The force of the impact of a collision can cause severe injuries to your body in a car accident. Even low-speed crashes can result in injuries that may require medical treatment.
When a car collides with another vehicle or object, the force of the impact can transfer to the vehicle’s occupants. The resulting jolt can cause injuries and throw the body against the vehicle’s interior. Additionally, the impact could drive parts of the vehicle inward, crushing those inside.
You may think a car accident has to happen at high speeds to cause significant injuries, but that is untrue. According to Florida Atlantic University, the force of a rear-end collision at even 5 to 10 mph can result in neck and back injuries, including whiplash. Other severe and fatal car accident injuries include:
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), more than 10 people per hour sustained a motor vehicle crash injury in Illinois in 2019. During the same period, nearly three people died per day in traffic accidents.
Often, the effects of a car accident go beyond physical injuries. Accidents are traumatic, and the experience can affect your mental and emotional health, as well as your physical wellbeing.
According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), car accident victims can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear, and depression. You may also have anxiety about driving or riding in a car. Your injuries can also influence your mental and emotional state, especially if they prevent you from working, interacting with loved ones, or enjoying hobbies and activities.
Car accident injuries can be expensive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average crash-related emergency department visit costs more than $3,000. The average cost of an accident-related hospitalization is nearly $60,000 over a lifetime.
There are also indirect accident costs, such as lost wages, earnings, and benefits, and reductions in your quality of life. The CDC estimates that car accidents cost Illinois nearly $1.7 billion in work loss in 2018.
You can seek awards from the liable party in your auto accident. You could recover the costs of:
According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you generally have two years from the time of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. You also generally have two years to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit, according to 740 ILCS 180/2. These time limits do not apply to making an insurance claim, but an expired statute can negatively affect your chances of securing a settlement.
You must prove that the driver or other party liable for your crash caused your accident with their wrongful or negligent behavior. This may include:
Liable parties may also include a vehicle or auto parts manufacturer if a vehicle defect (blown tires, faulty engine, defective airbags) contributed to your injury. You may have a case against a government entity or other roadway owner if problems with the road (potholes, poor lighting, lack of snow and ice removal) led to your accident. Our lawyers can help you identify liability and:
The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help you pursue justice for your car accident injury. Our personal injury attorneys assist with cases involving:
Do not wait any longer to get started on your case. Reach out to us at (312) 598-0982 for a free, no-obligation consultation.