It only takes seconds for a car accident to completely upend your life. No matter where you’re going or what your plans are for the following hours, days, or weeks, a crash will change those plans and potentially put you in a difficult situation physically, emotionally, and financially. If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a wreck that wasn’t your fault, a Naperville car accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can help.
At our law firm, we recognize that every personal injury claim is different, which is why we provide personalized legal representation for every client that seeks our guidance. Filing a car accident claim can take time, but it will put you on the fastest and most complete track to recovery.
How Dangerous Is Driving in Naperville?
While Naperville is a great place to live, raise a family, and retire, it does see its fair share of auto accidents. While the majority of accidents only result in minor property damage, there are those that end in serious or even fatal injuries.
The most common causes of crashes in Naperville include speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, driving under the influence, and tailgating. When one or more of those factors is present in a wreck, it’s likely negligence played a role. The victim has the right to take legal action to attempt to recover compensation for their losses.
Accidents can happen anywhere in Naperville, but certain intersections in the area are more dangerous than others. The following intersections are known for being particularly dangerous:
- Route 59 and Diehl Road
- Ogden Avenue at Route 50
- Route 59 and North Aurora Road
The reasons these intersections are so dangerous vary. For example, the intersection at Ogden Avenue and Route 59 is confusing and does not give drivers enough time to pass before the light changes to red. When accidents happen, it’s often because drivers became disoriented and could not process the traffic around them.
No matter where your crash occurred in Naperville, it’s essential to know what to do after the fact to protect yourself and your future. To get an idea of what you could be facing, let’s take a look at the consequences associated with many wrecks.
The Consequences of an Auto Accident
The severity of the accident you’re in will impact the consequences you have to deal with after. After most crashes, you can separate the consequences into three categories: physical, emotional, and financial.
The physical injuries you sustain after an accident can take days, weeks, or even months to recover from. Catastrophic injuries have the potential to impact someone for the rest of their life. Some of the most common injuries that result from an auto accident include broken bones, contusions, lacerations, traumatic head injuries, and spinal cord injuries. If you’ve been involved in a crash, it’s imperative to seek medical attention. Not only will this ensure your injuries are evaluated and treated properly, but it will also create a paper trail your lawyer can use to determine what you’re owed.
In regard to the emotional trauma, a car accident can result in restlessness, depression, anxiety, and difficulty getting back into a regular routine. When an accident involves severe injuries or fatalities, it’s possible the surviving victim could develop post-traumatic stress disorder.
The financial losses associated with a crash can be both economic and noneconomic. Economic losses are those that are directly calculable, like property damage, medical bills, and lost wages. Depending on the circumstances, you may also be eligible for compensation for future lost wages or medical expenses. Noneconomic damages refer to those like pain and suffering. They are not as easily determined and are based on a case-by-case basis.
Investigating Your Car Accident
In order to have the best chance at recovery after a crash, you’ll want to get in touch with a car accident attorney. When you do, they will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how and why the incident happened and what you’ve suffered as a result. Ultimately, the goal of your attorney’s investigation is to prove negligence on behalf of the other driver and determine what you’re owed in compensation.
The investigatory process can be lengthy depending on the factors of the crash. If, for example, more than two vehicles were involved or traffic laws were allegedly broken, your lawyer may need to consult outside sources to build the strongest case on your behalf.
The information you documents and receive after the crash is also imperative when it comes to proving you’re owed compensation. After a collision, you’ll want to document what you can about the incident, including what you remember and contact information for the other driver involved. If possible, take photographs and videos of the scene. With that information, you’ll be giving your lawyer a head start with their investigation.
Fight for Your Right to Fair Compensation
If you or someone you loved has been involved in a traffic crash, Thomas Law Offices is here for you. A Naperville car accident lawyer will review your situation and determine how best to proceed based on your unique circumstances.
While most car accident claims end in settlement after a series of negotiations, there is a chance you may need to pursue a lawsuit in court. If that’s the case, our attorneys will be by your side the entire time, ensuring you understand your legal rights and options and fighting for fair compensation so you can get your life back in order. To learn more about the claims process or to get started, contact us today.