Have you been seriously injured in a car accident in Oak Park, IL? You don’t have to go through this alone. Each experienced Oak Park car accident lawyer at the law offices of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers takes pride in helping injured clients get justice. We provide skilled legal representation for victims of car accidents in Oak Park, IL and across the state.
Our attorneys understand how difficult and overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a car accident. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process, so you don’t have to worry about the details. We will handle all legal aspects of your case, from filing and litigating a claim for damages to negotiating with the insurance company for a favorable settlement.
In this Article
What Causes Car Accidents in Oak Park, IL?
According to IDOT, Common causes of car accidents in the Oak Park area include:
Speeding: 31.9% of all vehicle crashes in Illinois involve excessive speed
Driver negligence such as failure to obey traffic signals
Driving while distracted
Poorly maintained roads and highways
Drunk driving 22.2% of driving fatalities
When Must a Driver Report a Vehicle Accident with Only Property Damage?
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), as of January 1, 2009, “when all drivers involved in a crash are insured, the amount of damage to any one person’s property that must be reported increased from $500 to $1,500. If any driver does not have insurance, the threshold remains at $500.”
The change did not affect the reporting of injury crashes or fatal crashes in Illinois.
Common Injuries in Car Accident Cases
Oak Park, IL car accident victims can suffer a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. The most common and serious injuries, in car accident cases include:
Broken bones
Head and neck trauma such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
What to Do After a Car Crash in Oak Park, Illinois
Seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you don’t feel injured, it is important to be evaluated because some symptoms may not appear until days or weeks after the accident.
Call the police and file a report.
Take pictures of the scene and document any visible injuries.
Retain all documents relating to your accident, including all medical records and medical bills, the police report, any communication with insurance companies, and any other documents related to your claim.
Get contact information from witnesses and other involved parties in auto accident.
Contact an experienced Oak Park car accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure you receive just compensation for your losses.
What NOT to Do After a Car Crash in Oak Park, IL
Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene.
Do not sign any documents from the other driver or their insurance company without consulting with your car accident attorney first.
Do not accept a settlement offer before you have spoken with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are often looking to minimize their losses, and they may offer far less than what your case is actually worth.
Do not post about your accident on social media. Anything you put on the internet could be used against you in court.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Claim
Experienced car accident lawyers in Oak Park, IL can maximize your claim by accurately valuing your losses and advocating on your behalf. Your auto accident attorney will know how to build a strong case, negotiate with the insurance company for maximum compensation, and hold liable parties accountable for their actions. Your lawyer can also help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout. If an insurance company fails to act in good faith, your Oak Park, IL lawyer can take them to court. In this case, a skilled car accident lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?
According to the Illinois statute of limitations, you have two years from the date of the motor vehicle crash to file a personal injury claim. If you fail to file a claim within the two-year period, you may be barred from recovering compensation for your injuries.
Will I Have to Go to Court for My Car Accident Lawsuit?
Most car accident claims are settled out of court through negotiation with the insurance company. However, if the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, for example, refuses to cover medical costs or other expenses, you may need to file a lawsuit and go to trial. Your attorney can help you with legal issues and determine the best course of action in your case.
Types of Compensation for a Car Crash Victim
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Some of the most common types of compensation available to car crash victims include:
Medical expenses including bills for doctors, hospitalization, medications, and treatments.
Lost wages due to time missed from work while recovering from injuries.
Property damages such as repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
Pain and suffering.
Economic and non-economic compensation in case of wrongful death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?
In the event of a fatal car or motor vehicle accident, certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible people involved. In Illinois, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate is able to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of any surviving family members. The personal representative can pursue compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs and lost wages, as well as other damages.
What Is My Case Worth?
The value of your case will depend on the facts of your particular situation. Each case is unique, and there are many factors that can affect the outcome, such as the extent of your injuries, the amount of property damage, the insurance coverage of the at fault party, and more. Car accident lawyers help clients determine the value of their cases and seek appropriate compensation their losses.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for My Car Accident?
In Illinois, you may still be able to recover compensation for your losses if you were partially at fault for the accident. The state follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can be at fault party still receive a portion of the damages to which you would have been entitled if you were not at fault.
Contact an Oak Park, IL Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an Oak Park, IL car accident, it is important to act quickly and contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at the law offices of The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you rightfully deserve. Call our Oak Park car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Suffering from injuries sustained in a car accident can be an incredibly traumatic experience. At The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers we understand the physical, emotional and financial toll that an accident can take. That’s why our law firm offers free legal consultations to car accident victims. We’ll review your case and explain your rights in plain English so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Get help from a Oak Park, IL car accident lawyer when you've been hurt in a crash with a negligent driver.
(312) 223-1700