Car accidents are a common occurrence in Chicago, which is unsurprising given the city’s population of almost 3 million people. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were over 300,000 motor vehicle crashes in Illinois in 2022, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities and more than 80,000 injuries. When you are involved in a car accident, it can be a traumatic experience. You may be injured, your vehicle may be damaged, and you may be facing significant medical expenses and lost wages. This is where hiring a skilled car accident lawyer can be of great benefit.

What Are the Top Causes of Car Accidents?

To understand fault and assign blame in car accident cases, it’s important to understand why they happen. Here are some of the top causes of car accidents in the United States:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is currently the leading cause of car accidents. It involves any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from the road. Common distractions include texting or talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, and interacting with passengers. To minimize the risk of accidents, you must remain focused on the road at all times while driving and eliminate any potential distractions.

Speeding

Speeding is another significant contributor to car accidents. Drivers who exceed the speed limit to drive too fast for road conditions are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and cause accidents. To prevent accidents caused by speeding, you should always adhere to posted speed limits and drive at a safe speed, taking into account factors like traffic, weather, and road conditions.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence remains one of the top leading causes of car accidents. Substances like drugs or alcohol impair judgment, motor skills, and reaction time. To avoid drunk driving accidents, you should always go out with a plan. Assign a designated driver, take public transportation, or plan to stay the night somewhere to guarantee your safety.

What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do For You

Even if you take every precaution, you can still find yourself becoming the victim of a car accident. If this happens, you must hire a skilled car accident lawyer to help you navigate the litigation process. Here are some ways that your lawyer can help you:

Investigating the Accident

One of the first things that a car accident lawyer will do is investigate the accident. Lawyers will contact local authorities to review the police reports written about the incident. They will gather evidence and conduct interviews with any potential witnesses. They will make requests to review any footage that might have been taken of the accident. And they might even contact the insurance companies to review the claim, using all of the evidence they gather to determine who is at fault. This information will be crucial in determining whether you have a valid claim for damages.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are in the business of making money, and they will try to settle your claim for as little as possible. A car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, damages to property, and any additional pain and suffering that you might have experienced as a result of the accident.

Representing You in Court

Ideally, if all goes well, your case will be settled before it even goes to court. However, if it does go to court, your lawyer can represent you and present your case to a judge or jury. They will have the legal knowledge and experience necessary to argue your case effectively and obtain the best possible outcome for you.

Getting Due Compensation

A car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for all of your damages, not just your medical expenses. In addition to medical expenses, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, damage to property, pain and suffering, and future medical expenses. Your lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your damages and ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Why You Need to Take Action Now

If you are involved in a car accident in Chicago, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Illinois has a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may be unable to recover any damages.