Car Accident Lawyers in Springfield, Illinois
Talk to our Springfield car accident attorneys after you’re injured in a car crash
If you've recently been involved in a car accident, you understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll it can take. At Glisson Law, we represent people like you who have been injured in car accidents due to the negligence of others. With years of experience in handling car accident cases, our dedicated team of lawyers is committed to providing you with the compassionate support and aggressive representation you need during this challenging time. Our attorneys have over 25 years of experience helping clients, including a $1.6 million result for a family injured when a driver ran a stop sign.
How can we help?
- What types of car accident claims does your Springfield law firm handle?
- Why do car accidents happen?
- Who is liable for my Springfield car accident?
- What are common car accident injuries?
- What is the value of my Springfield car accident claim?
- How long do I have to file my Springfield car accident claim?
What types of car accident claims does your Springfield law firm handle?
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2021 Illinois saw 295,604 car accidents, and 1,217 of them were fatal. We handle a wide variety of car accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone crashes
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims
- Intersection accidents
- Highway accidents
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Uber and Lyft accidents
- Accidents caused by defective auto parts
Our attorneys can help you work your way through a car accident claim, seeking compensation for your injuries, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. No matter how your car accident happened, we are here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for legal assistance.
Why do car accidents happen?
Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, often stemming from a combination of factors. Some common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving, which includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers while driving.
- Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle, leading to accidents.
- Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making accidents more likely to occur.
- Reckless driving: Behaviors such as aggressive driving, tailgating, improper lane changes, and disregarding traffic signals contribute to many accidents on the road.
- Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, debris, and lack of proper signage or lighting can create hazardous driving conditions and increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Vehicle defects: Mechanical failures, faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other vehicle defects can contribute to accidents, especially if maintenance and safety checks are neglected.
- Driver fatigue: Operating a vehicle while fatigued or drowsy can impair judgment and reaction time, similar to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, talk to our Springfield car accident attorneys today for experienced help.
Who is liable for my Springfield car accident?
Determining liability for a car accident depends on various factors surrounding the specific incident. Generally, though, liability is attributed to the party whose negligence or wrongful actions led to the accident. Here are some scenarios that might determine liability:
- Negligent drivers: If another driver acted negligently by speeding, driving distracted, running a red light, failing to yield, or driving recklessly, they may be held liable for the accident.
- Drunk or impaired driver: If the other driver was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications, and their impaired condition contributed to the accident, they would likely be held liable.
- Vehicle defects: If a defective vehicle part, such as faulty brakes or a malfunctioning steering system, contributed to the accident, liability might fall to the manufacturer or the party responsible for maintenance and repairs.
- Poor road conditions: In some cases, if the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions such as potholes, insufficient signage, or poorly maintained roads, liability might fall on the government entity responsible for maintaining the roadway.
- Third-party liability: In certain situations, liability may extend to third parties, such as employers of negligent drivers (if the driver was operating a vehicle for work purposes) or individuals who gave their vehicle to someone they knew was unfit to drive.
To determine liability accurately, it's essential to gather evidence from the accident scene, including witness statements, photographs, police reports, and any available surveillance footage. Consulting with our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can be invaluable in assessing liability and pursuing compensation for your injuries and damages.
What are common car accident injuries?
Car accidents can result in a wide variety of serious and catastrophic injuries, including:
- Head injuries: Head injuries are common in car accidents, ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can have long-term effects on cognitive function, memory, and behavior.
- Spine and back injuries: The impact of a car accident can cause back injuries such as herniated discs and spinal cord injuries.
- Fractures and broken bones: Car accidents can lead to fractures and broken bones in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, and skull.
- Internal injuries: The force of a car accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Internal bleeding and organ damage can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Emotional and psychological trauma: Car accidents can also result in emotional and psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias related to driving or being in a vehicle.
It's important to seek medical attention promptly after a car accident, even if injuries seem minor at first, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, documenting your injuries and receiving proper medical treatment is important for both your health and any potential legal claims for compensation related to the accident.
What is the value of my Springfield car accident claim?
The value of a car accident claim varies greatly depending on numerous factors, including the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other relevant factors. Here are some key considerations that can affect the value of your car accident claim:
- Extent of injuries: The severity and long-term effects of your injuries significantly influence the value of your claim. Serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or result in permanent disability typically result in higher compensation.
- Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgery, medication, therapy, and future medical expenses related to the accident, is a significant factor in determining the value of your claim.
- Lost income and earning capacity: If your injuries from the accident prevent you from working or result in a loss of earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and future income.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident is factored into the value of your claim.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident can be another significant component of your claim.
Ultimately, the value of your car accident claim depends on the specific details of your case. Consulting with our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights, assess the value of your claim, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
How long do I have to file my Springfield car accident claim?
The state of Illinois gives you up to two years after the accident occurs to bring a claim. If you miss this deadline, the state may bar you from seeking compensation. Remember to get an experienced attorney on your side to ensure you don’t miss this deadline.
Our Springfield, IL car accident lawyers are on your side
If you've been injured in a car accident, you don't have to face the insurance claims and legal battles alone. At Glisson Law, our team of experienced car accident attorneys is here to help you navigate the aftermath with confidence and compassion. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that car accidents can take on your life, and we're dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. From investigating the accident and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, we'll be your advocates every step of the way. To schedule a free consultation with a dedicated car accident lawyer, call or fill out our contact form.