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According to a report from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Illinois has witnessed a 24% rise in car accidents in recent years. In the first three months of 2022, the last year with complete data available, the number of fatal car accidents nationwide went up a 20-year high, with an estimated 9,560 victims – a 7% increase over the same time in 2021 and the highest number since 2002.
This increase in car accidents also calls for an increased demand for car accident attorneys in Illinois. With 70+ years of combined experience, the personal injury attorneys at Phillips Law Office are some of the leading attorneys for car accidents.
Even the safest of drivers can be involved in car accidents due to someone else’s negligence, which frequently happens in Illinois. Calling our car accident attorneys can help you receive fair compensation to help aid and return you to your normal life.
Following a crash, the first step to recovery is to speak with a car accident lawyer in Illinois who will fight for your rights and negotiate on your behalf with frugal insurance adjusters.
Phillips Law Office’s personal injury attorneys carry several decades of expertise assisting injured people and their families in and around Illinois. As our attorneys fight on your behalf, you can and should concentrate on getting back your health and resisting the urge to obsess over your claim. Your attorneys at Phillips Law Offices will work on your behalf while you dedicate your time to getting stronger and feeling better.
Our personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Office have firsthand experience of what an accident can do to the person and the family. From pedestrians involved in car accidents at a crosswalk to multi-car pileups, our experience in car accident cases is vast and plentiful. We have spent decades advocating for clients who have suffered harm in automobile accidents or who have lost loved ones in tragic car accidents caused by the negligence of others. Our attorneys understand how traumatizing a sudden and unanticipated car accident can, so we work hard to empathize with our clients and thoughtfully patiently assist them during this dramatic time.
From minor scrapes and bruises to severe, catastrophic injuries like paralysis or death, car accidents can vastly range in severity. Besides physical harm, victims oftentimes face psychological harm and mental discomfort, as it is sadly all too common that victims are afraid to return behind the wheel after a prior accident.
While fatal car crashes account for less than 1% of all motor vehicle crashes, the devastating impact of losing a loved one in a vehicle crash cannot be understated. Even though cars and trucks have become equipped with more safety features as time goes on, there is unfortunately little that can be done when a negligent driver strikes a victim’s car at a dangerously high rate of speed.
Crashing into objects in a car can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Most TBIs are caused by falls, gunfire, and auto accidents. TBIs are infamously difficult to detect and diagnose. If you are facing memory loss, cognitive function, or physical health issues, it indicates a more serious brain injury.
TBIs, which include strikes to the head and penetrating wounds, are a type of head injury, with concussions being the mildest form of brain damage.
Amputation injuries can be the result of someone else’s negligence behind the wheel. Severe crushing of one’s arms or legs can lead to irreversible damage that can only be remedied by amputation. Limb removal is emotionally scarring and financially costly, as rehabilitation and long-term care and equipment are almost always required.
Readjusting to daily living without a hand, foot, arm, or leg is a significant burden to one involved in a car accident.
Neck and back injuries are quite common in car accidents. The bones, muscles, nerves, and cartilage around the neck and back can become injured during the force of impact. A swift forward-and-backward movement of the neck causes whiplash that can damage the vertebrae. These injuries almost always require physical therapy, while surgery is common when discs and vertebrae are seriously damaged.
A strong impact due to a car accident causes bone fractures. Depending on the severity of the fracture, a victim may need a sling or cast for an extended period of time, or even surgery depending on the location of the break. Cracked ribs from the force of the seatbelt or air bag are common as well.
Dealing with facial injuries can be debilitating. The eyes, mouth, nose, and ears are delicate organs that we use routinely throughout our daily lives. Injuries to these areas can be seriously affect our daily lives. Additionally, scarring and deformities to the face can have a serious impact on a victim’s quality of life. Whereas scars and bruises can be hidden under clothing in other parts of the body, one’s face is always on full display.
Bone Fractures – Broken facial bones sometimes fail to heal properly, resulting in deformity.
Lacerations – Deep cuts to the face called lacerations may require stitches and result in permanent scarring.
Eye Injuries – Damage to the eyes by objects or blunt force might result in blindness.
Soft Tissue Injuries – Injury to tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or other soft tissue can result in deformity and decreased function.
Burns – Severe burn injuries may necessitate skin grafting, discoloration, and scarring.
The hands and wrists are common parts of the body to get seriously injured in a car accident. The hand and wrist’s delicate bones and nerves are interconnected in a complex way that is required to function in everyday life. When the wrist or hand injury is serious, you might require surgery and lose a lot of daily functionality while recovering.
Leg and foot injuries are quite common in car accidents. When a driver has their legs extended forward, the bones and soft tissues in their legs might bear the brunt of a forward collision, resulting in leg injuries. Like the hand, the foot is packed with tiny bones that are readily breakable or movable.
Burns and facial injuries may leave disfiguring scars that alter a person’s appearance and confidence. They may require plastic and reconstructive surgery and are likely to never completely go away. A victim in a car accident who works in an industry with a lot of face-to-face contact, such as sales or education, facial disfigurement may make it more difficult for them to find future employment or excel in their career.
Other long-term issues, such as depression and anxiety, might be brought on by scars. Some scars shrink as they heal, restricting motion in the afflicted area.
A victim may face shock due to a vehicle crash, which can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A victim of a car crash may have flashes of the accident in their memory whenever they return behind the wheel. PTSD can hamper one’s capacity to perform the things they love, especially if they are afraid or uncertain of getting in a car to go to a place or activity they enjoy. In addition, PTSD of the crash may cause nightmares, difficulty sleeping, and depression. Car accidents can leave lasting psychological wounds, even without PTSD. Victims of car accidents are often consulting therapists and psychologists for the first time in their lives in the aftermath of a car accident.
The injuries one faces in a car crash can have a serious financial, physical, and emotional impact on one’s life. You can claim compensation from the liable person and their insurance company to recover the money that can help in the healing process. Phillips Law Offices has vast experience in working with insurance companies on car accident victim’s behalfs.
Every year, there are collisions and the injuries inflicted on victims as the result of the negligence of someone else. Determining the cause of the collision is oftentimes an important step in the recovery process, as it can help confirm the negligent driver’s misconduct or liability.
Our Illinois automobile accident attorneys at Phillips Law Office are skilled at pinpointing the actual cause of your collision to establish that you are not to blame for it.
Poor road conditions are sometimes inevitable, which is all the more reason for defensive driving and constant scanning by a driver of one’s surroundings. Pouring rain and icy roadways require cautious driving.
Sometimes, poor maintenance or poor urban design results in dangerous roadways. Any driver in a big city must assume that potholes and unmarked hazards will appear on their route. Frequent scanning and early spotting can help prevent a driver from having to take sudden evasive maneuvers that could lead to an accident.
Drivers traveling too fast have less time to react to potential risks that could result in a collision. Moreover, speeding lengthens the time a car must slow down before coming to a halt. Higher impact forces result from faster-moving cars, which inflict more severe damage on those hurt in the collision. Other factors contributing to car accidents in Illinois include:
It is important to remember that drivers follow a speed limit and not a speed minimum. That speed limit is in place for driving in optimal conditions, such as during a sunny day with clear visibility. Any time weather or road conditions are poor, it is important to use proper judgment and drive in accordance with the circumstances presented.
There are many car accident cases in Illinois happening due to distraction by the driver. Over half of all auto accidents are within 5 miles of one’s home, as drivers tend to become more distracted and lackadaisical when they feel that they are almost home. The reality is that drivers should be just as alert near their homes as they would be away from home. Different behaviors by drivers leading to distraction include:
Using technology – Using technology is a major contributor to distracted driving. Texting while driving is a situation that is all too common on our road’s today. No text is worth serious injury to you or a victim.
While it may not initially seem as bad as texting, a driver can be just as distracted when fiddling with the navigation system, the car’s music, air conditioning, or plugging in a device to charge.
Communicating with passengers – Communicating with passengers while driving can compromise safety and increase the chance of an accident. It is important to avoid heavy communication or any kind of heated argument while driving.
Eating – Eating or drinking might make drivers preoccupied behind the wheel. Anything that takes one’s hands of the wheel is liable to cause distraction and a collision. Messy, challenging dishes require more concentration. Drivers may divert their attention from the road to clean up spills.
Accidents involving major injuries are high when the driver is drunk. DUI accidents are more common on holidays and in the evenings. When a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 or greater, that person is legally deemed drunk and unable to operate a vehicle. This level of alcohol intake is virtually guaranteed to impair a driver’s judgment and motor skills, however, it is not the minimum requirement to be found drinking under the influence. Everyone reacts differently to alcohol. Even if one has a BAC below .08, they should never get behind the wheel if their driving would be impaired. With the availability of ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, there is no excuse for anyone to get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol.
Although drinking alcohol is the most common cause of driving while intoxicated, it can also relate to using recreational drugs or prescription medication. The cognitive impairment caused by drug use is comparable to that caused by drinking. Driving under the influence of any drug or alcohol can increase the risk of causing a serious auto accident.
Driver fatigue is a major cause of car accidents, and it’s a problem that affects everyone on the road. When a driver is tired, their reaction time slows down, and they may have difficulty paying attention to what’s in front of them. This can lead to serious accidents, injuries and even fatalities.
These types of accidents often involve truck drivers, who are on the road for extended periods of time. They may be driving long distances, working irregular hours, and dealing with the stress of deadlines and tight schedules.
It should be noted that, when driving for extended periods, drivers should take frequent rests, share driving duties with passengers, and ensure they are not driving over their physical and mental limits to avoid accidents.
Remember the following do’s and don’ts to avoid any loss or further mishap.
In any car accident, the first step is determining whether you or others are hurt. Calling 911 will ensure that your crash is swiftly reported to law authorities and that anyone harmed receives prompt medical attention.
Car accidents can have serious and far-reaching consequences, both physically and financially. Even a seemingly minor collision can result in significant injuries, such as fractures, whiplash, and concussions. These injuries can have a lasting impact on your life, affecting your ability to work, engage in daily activities, and enjoy time with loved ones.
It is crucial to never underestimate the seriousness of a car crash and to seek medical attention immediately following an accident. Seeking immediate medical attention is key. It is imperative to inform your doctor of what occurred, and make sure you receive a complete examination. Take the advised course of action from your doctor.
In the aftermath of a car crash, it is important to gather as much information as possible about the incident. This includes gathering the other driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance information. Taking pictures of the scene, including the damage to the vehicles, can also be helpful in building a case. In addition, seeking medical attention immediately after the accident is crucial, even if you do not feel injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Obtaining a traffic crash report after a car accident is an important step in the aftermath of a collision. In most cases, the police officer who responded to the scene of the accident will fill out a report with information such as the date, time, and location of the accident, the parties involved, and the circumstances surrounding the collision. To obtain a copy of the report, you can contact the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident, usually the local police department or the state highway patrol. This report can be a valuable tool for insurance claims and legal proceedings following the accident.
It is important to notify your insurance company about a car accident as soon as possible. Your insurance company will likely assign an adjuster to investigate the claim and determine the extent of the damages and liability. However, don’t confess guilt or place blame. Do not describe your wounds. Keep it factual. There is a high chance that the insurance company may downplay the severity of the car accident or even bring down the policy amount.
Maintaining a journal of medical treatment after a car accident can be a helpful way to keep track of your injuries and the medical care you receive. The journal should include the date and time of each medical appointment, the name of the healthcare provider, and a brief summary of the treatment received. You should also note any symptoms you experience and how they affect your daily activities. Keeping a journal can be especially helpful if you are pursuing a personal injury claim as it provides a detailed record of your medical treatment and can be used as evidence in your case.
It is generally recommended that you avoid discussing your car accident with non-family members. This is because anything you say could potentially be used against you in a later proceeding. It is best to limit your discussions about the accident to your attorney and healthcare providers. Additionally, discussing the accident with others could lead to conflicting accounts of what happened, which could make it more difficult to resolve any legal or insurance issues. If you are contacted by an insurance adjuster or other representative of another party involved in the accident, it is best to refer them to your attorney.
The types of recovery that are possible following an auto accident can vary depending on the nature and severity of the injuries sustained. In general, recovery can include both physical and financial aspects. Physically, recovery can involve medical treatment and rehabilitation to help manage pain, restore function, and improve overall health and well-being. Financial recovery can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages such as pain and suffering, property damage, and other related costs. Recovery can be achieved through insurance claims, legal settlements, or court judgments, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Vehicle repair reimbursement may be available if your vehicle was damaged in an accident that was not your fault. You will need to provide documentation of the damage, and the reimbursement may cover the cost of repairs or fair market value if the vehicle is deemed a total loss.
Reimbursement of medical debt may be sought as part of the damages awarded to the plaintiff. This is because medical expenses are often a significant part of the financial burden faced by a victim of an injury caused by someone else’s negligence. The reimbursement may cover expenses such as hospital bills, medication costs, therapy fees, and any other medical expenses incurred as a result of the injury. The amount of reimbursement will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the evidence presented to prove the medical expenses.
Pain and suffering compensation is a type of damages that is awarded to a victim to compensate them for the physical and emotional pain caused by the injury. This type of compensation is often subjective and difficult to quantify, but it can include compensation for things like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life. The amount of pain and suffering compensation awarded will depend on the severity and duration of the victim’s pain and suffering, as well as other factors such as the impact on their daily life and ability to work.
Compensation for loss of income is a type of damage award that can be given to a victim in a personal injury case to cover the income they have lost as a result of their injury. This can include compensation for lost wages, as well as any future income that the victim may miss out on due to the injury. To determine the amount of compensation, a variety of factors will be taken into account, including the victim’s pre-injury income, the extent of the injury, and the victim’s ability to return to work. In some cases, the victim may also be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity, which takes into account any future reduction in the victim’s earning potential as a result of the injury.
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that individuals who have been injured in a car accident have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim or lawsuit seeking damages for their injuries. If the claim is not filed within this two-year period, the right to seek compensation may be forfeited, and the claim may be barred. It is important to act promptly and seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Additionally, certain exceptions to the statute of limitations may apply in some cases, such as in cases involving minors or cases involving government entities, so it is important to consult an attorney to determine the specific time limit that applies to your case.
A personal injury attorney at Phillips Law Offices can be an invaluable resource for individuals who have been involved in a car accident and are seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. An experienced car accident lawyer can help by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and building a strong case on behalf of the client.
Additionally, an attorney from Phillips Law Offices can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process. We can help our clients understand their legal rights and options and can work to ensure that our clients’ interests are protected at every stage of the case.
By working with an attorney from Phillips Law Offices, individuals can focus on their recovery while their lawyer handles the legal aspects of their case, giving them the best chance of a successful outcome.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were a total of 319,146 motor vehicle crashes in the state of Illinois every year, and of those crashes, approximately 27% resulted in some type of injury.
It’s important to note that not all these accidents resulted in settlements, as some may have been resolved through insurance claims or other means. Additionally, the number of settlements can vary widely based on the specific circumstances of each case, including the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the legal representation of the parties involved. In Illinois, car accident settlements can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
Phillips Law Offices is one of the leading law firms in Illinois, helping victims of car accidents get their claims taken care of promptly with great outcomes. Our persistence, preparation, and passion has aided thousands of car accident victims in their recovery. If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, give an attorney at Phillips Law Offices a call at 312-346-4262. You can connect with us to understand how we work, the law regarding car accident claims, and the procedure to file the claim. If you or any of your loved ones are involved in a car accident in Illinois, contact us for a free consultation through a call or personal meeting.
In such a situation, you may not lose your case. You could receive damages under Illinois comparative responsibility laws if you were 50% or less at blame for the accident. Depending on how badly you screwed up, they will be decreased by a certain amount. For instance, if the court finds that you were 25% at fault, it will compute your damages as if you are not at fault and then deduct 25% from the amount.
When you meet up with an accident, there is a high chance of facing injuries internally or externally. If you don’t visit the doctor in the initial stage, the pain may grow later. A car accident injury is frequently latent, so you might not notice any symptoms immediately. The fact that you delayed going to the doctor to get your injuries diagnosed while they were still recent will undermine your case if it turns out that you were wounded later.
Three different types of compensation were claimed after the car accident in Illinois. These are:
Economic damages —These parts of your recovery are most easily quantified, such as medical costs, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs.
Non-economic damages – These are given for emotional or intangible losses brought on by permanent disability, including pain and suffering. Economic disadvantages are frequently substantially outweighed by non-economic ones.
Punitive damages are only granted in a tiny percentage of situations when the defendant acts deliberately. Punitive damages aren’t meant to compensate for your losses; they’re meant to penalize the offender. Yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep the cash.
Your insurance provider might ask about your car accident situation. But you are not required to make any form of statement to the insurance provider for the other driver, and you are not required to present any of your medical records. Before giving your insurance company a statement, you should speak with an attorney.
Remember that the insurance company is your enemy when you file a claim since they profit by collecting as many premiums as possible and paying out as few claims as possible.
The liable party or the insurance company often try for out-of-court settlements. The issue is that quick settlement offers are frequently insufficient, and insufficient settlement offers rarely come soon. In certain situations, it is best to file a lawsuit that can put pressure on the party and the insurance company. The best is to connect with a professional car accident lawyer company to fight the case. A professional lawyer will help you get compensation and fight the case as per the law.
It varies as per the case. You need to file a claim against the insurance company if you have an uninsured policy, which is not required in Illinois. On the other side, if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, it can be an issue. There is no guarantee that the other motorist will have the personal resources to cover your claim. Therefore you will have to sue them directly.
Phillips Law Offices is often asked by their opposing counsel and even their opponents to represent their family and friends in personal injury and wrongful death matters. This fact speaks volumes about the nature of our practice.
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Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 346-4262
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