Car Accident Lawyers serving Wheeling
Wheeling’s 39,143 residents experience almost equal rates of turning and rear-end accidents. Decades of experience allow our car accident lawyers in Wheeling to navigate complex traffic laws to help you:
- Recover damages
- Obtain the full compensation you deserve
Victims of someone else’s negligence have a right to be made whole again. We’ll fight tirelessly for you, using the fullest extent of the law to hold at-fault parties responsible for the accidents and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Illinois’ comparative negligence laws are complex. We’ll determine which parties are at fault and how much responsibility each party shares.
If necessary, we’ll work with action recreationists to better understand the events that led to the accident.
Call us at (224) 539-8821 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your accident claim.
Wheeling Crash Statistics for 2022
- 574 car accidents
- 457 accidents in clear weather
- 40 accidents involving rain
- 32 accidents involving snow
- 28 alcohol-related accidents
Local Emergency Services
If you were injured in an accident in Wheeling, the following resources may be of help.
Police
1 Community Boulevard
Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 459-2632
Fire Departments
499 S Milwaukee Avenue
Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 459-2662
EMTs
499 S Milwaukee Avenue
Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 459-2662
Hospitals
Presence Health Care Medical Office Building
201 E Strong St
Wheeling, IL 60090
(877) 737-4636
300 McHenry Rd
Wheeling, IL 60090
(844) 599-3700
Urgent Cares
544 W Dundee Rd A
Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 419-6974
56 W Dundee Rd
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
(224) 601-5001
10 N Milwaukee Ave
Wheeling, IL 60090
(800) 323-8622
Top 6 Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Our car accident lawyers in Wheeling know that every accident is unique. You may walk away from an accident without a scratch and a similar crash may be fatal. Common injuries that drivers and passengers sustain are:
- Broken bones: Victims often extend their arms to try and lessen the impact or brace themselves for an accident. Broken wrists and arms are common, but you may also suffer broken ribs, ankles, legs or other bones.
- Concussion: Also considered a traumatic brain injury, a concussion can be mild or severe. You may also have post-concussion syndrome, which can have a long-lasting impact on your quality of life.
- Facial injuries: From a broken jaw to burns on your face from a deployed airbag, facial injuries are common in car accidents. You can also sustain eye injuries from the incident.
- Spinal cord injury: Depending on the extent of the injury, you may have partial or complete paralysis. If you’re lucky, you may even make a full recovery. Therapy and immediate care are necessary to maintain function or relearn how to perform basic tasks again.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Impact accidents often lead to head injuries. You may hit your head on the steering wheel, windshield or other surface. Bleeding in the brain, memory loss or other serious symptoms may present themselves.
- Whiplash: Violent motion back and forth can cause whiplash. Recovery can take weeks.
Accidents can cause significant stress and anxiety. If you don’t feel right following the accident, seek medical attention immediately.
Police officers at the scene of the accident can call an ambulance for you if one is not on the way already.
We always recommend seeking medical attention after an accident. You may not know the extent of your injuries for hours or days after the accident.
Types of Car Accidents
Car crashes can happen for numerous reasons:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Drunk Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Fatigued Driving
- Mechanical Defects
- Improper Turns
- Unlicensed Operators
Many accidents involve improper turns, which may involve a driver turning at a red light or making an illegal turn that causes an accident. Failing to maintain distance and hitting another vehicle from the rear is the other top cause of accidents in Wheeling.
How Does the Claims Process Work?
If you were injured in an accident and the other driver is at fault, they may be held liable for your damages. While every case is different, most will go through the following stages:
- Notifying the insurance company: The first step is to notify the insurance company of the accident to start the claims process.
- Investigation: The insurance company will conduct its own investigation into the accident. If you haven’t already, now is the time to consult with a lawyer. A lawyer will conduct an independent investigation to build your case and support your claim. They will gather evidence, including copies of police reports, copies of medical records, photos of the accident scene, gathering witness contact information, and more.
- Approval or rejection: Once the insurance company completes its investigation, it will approve or deny your claim. If approved, they will make their initial offer – and typically, it’s a low-ball offer.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.
The claims process can be complex and intimidating. Our car accident lawyers in Wheeling will help you navigate each step and fight tirelessly to obtain fair compensation in your case.
What Damages Can I Pursue?
Car accidents can cause significant damage and losses. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to pursue a number of damages, including:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable. They include out-of-pocket costs that you incurred as a result of your injuries. These include:
- Medical expenses, including past and future costs for ongoing care.
- Loss of income if your injuries forced you to take time off of work.
- Loss of future earnings if you are unable to return to your job.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate, but they can have a significant impact on your life. These damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
Pain and suffering can refer to the emotional and physical trauma caused by a car accident. It can include anxiety, PTSD, distress, nerve damage, headaches and other psychological, physical or emotional impacts.
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case
If you were injured in a car accident, a lawyer can help you understand your rights, fight for your interests and help you find the best course of action in your case. Finding the right lawyer is crucial.
There are several things to consider when choosing a lawyer, including:
- Experience with car accident cases. A lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours will have a better understanding of how to calculate your damages and negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Communication skills. Your lawyer should be able to explain complicated legal jargon in plain language, so you understand the process and your rights. They should be available to answer your questions and address your concerns in a timely manner.
- Reputation. Review client testimonials and check their track record. Have they succeeded with other similar claims? Are clients happy with their experience and the results?
For decades, the lawyers at Vito & Dollenmaier Law have been helping clients get justice and the compensation they deserve for their injuries. We fight tirelessly for our clients and will help you navigate the road ahead.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our car accident lawyers in Wheeling.