Injured in a Crash? Our Belleville Car Accident Lawyers Fight for Your Rights
When Should You Call a Car Accident Lawyer?
Choosing The Best Car Accident Attorney
How Much Does a Belleville Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
How our Belleville Car Accident Lawyers Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
A car accident attorney’s primary objective is to get financial compensation for damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle replacement or repair
- Lost income
- Permanent impairment
- Pain and suffering.
Personal injury attorneys may assist you in pursuing your compensation to the maximum extent possible. The following are some of the key things a car accident attorney typically performs while helping an injured driver:
Proves Who Is Liable In A Car Accident Claim
To receive compensation for your injuries, you must be able to prove that someone else was legally responsible for the car accident that caused them. Your lawyer can do this by demonstrating that the at-fault party had a duty to drive safely and legally to prevent physical harm and property damage to others. Then, our team will prove that the duty was breached when the driver chose to engage in unsafe or illegal behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or alcohol impairment. Once we prove the duty of care was breached, will prove that those actions resulted in the accident that caused your injuries.
Gathers Evidence
Your lawyer will need to provide evidence of these facts to prove liability. This could include:
- witness statements
- police reports
- photographs of the scene
- medical records
- and other relevant documents.
Helps You Understand Your Rights.
Provides Legal Counsel
Following an accident, you may get a lot of conflicting advice, which may become confusing and leave you unsure of your situation’s best course of action. The best way to start is by contacting a car accident attorney. Accident attorneys know the best course of action after an automobile accident. They can examine your case’s specifics and provide the best guidance on pursuing the complete financial recovery you need.
Negotiates to Reach a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not giving it out. When we negotiate for your compensation, we will ensure that you get the most compensation possible for your claim.
Represents You in Court
Most auto accident claims are settled without ever needing to go to court. If you end up in court our car accident lawyers are experienced with litigation and will fight to get you or your loved ones what they need.
Common Auto Accident Injuries In Belleville & illinois
Various degrees of injury are possible in car accidents. However, some of the most typical or persistent injuries sustained by victims of auto accidents include the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries are sadly a common occurrence in automobile accidents. A direct hit or a penetrating, sharp wound are both capable of causing harm. Symptoms of a TBI can be:
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- And permanent brain damage
Injury of The Neck or Spinal Cord
A collision’s powerful impact may seriously harm the neck and spinal cord. Whiplash, a frequent neck injury, happens when the head suddenly and violently jerks back and forth. Spinal cord injuries may vary from slight to severe, and some can cause partial or complete paralysis.
Burns
The accident can cause various types of burns. You risk burns if you touch hot substances such as liquids, surfaces, or chemicals. You might get severe burns that need surgery or skin grafts if the car sets on fire during the collision.
Broken and Fractured Bones.
Unsurprisingly, fractures and shattered bones often occur in vehicle accidents. Forceful hits may result in broken:
- Legs
- Ribs
- Arms
- Ankles
- And other bones.
The degree of these injuries can vary from fracture to complete break, and may need surgery to fix and mend certain fractured bones.
Facial Injuries
Cuts and other facial injuries may result from flying glass, collisions, and contact with the steering wheel. Surgery might be needed to treat these severe facial injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries from a car accident refer to damage or injury to the body’s muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can range from minor sprains and strains to more severe injuries, such as:
- whiplash
- bruises
- contusions
- sprains
- strains
- and muscle tears.
These injuries can be caused by sudden stops, collisions, and impacts that occur during a car accident, and they can take weeks or even months to heal fully.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not all injuries sustained in auto accidents are physical. After an accident, many individuals experience mental and emotional anguish. A qualified psychiatrist may make the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. Typical symptoms include:
- Nightmares.
- Flashbacks of the traumatic experience.
- Feeling frightened or nervous about things that used to seem normal to you
Vehicle Crash Fatalities & Wrongful Death
The loss of a loved one due to a car accident is a challenging and heartbreaking experience. Unfortunately, vehicle crash fatalities are all too common in today’s world. When someone’s negligent driving results in the death of another person, it can be classified as wrongful death. This means the deceased’s family may be able to take legal action against the responsible party.
Wrongful death cases can be complex and emotionally draining for those involved. Seeking experienced legal counsel is essential if you believe your loved one has been wrongfully killed in a car accident. A wrongful death lawyer at Menges Law Firm will help you understand your rights and guide you through filing a claim for damages. We will also provide support and advice throughout the entire process, helping you get justice for your lost loved one.
Steps You Should take After a Vehicle Accident
You can be hurt, confused, or unclear about what to do in the moments and hours after a vehicle accident. But the ideal thing is that you and the other accident participants stay safe. Therefore, following an accident, you should follow the advice listed below.
Contact the Belleville Police or 911 in case of emergency.
Belleville police or a police officer in the jurisdiction of the accident location will inspect the site and provide formal evidence of the collision to ascertain who is responsible.
Seek Medical Attention
For any injuries, get medical attention. Waiting too long to get medical help can hinder your healing and give the responsible parties legal team a reason to doubt the severity of those injuries.
Do Not Flee The Scene
A Police officer must first give the all-clear before you may leave the crime scene. You might face criminal charges if you fled the collision site without speaking to the authorities.
Get Information
Together with the other driver and exchange contact details. This should include
- your name
- insurance details
- licensing information
- and additional relevant information.
Take Photos
Record what you saw and recall about the accident. Observe the accident site and make notes, photos, or even sketches.
Get Witness Information
Get the names and contact details of any accident witnesses. It’s crucial to gather your accident-related receipts and documentation as soon as possible to prepare your case.
File an Insurance Accident Report
You must inform your insurance provider immediately. Remember that your insurance is only there to protect their bottom line, so do not sign anything until talking to a car accident lawyer at Menges Law Firm.
Do Not Admit Blame
Be careful not to admit blame in any manner. A lawyer should always be consulted before you sign anything. Many lawyers would advise you to refrain from mentioning or talking about your accident or injuries in any social media postings, including on Facebook or Twitter.
Car Accident FAQs
We get many questions regarding car accidents. Here are some of the most asked questions.
What are the legal rights regarding property damage in a car accident?
Your property damage rights after a car crash depend on the circumstances of the accident and the insurance policies involved. Generally, suppose the other driver was at fault. In that case, their insurance should cover the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property, such as your car or any personal belongings in the vehicle. If you have collision coverage on your insurance policy, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company to cover the damages. It is important to document the damages and seek legal advice if necessary to protect your rights.
Should I continue driving my car after it was in an accident?
It depends on the extent of the damage and whether it is safe to continue driving. If the damage is minor and does not affect the vehicle’s safety, it may be okay to continue driving. However, if there are significant damage or safety concerns, it is best to have the car inspected by a professional and follow their recommendations. It is also essential to consider any legal or insurance implications before continuing to drive the car.
Can you provide information on the process of repairing a car?
To get your car fixed after a car accident, you should first contact your insurance company to report the accident and file a claim. They will provide instructions on how to proceed, including getting an estimate from a repair shop and arranging a rental car if necessary.
Is it required to bring my vehicle to an authorized repair shop by the insurance company?
It depends on your insurance policy. Some insurance companies may require you to take your car to an approved repair shop to receive coverage for the repairs. However, if your policy does not have any such requirement, you are free to choose any repair shop you prefer. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand their specific requirements and coverage.
I would like to know who is responsible for covering my medical expenses during the duration of my case.
While your case is pending, your health insurance may pay your medical expenses. It is essential to consult with an attorney to determine your options for seeking compensation for your medical expenses.
What is vicarious liability?
Vicarious liability is a legal concept that holds one party responsible for the actions of another party. This means that if an employee or agent of a company commits a wrongful act while acting within the scope of their employment, the employer can be held liable for any damages caused by that wrongful act. For example, if a delivery driver causes an accident while on the job, the company they work for could be held responsible for any injuries or damages resulting from the accident.
Can the employer of the driver responsible for the accident provide compensation?
Yes, you may be able to receive compensation from the employer of the driver who caused your accident injuries. If the driver was on the clock and performing work duties at the time of the accident, their employer may be held liable for any damages or injuries caused. However, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine your legal options and the best course of action to pursue compensation.
An Uber or Lyft driver caused my accident. Can I still file a claim?
If the vehicle that caused your accident injuries was an Uber or Lyft, you may be able to seek compensation from the ride-sharing company’s insurance policy. Both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that cover accidents involving their drivers. However, the process of seeking compensation from the ride-sharing company’s insurance policy can be complicated and may require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Who can be held liable?
Liability can depend on the circumstances of each car accident. Both parties can have some degree of liability in an accident, with one or both drivers potentially being held financially responsible. Additionally, a third party, such as a manufacturer, may be liable if they produced a defective component that played a role in causing the crash.
What happens if I am partially at fault after a car accident?
If you were partially at fault for a car accident, you might still be entitled to some compensation, depending on the state’s laws. The compensation you can receive will usually depend on how much fault each party had in causing the accident.
What is the statute of limitations for car accident claims?
The statute of limitations for car accident claims in your state, but generally, you have two years.
Should I see a doctor after a car accident if I don't feel hurt?
Yes, you should see a doctor after a car accident, even if you don’t feel hurt. There can be hidden injuries that may not manifest until a few hours or days later. It is essential to get checked out by a medical professional, just in case there are any internal injuries or other medical conditions that require medical attention.
Should I talk to the other insurance company after an accident?
No, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will do everything possible to get you to admit fault and limit their payout. It’s best to call an experienced car accident attorney at Menges Law Firm so we can get you the most compensation possible.
Can I File a Claim if The Other Driver Left the Crash Scene?
Yes, you can file a claim if the other driver left the crash scene. Your insurance company may be able to cover any damage or injury caused by the at-fault driver, even if they cannot be located.