Sometimes the full extent of injuries sustained in an auto accident is not known until weeks, months or even years after the crash. And as many people in Southern Illinois have found out the hard way, serious injuries can accumulate symptoms and pains as time goes on. That is why insurance companies often try to settle early with what might seem at first like a fair offer. But sometimes those early settlements are merely the insurance company’s attempt to prevent an injured person from suing after the full extent of the injuries becomes clear. Knowing this, many people who have been seriously injured in a car accident seek the help of a legal professional who can help ensure that the awarded compensation doesn’t run out while the injured person is still suffering.
These issues and more may be on the mind of a 33-year-old Highland man who recently suffered serious injuries when his tractor-trailer was hit by a speeding motorist in Washington County. The other driver, a 29-year-old from Missouri, lost control of her speeding vehicle, which crossed the median on Interstate 64 and collided with the semi-truck in the rear tandem. The truck, which was hauling cardboard, rolled onto its side, resulting in major injuries for the truck driver.
According to Illinois State Police, the 29-year-old said she was speeding because of a medical emergency. However, police issued her citations for driving too fast for conditions, driving while license suspended, operating an uninsured vehicle and improper lane usage. She also had moderate injuries.
Because they are serious, the injuries sustained by the truck driver may develop into prolonged and painful conditions requiring extended medical treatment. Such treatment is expensive, and the bills begin to pile up, especially since people who have suffered a serious injury are often unable to work. In addition to pain and suffering, the injury also becomes a financial burden. To prevent this from happening, Illinois residents who have been injured should explore all of their legal options for obtaining the full amount of due compensation.
Source: thesouthern.com, “Driver cited after I-64 crash Wednesday evening,” Linda Rush, Feb. 16, 2012