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 Attorneys at Law. 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.
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 Attorneys at Law stand by your side.
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.
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 Attorneys at Law offers free initial consultations and serves clients throughout Illinois. To schedule yours, call our St. Charles office at 630-912-5622 or reach out online.