Truck Accident Lawyer Williamson County, IL
Truck Accident Lawyer Williamson 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 Williamson County, IL, Truck Accident Legal Support?
With our experts as Williamson 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 the right legal representation after a truck accident can make all the difference in your recovery journey. At Hassakis & Hassakis, we specialize in truck accident cases and understand the unique challenges they present. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized support and expert guidance every step of the way. Here’s why you should consider Hassakis & Hassakis if to fight for your rights when you need a Williamson County, IL, truck accident lawyer. This includes:
- Specialized Expertise: The complexities of truck accident cases surpass those of standard car accidents, involving various regulations and multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, manufacturer, and commercial trucking insurance policies. Experienced attorneys in this field know how to maneuver through these challenges to ensure you receive 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: Insurance providers linked to trucking companies usually have well-established legal teams dedicated to reducing claim payouts. An attorney experienced in truck accidents can effectively advocate for your rights and negotiate with these insurers to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Handling Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurers often have powerful legal teams that aim to minimize their payouts in accidents. An experienced truck accident attorney can effectively handle negotiations with these insurers to fight for the compensation you are entitled to receive.
- 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 Williamson County, IL
As reported by Forbes, many truck accidents are linked to adverse weather conditions, intoxicated driving, excessive speed, or occur at intersections. Check out the 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 face various distractions, including phone use, eating, and adjusting the radio. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a serious collision. To ensure the safety of everyone on the road, trucking companies need to have stringent policies against distracted driving. Other drivers are at risk of being run off the road or put into even more dangerous situations.
- 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 exist to ensure the safety of all road users. When truck drivers exceed these limits, it becomes more difficult to stop or control their vehicles. Given their size and weight, collisions at high speeds can result in severe injuries and significant property 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: The state of the weather is vital for safe driving. Rain, fog, snow, and ice can impair visibility and reduce traction, resulting in perilous driving conditions. Truck drivers must slow down and adjust their driving techniques during bad weather, yet many neglect to do so, increasing the risk of crashes.
- 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 requires specialized skills and thorough training. Drivers who do not receive adequate training may struggle to operate large trucks safely or react appropriately in emergencies, which increases the risk of accidents. Continuous training and certification is vital to maintaining safety standards in the trucking industry.
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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.
According to the latest statistics from the FMCSA, nearly 6,000 fatalities and over 100,000 injuries result from truck-related incidents every year. If you or a family member has been involved in a truck accident, don’t delay in contacting one of our locations today. We can help you pursue special and general damages to ensure fair compensation.
Why Should You Get a Truck Accident Lawyer in Williamson 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 Cases in Williamson 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 Truck-Related Crashes in Williamson County, IL
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident and subsequent injuries. It encompasses not only the immediate pain experienced but also the chronic pain that may persist over time. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the duration of the pain, and the impact on daily life are considered when determining the amount awarded for pain and suffering. This type of compensation aims to provide some measure of relief for the profound discomfort and anguish the victim endures.
- 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 refers to the psychological struggles that can follow a traumatic truck accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims may find it difficult to manage their emotions and carry out daily activities. Compensation for emotional distress aims to recognize and alleviate the psychological impact of the accident and its potential long-term consequences for the victim’s mental health.
- Loss of Consortium: This compensation is provided to family members of an injured individual for the loss of companionship and intimacy resulting from the victim’s injuries. It emphasizes that truck accident injuries can disrupt relationships with spouses, children, and other family members. The resulting effects may include diminished emotional support and fewer opportunities for shared experiences, profoundly impacting family connections.
These damages can vary depending on the severity of the accident and the long-term impact of the injuries.
Your Williamson County, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one have experienced a truck accident in Williamson 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.