Illinois Car Crash Attorneys Who Can Help.
Automobile collisions can be devastating for injured victims and their loved ones. Even minor auto collisions often take time to recover from. There are several steps on the road to recovery, and our personal injury attorneys are here to help. Unfortunately, many insurance companies don’t want to fulfill their promises. As such, accident victims should hire legal representation to recover what they are rightfully owed. Our priority is helping your family get back to the life you knew before the car accident.
Types of Car Crashes in Illinois
Motor vehicle collisions refer to collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles on the road. They can result from various factors, such as negligence, reckless driving, or poor road conditions. Injuries sustained in these collisions can range from minor to severe, and victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Truck Collisions
Truck collisions involve large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers or delivery trucks. Due to their size and weight, these accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Liability in truck accidents can extend beyond just the driver to include trucking companies or manufacturers in some cases.
Motorcycle Collisions
Motorcycle collisions specifically pertain to collisions involving motorcycles. Because motorcyclists are more exposed and lack the protective structure of a car, injuries from these accidents tend to be severe. Compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, and other damages may be sought after a motorcycle accident.
Pedestrian Collisions
Pedestrian collisions occur when a person on foot is involved in a collision with a vehicle. These accidents can result in significant injuries or even fatalities. Drivers are typically held responsible for pedestrian accidents, and victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Wrongful Death Case
A wrongful death case results from when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. These cases are typically brought by the surviving family members seeking compensation for their loss. Damages may cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
Car Crash Settlements in Illinois
Car crash settlements in Illinois fall under a fault-based system, where the at-fault party is responsible for damages. Navigating these complexities with an Illinois car crash attorney is crucial for fair and just compensation. Most car crash cases end in settlements negotiated between attorneys for the at-fault party’s insurance company’s lawyers and the injured party’s attorney.
What is my car crash worth in Illinois?
On average in the state of Illinois, a minor car crash with no significant injuries may result in a $3,000 to $10,000 settlement. However, this amount may vary depending on the severity of the damages and injuries sustained.
A major car crash that causes severe injuries in Illinois can result in compensation awards that range from $100,000 to $1 million or more. If the crash results in long-term or permanent disability, the settlement amount may be even more.
When a car crash causes a death, the settlement amount is often significantly higher. Illinois wrongful death settlements for fatal car crash can range from $100,000 to $2 million or even more. Compensation should cover medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, and other damages.
Retaining a qualified car crash attorney is crucial to finding out how much your case may be worth.
Factors Affecting Car Crash Settlements in Illinois
The compensation you can expect from an Illinois car crash hinges on various factors, including:
- Liability: Determining fault is paramount in car crash settlements. Illinois follows a fault system, holding the responsible party accountable for damages. Your potential compensation depends on the percentage of fault assigned to each party.
- Injury Severity: The extent and seriousness of your injuries significantly influence the settlement amount. Generally, more severe injuries result in higher settlements. This can encompass compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Insurance Coverage: The level of insurance coverage is a crucial factor impacting settlement amounts. Illinois mandates all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. However, some may have additional coverage, like underinsured or uninsured motorist protection, potentially increasing the settlement sum.
Illinois Car Crash Laws
According to Illinois car crash laws, the party at fault for the crash is held responsible for damages. Any parties involved in a car crash must stop. Leaving the scene of the crash without stopping to exchange information with the other driver can lead to hit-and-run charges.
Determining liability in a crash involves assessing factors like negligent behavior or traffic rule violations. The claims process typically starts with reporting the collision to your insurance company, which then investigates and requests compensation for your property damages and medical bills from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a car crash lawsuit is two years from the date of the incident. It’s essential to consult with an experienced Illinois car crash attorney who can guide you through the legal intricacies of car crash cases in Illinois. They can help you understand your rights and navigate the process for a fair resolution.
Illinois Car Crash Statistics
The first half of 2023 was deadly on Illinois roads. According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were 654 fatalities in 600 fatal crashes in the first half of the year. It’s a 47-person decrease from the same time period in 2022, but still a high number. In fact, this state’s deadly crash numbers were near those of Texas, the state with the highest number of traffic crashes as well as the highest death rate from crashes.
A car crash in Illinois can be the result of many factors, including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drivers not obeying traffic laws and signals
- Poorly designed roads or construction zones
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Defective vehicles or parts
Staying safe on Illinois roads involves a combination of responsible driving habits, adhering to traffic laws, and being aware of potential hazards. Here are some essential tips:
- Avoid distractions
- Buckle up
- Never drive impaired or drowsy
- Maintain your vehicle
- Adjust your driving for weather conditions
- Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Avoid aggressive driving
- Drive defensively
Car Crash Injury Compensation in Illinois
After a car crash, victims are typically entitled to receive economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a pre-determined monetary value, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages are subjective and more difficult to value. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
You can maximize car crash injury compensation in Illinois by taking these steps:
- Seeking medical care immediately after the crash
- Hiring a seasoned Illinois car crash attorney as soon as possible after the crash
- Filing a police car crash report
- Following your doctor’s medical advice
- Avoiding social media
Common car crash injuries in Illinois include:
- Whiplash
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Head injury
- Back injury
- Concussion
- Soft tissue injury
- Internal bleeding
Illinois Car Crash Insurance Laws
Illinois car insurance laws mandate that all drivers carry a minimum level of liability coverage. The requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per collision
- $20,000 for property damage
This coverage is meant to provide financial protection in the event of a crash. When filing a car crash insurance claim in Illinois, it’s crucial to promptly report the incident to your insurance provider, which can typically be done over the phone or online. This initiates the claims process, where an investigation is conducted to determine liability and assess the extent of damages.
When reporting the crash, be prepared to provide comprehensive information, including details of the crash, any injuries sustained, and relevant documentation like police reports or medical records.
Consult an Illinois Car Crash Attorney About your Case
Seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney can be invaluable in ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive full and fair compensation for your losses. They can navigate the complexities of insurance laws and help you pursue the best outcome for your case.
Contact the skilled Illinois car crash attorneys at Armbruster Dripps Blotevogel LLC today for help with your car crash claim.