Springfield Car Accident Claims: What Illinois Drivers Often Get Wrong
Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of preventable death and injury in Illinois. The state witnessed over 7,500 preventable deaths in 2022.
Thousands of drivers are injured in a car accident every year, many of them on busy corridors like I-55 and Route 66. If you were injured in a car accident in Springfield, a skilled Springfield, IL, car accident lawyer can be the difference between a fair settlement and being left with unpaid medical bills.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Car Accident Claim
Many car accident victims unknowingly damage their own personal injury claim before ever speaking to an attorney.
Admitting Fault at the Accident Scene
You should never admit fault after a car crash, even if you think you may have contributed to the collision. Under the Illinois modified comparative negligence law, if you are found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages at all. A simple apology at the scene of the accident can be used against you.
Recording Statements
Do not give a recorded statement, speculate about your injuries, or accept the first offer. Insurance claims adjusters work for the insurance provider, not for you.
Avoid saying things like “I feel fine” or “it was partially my fault.” These statements can be used to minimize your personal injury.
Illinois Law and Your Rights
Knowing your rights under Illinois law is essential. Several key rules directly affect what compensation you can recover after auto accident injuries.
The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the accident. Claims against a government employee must be filed within one year. Missing this deadline means losing your right to recover compensation entirely.
Illinois does not currently impose a cap on pain and suffering damages in most personal injury cases. The Illinois Supreme Court struck down prior caps as unconstitutional, meaning injury victims can pursue full non-economic damages, including compensation for physical and emotional pain.
What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Acting quickly protects your right to fair compensation. First, call 911 and get medical care even if you feel okay. Car accident injuries like soft tissue injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries may not appear immediately.
Second, document the accident scene: take photos, gather witness contacts, and request police reports. Third, do not post anything on social media. Finally, contact a car accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company.
Financial Compensation
Settlement amounts in car accident cases vary widely based on the severity of injuries, the strength of evidence, and the skill of your injury lawyers. Serious harm from motor vehicle accidents can result in substantial damages, such as:
- Economic damages: medical expenses, lost wages, medical treatment, and property damage
- Non-economic damages: pain and suffering, and emotional pain
Typically, one-third of the recovery goes to legal fees. An experienced attorney maximizes what you keep by negotiating medical bills and liens down.
Types of Vehicle Accidents
Auto accident cases in Springfield involve many different vehicles and circumstances. Understanding the type of crash matters for determining liability and building your case.
- Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries because of the sheer size of commercial vehicles, and multiple parties may share liability, including truck drivers and trucking companies.
- Motorcycle accidents leave riders especially vulnerable because they lack the protection that passenger cars provide.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can also handle rear-end collisions, reckless driving cases, and crashes caused by distracted driving or uninsured motorists.
FAQs
What Is the Three-Collision Rule?
The three-collision rule describes what happens in a car crash: first, the vehicle hits another object; second, the occupant’s body hits the interior of the car; third, the internal organs collide with the body’s skeletal structure. This explains why serious injury and internal injuries often occur even in moderate-speed accidents.
Can a Car Accident Cause Spinal Stenosis?
Yes. A serious auto accident can cause or accelerate spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal that leads to severe injuries and chronic pain. Accident reconstructionists and medical experts help establish the link between the collision and your condition, which is critical for proving auto accident injuries in court.
Contact Your Local Springfield Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident on I-55, Route 66, or anywhere in the Springfield area, contact our Springfield law office. Our law firm provides free consultation and legal assistance.
Our personal injury attorney and legal team are recognized by the National Trial Lawyers and are in good standing with the Illinois State Bar Association. We handle personal injury cases, wrongful death claims, medical malpractice, and more, all on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win.
We gather evidence, negotiate aggressively, and when needed, take your personal injury lawsuit to court. Don’t wait. Get in touch with Lowe Law Group today!
