Oak Lawn Car Accident Lawyers
Helping Oak Lawn Car Accident Victims Get Compensation
Drivers have a duty to follow traffic rules and exercise reasonable caution on the road. Failure to do so can cause serious car accidents that result in injuries, or even death. Getting hurt in a car accident can turn your life upside down and leave you struggling with considerable losses. Whether the party responsible for your injuries is a reckless driver or someone driving under the influence of alcohol, you can hold them accountable for their negligence.
Car Accident Statistics
Thousands of people are injured in car accidents each year. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois had 295,604 motor vehicle collisions in 2021, marking an increase from 2020. Of those, 1,217 were fatal accidents, which resulted in 1,341 deaths. This is a 12.2% increase in traffic-related deaths from 2020. Alcohol is a factor roughly 25 percent of fatal accidents. Injuries were reported in a little over 20 percent of the crashes.
In Cook County, which is where Oak Lawn is located, there were 156,289 motor vehicle accidents in 2021. Of those, 29,409 were injury crashes while 3,265 resulted in incapacitating injuries such as broken limbs or severe lacerations.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
While Illinois negligence laws require drivers to be cautious when behind the wheel, car accidents can and do still occur. Passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists are all at risk of getting injured in a collision. Oak Lawn car accidents are often caused by:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to follow traffic signs
- Poor weather conditions
If a driver caused your car accident by engaging in dangerous behavior such as aggressive driving or using a cellphone while driving, you may be able to file a claim against them for negligence. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation for your injuries.
Briskman Briskman & Greenberg has assisted clients from all walks of life obtain compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering and other expenses. The amount you receive should cover all your costs, including future loss of earnings, assistive medical devices, therapy and more.
Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, depending on factors like the severity of the crash and the vehicles involved. Some injuries are minor like cuts, bruises and bumps. Many collisions, however, lead to serious injuries like broken bones, whiplash, spinal injuries or even paralysis.
Head injuries are among the most concerning. Car accident victims who have suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury may struggle with long-term effects that require extensive rehabilitation. Along with dealing with painful injuries, anyone who has been involved in a collision can also suffer from emotional distress.
In the aftermath of a car accident, one of the most important things you can do is to seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you believe you were not seriously injured, seeing a doctor is essential when filing a car accident claim. The documents from your medical treatments and visits will serve as crucial evidence to building your case for compensation.
Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
A challenging aspect of being in a car accident is dealing with insurance companies afterward while trying to cope with your injuries. Remember, they do not always have your best interests in mind. Many insurance companies take an aggressive approach to settlements, making offers that may not be enough to fully cover an accident victim’s losses.
Because of the complexities involved, it is typically not a good idea to communicate with an insurance company without first speaking to a knowledgeable Oak Lawn car accident lawyer. When you hire Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If the at-fault driver and their insurance company fail to provide a reasonable settlement, we will not hesitate in filing a lawsuit to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Proving Fault: Comparative Negligence Laws in Illinois
Illinois uses comparative negligence laws to allocate fault in car accidents. The amount a car accident victim is entitled to receive is determined according to their share of fault. If you more than 50 percent to blame for your crash injuries, you may be unable to recover compensation.
The court will use comparative negligence to examine the actions of all parties involved in a car accident in order to assign fault. Insurance companies know these laws all too well and often try to shift the blame onto the victim in order to avoid paying on a claim. A qualified Oak Lawn car accident attorney can help ensure your rights are protected while filing a claim and that you are not unfairly blamed for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
If you have been injured in an Oak Lawn car accident, you should know that there are strict time limits in place for filing a claim. Under Illinois law, injury victims have two years from the date of the crash in which to pursue compensation. As a result, it is wise to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to make sure you do not give up your right to take legal action.
Injured in a Car Accident? Here Is What You Should Do
- Get medical treatment for your injuries
- Obtain a police report about the crash
- Document the accident with photos and notes
- Gather contact details from witnesses
- Do not give a statement to the insurance company
- Speak to a car accident lawyer
