Chicago is one of the most vibrant cities in Illinois, offering a wealth of things to see and do. It’s also a busy city population-wise, which translates into numerous cars and, unfortunately, collisions.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Chicago, IL, it’s important to understand your options. Here’s what you need to know about Chicago car accident statistics — and how Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers can help you recover damages.
Contact our law office at (312) 635-5400 for a free consultation if you were hurt in a collision. Our Chicago car accident lawyers will explain your legal rights.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help You After an Auto Accident in Chicago, IL
Car accidents can be physically and emotionally traumatic. They can leave you dealing with serious injuries as well as with bills you may not know how to cover. So what are your options when facing the aftermath of an accident? In Illinois, you can file a personal injury claim for fair compensation.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our Chicago personal injury lawyers can help you if you’ve suffered losses.
We offer services that include:
- Assessing the accident
- Investigating and gathering evidence
- Answering your questions
- Taking care of the legal paperwork
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Taking your claim to court, if needed
Our law firm has helped clients recover more than $250 million in settlements and jury awards. We’re experienced litigators and negotiators, and we fight to get our clients the compensation they deserve.
After suffering losses, the last thing you want to do is focus on the legal complexities of filing a claim. Contact our car accident lawyers in Chicago, Illinois, to learn more about how we can make a difference in your case.
Chicago Car Accidents: Statistics and Causes
In 2021 alone, Chicago experienced 98,563 car accidents, which resulted in 24,078 injured people and 230 fatalities. The majority of the accidents occurred when the road was dry, with wet roads being the second most common road condition leading to accidents.
Impaired driving is a problem throughout the nation, with as many as 30% of all fatal crashes involving a driver impaired by drugs, alcohol, or other substances. An impaired driver will not be able to react quickly to hazards on the road, leading to collisions.
Distracted driving is another cause of collisions in Illinois. Of all of the 2021 motor vehicle crashes in the state, 3.6% involved a distracted driver. Although most people think of distracted driving as using a phone while operating a vehicle, many other activities can be dangerous while driving. Eating, changing radio stations, and checking the GPS can all be deadly actions.
Another cause of significant accidents is speeding. Speed-related fatal crashes throughout Illinois are currently at 30%, with male drivers aged 16 to 20 being the ones who suffer the highest number of serious injuries and fatalities.
It’s much more difficult for someone who’s speeding to react appropriately to hazards on the road. The accidents that vehicles traveling at high velocities cause are usually more serious as well.
What To Do After a Chicago Car Accident
If you’re involved in a traffic accident, the first thing you need to do is contact emergency services. Do this even if you’re not sure whether you’re injured or not. When paramedics get to the scene, have them assess you. Not only will this ensure that you’re not more seriously hurt than you realize, but it also begins a record of the injuries you sustained.
Make sure to report the accident to the police. You will want this report to file a claim, so call law enforcement as quickly as you can after the collision.
It’s important that you exchange information with the other party. Don’t mention fault as you do this, and keep the conversation as civil and short as you can. You can then begin gathering evidence of the accident, including pictures and videos. If there are eyewitnesses, get their contact information so that you can have access to their testimony later on.
You should then let your insurance company know that you were in an accident. You should keep this conversation short, too. One of the most critical steps you can also take is to contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers so that we can start helping you put together a claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys
After experiencing an Illinois car accident, one of the options you may have is to file a personal injury claim. To give your claim the best chance of success, you need to consult a legal team you can trust. At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, we bring decades of experience to the table and will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t struggle through the aftermath of a car accident alone. Contact our Chicago personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.