If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile crash due to a negligent driver, a skilled Des Plaines car accident lawyer from our personal injury law firm is ready to guide you through the legal process. We are committed to helping you pursue full and fair compensation for your losses with professionalism and care.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Des Plaines?
What Are the Most Common Types of Car Accidents?
Car accidents take many forms, and those caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness can warrant personal injury cases. These include:
- Head-on collisions at high speeds
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact crashes
- Accidents with ridesharing services
- Fatal accidents
What Causes Car Accidents in Des Plaines?
Car accidents caused by driver negligence include distracted driving (like texting and cellphone use), impaired or drunk driving, or speeding. Reckless actions such as aggressive lane changes or running red lights are also major factors.
Adverse weather like rain, snow, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing risks. Vehicle issues like brake failures or tire blowouts, along with hazards such as potholes or poor signage, also lead to personal injury accidents.
What Should Accident Victims Do After a Des Plaines Car Accident?
Here’s what to do after a car crash:
- Seek medical attention for accident scene injuries.
- Report the accident to local law enforcement and request a police report.
- Exchange information and gather witness statements.
- Inform your insurance company.
- Contact an experienced attorney in our law offices.
Serious Injuries in Des Plaines Car Accident Cases
Injury victims of auto accidents suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
How Can Des Plaines Car Accident Lawyers Help?
When motor vehicle accidents are caused by someone else’s negligence, an experienced car accident lawyer can help by:
- Explaining Illinois’s complex legal system, car insurance policies, and describing your legal options
- Investigating the auto accident and gathering evidence to determine liability
- Calculating damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies to get full and fair compensation
- Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Types of Compensation for a Car Crash Victim in Des Plaines
Victims in Des Plaines car accident cases can rely on an experienced car accident attorney to seek financial compensation like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death claims when a loved one suffers a fatal injury
What Makes My Des Plaines Car Accident Claim Worth More?
A Des Plaines car accident attorney can assess the value of your claim by considering factors like:
- Whether the other driver caused the accident
- The severity of your injuries and how they affect your life, work, and long-term health
- Whether the defendant has assets, such as liability insurance, to cover damages
What If I Was Partially to Blame for My Car Accident?
If injured victims are partially at fault for a Des Plaines car crash, the compensation will be reduced based on the percentage of fault, according to Illinois’s modified comparative negligence rule.
For example, if you’re 20% at fault and awarded $10,000, your payout will be reduced by $2,000 to account for your share of responsibility.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Case in Des Plaines, Illinois?
Accident victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim, according to Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/).
Contact a Des Plaines Car Accident Lawyer Today
Were you injured in a car accident in Des Plaines? Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help. Our legal team offers a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options for pursuing compensation.
(312) 223-1700