Wood River, IL

Truck Accident Lawyer Wood River, IL

Truck Accident Lawyer Wood River, 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 Wood River, IL, Truck Accident Law Support?

As experienced Wood River, 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 if you need a Wood River, IL, truck accident lawyer. This makes sure 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: 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: 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 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 Wood River, 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: Long stretches of driving can lead to significant fatigue in truck drivers, as highlighted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. When drivers are exhausted, their reaction times are delayed, and decision-making capabilities are compromised, which can dramatically increase the risk of mishaps on the road.
• 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 upkeep is essential for any vehicle, particularly large trucks. Failing to properly maintain critical systems like brakes, tires, and lights can lead to significant mechanical failures. Such failures can result in serious accidents on the road that routine maintenance could have prevented.
• 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 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: Weather conditions are a major factor in road safety. Inclement weather like rain, fog, snow, and ice can obscure visibility and make roads treacherous. Truck drivers should adapt their speed and behavior when facing such conditions, but not all follow this guideline, which can lead to 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 drivers must undergo rigorous training to ensure they can handle their vehicles safely. Those without adequate training might not know how to manage large trucks or react in emergencies, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Ongoing training and certification iscritical for promoting safety within the trucking industry.

Here are a few of our other services:

• Construction Accident Attorney
• Wrongful Death Lawyer
• Car Accident Lawyer
• Personal Injury Lawyers

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 Wood River, IL?

Truck accidents are typically more complex than regular car accidents because they involve trucking companies, insurance issues, and federal laws. An experienced lawyer can help you tackle these challenges and ensure you receive the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. They can also negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the accident’s cause, and determine liability, which is important when there are several parties involved. Without legal representation, you could end up settling for less than you deserve or being wrongly blamed for the accident.

If you or a loved one were involve 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 Wood River, IL

• Medical Expenses: This includes a comprehensive range of costs associates 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 require due to the injuries. Victims may need specialize 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 entitle 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 damage in the accident. This can include items like clothing or 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 as a direct result of the accident that are not cover 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 Wood River, IL, Truck Accidents

• Pain and Suffering: It is design to cover the turmoil that victims experience due to the accident and their injuries. This includes both the immediate discomfort and any ongoing chronic pain that might arise. The amount for pain is influence by various factors, including the severity, duration, and how it affects everyday life. The goal of this compensation is to acknowledge and provide some relief for the deep anguish the victim goes through.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries stop you from taking part in activities you might be eligible for compensation. This can cover your inability to engage in recreational activities, socialize, or even savor everyday moments with loved ones. The legal system recognizes that losing the ability to enjoy life & have serious emotional impacts, justifying the need for compensation.
• Emotional Distress: This includes various psychological challenges following a traumatic truck accident, like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims often face emotional upheaval that interferes with their daily lives. It is intend to acknowledge the psychological effects of the accident and its implications for the victim’s mental health.
• Loss of Consortium: This type of compensation is  provide 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. This can manifest in reduced affection, emotional support, or shared experiences, leading to a profound impact on family dynamics.

These damages can vary depending on the severity of the accident and the long-term impact of the injuries.

Your Wood River, IL, Truck Accident Lawyers

In the aftermath of a truck accident in Wood River, IL, we 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.