Put Our Experienced Attorneys On Your Side After A Serious Car Accident

Motor vehicle accidents are an unfortunate fact of life on Illinois roads and highways. But they should not be dismissed as simply a cost of modern travel. If you were seriously injured by the negligence or poor decisions of another driver, you have the right to seek full and fair compensation for your car accident injuries. Working with an attorney can greatly improve both the process and the outcome.

Throughout Illinois, injury victims consistently turn to Theriault Booth. Our lawyers bring more than 40 years of combined experience to each case, and they have a strong track record of success in personal injury litigation. When you hire our firm, you can leave the difficult legal and logistical work to us while you focus on your own recovery.

Common Car Accident Scenarios And Causes

Crashes can happen for countless reasons. Some are purely accidental, but most involve some form of negligence. Our attorneys are ready to represent you after nearly any type of negligence-related accident, including those involving:

• Drunk driving
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Failure to obey traffic signals or violations of traffic laws
• Fatigued or drowsy driving
• Rear-end accidents
• T-bone accidents
• Faulty brakes and other mechanical problems caused by inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists

It’s important to know that some car crashes are also work-related. If you are a commercial driver, a car accident is a workplace accident. Our attorneys can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and represent you at all levels of appeal if the claim is initially denied.

Conversely, if you were involved in an accident caused by a commercial driver, the company employing that driver can often be held jointly liable. This is commonly the case with semi-truck accidents.

Common Injuries Associated With Serious Car Accidents

Serious car accidents can cause injuries that leave victims suffering from long-term injuries. They may even threaten your life. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries, including herniated discs and paralysis
• Cervical spinal injuries to the neck, including fractured vertebrae
• Rib fractures and other chest injuries, including damage to the heart and lungs
• Internal bleeding caused by damage to the liver, spleen or kidneys
• Fractures of the orbital bones, broken teeth, broken limbs and pelvic fractures
• Thermal or chemical burns if the vehicle caught on fire
• Loss of limbs, either due to traumatic amputation during the crash or surgical intervention

In addition, the victims of many severe car accidents find that they suffer from depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder related to the accident and their trauma.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been In A Serious Car Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a serious car accident in Illinois, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. The moments during and after the crash can be chaotic and confusing. It’s crucial to remember that the steps you take immediately following the incident can significantly affect your ability to get the support and compensation you need.

Here are some clear actions to help guide you through the process:

• Check for injuries: Your health is the top priority. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
• Move to safety: If the accident is minor and your car is causing a hazard, move it to the side of the road, if possible.
• Exchange information: Get the names, contact information, insurance details and license plate numbers of everyone involved.
• Document the scene: Take photos of your vehicle, other vehicles involved and the surrounding area.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries are not immediately apparent. Seeing a doctor right away is essential for your health and for documenting your injuries.
• Report the accident: Notify the police and ensure a report is filed.
• Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident, but proceed with caution. You should wait until you speak with an attorney before you provide a statement about what happened.

In the wake of a serious car accident, an experienced attorney can provide invaluable assistance. A lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, advocate for your rights, and work towards securing the compensation you need to recover. Don’t face this process alone, let a dedicated car accident attorney at Theriault Booth stand by your side.

What should you do after a car accident that is not your fault?

First, call 911 and ask for police assistance. If you are injured or any of your passengers are injured, ask for an ambulance to be sent, as well. The responding officer will document the accident and may issue a ticket to the driver they believe to be responsible for the accident. The officer will also facilitate the necessary exchange of contact and insurance information between you and the at-fault driver.

If at all possible, you should try to take as many photographs of the scene as possible, from multiple angles. This includes the positions of both vehicles, the visible damage to each vehicle, debris or tire marks in the road and the overall road conditions. These could prove valuable later if your claim is disputed.

If there are any injuries, seek immediate medical attention to protect your health. You should also document the injuries through photos, if you are able.

What Kinds Of Damages Are Available To Car Accident Victims?

The legal term “damages” refers to money owed to victims for harms and losses they have suffered. After any type of motor vehicle accident, you may be able to seek damages for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages from time spent unable to work
• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from continuing the work you used to do
• Permanent disability and costs associated with adapting to it
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering

Illinois is considered a “fault” state when it comes to auto accident claims. That means the costs of the accident are paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. After conducting a thorough investigation into the crash and its causes, our attorneys can help you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier and negotiate for the best available settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will not hesitate to aggressively represent your interests in a personal injury lawsuit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

Most people only experience two or three car accidents their entire lives. It is only natural to have questions. Here are the ones our attorneys hear most often:

How long after an Illinois car accident can you make a personal injury claim?

Illinois imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury claim (and five years for property damage). That statute of limitations decreases to just one year, however, if you need to make your claim against a government entity. While it is normal to be preoccupied with healing and other practical concerns immediately following a car accident, it is always wisest to seek an attorney’s assistance.

What is considered a serious car accident?

There is no exact definition of what a “serious” car accident involves, but they are typically characterized by:

• Serious injuries or fatalities
• Significant vehicle damage
• The involvement of multiple vehicles
• The involvement of commercial trucks
• The potential for long-term disability or permanent injuries

Generally speaking, if you have to be transported to the hospital after a crash, that indicates the car accident was serious – especially if you are admitted. However, that is not the only consideration.

Is Illinois an at-fault state for car accidents?

Yes, Illinois is an at-fault state for car accidents. Each driver is responsible for whatever damages they caused through their negligent, reckless or intentional actions.

What types of damages will a car accident settlement cover?

Most car accident claims will seek both economic and noneconomic compensation, or “damages,” from the at-fault driver. Economic damages include tangible losses, such as property damage, medical bills and lost wages. Noneconomic damages include harder-to-value losses, such as your pain and suffering or emotional distress.

How long does a car accident settlement take?

Every claim is different. It depends entirely upon how fast the victim recovers from their injuries, the weight of the evidence showing the at-fault driver’s responsibility and the willingness of the insurance company to be fair. You can expect it to take several months to several years.

Don’t Wait To Seek Legal Help – Contact Us Today

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for car accident litigation is just two years from the date of the crash. For this and other reasons, it is in your best interests to seek legal help as soon as reasonably possible.

Theriault Booth offers free initial consultations and serves clients throughout Illinois. To schedule yours, call our St. Charles office at 630-526-4242 or reach out online.