Carlinville Car Accident Attorneys
Legal representation after car and vehicle accidents in Illinois
A serious car accident can throw your life into upheaval – medically, financially, and emotionally. There are many factors that can contribute to car accidents, including driver error, distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving. Car accidents can also be caused by road conditions, weather, and mechanical problems.
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. The Carlinville attorneys at Glisson Law can help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. For 25 years, we have been helping people after serious accidents, in one case securing $1.6 million for a family injured in a motor vehicle accident where a driver ran a stop sign, causing a severe collision. Get in touch with us today for legal assistance for your case.
How can we help?
- What types of car accident claims does your Carlinville law firm handle?
- What are the common causes of car accidents?
- Who is responsible for my Carlinville car accident?
- What are common car accident injuries?
- What is the value of my Carlinville accident claim?
- How long do I have to file my Carlinville car accident claim?
- Do you have a car accident attorney near me?
What types of car accident claims does your Carlinville law firm handle?
As of August 2023, Illinois has seen 702 fatal crashes, with 761 fatalities. Although this is 50 fewer fatalities than this time in 2022, any loss of life is unacceptable.
We handle all types of car accidents, including:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Car accidents involving trucks
- Car accidents involving motorcycles
- Distracted driving car accidents
- Head-on crashes
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Rear-end crashes
- Uber & Lyft accidents
We also handle multi-vehicle accident cases.
What are the common causes of car accidents?
Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Illinois and across the country include:
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car crashes in the country. When drivers fail to pay attention to traffic – and instead pay attention to things like their phones, eating and drinking, or other activities – they put everyone on the road at risk.
- Drunk or drugged driving. Even though it’s against the law, people still drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs every day. These substances can impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and ability to react to emergencies on the road.
- Speeding. When drivers speed, they lose the ability to stop in time to avoid accidents, can lose control of their vehicles, and put everyone on the road at risk of an accident. Drivers should always follow posted speed limits and adjust their driving for inclement weather.
- Reckless driving. Reckless and aggressive driving includes behavior like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and more. A reckless driver is more apt to cause an accident as they are not paying attention to the rules of the road.
- Failure to yield the right of way. This is another very common reason for car accidents. Failure to yield can happen at intersections, making turns, or when merging onto the highway. If a driver fails to yield right of way, serious accidents can occur.
- Construction zones. Construction zones often have narrowing lanes, uneven pavement, or temporary traffic shifts. If drivers do not pay attention carefully in a construction zone, serious tragedies can occur.
- Vehicle defects. Some car accidents are caused by defective vehicle or car parts. When vehicles have mechanical problems or malfunctions, the car can break down or veer out of control and cause an accident.
Who is responsible for my Carlinville car accident?
In Illinois, liability for a car accident is determined based on the principles of negligence. The party or parties who acted negligently or recklessly and contributed to the accident are typically held liable for the resulting damages. Commonly, the following parties may be liable for a car accident in Carlinville:
- At-fault driver. The driver whose negligent actions, such as speeding, running a red light, texting while driving, or any other traffic violation, caused the accident is typically considered liable. Their auto insurance may cover the damages.
- Employer. If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job, their employer may also be held liable under the legal doctrine of "vicarious liability." This often applies in cases involving commercial vehicles or company-owned cars.
- Vehicle owner. If the at-fault driver does not own the vehicle they were driving, the owner of the vehicle may share liability, especially if they allowed an incompetent or reckless driver to use their vehicle.
- Government entity. In some cases, poor road conditions, faulty traffic signals, or inadequate road maintenance may contribute to an accident. If a government entity is responsible for these factors, they may be held liable.
- Manufacturers. If a car accident was caused by a defect in the vehicle itself, such as brake failure due to a manufacturing defect, the vehicle's manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws.
- Multiple parties. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability. For example, if more than one driver was partially at fault for the accident, each may be held liable for their respective share of the damages.
Determining liability in a car accident can be complex, and it often requires an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, collection of evidence, witness testimonies, and a thorough analysis of applicable traffic laws. It's also essential to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Carlinville to assess the specific details of your accident and determine who may be liable.
What are common car accident injuries?
A variety of injuries are possible in car accidents, especially serious accidents. Some of the most common include:
- Whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth. It is most commonly caused by rear-end collisions, but it can also occur in other types of accidents, such as side-impact collisions.
- Head and brain injuries. The severity of a head and brain injury can vary depending on the type of injury, the force of the impact, and the location of the injury. Mild head and brain injuries may cause only temporary symptoms. More severe head and brain injuries can cause long-term problems, such as memory loss, personality changes, and difficulty walking.
- Spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord, which is a bundle of nerves that runs through the spine. The spinal cord sends messages from the brain to the rest of the body, controlling movement, sensation, and other functions.
- Broken bones. Broken bones can occur just about anywhere in the body, but in car accidents, people typically break bones in the arms, legs, and ribs. Broken bones can sometimes require surgery, necessitating a long recovery time.
- Internal injuries. Internal injuries are injuries that occur inside the body. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including blunt force trauma, penetrating trauma, and internal bleeding. Internal injuries can affect any organ or tissue in the body.
- Burns. A burn is an injury to the skin or other tissues primarily caused by heat, electricity, or contact with chemicals. Thermal burns occur when some or all of the cells in the skin or other tissues are destroyed by heat.
- Lacerations. A laceration is a jagged or torn wound in the skin that extends through the dermis, the second layer of skin. Lacerations are usually caused by sharp objects, such as knives, glass, or metal. They can also be caused by blunt force trauma, such as in a car accident.
- Sprains and strains. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is a band of tissue that connects bones together. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which is a band of tissue that connects muscle to bone.
It’s crucial to seek medical attention after a car accident even if you don’t feel you’re injured. Remember, some injuries – like TBIs or internal injuries – may take some time to develop and it’s important to get early diagnosis and treatment in order to protect your physical health.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Talk to a skilled Carlinville car accident lawyer today to discuss your legal options.
What is the value of my Carlinville accident claim?
The value of a car accident claim is typically determined by the following factors:
- The severity of the injuries. The more serious the injuries, the higher the value of the claim.
- The cost of medical expenses. You may be entitled to compensation for the cost of medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor's fees, and prescription drugs.
- The extent of lost wages. If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Pain and suffering. You may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, which is a non-economic loss.
How long do I have to file my Carlinville car accident claim?
In Illinois, you have up to two years after the accident to bring a claim. Claims brought after the statute of limitations expires will be unsuccessful. This is why it’s so important to have a Carlinville car accident attorney on your side, to ensure prompt and timely filing of your claim according to all deadlines.
Do you have a car accident attorney near me?
Glisson Law is located at 111 East Fourth Street, Suite 400, in Alton, IL. We’re only a block away from City Hall, and there is plenty of parking across the street. There’s also a bus stop right outside our office. Glisson Law conducts phone and video conferences when applicable, and makes home and hospital visits if you cannot travel to us.
Carlinville, Illinois attorneys helping car accident victims
Have you been injured in a car accident? If so, you need to speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. A Carlinville car accident attorney from Glisson Law can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can represent you in negotiations with the insurance company. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.