Any car accident is a high-stress, overwhelming experience for those involved. But sometimes it is impossible to avoid an accident. As an average U.S. adult, you are likely to be in three to four car accidents during your lifetime, regardless of whether the crash is your fault or not. So, it’s a good idea to know exactly what steps to take in the aftermath. Talking to your insurance company is a part of this process….
Deaths in traffic crashes are on the rise in Illinois, according to a recent analysis from the National Safety Council (NSC). During the first quarter of 2020, the state saw a “very, very disturbing” 11 percent increase in fatal crashes compared to the first quarter of 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic may be partly to blame. Some officials have suggested that more people staying home has pushed traffic volume down, freeing up space on city roadways…
While most car accidents are the result of driver negligence, there are also a number of crashes that happen each year because of bad roads and missing or incorrect signage. Recent numbers show that in Illinois alone, 57 percent of major local and state roads (in Peoria and Bloomington) are in poor condition, and statewide, 8 percent of bridges are structurally deficient. And those numbers don’t even include the numerous potholes, damaged signage, and other…
In the aftermath of a car accident, the prospect of phoning an attorney’s office and getting representation for your case can seem daunting, especially if your accident resulted in significant physical or emotional stress. Can you even afford an attorney? Will they honestly fight for your fair compensation? What are your odds of winning? These and many more questions go through the heads of most people involved in a traumatic car accident, and you are…
Car accidents are traumatic events that physically and emotionally exhaust victims, and most of us involved in a crash would like to resolve the situation quickly. For simple fender-benders, that may be possible. However, in the event of bigger accidents that involve injuries, damage to property, and significant mental stress, it is often in your best interest to file a claim for compensation. When that happens, the process of reaching a settlement after an accident…
By 2021, all major car manufacturers will offer some version of an autonomous vehicle (AV). Already, cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Audi’s A8 offer autonomous functionality. At the same time, rideshare companies like Uber are testing self-driving vehicles, Ford is partnering with food delivery companies like Domino’s and Postmates, and Waymo (Google) has been granted permission to transport people in robo-taxis in the state of California. But while AVs are undoubtedly a huge…
Whenever you are involved in a car accident where the other party is at fault, you have the right to seek compensation for damages to both your vehicle and your physical and mental health. Sometimes, however, car crashes aren’t just pure accidents—they involve some kind of negligent behavior from the other driver, like drinking and driving or driving while texting. These behaviors are not just illegal, they are dangerous forms of driving with potentially serious…
When you are involved in a car accident that is the other person’s fault, it is natural to assume you will simply file a claim and the liable party’s insurance company will cover your car repairs, medical expenses, and any other damages. Unfortunately, the process isn’t always so straightforward. What seems like a clear-cut situation to you might not be so obvious to the other person and their insurance company, who could deny your claim….
No matter the scale of the damages, car accidents bring significant emotional and physical stress to the victim. And in some cases, that damage extends beyond the individual to financial losses, such as a totaled car or unmanageably high medical bills. When that happens, filing a lawsuit is one of your options. Before you decide to pursue this route, however, it’s important to be aware of the entire timeframe of events that happens in car…