If you or your loved ones were injured in a car accident in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago, you may be entitled to compensation. At our personal injury law firm, The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, our Chatham car accident lawyers are here to stand with you, seeking maximum compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in Chatham?
There are many factors that can contribute to a car crash, but some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents include:
- Distracted Driving: The use of a cell phone while driving increases your chance of getting into a crash by 400%, according to IL State Police.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions.
- Drunk Driving: Impaired operation of the vehicle due to alcohol consumption.
- Reckless Driving: Irresponsible behavior such as tailgating or changing lanes without signaling.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Accidents caused by rain, snow, fog, or icy roads.
What Are Common Car Accident Injuries in Car Accidents?
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, and car accident victims can suffer from from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries, such as:
- broken bones
- spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- traumatic brain injuries
- internal bleeding
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
After a car accident in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Call 911; the police report is crucial for an insurance claim or a car accident lawsuit.
- Seek medical attention; some injuries may not be immediately apparent but worsen over time.
- Photograph the accident scene; for insurance claims or personal injury cases.
- Exchange details with other driver and witnesses; name, contact, insurance, license plate number.
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyer; Chatham personal injury lawyers can provide the legal representation you need.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
Compensation for serious personal injury after auto accidents may cover medical bills and expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
In cases of wrongful death, the victim’s family may be entitled to loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and loss of financial support.
How Long Does It Take to Settle Car Accident Claims?
The time it takes to settle personal injury claims for financial recovery depends on the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and the amount of negotiation required with the insurance company.
A Chatham personal injury attorney can expedite motor vehicle accident cases by promptly filing the personal injury claim, efficiently gathering evidence, and effectively negotiating with insurance providers.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
By Illinois law, you must file your personal injury lawsuit within two years from the date of the first motor vehicle accident (735 ILCS 5/13-202). This is known as the statute of limitations.
Who May Be Liable for My Car Accident?
Depending on circumstances, negligent parties may include a negligent driver, vehicle manufacturer, government agency responsible for road maintenance, rideshare companies, or the employer if a driver was driving for work.
What If I Was Partially to Blame for the Accident?
In Illinois, you can still recover fair compensation if you were partially at fault for the auto accident. This is known as comparative negligence. It reduces your damage recovery by your fault percentage. For instance, 20% fault decreases a $100,000 award to $80,000.
Contact a Chicago Car Accident Attorney
At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, each car accident attorney serving Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood is ready offer a free consultation to evaluate your car accident case and answer your questions. Importantly, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
(312) 223-1700