The moments leading up to and following an accident are often overwhelming and confusing. If you’ve been involved in a crash, you may not know what to do or what steps to take to protect your future. If you believe someone else’s negligent actions contributed to your wreck, a Buffalo Grove, IL car accident lawyer can help.
At Thomas Law Offices, we believe accident victims deserve the chance to recover as fully as possible after an accident. Filing a claim to seek compensation from the allegedly negligent party is one of the best ways to do that. Successful claims are built on the basis of negligence, which can be a complex concept to prove. Fortunately, our attorneys are skilled and experienced when it comes to representing personal injury victims.
Auto Accidents in Buffalo Grove
While Buffalo Grove is a picturesque city, it’s not immune to auto accidents. Most crashes result in minor property damage or injuries, but there are those that are more serious or even fatal. If you’ve been involved in a collision, you’ll need to understand how and why the incident happened. Some of the most common factors causing accidents in Buffalo Grove include the following:
- Distracted Driving. When a driver is more focused on their phone or car controls than the road, they are more likely to miss oncoming traffic at intersections or swerve into the wrong lanes.
- Speeding. Speed limits are set for a reason. When a driver disobeys this traffic law, they are more likely to lose control of their vehicle. This is especially true in poor weather conditions or while taking curves or corners.
- Impaired Driving. Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is illegal, but that doesn’t stop people from doing it. Substances like that impair motor skills and cognitive function, meaning the driver is less likely to be aware of their surroundings or in control of their vehicle.
No matter what factors caused your accident, your attorney will investigate your case and determine the amount of compensation you’re owed based on your present and predicted losses.
Car Insurance Policies in Illinois
Like most states, Illinois has legislation that requires vehicle owners to carry certain minimum amounts of liability car insurance. In the event someone causes an accident on the state’s roads or highways, car insurance is supposed to cover any damages.
Under Illinois’ mandatory insurance law, vehicle owners are required to carry the following amounts of minimum coverage that is to be used in the event they cause an accident:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
- $50,000 total for all injuries or deaths in an accident
- $20,000 for damage to the property of another person
That coverage pays for medical bills, property damage, and other costs incurred by the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are injured or have their vehicle damaged in an accident. Once policy limits are exhausted, the negligent driver is financially on the hook for any remaining costs.
Unfortunately for accident victims, insurance companies aren’t normally willing to award full damage amounts, as it affects their bottom line. Because of that, it’s important to have an injury attorney by your side so they can handle the negotiations for you. They will ensure that nothing is said to jeopardize your case and that the insurance company does not try to take advantage of your situation.
The Benefits of Working With an Experienced Attorney
When you’ve been involved in an auto wreck, your primary focus should be on healing physically and emotionally. Trying to balance an injury claim at the same time can be overwhelming, which is why you’ll want to seek representation from a Buffalo Grove attorney.
When you work with a lawyer, they will help you build a strong case. This includes collecting evidence like accident reports, medical records, witness interviews, and photographs of the accident scene and your injuries. That evidence will be used to build a claim that proves you were wronged.
In addition to building your case, your attorney will also determine the fair value of your claim. There are a number of factors that determine how much an accident victim is owed, so your legal representative will consider the type of injury you developed, your pain and suffering, medical costs, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, future medical needs, and more.
In the event you’ve lost a loved one in a traffic collision, we’re prepared to help you file a wrongful death claim so you can seek the compensation you need to secure your future and hold the negligent party responsible for their actions.
Contact Thomas Law Offices
At Thomas Law Offices, we’re well aware of the impact a car accident can have on an individual and their family. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a wreck, a Buffalo Grove car accident lawyer can help.
While you have every right to attempt to handle the claim on your own, you’re more likely to obtain full and fair compensation when you’re supported by reliable legal representation. We’ll guide you through the claims process, handle negotiations on your behalf, and take your case to court in the event reaching a settlement isn’t a possibility.
It’s important to note that filing a car accident claim does take time, so the sooner you get in touch with a lawyer, the better your chances are of making a full recovery. To get started, schedule a free consultation with our law firm today.