If you have been injured in an auto collision, you are probably in pain and feeling overwhelmed by the increasing cost of your medical expenses. You are probably also feeling unsure of what steps you should take next.
If your injuries were the result of another driver’s negligent behavior, you have the right to hold them responsible. A Harvey car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, or pursuing compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact a well-practiced personal injury attorney at Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
According to the “Quick Facts” of Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2014, there were over 84,000 non-fatal injuries due to motor vehicle accidents in the state of Illinois. Many of these accidents were caused by:
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Failing to heed stop signs or traffic signals
- Tailgating
- Rubbernecking
- Failing to yield at a crosswalk
- Failing to take proper precautions in a school zone
Common Injuries Reported in Auto Collisions
Car wrecks can cause a wide variety of injuries that can range from moderately inconvenient to life-altering or even life-threatening. The most common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries are the result of a sudden blow or jolt to the head. They can also be caused if an object penetrates the brain tissue during a collision. The symptoms can be mild and include only a headache or nausea, or they can be moderate and severe, with symptoms like loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, loss of coordination, slurred speech, inability to remain awake, or combative behavior. Some people with TBIs will develop seizures and may have trouble with executive functions like decision-making or problem-solving.
Whiplash
Whiplash is caused by a sudden forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck. It often occurs during car accidents when there is a rear-end collision. Symptoms that usually develop within 24 hours include neck pain, loss of range of motion, headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. Some people also have difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, or blurred vision.
Broken Bones
Because of the immense force involved in a collision, breaks are extremely common. Fractures to the bones in the arms, legs, and ribs can be extremely painful. The area usually has to be immobilized temporarily, impacting your quality of life as you heal.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries to the back and spinal cord are common during car accidents. Spinal cord injuries can result in a loss of movement, altered sensation, or the inability to feel touch, heat, or cold, a loss of bowels or bladder control, changes in sexual function, or even difficulty breathing.
These are just a few of the possible types of injuries you could incur as a result of a car accident. Many victims also suffer from lacerations that range from mild to severe, burn injuries, or even internal bleeding.
If you have been hurt and are in pain because of injuries you obtained in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the team of seasoned Harvey car accident attorneys at Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free, no-risk evaluation of your case.
Recoverable Damages After Being Injured in a Car Crash
Every case is different, so there is no way a lawyer can estimate the types of damages that you may recover as a result of your car accident in Harvey. However, there are some common types of damages that victims do recover in cases like yours. They include:
- Medical expenses like ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgical procedures, doctor’s appointments, medication, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from time you have spent away from work
- Future wages if you are unable to return to work or have a diminished work capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress, disfigurement, dismemberment, or the physical pain you have experienced because of the accident
Wrongful Death
If your family member died as a result of a motor vehicle collision in Harvey, you may be able to recover damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. Some common damages that victims are able to recover after a wrongful death include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses associated with the accident
- Out-of-pocket costs from providing care for the deceased before his or her death
- Lost wages from time you spent away from work caring for the now deceased
How the Statute of Limitations Could Impact Your Case
There are a few laws that can impact your ability to recover damages related to your accident. One is the statute of limitations. According to the Illinois statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit pursuing compensation for your injuries. If the victim died in the accident or passed later because of the severity of his or her injuries, you have two years from the date of their passing to take legal action in Harvey.
How a Harvey Car Accident Attorney Can Help
A Harvey car accident lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process from start to finish, filing the claim, and pursuing compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries. Some specific ways we can help are by:
- Explaining what your options are for recovering damages
- Investigating the details of your accident to determine liability
- Gathering evidence like video footage, police reports, and eyewitness statements
- Obtaining medical records, bills, and receipts to calculate the value of your claim and build a strong case
- Negotiating with the insurance company or at-fault party’s attorney to reach a fair settlement
- Fighting for your rights in court if we cannot reach an agreeable settlement
But time is limited. The sooner we begin working on your case, the more time we will have to gather evidence and begin building a strong case. Contact us today for a free, no-risk evaluation of your case.
(312) 223-1700