The last thing you expect when stepping into your car is for your life to permanently change on the road. Yet in the blink of an eye, someone’s small mistake can cause the world as you know it to go up in flames. Every year, thousands of Illinois drivers get into debilitating and fatal car accidents.
If you or someone you love was hurt because of someone else’s mistake on the road, a Lake County car accident lawyer like the ones on our skilled team at Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley could help you fight for the financial compensation you deserve. We have years of experience representing victims of car accidents in Lake County and are ready to help you too.
There are countless reasons why vehicle accidents can occur, so it’s important to be as safe as possible on the road. Always wear your seatbelt and stay alert so that you drive carefully and remain cautious in the face of others’ negligence. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Lake County include:
Thousands of thoughts can rush through your head at once after an accident. Am I hurt? Are my passengers hurt? Can I get to safety? Is the other driver injured? Is my car damaged? Will I have to buy a new car? How can I afford this? It’s going to be hard, but the most important thing to do while these thoughts are swirling is to try and stay calm. Follow the steps below:
All drivers with a vehicle in Lake County need auto insurance. If you’re in an accident, you need to tell your car insurance company about it as soon as you can. Illinois is what is called an at-fault state, which means if you’re in a collision in Lake County, your insurance company and the other party’s insurance company will investigate what happened on the road and determine who was at fault.
Often you won’t necessarily be found completely at fault or not at fault. People involved in road accidents are sometimes found to be partially at fault. For example, maybe you looked away from the road for a split second, and another driver was speeding and hit you. In this case, both of you might be found a bit at fault. If you are found to be less than 50% at fault for what happened, you should file a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company. It’s your right to receive money to cover your expenses, including:
This post-collision procedure might sound simple in theory, but it’s quite complicated in practice. For example, you might assume that an auto insurance company will take care of all of your economic needs after a car accident. Unfortunately, this is not the case. You have to remember that insurance companies are for-profit businesses, so they will try to pay you as little as possible, especially if it is the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
To avoid paying you the money you need, the at-fault party might dispute your personal injury claim or try to pin the fault on you, which can leave you with a mountain of debt. Insurance companies often don’t go down without a fight, so you need a devoted auto accident attorney by your side who works tirelessly so you come out on top.
While car insurance companies and at-fault drivers may fight tooth and nail to avoid paying you for your suffering, your personal injury lawyer will fight right back. The last thing you need when dealing with the physical toll and emotional aftermath of a serious vehicle accident is the stress and uncertainty of a legal battle. Let your lawyer deal with the hassle of filling out tons of paperwork, collecting hard-to-find evidence, and standing up for you in court. This way, you can focus on healing.
Far too often, people who were hurt in car accidents underestimate the work involved in fighting for financial compensation. You might think you can do it alone, but not only is it a ton of work, even the simplest of errors can weaken your credibility and potentially ruin your case. The right Lake County car accident attorney will have the skills and experience to smoothly navigate the complex arena of personal injury law. They can take care of all aspects of your legal process, including:
If you’ve been in an accident, there will often be a statute of limitations on when you can file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can vary based on where your accident was. For example, if you are hurt in a car crash in Lake County, you will have two years since your accident to file a lawsuit. In other words, time is of the essence if you want to be properly compensated for what you went through. Your car accident lawyers can help you understand rules, regulations, and deadlines.
Car accidents happen incredibly quickly. One second, you’re driving to your destination, and the next, you’re in excruciating pain, confused, panicking, and waiting for help. When circumstances drastically change so fast, it can be tricky to untangle who was responsible for what. You might be worried that you contributed to the accident, but don’t let that concern hold you back from contacting a car accident lawyer. If you were injured in an accident, the smartest thing you can do for your health and your finances is to seek support for damages.
At Franks Gerkin Ponitz & Greeley, we know you might have some questions about fault, but we are still ready to consult with you about your accident. We can review the details of your case and draw on our years of experience to advise you on your legal options.
Recovering from a life-threatening incident on the road takes time, no matter how serious. You should prioritize your physical and emotional healing. Choosing a car accident lawyer to fight for your rights is a critical step in the healing process, as it can arm you with the financial standing to address the accident.
Our team also has experience fighting for those who have lost someone they love in an accident, which is called wrongful death. When someone you love passes away in a sudden car accident, it can be near impossible to process emotionally. Nothing can erase the pain of your loss, but we can help you seek compensation that can make your life just a little bit easier. Contact our office today to get closer to getting the payments you deserve.