are often more complex than regular car accidents because they involve trucking companies, insurance issues, and government regulations. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and ensure you receive the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. They can negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the accident’s cause, and determine who is at fault, especially when multiple parties are involved. Without a lawyer, you risk settling for less than you deserve or facing unfair blame for the accident.
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 Cases in Vandalia, 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 Vandalia, IL, Truck Accidents
- 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 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 difficulties that can emerge after experiencing a traumatic truck accident, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may struggle with emotional instability that disrupts their daily functioning. Compensation for emotional distress aims to address the psychological consequences of the accident and the lasting impact it can have on the victim’s mental well-being.
- 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 Vandalia, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
In the aftermath of a truck accident in Vandalia, IL, our lawyers are here to help you and your loved ones secure the compensation you deserve while guiding you through the legal intricacies. For over 70 years, our firm has successfully won millions for victims. Don’t hesitate to call us at 618-244-5335 or fill out our online contact form.