Alton Car Accident Lawyer

Alton Car Accident Attorney

Unfortunately, car accidents happen all the time. They can range from mild inconveniences to tragic catastrophes depending entirely on the specifics of the accident. Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful, especially if you are attempting to handle your injuries, the insurance companies, and an investigation all on your own. If you have been involved in a car accident and wish to seek damages, reach out to an Alton car accident lawyer today.

Illinois state law requires most drivers to carry bodily injury and liability insurance, just in case they are ever involved in a car accident and are found liable. If your injuries are particularly severe, you may want to reach out to an Alton personal injury lawyer and pursue damages. They can help you build a strong case to pursue a claim.

Common Injuries After a Car Accident

Car accidents can be unpredictable, so the kinds of injuries that often occur during a car accident can vary on a case-to-case basis. Some injuries are more common than others, and knowing the different injuries you could suffer after a particularly severe wreck is important. The following are some of the more common injuries after a car accident:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Car accidents are one of the biggest causes of traumatic brain injuries across the nation. TBIs happen when the brain is suddenly damaged by a blow to the head or a penetrating injury. TBIs often cause lifelong health problems and severe disabilities. If you suffer a TBI after a car accident, you could be looking at a substantial settlement when you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are considerably brutal and can result in partial or full paralysis throughout the body. The spinal cord is responsible for sending messages to and from the brain. If the spinal cord is injured, the resulting effect on your body can be catastrophic. The traumatic speed and force of car accidents can result in spinal cord injuries that will likely affect the rest of your life.
• Severe Burns: The force of a severe car accident can often cause fires to break out inside and outside the vehicle. This can sometimes result in severe second and third-degree burns. The more severe a burn is, the larger the effect it has on the body and your overall health. Particularly bad burns may require surgery or skin grafts to fully heal, and the road to recovery could be a tough one.
• Internal Damage: During the initial shock of a car accident, you may not immediately feel the physical effects of the accident on your body. You could be suffering some internal damage, such as bleeding or organ damage. It is important following a car accident that you seek medical attention as soon as possible, just in case you have internal damage that you are unaware of. If you don’t find it quickly, it could get much worse.
• Broken Bones: The injuries you may sustain in a car accident are entirely dependent on the details of the accident, such as the force that occurred when the vehicles collided. Broken arms, legs, ribs, ankles, and collarbones are all common in severe car accidents. Be sure to document these injuries when filing a personal injury claim.
• Loss of Limb: Vehicles can concave when struck, potentially injuring a limb by crushing or severing it. When a limb is damaged severely enough, sometimes amputation is the only way to move forward. Amputations can have lifelong physical and mental effects on your body and health, and you will likely need to adjust how you live your life, so it is crucial that you acquire appropriate compensation.
• Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the more common injuries that you might sustain from a car accident. It’s the common term for a sudden and severe neck jerk that is often the result of sudden trauma. A whiplash injury can vary in severity, with some only involving mild swelling and others requiring substantial physical therapy to recover from.
• Road Rash: It is vitally important to always wear your seatbelt when riding in any vehicle. If you are involved in a car accident while not wearing a seatbelt, the results could be particularly catastrophic. You could be hurled from the vehicle and suffer tremendous injuries, such as road rash. Road rash occurs when someone is dragged across concrete or asphalt, resulting in substantial physical scarring and pain.
• PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental affliction that affects some victims of severe trauma, such as a terrible accident or near-death experience. It is a diagnosed medical condition that affects one’s mental and emotional health. When pursuing your car accident claim, you can pursue additional damages for pain and suffering and emotional distress, which PTSD certainly qualifies as.

Regardless of whether your injuries are common to car accidents or not, you are entitled to compensation to help you move forward from an accident caused by another party. Though money may not fully restore you to your state before an accident, it can allow you the finances needed to adjust to your new normal.

Proving Damages

When you hire an experienced car accident lawyer for your case, they will likely launch their own independent investigation into the accident to determine the facts of what transpired. Some of the ways that your lawyer will attempt to prove the damages that you are claiming include:

• Police Reports: It is highly likely that the police were called to the scene of the accident, which means they filled out a credible police report with the immediate details of the crash. This report can be beneficial to your case, as it will have data recorded about the accident that may corroborate your side of events.
• Documented Evidence: It is vital that you document the scene of the crash as soon as it is safe to do so. Take photos of your injuries, the damage done to every vehicle involved, any property damage that was sustained, and the conditions of the road. Be sure to interview any witnesses who may have been present at the time.
• Medical Records: It is recommended that you seek professional medical treatment following your accident. Not only is it a good idea to be checked out just in case you are injured, but having a valid medical record of your injuries can be important for your case. If you choose not to seek medical treatment, the other party could attempt to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you are claiming.

FAQs for Alton Car Accident Lawyers

Q: How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in Illinois?

A: Under Illinois state law, you will have two years from the date of the initial accident to begin filing a personal injury claim and pursuing compensatory damages from the liable party. If you fail to file within the two-year time frame, your case will likely not be considered, and you will lose your opportunity to seek compensation and accountability. The statute of limitations is largely in place to prevent frivolous litigation.

Q: Can You Sue Someone for a Car Accident in Illinois?

A: Yes, you can sue someone for a car accident in Illinois. You can hold the responsible party legally accountable by recovering damages from them. Illinois has a comparative negligence law, in which more than one person can be found liable for a car accident. You can seek financial compensation if you are at least 50% or less responsible for the accident. The settlement amount would then be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: Is Illinois a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

A: No, Illinois is an at-fault state for car accidents. The person who is found to be responsible for causing the accident is responsible for reimbursing the other driver for their medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and any other damages the court deems necessary. In addition, Illinois’s comparative negligence law could find you at least partially responsible for the accident as well. If so, your settlement amount may be reduced by that percentage.

Q: Does Illinois Law Require Drivers to Have Car Insurance?

A: Illinois state law requires drivers to have liability insurance if they operate a vehicle within the state. Liability insurance automatically includes coverage to protect drivers against uninsured drivers. It supplies coverage at the legal minimum requirements for bodily injury or death. State law does not require you to carry medical payment, comprehensive, collision, or uninsured property damage coverage.

Reach Out to an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

Being involved in a severe car accident can be one of the most traumatic and unforgettable moments of your life. You may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, and quite stressed. You don’t have to go through this stress all on your own. Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, understands the kind of help you need in this trying time and is prepared to assist you in making sure the liable parties are held accountable for your accident and your injuries.

We can develop your case by gathering the necessary evidence, speaking to any witnesses, and advocating against any insurance companies trying to take advantage of your situation. Reach out to schedule a consultation with one of our valued team members and learn more about how we can help you.