Sangamon County Car Accident Attorneys
Sangamon County is located at the center of the state of Illinois. The Sangamon River runs through it. The county seat is Springfield. There were 24 traffic fatalities in the county in 2021. 2022 saw 32 traffic fatalities. There were 14 traffic fatalities in the county in 2023. However, motorcycle accidents have been on the rise in the county and around the state. If you were injured or a loved one died in a car crash, you should call the Sangamon County car accident attorneys of Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca. We have over 60 years of experience representing car accident victims who are seeking damages and can put our knowledge and insights to work for you.
Car Accidents in Sangamon County, Illinois
Car accidents can be caused by many different factors. Often, they’re the result of another driver’s negligence, but in cases involving complex circumstances, such as multi-car pileups, it is important to investigate and it can be necessary to retain an accident reconstruction specialist to evaluate the debris and vehicle damage, as well as the testimony to determine what happened and who should be held responsible. In some cases, multiple factors combine and contribute to a car accident. For instance, dangerous property conditions or an auto defect could cause an accident. Our lawyers can look closely at the situation to make sure that all appropriate parties are joined in your lawsuit for damages.
Legal Representation to Prove Liability
The circumstances will determine what theory our lawyers will need to assert to recover damages on your behalf. In most cases, we will need to prove another driver’s negligence. We will need to prove: (1) the defendant owed you a duty of reasonable care, (2) violation of the duty of reasonable care, (3) the violation caused your injuries, and (4) actual damages. The duty of reasonable care can be breached in many different ways including by:
- Speeding
- Weaving
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Failing to follow traffic signs and signals
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while distracted or fatigued.
It’s important to realize that the other driver’s insurer is not on your side. Under the doctrine of modified comparative negligence, your damages will be reduced by an amount proportionate to your degree of fault, and you can be barred from recovering any damages if a jury determines that you were 50% or more at fault for an accident. For that reason, insurers and defense attorneys are likely to be aggressive searching for evidence that you were partially or fully to blame for an accident—the better to protect the insurer’s profits. You should not talk to an insurance adjustor without first consulting our injury lawyers about your situation.
Damages for a Car Accident in Sangamon County
Your injuries will determine the amount of damages to which you’re entitled. Sometimes injuries are life changing. These types of injuries can include back injuries, head injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and broken or fractured bones. Sometimes there are internal injuries. If you were injured in a car accident in Sangamon County and we can establish another party’s liability, we may be able to recover damages. These damages are usually represented by a monetary sum that is intended to make up for economic and noneconomic losses arising out of injuries sustained in the accident. They can include medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, replacement services, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and emotional distress.
Consult a Sangamon County Car Crash Lawyer
Whether you were injured or a loved one died in a car accident, you should talk to the seasoned Sangamon County car accident lawyers of Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca about your legal options. We’ve fought for best results for car crash victims for more than 60 years. When appropriate, we can also pursue relief through the SSDI claims process or a workers’ compensation claim. Call us at 312-724-5846 or complete our online form.