In the bustling streets of Chicago, car accidents are an unfortunate reality. With hundreds of thousands of drivers populating the roads, the risk of accidents is ever-present. In this article, we will delve into the intricate process of dealing with the aftermath of vehicle accidents in Chicago and how a seasoned car accident attorney can guide you towards rightful compensation.
The Unsettling Reality of Car Accidents in Chicago
Despite safety measures, car accidents remain a recurrent issue in Chicago. According to the statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2019, Cook County witnessed an average of 430 accidents daily.
This alarming figure also included 285 fatal crashes and over 30 thousand crashes that resulted in injuries. As sobering as these statistics are, they do not fully capture the reality of the aftermath of a car accident – the impact on victims’ lives, the financial burden of medical bills, loss of income, and the emotional trauma.
Car Accidents in Chicago: An Overview
Several factors contribute to car accidents, including driver negligence, adverse weather conditions, and traffic law violations.
- Driver Negligence: Human error is one of the most common causes of car accidents. This includes everything from distracted driving, driving under the influence, to aggressive or reckless driving.
- Adverse Weather Conditions: Chicago’s harsh weather conditions, particularly during winter, can lead to poor road conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Traffic Law Violations: Traffic law violations such as speeding and running red lights are other significant contributors to car accidents in Chicago.
Types of Car Accidents in Chicago
There are various types of collisions that can occur on the road. Understanding these types is essential as it can influence the legal proceedings that follow:
- Rear-End Crashes: These are common in areas with short yellow lights and red-light cameras, often resulting from drivers following too closely or not stopping in time.
- Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions: These often occur at intersections due to drivers ignoring red lights or poorly signaled intersections.
- Single-Vehicle Crashes: These involve only one vehicle and can occur due to conditions like icy roads or an attempt to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
Common Injuries Sustained in Car Accidents
The nature and severity of injuries in a car accident can vary greatly. The Illinois Department of Transportation determines these injuries as incapacitating and non-incapacitating.
Incapacitating Injuries: These are severe injuries that prevent a person from resuming their regular activities, such as walking or driving. Examples include broken limbs, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries.
Non-Incapacitating Injuries: These are less severe injuries that are evident at the scene of the crash, such as abrasions, bruises, and minor lacerations.
Determining Fault in a Car Accident
Determining who is responsible in an accident is crucial for recovering damages and injuries. The law puts the blame on a scale of 0-100%, and the actual percentage depends on the evidence collected afterward. This evidence can come from various sources, including the police report, photos of the accident scene, and medical bills.
The Role of a Car Accident Attorney
A skilled Car Accident Attorney in Chicago can ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your case. They can help gather evidence, determine fault, calculate damages, and navigate the legal process. Experienced attorneys, like those at Levin & Perconti and Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., have a proven track record of success in handling complex vehicle accident cases and securing significant settlements for their clients.
Partial Fault and Compensation
Even if you were partly at fault in the accident, it’s still possible to collect compensation. Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence standard to recover damages related to an accident, which affects how much compensation anyone can seek.
Evaluating Your Car Accident Claim
Calculating the worth of a car accident claim can be challenging due to the unique circumstances surrounding each accident. The amount of a personal injury claim after an accident is based on:
- Economic damages (financial losses due to the accident)
- Non-economic damages (impacts on your quality of life due to the accident)
- Punitive damages (additional penalties if the offender acted with extreme recklessness)
Legal Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit
Under Illinois law, you have up to two years since the car accident date to file a lawsuit for personal injury related and a five-year limit for damage to private property. It’s crucial to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
Conclusion
Car accidents can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial strain. However, with the assistance of a professional car accident attorney, you can navigate the aftermath of a car accident more confidently. These legal experts can guide you through the complex process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Chicago, don’t hesitate to reach out to a reputable car accident lawyer. They can provide the legal advice and representation you need to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome in your case.
