Truck Accident Lawyer in Carbondale, IL
Offices in Marion, Carbondale, Benton, Harrisburg & Metropolis
Victims of truck accidents can trust the truck accident law firm of Lawler & Lawler to fiercely represent them in their claims for compensation against negligent truckers and their employers. Lawyers Bridget and Raymond Lawler understand the deep need truck accident victims have for compensation, and they understand how to fight to get it.
If you have been the victim of a truck accident due to the negligence of another, contact our office as soon as possible to speak with a truck accident attorney in Carbondale, IL. Call (619) 889-4981 for a free consultation today.
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How a Truck Accident Attorney in Carbondale, IL, Can Help
A truck accident lawyer can help you recover a proper compensation payout, one that truly addresses the losses you have suffered due to the accident. All too often, injury victims go through the compensation process alone, which results in them receiving settlements that are far below what they deserve.
The reason behind such low amounts is that insurance companies handle the compensation payouts, and they fight to keep them at a minimum. They employ industry-accepted tactics to get claimants to accept less or outright deny a claim.
With a truck accident lawyer, though, you’ll have a professional who fights for you during the claim process. They engage in a multitude of tasks, all designed to get you the highest payout possible, some of which include:
- Drafting and managing all claim-related paperwork
- Conducting investigations and evidence gathering
- Hiring and consulting with the relevant accident and medical experts
- Negotiating with adjusters for maximum compensation
- Filing a lawsuit when necessary
When negotiating for your settlement payment, a semi-truck accident attorney will present a list of damages you have suffered. In Illinois, truck accident victims can pursue various types of damages, which are either economic or non-economic.
Economic damages include out-of-pocket losses that have been used to pay for accident-related expenses, such as medical costs and homecare service costs. They also include property losses and any losses related to missed economic opportunities, such as missed work. If the accident was fatal, then the family of the victim may be entitled to reasonable burial and funeral expenses.
Non-economic damages, although not tangible, impact victims and their families just as much as economic damages. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium and society
In particularly egregious cases, punitive damages may be potentially available, which outright punish the defendant for their negligence on the road.
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Proving Negligence
Your truck accident attorney in Carbondale, IL, will work diligently to build a strong case for compensation, which must include proof of negligence. Truck driving accidents in Illinois occur due to various forms of negligence, including:
- Fatigued drivers
- Inattentive drivers
- Driving while under the influence
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Untrained or improperly trained drivers
- Improperly serviced truck or trailer
- Defective truck or trailer parts and equipment
- Improper employment screening and hiring measures
- Improper supervision
- Improperly loaded or overloaded trailer
Negligent parties named in a claim may include:
- The driver
- The driver’s employer
- A shipping company
- A parts manufacturer
- A truck repair shop
If the driver is negligent, the driver’s employer may also be held liable under the theory of vicarious liability.
In addition to identifying negligent actions, your truck accident lawyer must also demonstrate that the actions directly caused the accident, a process known as causation, which links the negligent party’s actions to your injuries.
The evidence your attorney collects throughout your case will be essential in proving this element of liability. Generally speaking, the stronger the evidence of liability, the more leverage your attorney will have during insurance negotiations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A handful of types of trucking crashes make up the bulk of truck accidents. Each of them can and does easily lead to catastrophic injuries and even potential fatalities. In no small number of cases, negligence underlies the cause of these accidents, which include:
- Jackknifes, which occur when the trailer outruns the truck
- Rear-end collisions due to speeding or inattentiveness
- Head-on collisions, often caused by inattentiveness
- Rollovers, often due to excessive speed during turns
- T-bone accidents, which typically occur in intersections
Because of the sheer size of semi-trucks, any accident they cause typically involves multiple vehicles. For example, a rollover on the highway can easily lead to crashes in multiple lanes.
Many different causes can be attributed to truck driver injuries. In crashes, the sheer magnitude of the forces generated is enough to invariably cause bodily harm. Outside of crashes, some of the leading causes of truck driver injuries include:
- Loading and unloading cargo in an unsafe manner
- Unsafe operation of dollies and loaders
- Overexertion while driving or handling cargo
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Injuries at the terminal or worksite
Truck driver injuries are handled by workers’ compensation claims. However, workers’ compensation does not cover the full extent of the damages suffered in a serious accident. If someone else other than the employer was negligent, the truck driver might potentially seek compensation from this negligent party.
After a truck accident, your safety should be the most important consideration. First responders should be notified immediately, and you should get to safety as well as you can. Once the police arrive, an officer will take a report, which is vital to your claim for compensation.
It is of utmost importance that you file a report of the accident. If not, you can face a significant fine and up to a year in jail. Additionally, you need an official record for your claim that attests to the facts and includes your side of the story.
Illinois law gives you ten days to report the accident to the authorities. However, it is best not to wait this long. You might find that the truck driver or their company has filed a report after the accident that varies substantially from your version of events. Obtaining a police report right after the crash prevents this from occurring.
After a crash, you will also want to:
- Take photos or video if safe to do so
- Exchange driver information
- Get witness contact information
- Write down your version of the accident
Most importantly, you will want to make an appointment with a truck accident attorney in Carbondale, IL, to review your case and your options for moving forward.
Truck accidents routinely cause some of the worst accidents on Illinois roadways. Unfortunately, most are preventable because they are caused by negligence. If you have been involved in a truck accident, the truck accident law firm of Lawler & Lawler has the experience and the passion for getting you the funds you deserve.
Call (616) 889-4981 today for a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in Carbondale, IL, and take the first step toward justice. Your initial meeting is free, and we only charge on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for our clients and no fees owed if we are not successful.