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If you were recently in a car accident, you might be confused and unsure of what to do next. Medical bills are piling up, and you can’t go back to work until the doctor says you’ve recovered enough. You can’t complete everyday tasks like you used, such as taking the kids to school or cooking dinner. Your life feels like it was turned upside and inside out.
If you’re in this difficult situation, we want you to know that you’re not alone—and that our lawyers are here for you. Every year in Illinois, thousands of people are injured and killed in tragic car accidents. In 2018 alone, over 94,000 people sustained injuries, and over 1,000 people lost their lives from Illinois auto crashes.
Our personal injury lawyers have helped people like you receive the compensation they deserve after a devastating crash. We represent people all across Illinois, from Rockford to Sterling. No matter where you live, our Chicago car accident lawyers are ready to fight for you in the courtroom and hold the driver who hit you accountable for their actions.
At Shannon Law Group, we offer free consultations with our experienced lawyers. These consultations allow you and your family to ask our accident injury attorneys any legal questions you may have. We’re ready to meet with you at your home or in the hospital if you’re unable to come to our office.
To schedule your free car accident case review, call us 24/7 at (312) 578-9501 or text us at (312) 847-2428. If you have more questions, check out attorney Joe Shannon’s book, Transportation Law, Rights, & Injuries: Charting Your Legal Course of Action.
Why Choose Shannon Law Group to Represent You After an Illinois Car Accident?
Many lawyers will say that they’re the best of the best when it comes to personal injury and accident cases. (And that may be true.)
However, at Shannon Law Group, we don’t need to tell you we’re the best. Our Chicago law firm’s actions and results speak louder than words. Our car accident attorneys know what they’re doing. They will fight tooth and nail to get you the compensation you deserve after a catastrophic crash.
Here are ten things you can expect from our dedicated team if you hire us.
- We will treat you with respect.
- We will treat you like we would like to be treated.
- We will shoulder the stresses and burdens of dealing with insurance companies so that you can focus on your physical recovery.
- We will be an aggressive advocate for you.
- We will deliver straight advice.
- We will make every attempt to move your case to resolution as quickly as possible.
- We are willing to try your case before a jury.
- We will provide you with reasonable expectations regarding the outcome of your case.
- We will return your calls within 24 hours.
- If we can’t help you, we will try to help you find someone who can.
Keep reading to learn more about Illinois auto accidents. We've answered the most frequently asked questions regarding these cases.
We Get Results That Make a Difference
$7.775 M Verdict for Multi-Vehicle Truck Crash Victim and Family
$7,775,000
$5 Million Settlement for Truck Crash Victim
$5,000,000
$4.825 Million Settlement for Injured Forklift Operator in Truck Rollaway Crash
$4,825,000
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT IN ILLINOIS?
Immediately after a car crash in Illinois, follow these steps to ensure your safety and preserve your legal rights:
#1: Stop your car and move to safety
Do not flee the scene of the accident, even if you’re in a hurry. Move your vehicle to safety and out of the way of other cars on the road, if possible.
#2: Call 9-1-1
Contact your local emergency services, including the police and ambulance. When the police arrive, answer the officer’s questions honestly and follow their instructions. Ask the officer for their name and contact information, as well as how you can get a copy of the police report. You will need the police report to file a claim with your insurance company.
#3: Get the other driver’s information (if possible)
If you’re not seriously injured, ask the other driver for the following details:
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- Name
- Address
- Cell phone number
- Their auto insurance company and policy number
- Their license plate number
#4: Take photos (if possible)
Again, if you’re not hurt, take photos of the scene, including all vehicles involved. If you’re injured but another person in your car isn’t, have them take pictures for you. These images can support and prove your personal injury case down the road. Take photos of your injuries as well after the crash.
#5: Seek medical treatment
If you or someone you love is seriously injured from the collision, don’t wait to go to the hospital. Seek medical treatment immediately. If you experience pain several days after the crash, see your doctor. If you have a herniated disc, for example, you may not experience back pain until days later.
#6: Notify your insurance company
Contact your auto insurance company to let them know that you were recently involved in an accident. Do NOT speak with the other driver’s insurance company. Whatever information you tell them can and will be used against you in your case. Instead, ask your insurance company to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurer. That’s why you pay insurance premiums every month.
#7: Contact an experienced car accident lawyer to explore your options
If you were injured in the crash, we highly recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as you can. Why? Life after a severe motor vehicle crash is often stressful.
When you sit down with our attorneys at Shannon Law Group, they will answer any questions you have, as well as help you find the best way to move forward. Hiring a lawyer to handle your claim allows you to focus on what matters most. You delegate the stress of handling your case to us so that you can get better. Call us at (312) 578-9501 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT, AND I’VE ALREADY FILED A CLAIM WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. WHY DO I NEED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY?
Our attorneys will be the first to tell you that if you walked away from an accident with little to no injury, you likely don’t need to hire a personal injury lawyer. Why? Because an attorney won’t add much value to your case if you have little damages. In these situations, you’ll end up with more money in your pocket if you don’t hire a lawyer.
However, if you have a severe and permanent injury like a herniated disc, we highly recommend hiring an experienced auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. Why? Because hiring an attorney in this scenario adds significant value to your case.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money. Their business model is to keep as much money in their pocket as possible. So, when you have thousands of dollars in medical bills and lost wages, these insurance companies will fight you tooth and nail. They will make lowball offers, hoping that you’re desperate enough to sign a release and take the money.
When you hire a lawyer, the insurance company can no longer contact you directly. They must speak to your attorney. At Shannon Law Group, our trial attorneys know how to assess the value of your case and how to negotiate with the insurance companies. We won’t settle for anything less than what your case is worth. If the insurance company refuses to compensate you fairly, we will try your case in front of a jury.
Hiring a lawyer like Joe Shannon or Pat Cummings adds significant value to your case (and your life) when you’ve sustained a catastrophic injury. To schedule your free consultation, call us any time at (312) 578-9501 or text us at (312) 847-2428.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU FILE A LAWSUIT AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?
You probably have little to no experience with any type of lawsuit, and that’s okay. In this section, we’ll break down nine things what to expect during your car accident case.
STEP #1: FREE CONSULTATION
Before your case begins, our attorneys at Shannon Law Group will first schedule an initial free consultation with you. During this meeting, we’ll discuss your case and answer any of your questions. If you want to hire us, we will have you sign a fee agreement and other forms.
A fee agreement grants us power of attorney to act on your behalf. When you hire us, you also agree to pay us a percentage of the settlement or verdict if we come through for you. If you don’t come through for you, you won’t owe us anything. Our law firm will absorb the costs associated with your case.
STEP #2: INVESTIGATION
The moment you hire us, our team will begin investigating the accident. We’ll send a private investigator to gather and preserve evidence. She will take photos of the scene and vehicles involved, speak to any eyewitnesses, gather witness statements, search for footage of the crash, and more.
The Investigation Phase is the most crucial part of your case, as the evidence we uncover builds and strengthens your case.
STEP #3: GATHERING YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS AND BILLS
Next, our lawyers and legal assistants will request and gather your medical records and bills. You’ll sign a HIPAA authorization that allows us to get your records. Your medical records are vital in your case, as they help your attorney describe the extent of your injuries to a jury.
STEP #4: FILING THE LAWSUIT
Soon after investigating and requesting your medical records, we will file your lawsuit in the appropriate venue. We always prefer to file cases, instead of trying to settle with the insurance company first. Why? In general, the court system will streamline your case to resolution. Filing your claim also preserves your rights to pursue compensation from the other party.
STEP #5: PLEADINGS & MOTIONS PRACTICE
Once we have filed your case, both parties (Plaintiff and Defendant) begin engaging in pleadings and motions practice. A pleading demands that another party does something, while a motion requests that the judge do something in the case. This process occurs throughout the case until it has been resolved through settlement or a jury verdict.
STEP #6: WRITTEN DISCOVERY
After your case is filed, each party will send requests for information and documents from the other party. This process is called written discovery. Your attorney will ask you to provide specific details, records, and sign documents during this phase.
STEP #7: DISCOVERY DEPOSITIONS
At some point, you will attend a “discovery deposition.” Our attorneys will prepare you ahead of time and guide you through the process. This deposition allows the defendant’s lawyer to ask you questions. It also allows you to tell your story to the other side and explain how the accident has impacted your life.
STEP #8: SETTLEMENT
Your case may settle at any point during the lawsuit. We send “offer of compromise” letters to the insurance company many times throughout your case. These letters list the facts of the situation and attempt to resolve the claim based on the damages you’ve experienced as a result of the car accident.
If the insurance company makes a fair offer, we will discuss the offer with you. Ultimately, you have the choice as to whether you accept the offer or not.
STEP #9: TRIAL
If we are unable to negotiate a fair settlement, we will try your case in front of a jury. Our attorneys will present the facts of your case and tell your story to the jury. You will be asked to testify at the trial. Once the trial is over, the jury will deliberate. If they find for you (the Plaintiff), they will set an amount that the defendant should pay you for your damages.
More Car Crash FAQs:
MOST COMMON TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENTS IN ILLINOIS
Every year, several types of motor vehicle accidents occur on Illinois roadways. In this section, we’ve broken down some of the most common car accidents that happen in the Land of Lincoln.
Commercial motor vehicle crashes
When you hear the phrase “commercial motor vehicle,” you probably think of an 80,000-pound big rig barreling down the highway. In reality, any vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds may be classified as a commercial motor vehicle and subject to federal regulations.
Federal regulations also apply to any vehicle that transports more than eight passengers (including the driver) for compensation or any vehicle carrying more than 15 passengers (including the driver), not for payment. Under this definition, a roadside service truck or a Ford-350 pickup towing a trailer may be considered commercial motor vehicles in the eyes of the law.
In 2018, there were over 13,000 Illinois crashes involving semi-trucks alone. There were thousands of other collisions involving smaller commercial motor vehicles. That’s why you must hire a personal injury lawyer with experience handling truck accident cases if you have a car accident case. Your claim may be a truck accident case – and you don’t know it yet.
Truck accident lawsuits are different compared to car accident cases in the eyes of the law. They require thorough investigation, knowledge of federal regulations, and more. At Shannon Law Group, we have investigated and tried many truck accident cases successfully.
To learn more about these types of cases, click here. You can also download attorney Patrick Cummings book How to Avoid a Trucking Nightmare.
Uber or Lyft accidents
Many people in Illinois are now using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get around instead of driving themselves. Because of this, there are significantly more cars on the road driving for Uber or Lyft. You might have a case against Uber or Lyft if a rideshare driver injured you as an Uber or Lyft passenger. You may also have a claim if you were struck by an Uber or Lyft driver while walking or driving your car.
Why are Lyft and Uber accident cases different from other crash cases? Because rideshare companies have additional insurance policies that may cover the accident. If you were in an Uber or Lyft crash, contact Shannon Law Group today to schedule your free consultation with an attorney.
Bicycle vs. car accidents
In 2018, over 2,600 bicyclists were injured, and over 20 were killed in Illinois accidents. A majority of these bike vs. car accidents happened in cities like Chicago. These accidents have become more common today now more than ever, thanks to distracted driving.
Drunk driving crashes
In 2018, alcohol played a role in 27 percent of all fatal Illinois motor vehicle crashes. About 280 people lost their lives due to drunk driving. That’s one death every 27.5 hours.
If a drunk driver hits you, call us today at (312) 578-9501 to speak with a lawyer. There are strict time limitations when it comes to drunk driving cases, especially if there’s a bar or restaurant involved.
Hit-and-run car accidents
If someone hits you and then runs away, they may be subject to criminal and civil penalties. In Illinois, a hit-and-run is a misdemeanor. If the hit-and-run causes severe injury or property damage, it is a felony.
If another driver hits you and they fled the scene, you can still receive compensation from your insurance policy thorough uninsured/uninsured motorist coverage, if the authorities are unable to catch the driver.
Pedestrian vs. car accidents
In the United States, more and more pedestrians are dying in car accidents than ever before. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, over 5,900 pedestrians were injured, and over 160 were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2018. Over 5,000 of these pedestrians were struck by cars in cities like Chicago, where drivers often have to yield to pedestrians crossing the street.
Pedestrians are often seriously injured in the crashes and often need a lot of therapy and treatment to recover. If you or someone you love was struck by another vehicle, we’re ready to help you move forward.
Distracted driving accidents
Today, there’s no doubt we have more distractions in the car. Between our smartphones and interactive center consoles, there’s no shortage of technology tempting us to take our eyes off the road.
However, taking your eyes off the road for five seconds can be deadly. According to the Illinois State Police, using a cell phone while driving increases your chance of getting into a crash by over 400 percent. If you are texting while driving, you are 23 percent more likely to cause an accident.
In Illinois, it’s illegal to text or use a hand-held cell phone while driving – but that doesn’t stop people from doing it. If a distracted driver injured you, you have rights that should be protected. There are specific deadlines for filing a lawsuit against another party, so don’t wait to speak to an attorney.
Motorcycle vs. car crashes
It’s a fact: Other drivers often don’t see motorcyclists when on the road. In 2018 alone, over 3,000 motorcyclists were injured, and about 120 bikers were killed in Illinois accidents. What’s more, motorcyclists are susceptible to severe injuries because they lack protection. Their bodies absorb a lot of impact from the collision, as opposed to their vehicle in a typical car vs. car crash.
T-bone Collisions
This type of accident happens when the front of one car crashes into the side of another vehicle. Broadside or T-bone collisions often occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield to another at a stoplight or stop sign.
Rear-end accidents
This kind of collision occurs when the front of one car crashes into the back of another vehicle. Common causes of rear-end accidents include distracted driving, tailgating, and weather.
Head-on collisions
This type of crash happens when one vehicle strikes another car head-on when traveling in opposite directions. Often, head-on collisions occur when a car attempts to pass another on a two-way highway or when a vehicle takes the wrong highway ramp on an interstate, driving against the flow of traffic.
Rollover accidents
A rollover crash happens when a driver loses control of their vehicle. As a result, the car “rolls over” due to the momentum. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 85 percent of all rollover crashes only involve one vehicle. Common causes include speeding, driving while under the influence, and location.
5 SERIOUS INJURIES TO WATCH OUT FOR AN AUTO ACCIDENT
After a car accident, you may be fortunate enough to walk away from a few scrapes and bruises. Other times, you’re not so lucky. Here are the top five serious auto crash injuries you should know about:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can change your life forever. TBIs happen when your brain is suddenly damaged. When you have a severe TBI, you may experience the following symptoms, on top of the typical signs of a concussion:
- A headache that does not go away
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Convulsions of seizures
- Unable to wake from sleep
- Dilation in one of both of your eye’s pupils
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in your legs or arms
- Loss of coordination
- Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
If you have any of the above symptoms, seek treatment immediately. You may need surgery or other procedure to remove or repair ruptured hematomas or contusions in your brain. Traumatic brain injury patients often suffer permanent damage, which may impact their ability to think, communicate, and regulate their emotions.
Broken Bones
People often sustain broken bones in car accidents. Why? Because of the immense force of the collision, which may cause your bones to break under pressure. Depending on the severity of the break, car crash victims may need several surgeries and therapy to recover from the accident.
Fractures
Like broken bones, fractures can happen when bones undergo immense pressure and force in an auto accident. Sometimes, fractures heal on their own. Other times, they require treatment such as surgery.
Herniated Discs
Your spine is composed of discs, individual bones called vertebrae, and most of your spinal cord. In a collision (especially if another driver rear-ends you), your spine may sustain an injury from the force of impact. One of the most common spinal injuries you can get from a car accident is a herniated disc.
Herniated discs happen when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the exterior casing. As a result, the bugling disc can irritate and place pressure on nearby nerves. Symptoms of a herniated disc include pain, numbness, or weakness in your arm(s) or leg(s). Often, these symptoms take days or weeks after the crash to appear. Treatment for a herniated disc includes pain medication and surgery.
Internal Bleeding
Sometimes, a car accident causes internal bleeding (AKA internal hemorrhage), which is a severe injury that requires immediate treatment. Internal bleeding happens when blood vessels inside your body are damaged, causing blood loss.
Symptoms of internal bleeding include:
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
- Bleeding from the ears, mouth, nose, etc.
- Passing black or bloody stools
- Going into shock
This type of traumatic injury often requires surgery to repair the broken blood vessel. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek treatment immediately.
Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Will Fight for You
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in an Illinois car accident, the stakes are high. Your health and financial future can be on the line, so your family will need attorneys who possess the knowledge and tenacity to get the job done.
At Shannon Law Group, PC, we pride ourselves on our relentless pursuit of justice and compensation for our clients. Our commitment is demonstrated in our results, which include the highest recorded truck accident verdict handed down in Will County.
While other lawyers may take the easy way out and accept a settlement right away, our attorneys will fight to get you the results you deserve. Our team will work tenaciously on your behalf, so you can use your energy to get well and rebuild your life.
Call our office today at 312-578-9501 to schedule a free consultation. You can also take a moment to fill our online contact form, and one of our team members will be in touch with you soon.
