Car accidents happen every day. In most cases, these incidents do not result in injuries, and if they do, those injuries are typically minor. In some cases, however, car accidents may cause major injuries, leaving accident victims dealing with high medical bills and possibly unable to work. If this happens to you, you need a car accident attorney.
Life as you know it can suddenly be turned upside down as you face a complicated legal system and opposition from powerful insurance companies. If this is the situation you find yourself in after a car crash, you may be able to file a lawsuit against those responsible for the accident to help pay for these costs.
A car accident lawyer could help you deal with insurance companies, ensure a lawsuit is filed correctly, and work to get you the compensation you may be entitled to.
Table of Contents
- Defining Negligence
- Comparative Fault in Car Accidents
- Compensation for Damaged Person Property
- Compensation for Medical Bills
- Compensation for Trauma Endured
- Chicago Car Accident Infographic
- How a Lawyer Will Help
- Speaking to a Lawyer is Risk-Free
- Chicago Car Accidents Statistics
- Main Causes of Chicago Car Accidents
- Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Chicago, IL Today
- Talk to a Car Accident Attorney At Disparti Law Group
- Chicago Car Accident Google Review
Defining Negligence
Negligence in the context of a car accident refers to the failure of a driver to exercise reasonable care and caution while operating their vehicle, resulting in harm or damage to others on the road. It involves a breach of the duty of care that every driver owes to fellow motorists, pedestrians, and passengers. Negligence can take various forms, such as speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, or failing to yield the right of way. To establish a claim of negligence in a car accident, one must typically demonstrate that the at-fault driver’s actions fell below the standard of care expected of a reasonably prudent driver and that this breach of duty directly led to the accident and resultant injuries or damages.
Having legal representation is vital because your case will be decided by a jury or judge. The defendant’s attorney may try to discredit your claim that someone else caused your injuries by questioning witnesses or providing evidence that contradicts yours. A Chicago car accident lawyer can help refute these claims with strong evidence that supports your side of things and can make all the difference when it comes to getting what you deserve after an injury-causing crash.
Comparative Fault in Car Accidents
In some states, injured individuals can be held partly responsible for their own injuries if a court finds they contributed to their own accident. This is known as comparative fault. In cases that involve comparative fault, the court determines the portion of fault assigned to an injured party.
If that percentage of fault is less than 50 percent, the injured individual may still pursue and receive compensation. However, that compensation would be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault they were assigned. For example, if the defendant in a car accident case bears 90 percent of the fault for an accident and the plaintiff bears 10 percent, the plaintiff’s total recoverable damages would be reduced by 10 percent.
If you are injured in an auto accident and believe that you have grounds to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, consult with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer who can advise you on comparative fault. Your lawyer can also help you assess your legal options based on your state’s laws, including whether or not it uses comparative fault to determine damages.
Compensation for Damaged Personal Property
It is obvious that you should be compensated for any damaged property from the accident. This is typically your vehicle and perhaps any property that was damaged or destroyed in the accident. This is typically something that is not overlooked by insurance settlements, as it is harder to argue against. You will need a lawyer on your side for the rest of the damages you want to seek.
The money needed to repair damage to your car or other personal property items could vary depending on how extensive the damage is. In some cases, you may not be able to get these repairs done by yourself and will need assistance from an auto body shop. In these situations, you should be prepared for higher costs that are associated with repairing your vehicle and any additional parts you may need in order to get it back up and running again. For example, if your windshield was damaged in an accident and needs replacing, then you will have to pay for labor costs associated with removing and replacing it as well as the cost of a new windshield itself.
These are all things an attorney from Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers will watch out for so that you don’t have to worry about figuring out what you are owed after an accident that can seem very scary.
Compensation for Medical Bills
You should never be left with medical bills from being in a car accident that was someone else’s fault. The at-fault party should be held responsible for all of the medical bills you have already paid, but they also should be held liable for the predicted future medical costs. An expert witness could be useful for deciding a fair amount of compensation for future medical costs. Either someone who has been down the same road as you before with similar injuries from a car accident or a medical professional who can testify about what kind of procedures you may need in the future could both be good witnesses for your case.
The professionals at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers are well-versed in helping clients get compensation for medical bills after a car accident. They can help you ensure that you receive fair compensation for past, present, and future expenses incurred as a result of your injuries. So if you have been involved in an auto accident, be sure to contact us today so we can help get your bills taken care of. We are prepared to work on your case and find expert witnesses who can help win compensation for medical bills.
Compensation for Trauma Endured
Pain and suffering are not typically recommended to go after in a car accident case unless it was particularly traumatic. Many judges will look at this and throw out the damages you are seeking in pain and suffering. Sometimes, though, it can be effective to file for this. Your car accident lawyer will likely have worked with the judge overseeing your case and know if this will be a worthwhile charge to seek.
Even if your case is not something where you should pursue pain and suffering damages, that does not mean you shouldn’t seek to be compensated for the trauma endured. In some cases, if a loved one was killed in an accident or if you had extensive injuries sustained in an accident, it may be worthwhile to seek compensation. If your car accident lawyer can prove that your mental state was negatively impacted because of your injuries, or that what happened caused more fear than other people would have due to how long it took for medical assistance to arrive or how badly injured you were when help did come, then these are items that could be pursued.
This is something you will need to discuss with your attorney, who will be able to determine whether or not seeking compensation for endured trauma is a worthwhile charge for your particular case.
Chicago Car Accident Infographic
How a Lawyer Will Help
There are many reasons you need to hire a car accident lawyer to help with your case. First, your lawyer will make sure that you file all the correct paperwork and do not miss out on anything important. Your lawyer will gather any necessary paperwork, will collect evidence if possible, and will come up with a strong argument to use in court. Your lawyer can even help negotiate a settlement, if that may be the best route for you to go in.
Your lawyer will also help figure out how much compensation you deserve and will file for that. It can be easy to figure out medical damages that you have already paid, as you will have receipts of that, but it can be much more difficult to figure out what future damages you may have. Since the car accident was not your fault, you should not have to pay for anything regarding it. This means that you need to figure out beforehand approximately how much you may need to pay in the future.
Speaking to a Lawyer Is Risk-Free
You should always hire an experienced car accident lawyer, as it is completely risk-free to do so. Not only is an initial consultation free, but once you decide to hire one, you do not have to pay anything unless your lawyer wins your case. You and your lawyer will come up with a percentage of compensation that he or she will receive after getting damages if you win your case.
Not only does this make the lawyer have a vested interest in your case, but it will also make it much easier to choose to retain legal assistance. Not only do you not have to pay anything if your lawyer needs to investigate, but you also don’t have to worry about how you will come up with payment.
Even if you feel like the percentage you are giving away is high, you need to remember that by hiring a lawyer, you will likely get a much higher amount of compensation than you would have on your own. It is great to be able to have the help of someone who is an expert in personal injury law on your side.
You should always hire someone who lives in the state where your accident occurred, as he or she will know exactly what kind of laws or rules may have been violated and will likely know the different judges you may be seeing. Do not wait to contact a law firm to seek representation.
Chicago Car Accident Statistics
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were significant crash fatalities on city streets and many were caused by excessive speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving. Cook County, where Chicago is located, was the deadliest county for Illinois drivers.
- As of September last year, there have been 279 crash fatalities in Cook County alone.
- So far, there have been 832 crash fatalities in the state of Illinois.
- Most car crashes in Illinois occur either on city streets or State/US Highways.
- The majority of all Illinois car accident fatalities occurred in Cook County in the previous year.
Main Causes Of Chicago Car Accidents
The Illinois Department of Transportation reports the following:
- Failure to yield / Going through red lights
- Weather conditions
- DUI (drugs and or alcohol)
- Speeding
- Distracted driving / Following too closely
- Accidents involving large trucks
CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN CHICAGO, IL TODAY
You should reach out to a car accident lawyer from Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers today to schedule a consultation to go over your case. One of our knowledgeable lawyers will be able to look at the unique details of your case to help determine if it is worth going to court over.
We will give you our honest opinion about whether or not a settlement number is fair and how to handle your case moving forward. It is crucial to have a lawyer who understands Illinois personal injury laws on your side. Do not hesitate to reach out — you do not want to miss the statute of limitations for filing.
Ready to get started? Contact a Chicago car accident lawyer today at the Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers about your car accident case.
Chicago Car Accident Glossary
If you’ve been involved in a vehicle collision and need a Chicago, IL car accident lawyer, it’s important to understand the terms and phrases that may come up during your case. At Disparti Law Group, we help individuals in Illinois who are dealing with injuries, property damage, and financial setbacks after a crash. Below, we’ve outlined several key phrases commonly used in car accident cases so you can feel more prepared when speaking with your attorney or dealing with insurance representatives.
Comparative Fault
Comparative fault refers to how responsibility is shared when multiple parties are involved in causing an accident. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% at fault. However, the amount you receive is reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility. For instance, if you’re found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by that same percentage. This can affect the final outcome of your case, especially if insurance adjusters attempt to shift more blame onto you.
Personal Property Reimbursement
After a crash, it’s common to seek reimbursement for personal property that was damaged or destroyed. This typically includes your vehicle, but it can also involve items inside the car, such as electronics or child car seats. The cost of repairs or replacement is evaluated based on current market value or repair estimates. Depending on the severity of the damage, a total loss determination may also come into play. A car accident attorney will review repair estimates and replacement values to help confirm that you’re not left covering these costs on your own.
Future Medical Treatment Projection
In addition to current medical bills, there may be a need for future treatment tied to your injuries. This could involve physical therapy, surgeries, ongoing medication, or consultations with medical specialists. Estimating these costs accurately is a key part of determining the full compensation amount. Testimony from medical professionals can help establish how much future care will be necessary, especially in cases where recovery will take months or even years. These projections should be documented and factored into your settlement or court case.
Emotional Impact Claim
In certain circumstances, individuals may pursue compensation for the emotional effects of a serious crash. This could include anxiety, sleep disturbances, or mental health issues stemming from the accident. While not every case qualifies for an emotional impact claim, there are situations where these issues play a significant role in a victim’s recovery. If the experience has disrupted daily life, relationships, or work, these claims can be considered as part of the broader injury case. This is particularly relevant if the crash involved life-threatening injuries or loss of life.
Insurance Dispute Resolution
Many car accident claims involve disputes with insurance companies. These issues can arise when there are disagreements over who was at fault, the value of repairs, or the amount of medical compensation owed. Insurance adjusters may use their own assessment tools to undervalue your claim. A lawyer’s role is to challenge these evaluations with supporting documents such as medical records, repair estimates, and witness statements. By working with an attorney, you have someone advocating on your behalf to push back against inadequate settlement offers.
If you’ve been injured in a crash and need legal support, we’re here to help. Contact Disparti Law Group today to speak with a Chicago car accident lawyer and take the next step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
TALK TO A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY AT DISPARTI LAW GROUP ACCIDENT & INJURY LAWYERS
We understand how difficult it can be for car accident victims to cope with all the consequences of a car crash. From dealing with accident injuries and hospital stays to navigating the legal system, the attorneys at Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
THE DISPARTI LAW GROUP ACCIDENT & INJURY LAWYERS
121 W Wacker Drive, Suite 2300, Chicago, IL 60601
CHICAGO CAR ACCIDENT GOOGLE REVIEW
“Attorney Mark was one of the best! He was able to assist my parents and I in a car accident we have a while back. He made the process extremely smooth for us, and was beyond informative. 10/10 would recommend, thank you!!” – Alondra P.
LARRY WINS CHICAGO CAR ACCIDENT CASES
With over $1 Billion in recoveries for our clients, Larry knows how to win! Plus, there is no fee unless we win your case. Contact our Chicago or Tampa car accident attorneys today and find out why thousands of our clients say “Larry Wins!”
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