Auto Accident Lawyers in Naperville, IL

Every time an individual drives their car, they are taking on responsibility for themselves and other cars on the road. That’s not something most people think about, and many times other drivers suffer the consequences.

Being involved in any type of accident is stressful, and suffering an injury caused by another person’s negligence is a harrowing experience. It’s important for you to know what to do after a car accident and how much time you have to file a claim.

Shea Law Group understands these frustrations, and we are here to fight for the help you need. Medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other factors can easily lead to financial loss if not handled properly.

Our car accident lawyers in Naperville are here to guide you through filing your claims, provide legal advice, and assist you however we can give you the peace of mind you need and the compensation you deserve.

5 Steps to Take After a Car Accident

The shock of a car accident can temporarily render a driver stunned, but it’s important to act and take the necessary precautions.

• Get to Safety
  • Turn on your hazard lights and drive to a safe place if possible. Call 911 to report any injuries and stay alert to the smell of leaking gasoline.
• Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
  • If another party is involved in the accident, contact your lawyer before speaking with them. Your attorney will be able to guide you through the necessary steps.
• Call the Police
  • Report the accident to the proper authorities. Having an official police report will be an asset when filing for compensation for injuries and property damage.
• Take Photos
  • Be sure to take photos of your vehicle, the other vehicle, debris in the road, and any injuries you may have.
• Exchange Information
  • Get the other driver’s license information, insurance information, and vehicle registration; and share your information with them, as well. Keep conversation limited to facts only and do not admit to any wrongdoing, as they may hold that against you in court.

If you ever have questions or doubts about how to proceed following a crash, call our auto accident lawyers in Naperville. We’re available 24 hours a day to listen to the details of your case and help you figure out the next steps. Don’t try to figure out the legal process of your car crash alone. Get in touch with our attorneys at Shea Law Group.

Statute of Limitations

In the state of Illinois, there are two different statutes of limitations you should know about. Victims of a car accident in Illinois have two years from the date when it occurred to file for injuries. This includes physical and emotional injuries that cause the victim pain and suffering. Medical expenses incurred as a result of the crash can be included in this claim. Car accident victims have 5 years to file for property damage to their vehicle.

The sooner our personal injury attorneys can begin working on your case, the better the outcome can be. Our attorneys will provide you with a thorough personal injury case evaluation at no charge. We can meet you at your home or the hospital to discuss the details of your claim.

Shea Law Group takes pride in caring about our clients and providing compassionate service for every case.

Types Of Injuries Sustained During Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying from minor to severe, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Understanding the types of injuries commonly sustained can help victims seek appropriate medical attention and legal compensation.

1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries
   Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end collisions, causing the neck to jerk suddenly. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
2. Head and Brain Injuries
   Head injuries can range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries
   Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are often life-changing and require extensive medical care.
4. Broken Bones
   Fractures and broken bones are common in car accidents, affecting the arms, legs, ribs, and other body parts. These injuries may require surgery and physical therapy.
5. Soft Tissue Injuries
   Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These injuries can cause significant pain and may take a long time to heal.
6. Internal Injuries
   Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding, can be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is crucial for these types of injuries.
7. Emotional and Psychological Injuries
   Victims may also suffer from emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

What Can I Receive For Compensation After A Car Accident Claim?

Filing a car accident claim can help victims recover financially from the various expenses incurred due to the accident. Compensation can cover several aspects:

1. Medical Expenses
   Compensation can cover hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care required due to the accident.
2. Lost Wages
   If the injury results in time off work, victims can claim compensation for lost wages, including future earning potential if the injury impacts long-term employment.
3. Property Damage
   This includes the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged vehicle and any other personal property affected by the accident.
4. Pain and Suffering
   Victims can seek compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
5. Loss of Consortium
   Compensation for the impact of the injuries on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family.
6. Punitive Damages
   In cases of gross negligence or malicious intent, victims may be awarded punitive damages to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

How Much Is My Car Accident Worth?

The value of a car accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the circumstances of the accident.

A minor accident without injuries can result in a few thousand dollars while something more severe could be $100,000 or more. It’s difficult to know exactly how much compensation you can see as a result of your accident until you speak to an attorney.

Key factors that influence the claim value include:

1. Severity of Injuries
   Severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care typically result in higher compensation.
2. Medical Treatment Costs
   Higher medical bills, including surgeries and rehabilitation, can increase the claim’s value.
3. Impact on Earning Capacity
   If the injuries affect the victim’s ability to work, the compensation will account for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
4. Pain and Suffering
   The more significant the physical and emotional pain, the higher the compensation for pain and suffering.
5. Liability
   Clear evidence of the other party’s fault can strengthen the claim and lead to higher compensation.

Who Is Liable For Injuries Or Property Damage To My Vehicle?

Determining liability is crucial in car accident claims. The at-fault party is typically responsible for compensating the victims. Examples of these at-fault individuals can include:

• Negligent Motorist: Drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care on the road.
• Truck Driver: Commercial drivers whose negligence can lead to severe accidents.
• Employer of a Negligent Party: Companies can be liable if their employees cause an accident while on the job.
• Bicyclist: Cyclists can be at fault if their actions lead to a collision.
• Pedestrian: Pedestrians may be responsible if they cause an accident by not following traffic rules.
• Property Owner: Owners can be liable if poor property conditions contribute to an accident.
• Government Agency: Responsible for road design, maintenance, and repair, these agencies can be held accountable for accidents caused by poor road conditions.
• Vehicle Manufacturer: Manufacturers can be liable if a defect in the vehicle or its parts leads to an accident.

Several factors determine who is liable after an accident too. These can include:

1. Negligence
   If a driver fails to exercise reasonable care, they may be deemed negligent and liable for the accident.
2. Traffic Law Violations
   Violating traffic laws, such as running a red light or speeding, can establish liability.
3. Comparative Negligence
   In some cases, both parties may share fault. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule, where victims can recover damages if they are less than 50% at fault.
4. Employer Liability
   If the at-fault driver was on the job, their employer might also be liable.
5. Product Liability
   If a defective vehicle or part caused the accident, the manufacturer might be held responsible.

Causes Of Car Accidents Near Naperville

Understanding the common causes of car accidents can help in identifying liability and preventing future incidents. Various factors contribute to car accidents, and recognizing these can help in taking preventive measures.

1. Distracted Driving
   Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Activities such as texting, eating, or using a GPS can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading to accidents. Even a momentary lapse in attention can have severe consequences.
2. Speeding
   Driving above the speed limit reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Speeding is particularly dangerous in residential areas and school zones where pedestrians and bicyclists are present.
3. Drunk Driving
   Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction time, leading to severe accidents. Despite strict laws and awareness campaigns, drunk driving remains a significant problem and the cause of many fatal crashes.
4. Weather Conditions
   Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, and fog can create hazardous driving conditions and increase the likelihood of accidents. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and unexpected weather changes can all contribute to accidents.
5. Reckless Driving
   Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, road rage, and ignoring traffic signals contribute to accidents. Reckless driving endangers not only the driver but also other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
6. Vehicle Defects
   Mechanical failures or design flaws in vehicles can cause accidents. Issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or faulty airbags can lead to loss of control and collisions. Regular vehicle maintenance and timely repairs are crucial in preventing such accidents.
7. Fatigued Driving
   Driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly to road conditions and traffic signals, leading to accidents. Long drives without breaks or driving late at night increases the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
8. Failing to Yield Right of Way
   Failing to yield the right of way to other motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists can cause serious accidents. Intersections are common sites for such incidents, where drivers may ignore traffic signals or misjudge the speed of oncoming vehicles.
9. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
   Ignoring red lights and stop signs is a common cause of accidents, especially at busy intersections. Such violations often lead to high-speed collisions with severe consequences.
10. Road Defects
    Poorly maintained roads, including potholes, uneven surfaces, and lack of proper signage, can cause accidents. Government agencies responsible for road design, maintenance, and repair can be held liable for accidents caused by such defects.
11. Limited Visibility
    Limited visibility due to heavy rain, fog, or darkness can lead to accidents. Drivers may not see obstacles, other vehicles, or pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
12. Negligent Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
    Failure to maintain a vehicle properly or substandard repairs can lead to mechanical failures and accidents. Ensuring that a vehicle is regularly serviced and promptly repaired can prevent such incidents.

Sometimes, it isn’t immediately clear how an accident happened or who is at fault, especially if the at-fault driver flees the scene. This can be emotionally jarring and add to the stress of dealing with the aftermath of an accident. However, this uncertainty should not discourage victims from filing an accident claim. An experienced car accident attorney can help investigate the incident, gather evidence, and pursue compensation from all responsible parties.

Car Accident Statistics For The State Of Illinois

Car accident statistics provide valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of car accidents. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation:

• In 2022, there were 298,347 crashes involving motor vehicles in Illinois.
• Injury crashes accounted for 20% of these crashes, totaling 59,795 incidents.
• Fatal crashes accounted for less than 1% of the total, with 1,147 fatal incidents reported.
• Urban areas tend to have a higher incidence of car accidents due to increased traffic density.
• Driver behavior, such as speeding and distracted driving, remains a significant factor in many accidents.

These statistics highlight the importance of safe driving practices and the need for legal assistance in the aftermath of an accident.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Naperville Car Accident Lawyers

Shea Law Group has over 75 years of combined experience with successful car accident cases. We are sensitive to the effects of car accident trauma and injury, and recognize the stress of not being able to work, worrying about medical bills, and concerns about family. That’s why we are committed to each client and dedicated to a successful outcome.

We do everything we can for our clients to enable a smooth claims process, from filing a lawsuit to trial when necessary. We take on as much of the burden as we can, so you can focus on healing and returning to some semblance of normalcy.

If you have been injured in a vehicle accident, rely on Shea Law Group to fight for you and give you the peace of mind you deserve. Call today for your free consultation.