Auto Accident Injury in Springfield, IL

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Springfield? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Springfield, IL that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Springfield, Illinois

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, Sangamon County averages around 5000 auto accidents per year. Around 25% of those accidents involve injuries. Rear-end collisions comprise the highest number of injury crashes in Springfield.

However, auto collisions with a fixed object result in the most fatalities in Illinois. Also, serious injuries and fatalities are more likely when alcohol is involved or when seat belts are not used. Additionally, motorcycles are only involved in 1% of accidents but are involved in 12% of fatalities.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

Serious accidents in Springfield, especially involving injuries or alcohol, should be reported immediately by calling 911. Minor accidents can be reported to the Springfield Police Department.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number, and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, auto accidents are one of the leading causes of injury-related deaths in Springfield. In addition, auto accidents are the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 5-9. The CDC reports that Illinois auto accidents cost around $15 million in medical bills and $1.69 billion in lost work per year. The National Safety Council reports that the average cost per accident ranges from $12,000 to almost $100,000.

Your potential compensation can include payment for medical care or car repair bills. However, there may also be less clear costs like lost wages or a loss of quality of life. Therefore, a Springfield attorney can help you recover all of the damages that you are entitled to.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Illinois

Liability Laws for Springfield

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Liability insurance is required for all Springfield motorists. Illinois insurance companies use a fault system, so the at-fault driver’s insurance company typically pays the damages. If a lawsuit is filed, Illinois courts apply a modified comparative negligence standard. This means that if you were less than 50% responsible for the accident, you can recover damages. However, your damages will be reduced by the percentage that you were at fault.

Statute of Limitations in Springfield

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. Springfield drivers have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a claim for injuries. However, the law allows up to 5 years to file a claim for damage to your vehicle.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Springfield, IL

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across Illinois state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!