Our Team Helps People Get What They Need After Car Accidents

No one ever expects to get into an auto accident, and most people aren’t prepared to deal with the aftermath of one. But having a legal professional on your side is essential when navigating medical bills, damage repairs and insurance settlements. At Cassian & Carter LLC, our team of attorneys will be there for you after a car accident. We can help you deal with all the logistical and legal headaches and ensure you obtain the compensation you need to recover. We work hard on your case so that you can focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

Do You Need An Attorney?

Some people may think that their insurance company will take care of everything after an accident, but all too often this is not true. Insurance companies’ priorities are with their own bottom line, not your recovery. An attorney, however, will be on your side. An experienced personal injury lawyer will aggressively pursue the full, fair settlement you deserve after an accident.

An experienced car accident attorney will thoroughly investigate your case and make sure nothing is missed. They can then handle all paperwork involved in filing your claim and then go to bat for you against the insurance companies. Hiring an attorney can make a true difference in your case and in your settlement.

How Can A Joliet Car Accident Attorney Maximize Your Compensation?

Whether you were in a head-on collision or a car rear-ended you, what you do after a car accident is very important to your recovery.

If you were injured, you will have medical bills. Your injuries may even make it hard for you to return to work, causing you to lose wages. Your car will likely be damaged and need repairs. All these bills can quickly add up. Your settlement should cover your medical treatment, vehicle repairs, lost wages and other damages. However, the average person is not equipped to negotiate with the insurance company on their own.

An experienced car accident attorney can help you get a fair settlement. Our lawyers know that insurance companies nearly always lowball initial settlement offers. Insurance adjusters may convince you that they have your best interests in mind as they discuss your settlement, but they don’t. While a quick settlement offer can be appealing, it is usually far below the actual value of a claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know exactly what your claim is worth and will not allow you to be pressured into a poor settlement.

At Cassian & Carter LLC, our attorneys will make it their mission to get a full and fair settlement, and that will mean making sure that the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you.

Our team can also help with claims involving underinsured and uninsured motorists. Do not allow anybody to tell you that it is impossible to get fair compensation for your injuries and bills after discovering a motorist is underinsured or uninsured. Our lawyers can help you investigate all the legal options.

What Can You Recover?

Your bills can pile up after an accident, but fortunately, there are many things your compensation can cover. Your compensation can include:

• Money to pay for medical bills
• Lost wages and income
• Pain and suffering related to the accident (physical pain, psychological issues and emotional distress)

We can also obtain compensation for costs related to a wrongful death. Your compensation can help you cover funeral expenses, a lifetime of lost earnings and more.

Common Causes Of Traffic Accidents In Illinois

In 2022 alone, Illinois roads were the site of nearly 60,000 injurious crashes and more than 1,100 fatal auto accidents. Including noninjurious accidents, there were nearly 300,000 total vehicle crashes that year, or an average of 817 crashes each day.

While the specific numbers may change annually, the factors leading to auto accidents stay largely the same. The leading human-related causes or contributing factors to motor vehicle accidents in Illinois include:

• Distracted driving – Cellphone distractions are especially common, but many behaviors from eating to interacting with “infotainment” systems can be distracting.
• Speeding – This includes both driving above the posted speed limit and driving too fast for traffic and weather conditions.
• Driving under the influence – No one can claim to be ignorant of the fact that alcohol and drugs impair judgment slow reaction times, increasing accident risks.
• Reckless and aggressive driving – Behaviors such as extreme speeding, tailgating and weaving through traffic put everyone at risk.
• Running red lights and stop signs – Ignoring traffic signs and signals can cause serious collisions, especially at busy intersections.
• Fatigue – Driving while tired can slow your reaction times and decrease your awareness, similar to the effects of alcohol.
• Vehicle defects – This includes manufacturer defects and vehicles that are not functioning properly because drivers fail to make timely repairs.
• Failure to exercise due care – Poor weather and heavy traffic can increase the risk of accidents, but they are typically not considered causes on their own. It is each driver’s responsibility to pay attention, adjust their behavior and drive defensively. Those who don’t make these changes put themselves and others at serious risk of injury or death.

When you contact Cassian & Carter LLC, our attorneys will begin an immediate and thorough investigation into what caused your crash and who was at fault. Our goal is to build an irrefutable case for liability against the other driver.

Accident Hot Spots And Dangerous Roads Throughout Illinois

Crashes are not evenly distributed. Some areas see far more collisions than others. Here is a list of roads and highways in Illinois where accidents are more common:

Interstate 55 (I-55): This major highway runs from Chicago to St. Louis and sees heavy traffic, especially near urban areas. Be cautious of sudden stops and congested areas.

Interstate 80 (I-80): Stretching across the state, I-80 is known for its busy traffic, especially around the Joliet area. The mix of commercial trucks and passenger vehicles can create hazardous conditions.

Interstate 57 (I-57): Running from Chicago to Missouri, this highway has several stretches where accidents are frequent. Pay attention to changing road conditions and construction zones.

Interstate 290 (I-290): Also known as the Eisenhower Expressway, I-290 is notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents. Extra care is needed, especially during rush hour.

Interstate 90 (I-90): This interstate, also called the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago, is one of the busiest roads in the state. High traffic volume and frequent lane changes can make it dangerous.

Interstate 94 (I-94): Part of this interstate is shared with I-90 and is known as the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago. It experiences significant congestion and has a high rate of accidents.

Interstate 294 (I-294): This tollway, also known as the Tri-State Tollway, circles around the Chicago metropolitan area. Heavy traffic and frequent exits make it a hot spot for accidents.

U.S. Route 41: Running parallel to Lake Michigan, this route sees a lot of traffic and has several dangerous intersections, particularly in the Chicago area.

Illinois Route 83: This state route runs through several suburbs of Chicago and is known for its high traffic volume and accident-prone intersections.

Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41): This scenic drive along the lakefront in Chicago is beautiful but can be treacherous due to heavy traffic, sharp turns and frequent lane changes.

If you’ve been injured in an accident on any of these roads, it’s important to seek legal help to understand your rights and options.

Questions You May Have After An Illinois Car Crash

Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day to all kinds of people. If you were injured, it is helpful to understand the legal process and what to expect. At Cassian & Carter LLC, we’ve gotten a lot of questions about when and how to seek compensation when another driver’s negligence causes an accident. We’ve compiled a list of these questions and answers to help.

Does fault play a role in an Illinois car crash?

Yes, because Illinois is a “fault state” for insurance purposes. Whoever is at fault for the crash can be held liable for damages. If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still sue. If you win or settle your case, you will be eligible to receive the total damages minus your percentage of fault. In Illinois, you may sue your own insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company (in some cases, the insurance company of the driver of the car you were in if you were a passenger) or file a civil suit against those who caused the accident.

How do I know if I should accept a settlement offer from my insurer after a car accident?

In most cases, it is not in your best interest to accept an insurer’s first settlement offer. Here is where working with an experienced attorney can really benefit you. They will have handled many similar cases and will know what a reasonable offer looks like. A lawyer who handles personal injury cases will know how much your medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy, equipment and other expenses are likely to cost.

What should I do after a car accident to protect my personal injury claim?

Immediately after any auto accident, be sure to seek medical attention. Also take photos of all damage and injuries or have a family member or friend do this as soon as possible. Be sure to get the contact and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident. Ask for a copy of the police report as well.

Do not speak with any insurance adjusters without having an attorney present. The adjuster’s goal is to minimize your payout. Most of these adjusters are very good at what they do. They may even have you believe that they are truly concerned about you, and that’s why they want to know how you are doing. The truth is, even if you offhandedly remark that you are “fine,” this could be used against you.

Should I hire a personal injury lawyer after a car accident?

It is very likely that you will recover significantly more in compensation and better understand your rights and options if you partner with an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney.

What should I do if an insurance adjuster calls me after a car accident?

Say as little as possible. Be polite, but after confirming that you are the victim and that the accident happened, offer no additional details and do not confirm or deny anything. Do not sign anything. Do not agree to be recorded. You should take notes, however. Remember that whatever you say can be used to negatively affect a settlement offer or even the verdict at trial. It’s best in these instances to have your attorney present to protect your rights, or to speak on your behalf.

Can I pursue punitive damages against the other driver after a car crash in Illinois?

Yes. If the other driver’s behavior was egregious, meaning they were especially reckless or intended to do harm, then pursuing punitive damages may be an option.

If I was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, can I still file a personal injury claim?

Generally speaking, yes. Here again, your lawyer can guide you through what is likely to happen given the circumstances of your particular accident and any potential comparative negligence issues.

Our Lawyers Will Help You Know What To Expect – Contact Us Today

At Cassian & Carter, our team is solely focused on Illinois personal injury law. Our attorneys’ mission is twofold: Simplifying the process and pursuing maximum compensation for our clients.

Call 815-714-7118 to set up a free initial consultation. You can also send us a brief summary of your issue via our website contact email.