One of the most serious types of collisions is a front-end accident, which commonly occurs when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction strikes another vehicle. According to the most current accident report issued by Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 2,568 front-end accidents in 2015.
If you were involved in a car accident in Cicero, turn to an experienced car wreck attorney to address your concerns. A Cicero front-end car accident lawyer with a proven track record of success could help you seek compensation for your accident.
Rules for Cicero Drivers While Behind the Wheel
A majority of front-end car accidents occur when one driver crosses the center lane and drives into oncoming traffic. Illinois state law provides that a driver who leaves their designated lane and strikes another vehicle will be held liable for the accident, pursuant to 625 ILCS 5/11-709.
State law requires all drivers to abide by the rules of the road and to avoid operating their vehicle in a careless or reckless manner. Drivers are therefore required by 625 ILCS 5/11-709(a) to stay in their designated lanes unless forced to do otherwise or switching lanes in a safe and considerate manner.
However, all too often drivers either do not notice another driver before changing lanes, or their car drifts into oncoming traffic because they are not paying attention. In these cases, liability may be assigned to any involved parties who acted in a negligent or careless manner. For more information about the rules of the road or liability, reach out to an accomplished personal injury lawyer.
Proving Liability in a Front-End Accident
If a driver fails to stay in their lane and strikes another vehicle, they are often cited for violating the Illinois State traffic code. However, this is not the only way to prove that a driver is responsible for an accident.
Liability in most front-end car accident is premised on a theory of negligence. As defined by Illinois Pattern Jury Instructions Civil 10.01, negligence is the failure to do something which a reasonably careful person would do—or acting in a way a reasonably careful person would not—under similar circumstances. A seasoned Cicero front-end car accident lawyer could help an injured individual prove negligence.
Elements of Negligence
To prove liability in a front-end accident, a plaintiff must prove several elements. First, they must demonstrate that the other driver owed them a duty of care. Any time a person gets behind the wheel, they have a duty to operate their vehicle in a safe and prudent manner, so this element is typically easy to prove.
Next, they must prove the other driver must have breached their duty of care. In a front-end accident, this could be demonstrated by showing the other driver failed to adhere to the proper standard of care—for example, by texting or using their phone while driving.
Furthermore, the plaintiff must show direct causation—or proximate cause—between the defendant’s action and any resulting injuries. Finally, they must show that they have suffered some quantifiable injury. In the case of a front-end accident, this means showing that they suffered a personal injury such as whiplash, a broken bone, or anything else that required them to undergo medical treatment.
Pursue Compensation with a Cicero Front-End Car Accident Attorney’s Help
If you suffered an injury in a front-end car wreck, a Cicero front-end car accident lawyer is available to help you file a lawsuit and work to recover for the unanticipated financial difficulties you may be facing. Call today to schedule an initial consultation and get started on your case. A dedicated Cicero front-end car accident attorney could work tirelessly to ensure that you are able to recover the damages you deserve.