After being involved in a car accident of any severity, a person’s life can be changed drastically. While only the most severe car accidents will likely lead to fatal or life-threatening injuries, even minor accidents can lead to some level of harm as well as vehicular damage. Regardless of the type of accident you have been involved in, there are a few steps that all people should take in the immediate aftermath of an accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, it is time to reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.

Contacting Emergency Personnel

When a person is involved in a car accident, it can be hard to regain a calm and collected mindset, but your ability to act in a prudent manner is critically important to the health of all passengers and the wellbeing of your family. First and foremost, if any person in your vehicle has suffered an injury, you need to contact medical personnel. Serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries can showcase delayed symptoms and cause permanent damage if untreated. Visiting a medical professional will also give you an accurate understanding of all injuries suffered as it may pertain to an insurance claim or personal injury case.

It is equally important to contact local law enforcement officials after an accident. If the other driver had plans of fleeing the scene, threat of law enforcement involvement may encourage them to stay. It should also be noted that in many cases, insurance companies will request an accident when you are filing a claim. If the driver was acting in a negligent manner, such as drinking and driving, a police report can be invaluable in a personal injury case.

While injuries at the workplace can occur in any industry, it should come as no surprise that construction workers face an increased risk of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Tragically, more than 1,000 construction workers were fatally injured while at work, throughout 2018 alone. In all, construction site accidents constituted 47% of all workplace fatalities throughout 2018. Equally concerning is the fact that non-fatal injury rates are 71% higher in the construction industry than any other industry in the United States. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a construction accident, it is time to seek out the help of a qualified attorney.

Causes of Injuries

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 3 out of every 10 non-fatal construction injuries are caused by slip, trips, or falls. In many cases, these accidents can be due to employer negligence. If slippery surfaces are not properly marked by an employer, they can be deemed liable for injuries suffered. If employees are not properly equipped with safety equipment and protective gear while working on a roof or on a multi-story building, injuries suffered can also be viewed as a result of employer negligence. Regardless of how the injury occurred, if you or a loved one suffer an injury while working at a construction site, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

The Most Common Construction Injuries

In the construction industry, some of the most common injuries include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and injuries to the spine. If a person suffers a serious fall, injuries to the ribs or limbs can result in loss of work hours, and costly medical expenses. Even more concerning are the long term ramifications of suffering brain trauma or an injury to the spine. A serious concussion can leave a person unable to return to work for significant amounts of time. Tragically, some forms of brain trauma can result in permanent cognitive damage. Spinal injuries can range from minor whiplash to spinal fractures resulting in paralysis. In the aftermath of a construction injury, seek immediate medical attention.

Every single year, there are an average of six million car accidents throughout the United States. While only a small number of motor vehicle collisions result in fatal injuries, the reality is that millions of Americans suffer injuries in car accidents each and every year. Unfortunately, the true impact of a motor vehicle collision can go far beyond the initial injuries suffered. If you or a family member have been injured in a car accident, it is important to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Personal Property Damage

First and foremost, ignoring the injury implications of a car accident, the vehicular damage suffered in a collision can be incredibly costly. Fortunately, a skilled and experienced legal professional can work to develop a fair and accurate settlement and apply the necessary pressure needed to ensure that the other party’s insurance company will pay for the damages. If you or a family member are suffering from injuries, you do not need to feel financial pressure from damage to your vehicle.

Loss of Work Hours

In many cases in which a person suffers a serious injury in a car accident, they will face some form of income loss. Whether your injuries require a long-term recovery and will hinder you from going to work, or you are forced to attend trials and other legal obligations after the accident, you should be prepared to face some income loss. Speaking with your attorney regarding your level of compensation and the number of hours lost, will provide your attorney with the possibility of including that income loss into the settlement.

In the United States, our economic well being is based in large part on exports and imports. The commercial trucking industry serves as our primary facilitator of the exporting and importing of goods. While commercial trucking may be a necessary component to our economy and way of life, the industry does come with some safety risks. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 4,136 Americans died in commercial trucking accidents throughout 2018 alone. If you or a loved one suffer serious injuries in a collision with a commercial truck driver, you need to quality legal representation.

Examining Commercial Trucking Accidents and Injuries

Due to the sheer size of commercial trucks, the overwhelming majority of fatalities in these collisions occur to passengers in standard motor vehicles. Whether your loved one was severely injured or killed in an accident, it is important to seek legal action in a prudent manner. In many of these instances, the negligence of the commercial truck driver was the ultimate cause of the collision. The most common forms of truck driver negligence include drinking and driving, distracted driving, and exceeding their hour restrictions resulting in drowsy driving. In other instances an employer may overload a commercial truck or fail to properly maintain the vehicle, resulting in an increased risk of an accident.

How an Attorney Can Help

When accidents involve corporations, it is common for the company to treat you unfairly. The company may offer you a significantly lower settlement than what you deserve or deny any fault in the collision. An experienced legal expert will work to investigate the accident and prove that the driver or employer acted in a negligent manner. With a skilled attorney at your side, the threat of a trial will present a serious risk to the company’s reputation and finances, because of this they are more likely to offer a fair settlement. A serious injury can result in loss of income and significant medical expenses, working with an attorney you can trust, can ensure that your family receives the compensation you need.

Throughout the United States, tens of thousands of motorcyclists are involved in motor vehicle collisions each and every year. Tragically, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,985 motorcyclists were fatally injured in accidents throughout 2018 alone. Injuries tend to be more severe among motorcyclists in collisions involving a standard motor vehicle because of the lack of protection they have. If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle collision, it is time to seek legal assistance.

Negligence and Motorcycling

Due to the exciting nature of motorcycling, some motorcyclists operate their vehicle in a negligent or reckless manner. The most common forms of motorcycle negligence include swerving in between lanes of traffic, riding at excessive speeds, following other vehicles too closely, and illegally passing. These forms of negligence can lead to both rear-end and head-on collisions. If a motorcyclist is swerving in and out of lanes of traffic, it can make spotting the motorcyclist more difficult for other drivers. It should also be noted that drinking and driving is an increasingly common form of motorcycle negligence. According to the NHTSA, an incredible 28% of motorcyclists killed throughout 2017, were legally drunk.

Securing Compensation

Unfortunately, because of the above statistics, there is a prejudice by the general public that a motorcyclist who has been injured in a crash must have caused the accident. The reality is that the majority of motorcycle drivers are keenly aware of the dangers and operate in a safe manner. The majority of crashes are actually caused by other drivers and not motorcyclists.

Today, distracted driving has become one of the leading traffic safety concerns throughout the United States. Distracted driving can come in a number of forms including texting and driving, consuming food or beverages while driving, or any action that will take a driver’s hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. Despite the fact that distracted driving is inherently dangerous, thousands of Americans make the reckless decision to drive while distracted. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you need the help of a qualified legal professional.

Is Distracted Driving Really that Dangerous?

With the sheer number of distracted drivers on American roadways, it is natural to wonder how much of a health hazard distracted driving is. The short answer is simply that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions and traffic fatalities in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving resulted in approximately 2,841 fatalities throughout 2018 alone. While the vast majority of these deaths were drivers and passengers, an alarmingly high number of pedestrians (400) and bicyclists (77) were killed by the reckless actions of distracted drivers.

The dangers of distracted driving are multifaceted, taking your hands off of the wheel will impact your ability to operate a vehicle safely, while taking your eyes away from the road will impact your reaction time. Studies conducted by the NHTSA state that reading or sending a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. If the driver is traveling at 55 mph or higher, they will be driving blind for at least 100 yards.

Throughout the United States, rear-end collisions are the most common form of motor vehicle accidents. While most people think that rear-end collisions only result in minor vehicular damage and no injuries, nearly 500,000 of the 2 million annual rear-end collisions nationwide result in injury. Equally concerning is the fact that an average of 1,700 Americans die each year in rear-end collisions. Below we will examine some of the most common injuries associated with rear-end collisions, as well as discussing the importance of seeking legal consultation in the aftermath of an accident.

Severe Rear-End Collision Injuries

Due to the fact that a rear-end collision often takes a victim by surprise, the injuries can be increasingly severe. Even if you are able to walk away from the accident, it wise to seek out medical attention. One of the most common injuries associated with rear-end collisions is a concussion. In many instances, a person suffering from a traumatic brain injury will not experience symptoms of the injury for some time, but if left untreated a concussion can come with long-term health ramifications. If you are experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, or a headache, you need to seek out medical attention immediately.

In other instances, the symptoms of a serious injury will show up immediately after a rear-end collision. Injuries such as broken ribs, damage to the spine, and other bone fractures, can cause immediate discomfort. Due to the jerking motion associated with most rear-end collisions, spinal cord injuries are some of the most common injuries in rear-end accidents. Whether you have suffered from a spinal cord fracture or are experiencing minor whiplash symptoms you may still face loss of income, significant medical expenses, and chronic pain. Fortunately, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can work to ensure that you and your family receive the compensation you need to recover from any and all injuries suffered.

For parents, there is nothing more important than protecting our children. Unfortunately, some accidents can be caused by the negligent actions of another party. This is especially true as it pertains to motor vehicle collisions. Tragically, car accident injuries to children can be increasingly severe due to their smaller stature. Injuries to a child can result in chronic pain and even impact their physical and mental development. If your child has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, it is time to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.

Alarming Information on Child Injuries

Despite numerous safety measures in place to keep our children safe, the amount of children injured in car accidents each year is alarmingly high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 116,000 American children were injured in motor vehicle collisions throughout 2017 alone. Of those injured children, approximately 675 ultimately died due to their injuries. For parents, the biggest step one can take is properly restraining your child. Studies conducted by the CDC found that 35% of all children that were fatally injured in car accidents throughout 2017, were not properly restrained.

The sad reality though is many children suffer injuries even when they are properly restrained in a booster seat, car seat, or standard seat belt system. The most common injuries to children in car accidents are head, chest, organ, and back injuries. In other words, many of these injuries can have a life-long impact on a child. If a child suffers severe brain trauma in a car accident, their brain development can be stunted or permanently altered. Similar issues can occur in spinal and back injuries, impacting mobility for an extended period of time.

Every single year, upwards of 6 million motor vehicle collisions occur throughout the United States. Approximately 50% of those car accidents result in injuries of some kind. Statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that 90 people die every day in car accidents throughout the United States. While some car accidents occur when all drivers involved are operating their vehicles safely, many of these collisions are the direct result of driver negligence. Below we will examine some of the most common forms of driver negligence, and how you should react if you or a loved one are injured in a motor vehicle collision.

Negligence Leading to Collisions

Some experts claim that car accidents are simply an unavoidable aspect of our lives, but studies suggest otherwise. A massive percentage of car accidents throughout the United States are the direct result of reckless actions or negligence.

The most common and easily proven form of negligence in the United States remains drinking and driving. Despite the positive work of initiatives to discourage inebriation behind the wheel, drunk driving kills more than 10,000 Americans each and every year. Fortunately for families impacted by the negligence of a drunk driver, the legal process can be fairly straightforward. After law enforcement officials respond to the collision, the negligent party will likely be breathalyzed if they are displaying signs of inebriation. Through police testimony, securing significant injury or wrongful death compensation should not be overly challenging.

In a national job market, some occupations will come with more inherent risks than others. Today, the construction industry is known as one of the most dangerous industries throughout the United States. Despite stringent regulations established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), designed to keep employees safe, workplace injuries and fatalities are more common in the construction industry than many would like to assume. According to statistics compiled by OSHA, construction industry fatalities account for upwards of 20% of annual private sector fatalities. If you or a loved one have been injured while working construction, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Common Forms of Construction Injuries

According to OSHA, the leading cause of injury in the construction industry is falling. Construction workers are asked to work on multiple story buildings, roof builds, and other tasks that put them at risk of falls. Throughout 2018 alone, over 300 construction workers were fatally injured after falling on a job site. Other common causes of injuries and fatalities include being struck by objects and electrocutions. In many injury instances, employers fail to apply proper protective measures throughout the site or equip their employees with necessary protective equipment.

Filing a Claim in Illinois

When you or a family member suffer an injury while at work, filing a claim can come with some complications. According to Illinois state law, an employee that suffers an injury at work can only file a workers’ compensation claim against their employer. While an employee cannot file a personal injury claim against an employer, they can file a claim against other contractors or parties responsible for injuries suffered. If a contractor used the employee to complete a task that resulted in injury, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. If a driver crashes into a construction site resulting in injury, you can file a claim against the driver. For more information on the steps you should take after a construction site injury, speak with a knowledgeable attorney.

Every single day thousands of Americans suffer serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions. While many people involved in car accidents will willingly share insurance information and handle the situation with professionalism, others will attempt to flee the scene. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents occur daily throughout the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 737,100 hit-and-run accidents occurred throughout 2015 alone. If you or a loved one have been injured in a hit-and-run collision, it is important to know how to react.

What You Should Do After a Hit-and-Run

After ensuring that all passengers are safe after the initial collision, it is important to react quickly in a hit-and-run situation. First and foremost, contact law enforcement officials. The quicker that police can arrive on the scene, the more likely they are to apprehend the other party. If you believe the other vehicle is attempting to flee, you should attempt to document the license plate number, color, or make of the fleeing vehicle. While pictures of the vehicle can be incredibly beneficial to a police investigation, a written description and potential license plate number can also lead to an arrest. Regardless of whether you are able to document the aforementioned information, it is crucial that you speak with any witnesses of the accident.

Witnesses can not only help you gather information regarding the driver’s appearance and details of the vehicle, but also any forms of negligence that may have played a role in the collision.

Every single day, hundreds of Americans are injured in motor vehicle collisions nationwide. While many injuries suffered in car accidents can be mild to moderately severe, others will impact a person for the rest of their life. Car accidents are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. When a person suffers trauma to the brain, their motor skills can be impacted for the rest of their life. In other instances, severe brain trauma can lead to death. If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a motor vehicle collision, it is time to seek out professional legal assistance.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury is an injury caused by a bump or blow to the head that interferes with brain function. The most common form of brain trauma is a mild concussion, but more severe cases can result in loss of consciousness, motor function, and memory loss. Brain trauma is increasingly common in car accidents due to the sheer impact of most motor vehicle collisions. Studies suggest that brain trauma occurring in car accidents tend to be more severe when passengers fail to wear their seat belt restraint system. In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you need to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms such as dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms related to traumatic brain injuries.

How an Attorney Can Help

When recovering from a car accident, many people will make the mistake of forgetting how their financial security can be impacted by the collision. Medical bills and potential loss of income can drastically alter a family’s financial situation. A knowledgeable legal professional will help you document all medical expenses in order to gain an accurate estimate for compensatory payments. A skilled lawyer will also work diligently to prove that the other party involved in the accident was behaving in a negligent or reckless manner. Working with an experienced attorney can make all the difference in securing compensation after suffering an injury during a car accident.

When a worker is injured on the job, the impact of their injury can have a serious impact on the financial well-being of their family. Not only can a work injury result in significant medical expenses, but also potentially long-term income loss. Recognizing this, securing workers’ compensation can be incredibly important to the injured party and their family. Commercial trucking is an inherently dangerous profession and employee injuries are more common than most would assume. If you have been injured while working as a commercial trucker, you may be entitled to significant workers’ compensation payments.

Commercial Trucking Injuries

Due to the dangerous nature of commercial truck driving, workers’ compensation claims are common throughout the industry. Long driving hours and inconsistent exercise patterns can lead to an increased likelihood of injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60,000 commercial truck drivers suffer non-fatal injuries each year. The most common causes of injuries within the industry include motor vehicle collisions, accidents while loading or unloading cargo, and long-term overexertion.

Securing Compensation

It is important to understand that employer negligence does not have to play a role in a workplace injury, in order for a worker to be entitled to workers’ compensation payments. After suffering an injury, the first step you can take is speaking to an attorney that you can trust. Ensure that your attorney is knowledgeable regarding the extent of medical expenses, and loss of income that resulted due to the injury. Do not settle for an injury settlement that does not cover all of your expenses. In many instances, companies will attempt to have an employee agree to a minimal compensation package, as a means of saving money.

When a person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they are making a statement that they are in good health and capable of safely operating a vehicle. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize the tangible impact that lack of sleep can have on a person’s ability to safely drive. The reality of the situation is that drowsy driving is a massive traffic safety issue, throughout the United States. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, it is time to speak with an attorney regarding your options.

How Dangerous is Drowsy Driving?

While we all can understand the inherent dangers of falling asleep at the wheel, driving while still conscious but sleep deprived is also incredibly dangerous. According to studies conducted by the National Safety Council, driving while drowsy impacts a person’s reaction time, attention span, and general awareness. The study also found that driving after twenty consecutive hours without sleep is the cognitive equivalent of driving with 0.08 blood alcohol content.

Considering the information mentioned above, it should come as no surprise that the number of collisions caused by drowsy driving is alarmingly high in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 100,000 drowsy driving accidents occur nationwide, each year. Over 70,000 Americans suffer injuries that require medical attention, due to the negligence of drowsy drivers, on an annual basis. Tragically, approximately 1,550 of those annual injuries result in fatalities.

According to the Illinois General Assembly, state law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with a willful disregard for the safety of others. The most common forms of reckless driving include driving at excessive speeds, following other vehicles too closely, disregarding traffic signs, and weaving through traffic. Unfortunately, many motor vehicle collisions are caused by the reckless actions of a driver. If you or a loved have been injured in a motor vehicle collision caused by a reckless driver, you are entitled to significant injury compensation.

Reckless Driving and Injuries

Whenever a driver chooses to operate their vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner, they are compromising the safety of other travelers. The following are some of the most common types of reckless driving:

• Speeding: In the United States, speeding is the deadliest form of reckless driving. Throughout 2018 alone, speeding drivers were responsible for the deaths of 9,378 people. In all, driving at excessive speeds is the primary cause of 26% of all annual traffic fatalities. Speeding can impact vehicular control and a driver’s ability to react, making it a seriously dangerous form of negligence.
• Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely, or tailgating, is one of the leading causes of rear-end collisions. In many cases, rear-end collisions can result in life-changing injuries to the spine, as well as significant brain trauma. Both spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries can impact a person’s motor skills and compromise their ability to work. While symptoms can be delayed, one should seek medical attention immediately after being injured in a rear-end collision.
• Weaving Through Traffic: Illegally passing other vehicles or recklessly weaving through traffic, is also a leading cause of injuries in the United States. Drivers that choose to pass other vehicles in an unsafe manner increase the likelihood of head-on collisions, which are the most dangerous form of motor vehicle collisions. If the other driver was weaving through traffic, witness testimony or surveillance footage can be critically important in your personal injury case.

Contact an Aurora Car Accident Attorney

Suffering an injury in a car accident can come with emotional trauma and significant expenses. At Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Mazur P.C., our team is dedicated to helping your family receive personal injury compensation after a car accident. When another driver chooses to operate their vehicle recklessly, they are actively putting others in danger. Through investigative work and strong legal representation, we will do everything in our power to prove that the other driver’s negligence was the primary cause of the accident. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a skilled DuPage County personal injury attorney, call us today at 630-907-0909.

When a person gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, they are making a statement that they are in good health and capable of safely operating a vehicle. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize the tangible impact that lack of sleep can have on a person’s ability to safely drive. The reality of the situation is that drowsy driving is a massive traffic safety issue, throughout the United States. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, it is time to speak with an attorney regarding your options.

How Dangerous Is Drowsy Driving?

While we all can understand the inherent dangers of falling asleep at the wheel, driving while still conscious but sleep deprived is also incredibly dangerous. According to studies conducted by the National Safety Council, driving while drowsy impacts a person’s reaction time, attention span, and general awareness. The study also found that driving after twenty consecutive hours without sleep is the cognitive equivalent of driving with 0.08 blood alcohol content.

Considering the information mentioned above, it should come as no surprise that the number of collisions caused by drowsy driving is alarmingly high in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 100,000 drowsy driving accidents occur nationwide, each year. Over 70,000 Americans suffer injuries that require medical attention, due to the negligence of drowsy drivers, on an annual basis. Tragically, approximately 1,550 of those annual injuries result in fatalities.

When a person suffers an injury in the workplace, it is the employer’s responsibility to pay for medical expenses and compensate the injured party for lost work time. After suffering an injury in the workplace, a person will be financially reliant on the workers’ compensation benefits, failure to secure those payments can result in serious financial instability. If you have been injured while at work, it is time to speak with a knowledgeable legal professional.

Understanding Temporary Disability Payments in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, a worker can pursue two types of temporary disability payments, based on the extent of their injuries. If a person has suffered injuries that are significant enough to keep them out of work entirely for a certain amount of time, the employer is obligated to make Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments. The employer will be asked to pay two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wages. If the employee is able to work a job that requires less physical stress to the injured area, the employer will be asked to make Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) payments. The amount of the payments will be calculated through subtracting the wage of the new temporary job from the wage of the employee’s old job, and compensating the employee with two-thirds of the difference between the two salaries. It should be noted that in both payment programs, the employer will be forced to pay for all medical expenses.

Reacting to a Workplace Injury

As soon as you suffer an injury in the workplace, you have an obligation to seek medical attention immediately. If you experience delayed symptoms after the incident, seek medical attention as soon as pain or injuries suffered begin compromising your ability to work. It should be noted that if an employer has agreed to make temporary disability payments you are obligated to work with doctors to achieve a complete recovery in a timely fashion. Failure to work towards recovery can result in loss of disability benefits. It is also important to provide your employer with detailed medical information. If your employer does not receive requisite medical information, they are not obligated to make payments. If your employer or their insurance company is hesitant to agree to make disability payments, it is time to speak with an experienced attorney.

According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 33,654 fatal car crashes occurred throughout the United States in 2018. While any and all car accidents can come with inherent dangers, some collisions are simply more dangerous than others. Head-on collisions are the most dangerous form of motor vehicle collision, due in large part to the proximity of the collision on the vehicle and the merging speeds of both vehicles. While head-on collisions only account for 2% of all annual motor vehicle collisions, they make up more than 10% of all traffic fatalities. Below we will explore some of the most common injuries that occur in head-on collisions, as well as some of the most common causes of these dangerous motor vehicle collisions.

Injuries in Head-On Collisions

As mentioned above, head-on collisions are notoriously dangerous. This is in large part due to the fact that both drivers and front-seat passengers collide instantly with the other vehicle. Unsurprisingly the injuries suffered in head-on collisions can be incredibly severe. The most common forms of injury range from brain trauma, spinal injuries, broken or fractured ribs, and various injuries to the limbs. If you or a loved one are injured in a head-on collision, it is critically important to document the full extent of all injuries suffered.

Why Do Head-on Collisions Occur?

Because head-on collisions generally only occur when one driver swerves into the other lane of traffic or is traveling the wrong direction down a one-way street, the vast majority of these collisions are caused by driver negligence. Distracted driving such as eating or texting while driving can cause a person to take their attention off of the road and veer into the other lane of traffic. Drinking and driving is also a common cause of head-on collisions due to the deterioration of the guilty party’s motor skills and vision. Additionally, if a driver is recklessly passing other vehicles, their reckless actions can lead to a head-on collision. In short, if you suffer injuries in a head-on collision, proving negligence can be fairly straightforward.

Throughout the United States, an average of 16 pedestrians are killed after being struck by a car, each and every day. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), just under 6,000 pedestrians were fatally injured in car crashes, throughout 2017 alone. Due to the sheer size difference between a standard automobile and a pedestrian, pedestrians often suffer severe if not fatal injuries in these accidents. Perhaps it should come as no surprise, that pedestrian fatalities accounted for 16% of all traffic deaths throughout 2017. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, it is time to speak with a qualified legal professional.

Reacting to the Accident

After you or a family member has been struck by a motor vehicle, it is imperative to act in a timely fashion. First and foremost, ensure that all injured parties are safe and sound. If any person is significantly injured, seek out emergency medical attention immediately. It is also worth noting that brain and spinal injuries often display delayed symptoms, and you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing any head, neck, or spinal discomfort. Once all medical aspects of the collision have been taken care of, it is time to contact the police. Police presence can be an incentive for the driver to remain on scene and answer any questions regarding their insurance or the incidents that lead to the accident honestly. When proving negligence in a personal injury case, a police report can also be critical throughout the legal process.

Once medical personnel (if needed) and law enforcement officials have been contacted, it is time for you to document everything you can from the crash. Taking photos of skid marks, debris from the collision and damage to the vehicle involved can be key to the case. If the driver is still present, take pictures of the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the license plate number. If the driver ultimately does flee from the scene this information will be invaluable to law enforcement. If any witnesses are present, speak to them about the events that lead up to the accident, and take document their contact information. Witness testimony can be imperative in proving a driver was acting in a negligent manner such as speeding, disregarding traffic signs, or texting while driving. Lastly, speak with the driver and get their insurance information. Making the assumption that the driver will contact their insurance company on their own, can be a mistake.

Here in the state of Illinois, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is seen as one of the top safety concerns in the state. Recognizing this, law enforcement officials arrested approximately 28,386 people for driving while intoxicated, throughout 2018 alone. Tragically, despite diligent work of local law enforcement, just under 300 Illinoisans lost their lives in accidents involving drunk drivers in 2018. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 28% of all fatal car accidents throughout Illinois, in 2018. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, it is time to speak with a knowledgeable legal professional.

Filing Your Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Suit

If the accident you or a family member were injured in involved an inebriated driver, it is more than likely that the collision will involve a criminal investigation. That being said, a personal injury or wrongful death suit must be filed by an individual. In both instances, the lawsuit will be filed if the plaintiff (the person filing) believes that another party acted recklessly or negligently leading to the injuries of themselves or a loved one. If the injuries suffered proved fatal, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed by family members of the victim.

In personal injury and wrongful death cases, proving negligence can be one of the most difficult parts of an attorney’s job. A skilled attorney will work diligently to compile surveillance footage and witness testimony. In some crashes, proving liability may be difficult, such as proving that a driver was texting while driving. Fortunately, in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits involving drunk drivers, a criminal investigation can provide ample evidence for your attorney to prove that the other driver was acting in a reckless manner. Evidence such as the reading on a breathalyzer test or other forms of chemical testing can be critical to the success of your case.