Car accidents happen in the windy city every day, often leaving Chicago victims with serious injuries, wrecked cars and overwhelming financial burdens. Whether dealing with minor injuries or serious, life-altering consequences, accident victims need guidance on how to recover compensation.
A skilled Chicago car accident lawyer can help you and your family navigate the often complex legal process and help make sure that you get the financial support you deserve. Thomas Law Offices is ready to help.
Illinois Motor Vehicle Accident Laws
Like many states, Illinois operates under a fault-based system. This means that the driver responsible for causing an accident is liable for the damages.
Determining fault, however, is not always straightforward.
Illinois’ Comparative negligence laws apply, meaning that if a victim is partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced. For instance, if a driver is found to be 20% responsible for an accident, their settlement could be reduced by that percentage. Having an experienced lawyer to analyze the accident details and advocate for fair compensation is essential.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chicago
Chicago’s congested streets and high traffic volume contribute to frequent car accidents. Many of these crashes occur due to reckless or negligent driving.
Some common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving or under the influence.
- Failure to yield.
Bad weather and defective vehicle parts also play a role in crashes. Regardless of the accident’s cause, you should seek legal representation to receive the proper compensation that you’re owed for your injuries and losses.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
Following an accident, taking the right steps can significantly impact a legal claim.
Seeking medical attention should always be the top priority. Even if injuries do not seem severe at first, some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately but worsen over time. Seeing a doctor after your accident will start the medical reports that will be crucial to your eventual claim.
You must also call the police and file an accident report. This official documentation can be valuable evidence. Gathering witness statements, taking photos of the scene of the accident, and exchanging contact and insurance information with other drivers can also strengthen your case.
A lawyer can help victims piece together all available evidence to build a strong claim.
Types of Compensation Available After a Crash
Car accident victims in Chicago are entitled to a variety of compensation based on the details and severity of their cases.
- Medical expenses often make up a large portion of damages, covering hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages can also be recovered if injuries prevent victims from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering damages may be awarded as compensation for emotional trauma, mental anguish, and any loss of enjoyment of life.
In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be possible. An experienced attorney is in the best position to assess all relevant damages to ensure victims seek the full amount they deserve.
Why Hire a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer?
Navigating the legal process alone can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help in a number of important ways, improving your chances at a successful outcome while allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Some of these include:
Investigating the Auto Accident
A knowledgeable attorney can handle every aspect of the case, from investigating the accident and collecting evidence to handling negotiations with insurance companies and representing you in court.
Having a lawyer who understands Illinois traffic laws and personal injury claims can make a huge difference in the results of your case and compensation. Your lawyer’s expertise helps ensure that you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies and that their rights are fully protected, especially in common issues like:
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are infamous for trying to minimize payouts by offering quick settlements that may not cover your expenses. Adjusters may use tactics to downplay your injuries or shift blame onto you. Having your lawyer handle all communications with an insurer can help you avoid accepting an unfair settlement. If negotiations fail and a fair settlement can’t be agreed upon, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court.
Filing a Car Crash Lawsuit
In some cases, a lawsuit may be necessary to secure fair compensation. Illinois law allows car accident victims to file a lawsuit within two years of the accident, known as the statute of limitations.
Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to pursue compensation. Your lawyer can help you determine whether filing a lawsuit is your best option and ensure all necessary documentation is submitted on time. Most of these personal injury cases are settled before reaching trial, but having an attorney prepared to go before a judge and jury strengthens your position in negotiations.
Meeting Legal Deadlines and Requirements
Time is another critical factor in car accident cases. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade over time, and insurance companies might try to delay your claim based on these.
Seeking legal representation as soon as possible helps ensure that all evidence is preserved, and deadlines are met. The sooner you get an attorney involved, the stronger your case will be, so you shouldn’t wait to seek legal support to recover your losses.
Get Experienced Legal Help at Thomas Law Offices
A Chicago car accident lawyer can provide invaluable help if you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence. From handling insurance negotiations to representing you in court, the legal professionals here at Thomas Law Offices can play a crucial role in securing maximum compensation for your losses.
If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, don’t try to face the challenges of legal claims alone; seeking professional guidance can help make sure that you get justice and the financial support you deserve. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
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