You cannot control the actions of negligent drivers. Numerous car accidents occur each day in Aurora because of driver’s careless conduct behind the wheel. Unfortunately, car accident victims often suffer serious and life-altering injuries. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 89,133 injuries caused by car accidents in the state in 2019.
You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured because of another driver’s negligence. However, the car accident lawsuit process can be complicated. Insurance companies will hire lawyers, doctors, and private investigators to try and discount your claim. Our Aurora car accident lawyers can fight insurance companies on your behalf.
If you have been injured in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, get help recovering the compensation you deserve by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free case review.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Aurora, IL
Drivers are expected to exercise reasonable care and follow the rules of the road. Negligent drivers can be held liable for the damages they cause. There are various forms of conduct that can be considered negligent on behalf of drivers. The following types of behavior frequently cause car accidents in Aurora:
Speeding
Speeding greatly increases the risk of suffering an accident. Furthermore, accidents that occur at high speeds often lead to more severe injuries. Accordingly, speeding is another common cause of car accidents in Aurora.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common forms of car accident. There are three types of distraction which can occur, visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. Visual distraction involves taking your eyes of the road while manual distraction occurs when you take your hands off the wheel. Cognitive distraction refers to situations where you take your mind off the task of driving. The following are common examples of distracted driving which can cause accidents:
- Texting and driving
- Scrolling social media
- Eating
- Controlling a GPS
- Adjusting a radio
- Talking to other passengers
Some forms of distracted driving, like texting and driving, involves all three types of distraction. You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a car accident because the other driver was distracted.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous. For example, drunk drivers will exhibit slower reaction times and poor decision-making abilities behind the wheel. Drivers who cause accidents because they were impaired can be held liable for damages. Our Aurora car accident lawyers can help gather evidence to support your claim if you suspect you were injured because of a drunk driver.
Other Traffic Violations
Many other types of traffic violations can lead to car accidents. Examples of traffic violations that cause car accidents include running red lights, tailgating, braking abruptly, swerving into other lanes, and failing to use turn signals. Drivers who fail to follow the rules of the road will be liable for damages they cause. Our Aurora car accident lawyers can help recover damages if you were injured because a driver committed such an error.
Damages Available in Car Accident Lawsuits in Aurora, IL
Car accident victims may suffer a wide range of severe injuries. Accordingly, there are several categories of damages that may be recovered by plaintiffs in Aurora car accident lawsuits. The process for proving damages can be complicated. Our Aurora car accident lawyers can assist victims in pursuing any of the following forms of compensation if they were injured because of a car accident:
Medical Expenses
Injuries suffered because of a car accident can require expensive medical treatment. Accordingly, you may be compensated for medical expenses incurred because of a negligent driver. Medical expenses can be easily established through medical bills.
Lost Wages
You may be forced to miss work after suffering a car accident. Accordingly, you may recover damages for lost wages incurred because of your injuries. Furthermore, if you are unable to work in the future, you may be compensated for the loss of future earning capacity. Our Aurora car accident lawyers can help gather evidence to prove the loss of future earning capacity.
Property Damages
Property damages are another form of compensation available to car accident plaintiffs in Aurora. If you suffered a car accident, your vehicle may have been badly damaged. Accordingly, you may recover property damages for the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle after an accident caused by a negligent driver.
Pain and Suffering
Damages for pain and suffering are a category of noneconomic damages that seek to compensate victims for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered because of an accident. Damages for pain and suffering can be difficult to establish. Still, the impact of physical pain and emotional distress can be severe. Our Aurora car accident lawyers can fight to recover damages for pain and suffering in your case.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded. Punitive damages seek to punish a defendant for malicious or extremely reckless behavior. Furthermore, punitive damages will seek to disincentivize similar behavior in the future. You may contact our Aurora car accident lawyers for help determining if punitive damages may be available in your case.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Aurora, IL
States statutes of limitations set time limits for filing claims. The main reason for creating statutes of limitations is to prevent potential defendants from being subject to unfair legal action. In Aurora, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is two years. Accordingly, you will have two years from the date of a car accident to file a lawsuit in Aurora.
Waiting to file a claim could cause you to miss out on potential compensation. Car accident victims should contact our Aurora car accident lawyers as soon as possible after an accident for help filing their case.
If You Were Injured Because of a Car Accident in Aurora, IL, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you have been injured in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence, seek assistance from experienced Aurora car accident lawyers by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free case review.
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