Chicago Auto Accident Attorneys

Every time you get behind the wheel of a car, your safety lies not only in your hands but in the hands of other drivers. For those of us living and working in Chicago, the risk of being in an accident is particularly high.

In 2019, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported a total of 312,988 motor vehicle accidents across the state. Nearly 90% of those incidents occurred on urban roadways. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, it is critical to consult with a Chicago auto accident attorney immediately afterwards.

The experienced car accident team at Parikh Law Group, LLC knows the rules of the road and the laws involved with motor vehicle accident claims, and we will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve in a timely manner. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Chicago?

Car crashes of any kind can be an extremely stressful experience. If you’ve been injured or have permanently or temporarily lost your vehicle because of an accident, you may feel varying levels associated stress or even despair. Knowing what to do immediately after a collision can help you find relief, protect your safety, rights, and best interests, as well as position you for a favorable outcome.

Here are a few tips on what to do immediately if you are involved in a motor vehicle collision:

Pull Over

Illinois law requires that all parties involved in an auto accident stop their vehicles at the scene of the crash, or as close to as safely possible. All capable parties must then render aid to anyone who may have been injured in the accident. Not doing so can result in jail time.

Call the Police

After stopping your vehicle and providing whatever aid you can, if possible, it is important to contact the police. A law enforcement officer will document the accident and write a report detailing the cause and outcome of the collision. This report may become invaluable later, especially if you bring an injury lawsuit against the negligent party. At this time, you should also exchange insurance information with all parties involved.

Seek Medical Attention

Many accidents result in injuries. Some of those injuries may not be immediately visible, and certain serious injuries don’t produce symptoms for days or even weeks. Always seek medical attention after an accident to ensure that you receive necessary treatment and are diagnosed promptly and accurately. Any injuries should be thoroughly recorded by your doctor.

Document the Accident

If it is safe to do so, you should do your best to document the scene of the accident. Take notes, pictures, and videos if possible. Be sure to capture images of all vehicles involved, as well as the surrounding area, including traffic lights, signs, and road conditions. If there was anyone around who may have seen the crash, take down their contact information. Witnesses can be extremely helpful if there is a dispute or lawsuit.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Be honest, but brief. Simply let them know that you were in an accident and provide the basic details. Do not agree to sign any settlement agreements or statements without first speaking to an attorney.

Contact an Auto Accident Attorney

Traffic collisions can be scary, emotional and unfortunately also complicated. Once the dust settles after the initial accident, it is critical to contact an experienced Chicago motor vehicle accident lawyer. The attorneys at Parikh Law Group, LLC know how to navigate the often-frustrating world of auto insurance companies. We will evaluate your case, gather evidence, calculate damages, and negotiate with the insurance company for the highest possible settlement on your behalf. The sooner you involve an experienced auto accident attorney, the more likely you are to obtain a favorable outcome.

Auto Accident Damages

In the state of Illinois, a car accident victim can request both economic and non-economic damages. The difference between the two is explained in detail below.

Economic Damages

Auto accidents can damage property, cause injury to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, and impact an injury victim’s income — all of which can be associated with a monetary value. These types of damages are called economic damages.

Economic damages include medical expenses (both past and future), property damages (the loss of your vehicle, the cost of repairs and rental vehicles, and other belongings damaged in the collision), and lost income. Lost income refers to the wages missed directly due to time away from work, but also includes diminished earning capacity from any long-term injuries, and other lost employment benefits from not working.

Non-Economic Damages

Not all damages in a car crash are easily assigned a monetary value, but financial recovery is often the only type of equitable compensation available. These damages are referred to as “non-economic damages,” and they include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. Loss of consortium is sometimes called “loss of companionship,” as it refers to the loss of a relationship, either as the result of a wrongful death, or because of the toll injuries can take on a relationship.

Punitive Damages

The final damage permitted by Illinois law is punitive damages. This type of damage is intended to punish the defendant and deter repeated wrongdoing. Punitive damages are only available if the defendant’s actions were intentional, outrageous, or grossly negligent.

Why Hire a Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney?

Following an accident, life can become very messy, very quickly. Consulting with an auto accident attorney will give you peace of mind, time to heal, and may lead to substantial compensation for injuries and losses sustained. The lawyers at Parikh Law Group, LLC will investigate your collision, gather all relevant reports, records and bills, negotiate with insurance companies, and retain experts to review your matter, determine fault, and evaluate your damages. The final result will be an entire team that works tirelessly on your behalf, keeping you informed every step of the way, and that will present a compelling case to maximize your recovery amount.

Contact an Experienced Chicago Auto Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a car crash, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced motor vehicle crash lawyer today. The legal team at Parikh Law Group, LLC can help. Contact our multilingual office today for a free and confidential consultation in English, Spanish, Hindi, Gujarati, or Farsi.