Truck Accident Lawyer Washington 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 Washington County, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
As experienced Washington County, 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.
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 Washington County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This ensures 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: 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.
- 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: 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 guidelines for truck drivers and companies include strict rules about service hours and vehicle maintenance. A skilled attorney will investigate whether any violations of these regulations contributed to the crash.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Washington 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: 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 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: Each truck is assigned a specific weight limit for safety and efficiency. When these limits are exceeded, it not only becomes harder to control the vehicle, but it also lengthens the stopping distance needed to bring it to a safe halt. Overloaded trucks frequently contribute to accidents, especially in heavy traffic scenarios.
- 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: 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: 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: The profession of truck driving demands significant skills and experience. When drivers lack sufficient training, they may not be equipped to handle large trucks safely or respond effectively in emergencies, leading to potential mistakes on the road. Ongoing education and certification is crucial for ensuring safety in the trucking sector.
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In Illinois and throughout most of the United States, semi-trucks cannot exceed 80,000 pounds in weight. For reference, the average car weighs roughly 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 Washington County, 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.
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 Washington 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 Washington County, IL, Truck Accidents
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and the resulting injuries. This includes not only the acute pain felt immediately but also any chronic pain that may linger long after. The evaluation of pain and suffering compensation considers factors such as the intensity of the injuries, the length of time the victim suffers, and how these injuries disrupt their daily life. This compensation seeks to offer some relief for the extensive discomfort and distress 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 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 type of compensation is granted to the family members of an injured person for the loss of companionship, emotional support, and intimacy resulting from the victim’s injuries. It highlights how the consequences of a truck accident can ripple through family relationships, impacting spouses, children, and other relatives. The resulting loss may manifest as reduced emotional connection and fewer shared moments, deeply affecting family life.
The extent of these damages can differ based on how severe the accident was and the lasting effects of the injuries sustained.
Your Washington County, IL, Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have experienced a truck accident in Washington County, IL, our team of lawyers is ready to assist you in obtaining the compensation you rightfully deserve while guiding you through the legal process. With over 70 years of experience, our firm has secured millions for victims. Contact us today at 618-244-5335 or fill out our online contact form.