Car accidents are a common cause of injury. According to a report from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 63,834 car crashes that resulted in injuries in Illinois in 2019. Many crashes are unavoidable, but many more are caused by another driver’s distraction or carelessness behind the wheel.
Accordingly, victims who suffer injuries in car accidents may be able to recover compensation. If an accident was caused by a driver’s negligence, the negligent driver can be held liable for damages stemming from the accident. Our Rockford, IL car accident lawyers can help car crash victims recover the compensation they deserve.
If you have been injured in a car accident, get help from experienced Rockford, IL car accident lawyers by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free case review.
Elements of a Car Accident Lawsuit in Rockford, IL
Car accident lawsuits are a form of personal injury claim. Accordingly, there are four basic elements plaintiffs must satisfy before proceeding with a car accident lawsuit in Rockford, IL. Our Rockford car accident lawyers can help victims establish all of the following elements to their claim:
- The defendant had a duty of care.
- The defendant breached their duty of care.
- The plaintiff suffered injury because of the defendant’s breach of duty.
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of their injury.
Each of these elements involves a specific set of rules and intricacies that will be applied to a car accident lawsuit. Car crash victims should consult with our Rockford car accident lawyers for help understanding the elements required to win a car accident case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Rockford, IL
Drivers are expected to use reasonable care and follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, not all drivers adhere to appropriate standards behind the wheel. Drivers who cause accidents through their negligent conduct may be held liable for damages. The following are some common causes of car accidents in Rockford.
Speeding
It can be very easy for drivers to lose track of their speed. Unfortunately, the chances of causing an accident are greatly increased at higher speeds. Furthermore, the injuries caused by high-speed accidents can be severe. Our Rockford car accident lawyers can help victims prove that their accident occurred because another driver was speeding.
Distracted Driving
Another very common cause of car accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving describes scenarios where a driver is operating a motor vehicle while engaged in another activity that takes their attention away from the road.
Furthermore, there are three types of distracted driving that can cause accidents: visual distraction, manual distraction, and cognitive distraction. Visual distraction involves a driver taking their eyes off the road while manual distraction describes scenarios where a driver takes their hands off the wheel. Cognitive distraction occurs when a driver takes their mind off the task of driving. Some forms of distracted driving, like texting, involve all three types of distraction.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving drunk is a very dangerous. When a person is impaired, their reaction times and decision-making abilities are inhibited. Drunk drivers will be held liable for damages stemming from any accident they cause. Our Rockford car accident lawyers can help gather evidence and build a case for any victims of drunk driving accidents.
Other Traffic Violations
Other traffic violations such as tailgating, failing to use turn signals, running stop signs, and failing to yield can also be considered negligence. Drivers who violate these laws can be held liable for accidents they cause. Our Rockford car accident lawyers can help victims prove that an accident was caused by these kinds of dangerous driving.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents in Rockford, IL
Car accidents can cause a wide range of devastating injuries. Injuries may depend on a variety of factors surrounding an accident like speed and point of impact. However, some injuries are more common than others. The following are common injuries caused by car accidents in Rockford, IL:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burn injuries
- Concussions
- Lacerations and punctures
- Dislocated joints
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damages
- Paralysis
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Traumatic brain injuries
Recovering damages for any injury can be complicated. Our Rockford car accident lawyers can help recover damages stemming from all injuries suffered because of car crashes.
Damages Available in a Rockford, IL Car Accident Lawsuit
The extent of damages suffered by car accident victims may vary. Accordingly, there are different kinds of financial compensation available to plaintiffs in car accident lawsuits. Our Rockford car accident lawyers can help victims determine which of the following damages apply to their case:
Economic Damages
Car crash victims may recover economic damages suffered because of a crash. Damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages are considered economic damages. Economic damages are often straightforward to calculate, but an experienced Rockford car accident attorney can still be of great assistance in helping you understand precisely what bills and expenses can be claimed as damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify. Car accident victims in Rockford may be able to recover non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional suffered incurred because of an accident. While these damages are harder to account for because there are no bills or statements associated with them, they are not any less severe. Our Rockford car accident lawyers will fight for victims to recover non-economic damages if they are available in their case.
Time Limits to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Rockford, IL
Under the Illinois statute of limitations, plaintiffs in Rockford have two years from the date of an accident to recover compensation for injuries stemming from the crash.
Victims can consult with our Rockford car accident lawyers for immediate assistance gathering evidence relevant to their case. If you wait too long to collect evidence, evidence could be lost or destroyed. For example, witnesses might forget what happened entirely or their stories could change. Traffic camera and security camera footage of the accident might be erased or overwritten. Even scars and injuries can fade over time, making it harder to prove their seriousness without photos and medical records.
If You Were in a Car Accident in Rockford, IL, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you suffered injuries in a car accident, seek assistance by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free case review.