When determining liability for damages in an auto accident case, a very simple test is used: was one party more responsible than another for the car accident injuries sustained? If so, that person will likely be found liable for damages to the person injured in the accident. Responsibility, in turn, is determined by who was acting with negligence at the time of the car accident.
Preventable Dangers
An action can be considered negligent if it was reasonably preventable, and appropriate steps were not taken to minimize the chance of injury. Some common forms of negligence are:
- Eating or drinking while driving;
- Speaking on a cell phone while driving;
- Sending or reading a text message while driving;
- Putting on make-up while driving; and
- Shaving while driving.
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
One of the most common forms of negligence, which is also criminal, is operating a vehicle while intoxicated. This form of negligence is responsible for a large percentage of car accidents each year, and if you are injured in an Illinois car accident in which the other party was intoxicated, you should consult a Chicago car accident attorney immediately about filing for damages.
Operating a Vehicle While Drowsy
Although less cut-and-dried than operating a vehicle while intoxicated, another common form of negligence responsible for car accident injuries is operating a vehicle while excessively tired. Delayed reflexes and a reduced capacity for critical thinking can both cause car accidents. Speaking with a qualified Chicago car accident attorney can help you determine if driver fatigue contributed to your car accident.
Operating a Vehicle at an Unsafe Speed
Driving at an unsafe speed is another example of negligence. Because safe speeds are posted, this is another relatively straight-forward case of negligence, although it will be the responsibility of your Chicago car accident attorney to demonstrate that the offending driver was in fact traveling at an excessive speed.
Operating a Vehicle in an Unsafe Manner
Many times an auto accident will occur as a result of the other driver taking some unsafe action-such as shifting lanes suddenly and without warning. This too is a form of driving negligence, and in these situations, a seasoned Chicago car accident attorney can help you build a solid case around your injury claim.
You’ve got a lot to prove in your personal injury case if you want to receive the maximum settlement for a car crash in Joliet, IL. Your insurance company isn’t jumping at the chance to award you a full settlement for your damages, but a Joliet, Illinois auto accident lawyer can help remedy this situation.
Have you handled an insurance claim before?
Insurance adjusters handle claims like yours every day. Most victims of a serious crash in Joliet, IL have never been in this situation before, leaving them at a disadvantage when it comes to experience. Luckily, you have a helpful guide when you work with a Joliet, Illinois auto accident lawyer.
The experience your lawyer brings to your case can level the playing field and increase your chances at reaching a fair settlement for your personal injury claim.
Just like your insurance adjuster, your lawyer deals with cases like yours on a regular basis, allowing extensive experience to draw from.
The Importance of Experience when Hiring a Joliet, Illinois Auto Accident Lawyer
The more cases a lawyer has handled, the more knowledge they have of how the insurance companies handle claims similar to yours. After years of cases, successful lawyers learn the tricks and tactics the insurance adjusters use to devalue legitimate injury claims like yours.
The financial damages you suffer in a serious crash in Joliet, IL can be just as devastating to you and your family as the physical damages. The financial impact of medical expenses and lost wages can be felt well into the future if you become permanently disabled from your injuries.
An experienced Joliet, Illinois auto accident lawyer can help you reach a fair settlement in many ways which can include the following:
- reviewing current settlement offers to ensure your current damages are compensated;
- determining costs for future treatment;
- estimating future earnings lost due to disability or prolonged recovery; and
- negotiating additional compensation for necessary living adjustments.
Don’t let yourself be swayed by a quick settlement. Many insurance companies hope that an immediate offer to settle will lure unaware claimants into accepting an inadequate settlement.
Remember that the insurance company wants to keep its money in its bank account.
Initial settlement offers are not going to be generous and often fall short of the full scope of the damages you can suffer from a serious car crash in Joliet, IN. Your lawyer can help protect your current and future financial needs by helping you fight for a fair settlement.
When to Hire a Joliet, Illinois Auto Accident Lawyer
A serious car crash in Joliet, IL can result in medical bills, lost wages and other financial setbacks all due to the negligence of another party. When your accident was the result of someone else’s inability to follow the rules of the road, you shouldn’t have to pay the price.
If there is even the slightest question that your negligence may have played a part in your injury, you will need to prove otherwise if you want to receive the maximum settlement in your case. Your best chance at proving your degree of fault was low enough to recover damages is to have an experienced Joliet, Illinois auto accident lawyer on your side.
The Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. have tried many cases like yours and know the best ways to express your degree of fault to the court. Before making any decisions, request a FREE copy of our guide to Illinois accident law. For a free case evaluation and help preparing your evidence contact us today – 1-312-263-1080.
