A car crash can bring your life to a skidding halt. Not only do you have to deal with the damage to your vehicle, but you may also sustain serious injuries that impact your lifestyle and your ability to work, both in the short and long term.
If you suffered a serious injury in an auto accident in Marion, Illinois, someone else caused, you may qualify to recover compensation from those responsible. However, determining the compensation available to you and collecting it is a complex legal process that requires the skills and resources of an experienced car accident lawyer.
While you are focusing on medical treatment and recovering physically, the other driver's auto insurance company is working full-time to minimize your payment for your injuries as much as possible. Instead of fighting this uphill battle alone, seek help from a car accident attorney who can represent your interests every step of the way.
A Marion car accident lawyer on your side will provide you with the advocacy you need to fully recover damages and move on with your life. Connect with the experienced Marion car accident lawyers from Lawler Brown Law Firm today to discuss your legal options. If you have a valid claim, we will be by your side with guidance and assistance from the start of your claim to its resolution.
Why Choose a Marion Car Accident Attorney from Lawler Brown Law Firm to Handle Your Claim
A full-service personal injury law firm serving Southern Illinois, the Lawler Brown Law Firm has helped thousands of clients in the Marion area recover full compensation for the injuries and losses they suffered due to another party's negligence or wrongdoing.
Our legal team consists of six dedicated personal injury attorneys who have more than 70 years of collective legal experience. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our injured clients, and we have received hundreds of five-star reviews and compelling testimonials from people we have helped over the years.
You can rely on us to take an active interest in your case and deliver the personalized attention you deserve to increase your chances of getting the best outcomes possible.
Contact us today at (618) 993-2222 for a free consultation about your claim and discover how we can help you get fair compensation from the at-fault party. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you won't pay us anything upfront to represent you. We will only accept a fee if we recover compensation for you through an insurance settlement or court award.
How Do Car Crashes Happen in Marion?
While you do your best to drive responsibly, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Thus, you can still get into a car accident through no fault of your own. Keep in mind that some areas around Marion are particularly dangerous, and when you are driving in these areas, you might be more likely to experience crashes.
For example, Route 13 and Interstate 57 are notorious roadways for crashes, and many drivers speed or otherwise engage in unlawful driving on these highways. Even if you stay away from these higher-risk areas, however, you still might find yourself in a collision.
No matter how safely you drive, the most common cause of a crash on the road is other drivers. Driver distraction has increased due to the rise of smartphones, smartwatches, and other mobile devices. Even hands-free or in-car systems can still cause distractions. Distracted driving is responsible for one in eight deaths on the road in the United States today.
In addition to distracted driving, other factors can cause car crashes in Marion and the surrounding areas of Williamson County:
- Speeding: Driving at speeds higher than the posted speed limits or too fast for road conditions.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or ignoring traffic signals.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which can significantly impair a driver's judgment and reaction time.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or fog can contribute to accidents by reducing visibility and making roads slippery. Driver must reduce their speed and drive appropriately for the conditions to avoid causing a car crash.
- Fatigue: Driving while excessively tired or drowsy can impair a driver's ability to focus and react quickly.
- Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failure to obey traffic signals and signs can lead to intersection collisions.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and lack of proper signage can contribute to accidents.
- Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures or defects in a vehicle, such as faulty brakes or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience or inadequate driver training may result in poor decision-making on the road.
- Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely can lead to rear-end collisions, especially in sudden braking situations.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Failing to signal or check blind spots before changing lanes can cause collisions.
- Failure to Yield: Not yielding the right of way at intersections or when merging onto a highway.
- Construction Zones: Accidents can occur in construction zones due to narrowed lanes, changing traffic patterns, and reduced speed limits.
Being on the road requires caution and responsible behavior, but even with the most careful driving ability, you cannot prevent the irresponsible, negligent, or reckless driving of others. Having an attorney on your side when you suffer injuries due to another driver's behavior will help you recover the most for your damages.
In some cases, there might be more than one liable party in your car crash claim. Additional parties might include the employers of negligent drivers, rideshare companies, public transportation companies, trucking companies, or even car manufacturers.
Seeking Compensation for Your Car Crash Injuries
To receive compensation for your car crash injuries, you must go after the parties at fault for the crash to recover damages. This might be other drivers who caused the crash, or even the manufacturer of equipment that malfunctioned and led to the crash, like a GM ignition switch error.
The specific compensation you can seek will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident. Here are common types of compensation that may be available:
- Medical Expenses: You could receive compensation for your medical bills related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgery costs, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses.
- Lost Income: You could receive reimbursement for income you lost due to not being able to work during your recovery. This can include past lost wages as well as lost future earnings if your injuries result in a permanent disability.
- Property Damage: You may receive compensation for the repair or replacement costs of your damaged vehicle and any personal property inside the vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering: You could also pursue non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish the accident and resulting injuries caused.
- Loss of Consortium: This is compensation for the impact the injuries have on your relationship with your spouse or family, including loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
- Disability and Impairment: You could obtain compensation for any long-term disability or impairment resulting from the accident.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: You may receive additional compensation for any visible scars or disfigurement caused by the injuries.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If the accident results in a fatality, certain family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral and burial expenses.
- Legal Fees: In many cases, the at-fault party's insurance company may cover your legal fees if you hire an attorney to help with your claim.
- Other Expenses: You could recover compensation to reimburse you for other related expenses you incurred because of the accident and your recovery. This can include travel expenses to and from treatment, daycare expenses, home services expenses, and more.
It's crucial to gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation. Consulting a personal injury attorney can be beneficial, as they can assess the specifics of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you navigate the legal process.
Calculating your losses is more complex than you probably imagine, and this is something you want your lawyer to handle. Otherwise, you risk underestimating your losses and might end up with far less than you deserve.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Marion, IL?
If you're involved in a car accident in Marion, IL, it's important to take certain steps to ensure your safety, comply with legal requirements, and protect your rights. Here's a general guide on what to do after a car accident:
Ensure Safety
Check for injuries and call for emergency medical assistance if needed. Move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights.
Call the Police
In Illinois, you are required to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. Call the police to report the accident and wait for them to arrive. Be sure to obtain the official accident report when it's available, as it will contain valuable evidence to support your claim.
Exchange Information
Exchange contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration information with the other parties involved in the accident. Get names and contact information from any witnesses.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
Do Not Admit Fault
Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don't think you're seriously injured, it's advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident.
Consult an Attorney
If you've suffered injuries or significant property damage, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney. They can provide guidance on your legal options and help you navigate the claims process.
Continue and Complete Your Medical Treatment
Attend all necessary medical appointments and follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment and recovery. If you end your treatment too soon or don't follow your doctor's orders, the at-fault driver's insurance provider or legal counsel could take that to mean you're not as seriously injured as you assert and deny your claim.
Preserve Evidence
Be sure to keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and communication with insurance companies. You and your attorney may need this information during the claims process.
Remember that specific procedures and regulations may vary, so it's important to consult with a local attorney familiar with Illinois laws. A car accident lawyer from Lawler Brown Law Firm can provide advice tailored to your situation and help you pursue any necessary legal action.
Marion Car Crash FAQs
When should I contact a car accident attorney after my car crash?
You should contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible after you have received medical attention for your injuries. Delaying can only hurt your case or make it more challenging.
Additionally, Illinois allows you only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. If you don't have an attorney file suit for you within that time, you will likely lose all rights you have to pursue compensation from the at-fault parties.
How do I know if I can seek damages?
You have the right to collect damages for your losses when another party was liable for the crash. This is something your attorney can best determine, as liability can be a complicated issue.
How much does a car accident attorney cost?
Most personal injury attorneys, including the ones at the Lawler Brown Law Firm, work on a contingency basis, meaning they receive payment only if you win. This payment also comes out of your settlement or award, so you won't have to pay anything out of pocket. Ask your car accident lawyer for more information on what fee and payment options they offer.
Reach out to a Marion Car Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Case
Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side as soon as possible after your crash will ensure that you receive the most possible compensation for your injuries. The auto insurance companies profit by making the revenue in premiums while paying out on as few claims as possible, and this includes your car crash claim.
The insurance company does not work for you, and any initial settlement offer you might receive is likely far lower than you deserve. The insurance adjuster will work toward getting you to accept less than what you deserve if you do not have the right legal representation.
To consider the best strategy in your case and to learn how you can recover the most possible for your losses, contact the Lawler Brown Law Firm today at (618) 993-2222 to receive a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Marion car accident lawyer who will fight for your rights and interest each step of the way.