Were you injured in a car crash caused by a distracted, speeding, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent person? Are you dealing with painful injuries, costly medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and other losses that you never planned for and cannot pay for out of pocket? If so, know that legal help is available to you, and the Lincoln car accident lawyers at The Noll Law Office are ready to put their skills and resources to work for you.
Navigating the complex world of injury claims or lawsuits can be daunting, especially if the insurance company employs tactics to delay your case, offers a lowball settlement, or even denies your claim outright. You need experienced representation from the Noll Law Office, where attorneys Daniel Noll and Sarah Noll have the experience and determination to stand up to even the most powerful insurers. Their team isn’t intimidated by these companies, so you don’t have to be either. Let them fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
At the Noll Law Office, they represent clients on a contingency fee basis. What this means is that they only get paid if they successfully obtain a pretrial settlement of jury verdict on your behalf. This arrangement significantly reduces your risk and allows you to hire experienced and compassionate lawyers without having to pay any money upfront so that you can focus on healing from your injuries. The Noll Law Office offers free consultations so you can meet with them and ask any questions you may have about your case. They can be reached at (217) 414-8889 or you can contact them online.
What Are the Common Causes of Car Accidents in Illinois?
Car accidents are rarely mere “accidents.” Most collisions are caused by negligence by the driver or another entity. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Illinois include:
- Drunk driving – Drinking and driving is negligent driving. Alcohol can impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and coordination, making it a leading cause of car accidents in Lincoln and across Illinois.
- Distracted driving – Texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road can lead to serious accidents.
- Speeding – Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. A speeding driver might be cited by law enforcement at the scene, and could be held civilly liable for injuries they cause if they hit someone.
- Running a red light or stop sign – Drivers must obey all traffic signs and signals, or else a serious injury accident could occur.
- Fatigued driving – Drivers must get adequate rest before getting behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is often compared to drunk driving in how it can inhibit the person’s ability to control the vehicle and react to traffic and changing road conditions.
- Drugged driving – Much like consuming alcohol, driving under the influence of legal and illegal drugs can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
- Mechanical defects – Poorly maintained vehicles or defective parts could lead to devastating collisions. When they happen, the manufacturer, maintenance company, or vehicle owner could be liable.
- Failure to yield – Failure to yield right-of-way to other vehicles, cyclist, or pedestrians can result in dangerous and potentially deadly crashes.
- Improper left turns or U-turns – Failing to execute turns safely and in accordance with traffic laws could easily lead to a crash.
Common Types of Car Accident Cases Handled by the Noll Law Office
The Lincoln car accident lawyers at the Noll Law Office have years of experience handling various types of motor vehicle accident cases, including:
- Head-on collisions – These accidents occur when two vehicles collide front-to-front, often resulting in severe injuries due to the combined force of impact.
- Rear-end crashes – One vehicle crashes into the back of another, often caused by tailgating or distracted driving.
- Side-swipe crashes – Two vehicles traveling parallel to each other collide side-to-side, typically due to lane change errors or drifting out of the lane.
- Rollover accidents – A vehicle flips onto its side or roof, often caused by sharp turns at high speeds or collisions with other vehicles or objects. These are some of the most devastating kinds of crashes, since occupants could be thrown around the cabin, ejected from the vehicle, or crushed when the vehicle lands on its roof.
- T-bone crashes – One vehicle crashes into the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These crashes typically happen at intersections when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light or stop sign.
- Jackknife truck crashes – When a truck’s trailer swings out to the side due to improper braking or another driver or mechanical error, the trailer could hit other vehicles or block the roadway.
Causes of Car Accidents by Negligent Businesses or Corporations
Car accidents can also be caused by the negligent actions of businesses or corporations. Some common causes of car accidents in Illinois involving businesses or corporations include:
- Negligent hiring – Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers can lead to accidents caused by reckless or irresponsible behavior.
- Failing to maintain the vehicle – Poor vehicle maintenance can result in mechanical failures that cause accidents.
- Tire blowouts – Defective, old, or poorly maintained tires can lead to sudden tire failures and loss of vehicle control.
- Unrealistic delivery schedules – Overly demanding schedules can push drivers to violate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA )regulations, leading to fatigued driving and accidents.
- Negligent supervision – Inadequate supervision of commercial drivers can allow dangerous behaviors to go unchecked, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Lack of training – Failing to provide proper training for drivers can result in accidents due to inexperience or ignorance of traffic laws.
- Unsecured loads or improperly secured cargo – Unstable or improperly secured cargo can shift or fall during transit, hitting other vehicles or blocking the roadway.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident in Illinois
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe, debilitating, or even permanent. Some common injuries after a car accident in Illinois include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – These injuries range from mild concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries or penetrating brain injuries.
- Amputations or loss of a limb – Losing a limb is a permanent, disabling, and emotionally traumatic injury, and victims could be owed significant compensation from the at-fault party.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI) – These injuries can result in paralysis, such as quadriplegia or paraplegia, or other impairments affecting communication between the brain and body.
- Broken bones – Broken or fractured bones can be extremely painful and may require surgery and pins, screws, plates, and rods to stabilize the break.
- Shoulder injuries – Car accidents can cause various shoulder injuries, such as SLAP tears, rotator cuff tears, biceps ruptures, impingement, brachial plexus injuries, A/C joint damage, dislocations, and separations.
- Knee injuries – Torn menisci or ligaments, such as the LCL, ACL, PCL, or MCL, can result in long-term pain.
- Internal organ injuries – Damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen, liver, stomach, or gastrointestinal system can be life-threatening and require extensive medical intervention.
- Loss of vision – Partial or total blindness, or a restriction in the field of vision, can significantly impact a victim’s life and livelihood.
- Significant scarring or disfigurement – Includes burn injuries or surgical scars, which can have lasting physical and emotional effects on a victim.
- Dislocations or separations of joints – These injuries can cause severe pain and may require ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation.
- Nerve injuries – Damage to the body’s nerves can result in chronic pain, loss of sensation, or impaired movement.
- Neck and back injuries – Injuries to the neck or back can cause long-term pain and limited mobility, and may even necessitate spinal fusion surgery, which can permanently restrict a victim’s range of motion.
What Should I Do Following a Car Accident in Illinois?
After a car accident in Illinois, it’s essential to take the following steps:
- Check for injuries – Assess your injuries and those of any passengers. Call 911 for medical assistance if necessary.
- Move to safety – If possible, move your vehicle off the road to a safe location.
- Call the police – Report the accident to the Lincoln police or sheriff’s department and obtain a police report, which could help your injury claim later.
- Exchange information – Collect the contact and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident.
- Document the scene – Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor right away, since some injury symptoms may not be immediately apparent.
- Notify your insurance company – Inform your insurer of the accident and provide them with the necessary documentation.
- Contact a Lincoln car accident attorney – Contact the skilled Lincoln car accident lawyers from the Noll Law Office to discuss your crash, injuries, and legal options.
How Do I Choose the Best Car Accident Attorney for Me?
Seeking compensation after a car accident can be challenging when dealing with painful injuries. However, selecting the right attorney is crucial for the success of your case. Consider the following factors and ask these essential questions before signing a retainer agreement:
- Experience handling car accident cases in Lincoln – How long have they been practicing injury law? How many car accident cases have they handled, specifically?
- Familiarity with similar injury claims – Ask the lawyer if they have dealt with cases involving injuries like yours. How do they plan to handle your unique situation?
- Depositions and trial experience – Ask about the number of depositions and trials the attorney has conducted to gauge their courtroom experience and skills.
- Focus on car accident litigation – Determine the percentage of the attorney’s practice dedicated to car accident claims, since this can impact their skills and effectiveness.
- Payment terms and calculations – Clarify when you’ll be expected to make payments and how the fees will be calculated.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident in Illinois?
Victims of car accidents in Illinois may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses – This includes the cost of emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost wages – Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work after the accident.
- Loss of earning capacity – If the victim’s ability to earn a living is permanently affected, they may be entitled to compensation for future lost income.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
- Emotional distress – Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Loss of consortium – Compensation for the accident’s impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner.
- Property damage – Compensation for repairing or replacing your vehicle or other damaged property.
Understanding the Car Accident Injury Claim Process and Timeline
Navigating the car accident injury claim process can be complex, but breaking down the steps and understanding the timeline can help you prepare for what lies ahead. Your Lincoln car accident lawyers will work diligently on your behalf, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case. Here are the key aspects of the process and the factors influencing the timeline:
The Car Accident Injury Claim Process
While each car accident case is different, the process will generally look like this:
- Establishing fault – Your lawyer will likely use evidence collected at the scene, police reports, insurance company assessments, and other items collected during their investigation to determine liability for the accident.
- Negotiations – Once the at-fault party has been identified, your attorneys will calculate your current and future losses and present a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. From there, they will aggressively pursue a fair resolution for you and your family.
- Filing a lawsuit (if necessary) – If the other side refuses of offer a fair settlement, or if they try to place the blame for the crash on you, your lawyer might advise filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court. From there, negotiations can continue and if the case goes to trial, your lawyer will seek a verdict in your favor.
What Factors Affect the Timeline of My Car Accident Injury Claim?
There are a wide variety of factors that could affect the timeline of your claim. Some cases are resolved relatively quickly, while others might take some time before a settlement or verdict is reached. Some common factors that can impact the timeline include:
- Injury treatment duration – The length of your case largely depends on the time required to reach maximum medical improvement through treatment.
- Settlement negotiations – If a settlement is reached, it typically takes a few months to finalize after completing treatment.
- Lawsuit and trial – If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney might advise filing a lawsuit, which could extend the process.
The timeline and amount of money you recover will depend on proving liability, the extent of your injuries, and the impact of those injuries on your life.
Contact a Lincoln Car Accident Lawyer Now
Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident in Lincoln? If so, don’t wait until it is too late to seek the compensation you deserve. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits is typically two years from the accident date. Reaching out to the skilled Lincoln car accident lawyers at Noll Law Office as soon as possible can make a substantial difference in your ultimate recovery.
Attorneys Daniel and Sarah Noll are the fifth generation of attorneys in the Noll-Herndon family, which means their roots in the Central Illinois legal community go back generations. They are proud of what their firm stands for, and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and seek the maximum compensation for your injury claim. Call them or contact them online for a no-obligation consultation now.