In the aftermath of an accident, it may be possible for crash victims or surviving family members of those killed in the collision to pursue a claim for compensation. Navigating the civil justice system can be complicated, though, so you need an advocate on your side. A Belleville personal injury lawyer at Drafahl Law Firm can help.
Our firm charges no legal fees until we recover compensation, and we offer free consultations so you can learn what we can do for you.
Give us a call at (314) 300-6260 today to learn more.
Trust the Belleville Car Accident Attorneys At Drafahl Law Firm
In 2022, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 1,147 fatal crashes, resulting in 1,268 deaths. While fatal accidents are the most tragic, accidents causing injury also happen far too often on Illinois’ roads, forever changing the lives of those affected.
When you need a Belleville car accident attorney, it’s important you find the right advocate to help with your case. Drafahl Law Firm is the right firm to turn to for many reasons including:
- Our long history of satisfied clients: Past testimonials show we go above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction, with our attorneys praised for being courteous, dedicated, going the extra mile, and recovering more compensation than clients thought possible.
- Our strong track record of success. We have recovered millions of dollars in car accident compensation just in the past few years alone.
- Our negotiation skills. Many auto accident claims are resolved out of court. We can maximize the chances of this happening for you because of our solid negotiation skills. Insurers know we won’t back down and we start negotiations off on our terms.
- Our litigation experience. Sometimes, claims can’t be settled. When you need to go to court, our firm is ready to represent you.
These are just a few of the many reasons why you should turn to our firm for support in the aftermath of your accident. We can provide the personalized representation you deserve.
Awards & Memberships
An Experienced Attorney Can Help Strengthen Your Claim and Give You A Better Chance of Obtaining Compensation
To recover compensation after an Illinois car crash, you must show the other driver was negligent. This means demonstrating they were less careful than a hypothetical reasonable driver would have been under the circumstances — plus, under Illinois’ 625 ILCS 5/11-401, if the other driver fled the scene of the accident and caused you injuries, this can be considered a felony. You can also create a presumption of negligence by showing that the at-fault driver violated the rules of the road.
Drafahl Law Firm will help you to gather the necessary evidence to make your case. Our legal team will also:
- Work to identify all potential defendants to maximize the chances of full recovery
- Find expert witnesses if necessary to testify on your behalf about the cause of the collision or the losses you have endured due to the crash
- Send a demand letter to the insurance company to get settlement negotiations underway and help to establish a baseline for the compensation you are entitled to receive
- Develop sound legal arguments to present in court when no settlement agreement is possible, or to maximize the chances the insurer will make you a fair offer to resolve your claim.
If your car was hit by a large commercial vehicle, the injuries are most likely more severe than the average fender-bender — a Belleville truck accident attorney will pursue maximum compensation for the damages you received.
What Injuries Are Common in Belleville Car Crashes?
Car crashes in Belleville often result in a range of injuries, many of which can have long-lasting effects. Understanding these common injuries and how they typically occur in accidents can help victims recognize their symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a frequent injury in rear-end collisions and occurs when a person’s head is suddenly and violently jerked backward and forward. This often causes strain or tearing of the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Injured parties often experience pain and stiffness as well as headaches, sometimes lasting weeks or months. Because symptoms can develop gradually, early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce long-term problems.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBIs can occur when the head hits a hard surface, such as the dashboard or window, or when the brain is jolted forcefully inside the skull. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs impact cognitive function, memory, speech, and motor skills and usually require immediate medical attention. The effects of a TBI can be lasting, sometimes affecting the victim for their entire life.
Broken Bones
High-impact collisions often lead to fractures in arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones, especially when the body is thrust against windows, steering wheels, or dashboards. Broken bones may need surgery and long periods of rehabilitation. These injuries can cause significant pain and limit a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, leading to personal injury claims.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal injuries happen when sudden force damages the vertebrae or spinal cord itself. These injuries can vary from minor injuries to paralysis below the injury site. Spinal cord injuries from car crashes require complex medical care and are commonly linked to long-term disabilities, which create heavy emotional and financial burdens.
Internal Injuries
When the body is subjected to blunt force trauma, internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or lungs can be damaged, even if no broken bones are visible externally. Internal injuries are dangerous because they are not always immediately apparent but can lead to serious, life-threatening complications. Quick medical evaluation following an accident should be done to detect and treat these injuries.
Minor Injuries
Not every injury from a car accident is severe, but even minor cuts, bruises, or sprains can cause discomfort and require medical attention. These injuries often result from the sudden impact or deployment of airbags and may cause soreness or swelling. While they might heal relatively quickly, untreated minor injuries can sometimes lead to longer-term issues if ignored.
Emotional Injuries
Car accidents can also cause emotional and psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These injuries may not be visible, but they profoundly affect a victim’s daily life and relationships. Emotional injuries often accompany physical harm and are equally important to address in both medical treatment and personal injury claims.
Knowing which injuries are most common in Belleville car accidents can help victims act quickly, seek the right care, and begin pursuing their legal rights.
Fatal Car Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims
Fatal car accidents bring devastating loss, and when they are caused by another party’s negligence, Illinois law allows families to seek justice through wrongful death claims. Understanding what these claims involve and who can file them is important for victims seeking closure and compensation — contact a truck accident lawyer in Belleville to fight for the justice your loved one deserves.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
A wrongful death claim is a civil lawsuit filed when a person dies due to someone else’s intentional or negligent actions.
Sec. 1. Whenever the death of a person shall be caused by wrongful act, neglect or default, and the act, neglect or default is such as would, if death had not ensued, have entitled the party injured to maintain an action and recover damages, including punitive damages when applicable, in respect thereof, then and in every such case the person who or company or corporation which would have been liable if death had not ensued, shall be liable to an action for damages, including punitive damages when applicable, notwithstanding the death of the person injured, and although the death shall have been caused under such circumstances as amount in law to felony
This legal action is taken to hold the responsible party accountable and recover compensation for the losses experienced by surviving family members. The goal is to address the financial and emotional hardships caused by the untimely death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Illinois?
Only the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate has the legal authority to file a wrongful death claim.
Sec. 2. (a) Every such action shall be brought by and in the names of the personal representatives of such deceased person, and, except as otherwise hereinafter provided, the amount recovered in every such action shall be for the exclusive benefit of the surviving spouse and next of kin of such deceased person.
This representative is usually decided based on what’s in the will or is appointed by the court if there is no will. They take on the responsibility of acting on behalf of the deceased’s surviving spouse and closest family members. Anything recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit by the personal representative is done for the benefit of the decedent’s next of kin.
Damages Recoverable in Wrongful Death Cases
Compensation can include “pecuniary injuries,” which cover financial support the deceased would have provided, like lost wages and services. It also extends to the cost of moral upbringing, education, and supervision that surviving children would have received.
Emotional losses such as loss of companionship or society experienced by spouses, children, unmarried adults, and siblings may also be considered.
Understanding the scope of wrongful death claims in Illinois helps families know their rights and how to seek justice after such a heartbreaking loss.
Key Steps to Take After a Fatal Car Accident in Belleville
Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is an incredibly difficult experience, and knowing the right steps to take afterward can help you manage this challenging time. Here are some things to consider doing:
- Immediately contact 911 to ensure the scene is properly handled and medical assistance is provided.
- Make sure you ask the police for a copy of the accident report or the report number, which will be important for insurance and legal purposes.
- Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident to support future investigations.
- Preserve any evidence related to the crash, such as photos, videos, or damaged property.
- Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can guide you through wrongful death claims and safeguard your family’s rights.
Taking these actions promptly is important to protect your interests and begin moving forward after a tragic loss.
Contact a Belleville Car Accident Attorney Today
Not only do we handle these tasks for you, but we also keep you informed throughout your case and offer the support you need during this difficult time.
To learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at (314) 300-6260 or contact us online today.