Nearly any type of car accident holds the potential to cause severe bodily injury and even death. However, front-end car accidents can be especially concerning given how extremely forceful and violent they can be. These collisions cause approximately ten percent of all severe car accident injuries and more than half of all passenger vehicle fatalities.
All drivers are responsible for doing everything they can to avoid any type of collision. Unfortunately, these types of accidents still occur for various reasons. The good news, though, is that there are legal options available to victims of front-end collisions that a seasoned car accident attorney could help them pursue. If you are hurt in a head-on car crash, a Bolingbrook front-end car accident lawyer could support and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your losses.
How Front-End Car Accidents Happen in Bolingbrook
Front-end car accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into another head-on. Even with safety crumple zones in newer model vehicles, these types of collisions can be the most destructive and deadly of all car accidents, as they involve two opposing and heavy forces coming together at a high rate of speed.
The most common causes of front-end collisions stem from a failure to perform one or more of the following actions:
- Driving appropriately with respect to weather conditions
- Stopping prior to crossing a median
- Allowing enough time to pass on a two-lane highway before attempting to pass
- Thoroughly checking the oncoming lane of traffic prior to passing
- Obeying the right of way when turning onto a one-way street
- Paying attention to oncoming traffic
Comparative Negligence in Illinois Car Accident Cases
One argument that the defense in a car accident case may use in an attempt to minimize their client’s liability is that the plaintiff is at least partially responsible for their own accident. Based on 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, Illinois is a modified comparative fault state. This allows the defense to attempt to get the jury to assign a percentage of fault for the accident to the plaintiff and thereby decrease the damages they may recover—or, in certain cases, bar them from recovering entirely
If a plaintiff in Bolingbrook is found partially responsible for their accident, their total damage award would be reduced by the same percentage of fault the court determined that they bore. Furthermore, if they are found more than 51 percent responsible, they cannot recover at all. Potential plaintiffs should consult with a Bolingbrook front-end car accident lawyer to discuss the specifics of their accident and how this law may affect the outcome of their case.
How a Bolingbrook Front-End Car Accident Attorney Could Help
A Bolingbrook front-end car accident lawyer from our office may be able to help you seek justice in your case. Our seasoned attorneys can send a firmly worded demand letter on your behalf and, if you are offered an unsatisfactory settlement, could help you decide whether you want to proceed to a civil trial. If so, we have the knowledge and experience to earnestly pursue your case on your behalf in court.
Our legal team of car accident lawyers is sensitive to your needs and realizes that your entire life could be affected by the outcome of a car accident case. Call our offices today to find out more about what we could do to help you protect your future.