The impact of an auto accident in Springfield, Illinois, can affect your life in more ways than damage to your vehicle and sustained personal injuries. Considering that you may not work because of your injuries, you may need to figure out how to support your family.
With so much at stake, you need an experienced personal injury attorney in Springfield who knows how to investigate automobile accidents. Their experience negotiating with insurance companies ensures you receive fair compensation after a motor vehicle accident.
Why Do Car Accidents Happen in Springfield, IL?
In Springfield and other cities throughout central Illinois, car accidents happen for many reasons. Understanding these causes can assist you and your lawyer in claiming compensation.
Distracted Driving
Texting or calling on a cell phone while driving is illegal in Illinois. People aged 19 and older may use hands-free devices and Bluetooth technology while driving, but using them is a distraction that can cause severe accidents. The Illinois Department of Transportation reported over 9,432 crashes involving distracted drivers in 2020.
Your Nessler & Associates car accident lawyer will investigate your accident to determine if the other driver was distracted. We can collect evidence, such as witness statements and surveillance footage, showing the other driver was at fault. During our investigation, we may uncover different types of distracted driving, including:
- Checking the GPS
- Eating and drinking
- Speaking with passengers
- Adjusting the dashboard controls
Drunk Driving
Illinois considers drivers with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or more to be under the influence. As of 2020, there were 254 alcohol-related accidents, making up 21.5% of the 1,195 fatal crashes in the state.
We can examine the police report from the accident to determine if the officer suspected a drunk driver and conducted a field sobriety test. The report will also describe negligent driving behaviors, such as swerving between lanes and failing to yield.
Speeding
Speeding can result from drivers navigating traffic, running late to appointments, and disregarding speed limits on the highways and roads. Those who speed increase their chances of losing control of their cars and causing serious crashes, resulting in severe injuries for all drivers and passengers involved.
In 2020, speed-related crashes accounted for 44.9% of fatal and 37.3% of injury crashes in the state. These numbers represent an increase from 2019, with 39.2% of fatal accidents and 37.6% of injury collisions.
If speeding contributed to the accident, we can consult our network of experts, such as accident reconstructionists. A reconstructionist can use photos and videos of the accident scene to recreate the circumstances of the accident. Then, they can find out how fast drivers traveled based on physical evidence like skid marks and vehicle damage.
How Can Nessler & Associates Help Me With My Car Accident Claim
A catastrophic injury can result from any accident, such as a brain or spinal cord injury, causing you to incur additional medical expenses and time off for your recovery and loss of income. You can count on your personal injury attorney’s trial experience to offer legal advice and compassion after an accident.
Using our network of expert witnesses and legal resources, we can put together your case as quickly as possible to ensure you file your claim within the two-year statute of limitations. We will ensure that whoever caused your accident will compensate you for their negligence.
Determine Your Car Accident’s Value
As each car accident case is unique, your lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim. Damages sustained in the accident may include:
- Medical bills and expenses related to the car accident. Costs may include out-of-pocket medical expenses such as prescriptions, physical therapy, surgeries, and home modifications.
- Lost income. We can calculate the difference between your previous salary and what you earn now if your injury partially impairs your ability to work.
- Vehicle repair costs. Pictures of the damaged vehicle, repair bills, and estimates can affect your settlement if you sustained significant damage to your car.
- Pain and suffering. We will use your doctor’s prognosis, photos showing the severity of your injuries, and recurring medical costs to prove your pain and suffering.
Modified comparative negligence in Illinois helps determine the value of a claim. Under the modified comparative negligence law, an injured person can recover damages only if they are less than 50% at fault for the accident. We can attempt to lessen your responsibility for the accident by referring to video evidence, witness statements, and medical records.
Negotiate for More Money in Your Claim
If your injuries are severe and complex, we can use them to negotiate an increase in your settlement. For example, car accident victims who suffer from traumatic brain injury may have physical and emotional pain as they lose their jobs and independence and require constant medical care. We can negotiate to ensure your future medical expenses and earning capacity are covered in the settlement.
The negligent driver’s insurance policy limits also play a role in negotiating the value of your settlement. According to Illinois law, all drivers must carry $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for physical injury liability, and $20,000 for property damage liability. If your costs exhaust the negligent driver’s insurance policy limits, we can take your claim to court.
File a Car Accident Lawsuit
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for a low amount that may not fully compensate you for all your damages. If an insurer makes a lowball settlement, we can litigate your case in court.
We know how to present evidence effectively in court so the judge or jury can understand the physical and emotional injuries you endured after the accident.
Call a Knowledgeable Car Accident Lawyer in Springfield, IL
Obtaining sufficient compensation for your medical bills and financial support is critical if you are involved in a car accident. The Springfield car accident attorneys at the law office of Nessler & Associates can listen to your case, advise you of your rights, and aggressively seek recovery for your losses on your behalf.
We have a vast range of experience in pursuing compensation for all types of motor vehicle, bus, and motorcycle accidents. We understand how to apply personal injury law to your car accident case and hold drivers liable for their negligent actions.
Contact us at (800) 727-8010 to schedule your free case evaluation and find out how we can help you. Our No Fee Guarantee ensures that we will not receive payment unless successful in your case.