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Car accidents can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial harm. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, Chicago Personal Injury Attorney at Law, JD Jordan, is here to help. Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, or lost wages, our Elgin personal injury lawyers can help you recover fair compensation.
We understand how overwhelming it can be, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. We are dedicated to helping car accident victims get the justice they deserve. Let our personal injury law firm fight for your rights and guide you through the legal process. Our Elgin car accident attorney works closely with each client to ensure their case is handled with care and urgency.
Car accidents can occur for various reasons, and some are more prevalent than others. Understanding the common causes of accidents can help you stay safe on the road and make sure you have the facts if you are involved in an accident.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Drivers using their phones, eating, or being otherwise distracted can cause crashes. Drivers need to stay focused on the road to avoid accidents.
Distracted driving not only increases the risk of accidents but also makes it harder for drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to a serious crash, especially in busy or high-traffic areas.
Driving too fast for road conditions or ignoring traffic laws often leads to accidents. Speeding can make it harder for a driver to stop in time, which can result in serious car accidents.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Illinois under 735 ILCS 5/11-501. Drunk driving significantly impairs judgment, reaction time, and decision-making, leading to numerous accidents. If you are involved in a crash with a drunk driver, the driver may be held fully responsible.
When a driver is speeding, they are less likely to notice hazards ahead, like stopped vehicles or pedestrians. Speeding also reduces the time available for reaction, which can lead to severe injuries in the event of a crash.
Bad weather, such as rain, snow, or fog, makes driving hazardous. Poor weather conditions can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of accidents. Drivers should adjust their driving speed and pay extra attention when weather conditions are poor.
In icy conditions, even experienced drivers can struggle to maintain control of their vehicle. It is also important to keep a safe distance from other cars, as braking distances increase significantly in wet or icy conditions.
Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Driver fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment, increasing the risk of car crashes. It is important to pull over and rest if you feel tired while driving.
Fatigue can also affect a driver’s ability to focus, leading to mistakes such as running red lights or drifting between lanes. Studies show that drivers who haven’t had enough sleep are more likely to cause accidents, especially on long trips or late-night driving.
In Illinois, some laws specifically affect your car accident claim. Knowing these laws is important if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Here are some of the most important laws you should understand:
Under the comparative fault rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), you may still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount you can recover will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
In Illinois, under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If you don’t file within this timeframe, you lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Illinois law, under 625 ILCS 5/7-601, requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance in the event of an accident. Drivers must have at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. If a driver does not have the required insurance, they may face legal consequences.
If you've been injured in a car accident, having an experienced Elgin car accident lawyer by your side is crucial. We can help you recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Here’s how we can assist you:
Our legal team will conduct a detailed investigation of the accident. This includes gathering police reports, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing medical records to build a strong case.
We will also visit the accident scene to gather further evidence, such as skid marks, road conditions, and any nearby surveillance footage. This thorough investigation is essential to establish fault and strengthen your case for maximum compensation.
Insurance companies often try to offer low settlements or deny claims. As personal injury attorneys, we can negotiate with insurance adjusters to get you the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
We understand how insurance companies operate and will fight for your rights to ensure they don’t undervalue your claim. With our experience, we know what it takes to secure the compensation that accurately reflects the damages you’ve suffered.
If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we will represent you in court. We will present a strong case, showing how the at-fault party caused the accident and what damages you’ve suffered. Our legal team has extensive trial experience and will work diligently to present your case effectively.
We will handle all the court procedures, from filing motions to presenting compelling arguments, giving you peace of mind throughout the legal process.
We understand that medical expenses can quickly add up. Our team can help you manage medical bills and work with healthcare providers to ensure your bills are taken care of while your personal injury case is ongoing.
If there are any liens on your settlement from healthcare providers, we will negotiate with them to ensure you pay as little as possible. This helps to maximize the amount of compensation you receive for your injuries.
What can injury victims recover after a serious accident?
Injury victims can recover compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. This includes both economic damages (like medical care and lost income) and non-economic damages (like emotional trauma). If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, the responsible parties could be held liable.
Can I file a wrongful death claim for a fatal auto accident?
Yes, if a loved one dies in an auto accident or an Elgin car crash, family members can file a wrongful death claim. This claim seeks fair compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages caused by the loss. An Elgin car accident lawyer can help guide you through this process.
What are the common injuries in a serious accident?
In a serious accident, victims often suffer physical injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries may require immediate medical attention and long-term medical treatment. Severe accidents can result in permanent disabilities or require future medical care for rehabilitation.
How do I file insurance claims after an auto accident?
After an auto accident, you should file an insurance claim with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurer. It’s essential to gather all relevant information, including witness statements, accident scene photos, and medical records. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation.
Who is responsible for an Elgin car crash?
In an Elgin car crash, the driver responsible for the accident may be held liable for the damages. This includes damages to your vehicle, vehicle repairs, medical bills, and other costs. Our personal injury attorneys will investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and work to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence.
Can I recover compensation for future medical needs?
Yes, if you have sustained injuries that require long-term treatment, you can recover compensation for future medical needs. This includes anticipated surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care. Medical professionals can provide estimates of the cost of future treatment, which can be included in your personal injury case.
What should I do if the driver at fault doesn’t admit fault?
If the driver responsible doesn’t admit fault, our team will gather evidence to prove their negligence. This can include police reports, witness statements, and other evidence that shows the driver’s actions caused the accident. Even if the driver does not admit fault, you can still recover compensation by proving their liability in court.
If you've been involved in a serious car accident, you may be entitled to recover money for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Chicago Personal Injury Attorney at Law, JD Jordan, offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options.
Our experienced Elgin car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. We understand the challenges you face after an accident and are committed to securing the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Contact us today for your free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
JD Jordan, a Chicago personal injury attorney, understands client needs firsthand. A serious car accident in his youth, where he witnessed aggressive defense and the value of a supportive attorney, inspired his career. He has since helped clients recover nearly $100 million, recognized for his steady, strategic approach and ability to connect with those facing difficult circumstances.