Hoffman Estates Car Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence? Our car accident lawyers in Hoffman Estates can help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress and more.
When you’re dealing with severe injuries, you need the help of an experienced attorney on your side. The lawyers at Vito & Dollenmaier will fight relentlessly for your rights and stand up to insurance companies to hold responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
Hoffman Estates Car Accident Guide:
- Crash Statistics for Hoffman Estates
- Common Car Accident Injuries
- Types of Car Accidents
- What to do in the Days and Weeks after a Car Accident in Hoffman Estates
- Do I Have a Case? What Is My Case Worth?
- How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer for Me
Crash Statistics for Hoffman Estates
In 2022, there were 823 car accidents in Hoffman Estates alone. Among these accidents:
- 6 involved a bicyclist
- 24 involved alcohol impairment
- 1 involved drug impairment
- 2 involved drug and alcohol impairment
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI injuries can be caused by the impact of your head against the dashboard or other objects in the vehicle.
- Whiplash. The impact of the collision can cause your neck to snap forward and backward, leading to a whiplash injury.
- Spinal Cord Injuries. Severe accidents can cause spinal cord injuries that can potentially lead to paralysis. Spinal cord injuries can have lifelong effects and require ongoing medical care.
- Broken Bones. The impact of the collision can cause broken bones in the arms, legs, pelvis or ribs. These injuries may require extensive care and recovery.
- Internal Injuries. Sometimes, accidents can cause internal bleeding and injuries that may not be immediately apparent. If left untreated, these injuries can be life-threatening.
- Soft Tissue Injuries. These injuries often cause pain in the spinal discs of the neck and back.
These are some of the most common injuries caused by car accidents, but passengers and drivers can suffer other types of injuries ranging from scrapes and bruises to loss of life.
Types of Car Accidents
Our car accident lawyers in Hoffman Estates have experience handling many types of accidents, including:
Distracted Driving
Every year, distracted driving claims thousands of lives. Any activity that takes a driver’s attention off of the road is a distraction and greatly increases the risk of an accident.
Smartphones are the leading distraction on roadways, but drivers can also lose focus of the road because they’re talking to passengers, daydreaming or even eating.
Drunk Driving
In 2022, 24 accidents in Hoffman Estates were caused by alcohol impairment. One of those accidents was fatal. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol are slower to react, have impaired judgment and are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors.
Speeding
Many accidents are caused by speeding. Driving over the speed limit makes it more difficult to stop in time to avoid an accident. Accidents that are the result of speeding are often more serious and result in severe injuries.
Fatigued Driving
In Hoffman Estates, 15 accidents were the result of fatigued drivers. Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving while impaired by substances.
Reaction times are slowed, judgment is impaired, and there’s a very real risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
Reckless Driving
Driving without regard for the safety of others can greatly increase the risk of an accident. Examples of reckless driving can include road rage, excessive speeding, tailgating, racing, or swerving across lanes.
Mechanical Defects
Many accidents are caused by mechanical defects, such as brake problems, tire issues, steering issues and other malfunctions that make it difficult to operate a vehicle safely.
Unlicensed Drivers
Driving without a license is not only illegal – it’s dangerous. These drivers may not have the proper training to operate a vehicle, which can increase the risk of an accident.
Improper Turns
Drivers who make improper turns often do so at:
- Intersections
- Traffic signals
Improper turns can include taking a left turn from the right lane or a right turn from the left lane along with failing to yield the right of way.
Claims Process
As your lawyers, we’ll handle most of the claims process and negotiation for you. We’ll contact the insurance company and start a claim on your behalf. We’ll need to create an extensive demand package, which includes your:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Witness statements
- Proof of lost wages
- Proof of out-of-pocket costs
- Property damage costs
Anything that can be used to strengthen your claim will be added to a demand package, which provides proof of the damages from the accident.
What to do in the Days and Weeks after a Car Accident in Hoffman Estates
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Hoffman Estates, taking the right steps in the days and weeks after the accident is critical to protecting your health, legal rights, and personal injury claim.
- Prioritize Medical Care
Your health should always come first. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seek medical attention immediately. Injuries like whiplash, spinal cord damage, or internal trauma may not show symptoms right away. Keep records of all medical expenses, treatments, and diagnoses, as this evidence is vital for building your personal injury case.
- Document Everything
Gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. Take photos of the accident scene, property damage, and your injuries. Keep a detailed journal about your pain, emotional trauma, and how your injuries have affected your daily life.
This documentation is crucial when working with a Hoffman Estates car accident lawyer to pursue compensation.
- Keep Records of Financial Losses
Accidents can lead to lost wages, medical expenses, and other financial burdens. Organize receipts, pay stubs, and invoices related to your out-of-pocket costs, lost income, and property damage.
These records are key to recovering the compensation you deserve for economic damages.
- Be Cautious with Insurance Claims
Insurance companies may pressure injured victims to settle quickly for less than their claim is worth. Avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents without consulting a personal injury lawyer. Insurance policies and claims processes can be complex, so having an experienced attorney by your side ensures your rights are protected.
- Contact an Experienced Hoffman Estates Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating the legal system after an accident can be overwhelming, but personal injury attorneys can guide you every step of the way. A Hoffman Estates personal injury lawyer can handle communication with other parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries. If wrongful death is involved, a lawyer can assist you in seeking justice for your loved one.
Our personal injury law firm offers a free consultation, allowing you to discuss your case and understand your options. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, truck accident, or other situations caused by negligence, our legal representation ensures you’re equipped to face the process confidently.
- Focus on Your Recovery
Recovering from injuries often involves physical therapy, ongoing medical care, and rest. It’s also important to address the emotional suffering that car accidents can cause. Don’t hesitate to seek counseling or other support if emotional trauma is affecting your recovery.
- Understand the Value of Your Claim
Personal injury lawsuits vary based on medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and the negligence of other drivers or property owners.
An experienced lawyer will evaluate your case to determine what you can recover under Illinois personal injury law.
Taking these steps safeguards your health and strengthens your personal injury case. Injured victims in Hoffman Estates should act quickly, as Illinois law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims.
If you’ve been affected by an accident caused by other parties, contact our Hoffman Estates personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Do I Have a Case? What Is My Case Worth?
Determining your case’s value is a complicated and multi-factored process. As your car accident lawyers in Hoffman Estates, we’ll evaluate your case, factoring these key elements:
- Medical Expenses: Any medical expenses resulting from your car accident fall under the umbrella of medical expenses. Included in this figure are EMS charges, diagnostics, emergency room care, treatment, medical equipment, therapy and any other medical-related costs.
- Lost Wages: Accidents that put you out of work cause a direct loss in wages. You can seek damages for these lost wages while you were in the hospital or unable to work due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Mental anguish from the accident has a cost attached to it, along with any significant injuries.
- Loss of Normal Life: How the enjoyment of your normal life was affected by the accident and your injuries.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Any costs incurred as a result of the accident that you paid for out-of-pocket, such as paying for prescription drugs or a vehicle rental.
Accidents that cause temporary or permanent disability will likely increase the case’s value.
How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer for Me
Your car accident demands the time and attention of a qualified lawyer. You’ll want to narrow down your choices by reviewing the qualifications of the accident lawyer. You’ll want to consider:
- Experience. How long has the lawyer been practicing? Do they focus on car accidents or personal injuries, or do they do a little bit of everything?
- Settlements. Does the lawyer share recent settlement data? Do they have a good settlement ratio?
- Courtroom Experience. If your case goes to trial, does the lawyer have experience in the courtroom? Major accidents may require going in front of a judge.
- Resources. Your case may require expert witnesses, live reconstruction experts, or medical experts. Will the lawyer and the firm have the resources to retain and utilize these experts?
Legal representation requires close communication with your lawyer and a comfort level that allows you to be open and honest with your counsel. We highly recommend scheduling a free consultation to discuss your options with an attorney and to get a feel for their personality.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorney in Hoffman Estates.
Local Emergency Services
Police
Hoffman Estates Police Department
411 W Higgins Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847) 781-2800
Fire Departments
Hoffman Estates Fire Department
1900 Hassell Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847) 843-4825
Hoffman Estates Fire Department Station 23
1300 Westbury Dr
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
(847) 843-4825
Hoffman Estates Fire Department Station 24
5775 Beacon Pointe Dr
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
(847) 843-4825
EMTs
Hoffman Estates Fire Department (firefighters are trained EMTs)
1900 Hassell Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847) 843-4825
Hospitals
1555 Barrington Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847) 843-2000
Urgent Cares
925 N Roselle Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
(847) 310-3211