Building A Strong Claim After A Car Accident
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality for many drivers in Chicago. With its bustling streets and heavy traffic, accidents can happen on major roads like Lake Shore Drive, the Eisenhower Expressway and throughout various neighborhoods. Regardless of where your accident took place, you deserve skilled legal representation to help you through your personal injury claim.
I am Patrycja Karlin, an Illinois attorney committed to helping the Chicago community recover from their injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, it is crucial to seek legal help immediately. My firm, The Karlin Law Firm, LLC, is dedicated to providing aggressive, accessible and effective representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Chicago
Chicago’s traffic data reveals several common causes of car accidents. By understanding these causes, I can craft a stronger plan to pursue the outcome you deserve in your claim. Some common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Chicago. Many drivers are guilty of texting, using a smartphone, eating or adjusting the radio while driving, but when these actions lead to serious injuries, I am here to hold the liable party accountable.
- Speeding: Speeding is a major factor in many car accidents. When a driver goes over the speed limit, they reduce the time they have to react to hazards while increasing the damage they deal in any accident.
- Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious issue in Chicago. Drunk driving accidents can result in lifelong injuries for a victim, such as scars, burns, loss of limb, paralysis and other injuries.
- Running red lights and stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals and signs is another common cause of accidents. Other drivers function on the assumption that others will also obey traffic signs. When a driver fails to respect these signs, the consequences can be severe.
- Reckless driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive lane changing, tailgating and road rage, contribute to numerous accidents. When someone willingly disobeys traffic laws, they need to be responsible for the consequences of their actions.
- Weather conditions: Chicago’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain, snow and ice creating hazardous driving conditions. When the city fails to upkeep its roads after wearing down from this weather or fails to clear the road of snow and ice, it may be liable for your accident.
- Failure to yield: Accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians. This is a frequent issue in pedestrian-heavy areas like downtown Chicago and shopping districts.
Understanding these common causes can help you stay vigilant and take preventative measures while driving. Despite your best efforts to avoid accidents caused by these common factors, when accidents do happen, it is important to take proper action to bolster your injury claim.
Critical Steps After A Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is essential to take immediate action to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Here are some steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety are the top priority. If you have been hurt or think you may have been, call for medical attention immediately to get the treatment you need.
- Document the scene: The more information you collect from the scene of the crash, the better. After an accident, if you are able to safely move about the scene, take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle and any visible injuries. Be sure to record any witness testimony and gather their contact information for your claim. Above all, collect the vehicle, license, contact and insurance information of the driver who hit you.
- Report the accident: Notify the police and file an accident report. This documentation will be crucial for your case, and the officers can help secure the accident site and clean up any wreckage from the crash.
- Contact an attorney: Contact my firm for the legal guidance and support you need to navigate your case’s complexities.
Once you contact me for the representation you need, I can guide you through the rest of your personal injury claim and help you avoid critical errors that could jeopardize your compensation.
Leave Your Claim In Good Hands
Car accidents can have life-altering consequences, but you do not have to face them alone. Schedule your initial consultation with me by calling 773-993-1266 or emailing me here. The sooner you contact my Chicago office, the sooner I can begin fighting for your future.