Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Car Accident Victims in Illinois

Car accidents can occur in a matter of seconds but leave lasting impacts on those involved. Whether a minor fender-bender or a collision, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and insurance negotiations add stress to an already difficult situation. If you've been in an accident, securing the right legal representation is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring fair compensation. Our Waukegan car accident lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and help you get the justice you deserve.

Contact Jeep, Hauck and Associates today to get started with our car accident attorney in Waukegan.

Essential Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident

Car accidents are stressful and often traumatic. Amid the difficult aftermath, knowing what steps to take to protect your health and improve your chances of making a successful personal injury claim is important. We have you covered with steps to follow below. 

After an accident:

1. Check yourself and others involved for injuries. If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. 
2. Call the police to report the incident. This report will serve as official documentation of the collision and could be essential for pursuing an injury claim. 
3. Exchange contact, vehicle, and insurance information with the other parties involved. 
4. Take pictures or videos of the scene and your injuries. You should also keep a record of any expenses you incur because of the accident, be it medical bills or car damage repairs. 
5. Visit a doctor promptly, even if you do not feel like you have been seriously hurt. Certain injuries might not be apparent immediately. Additionally, a doctor’s assessment of your injuries could be crucial evidence for your claim. 
6. Report the incident to your insurance company. Give them honest and accurate information about the accident. Remember: you are not obligated to accept a settlement offer from the responsible party’s insurance company or your own. 
7. Consult with an attorney about your situation. They can help you understand your rights, assess the value of your potential claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests. 

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Common causes may include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving involves anything that diverts the driver’s attention from the road. This could be texting, using a GPS, talking on the phone, eating, or even adjusting the radio.
• Speeding: Driving above the speed limit decreases a driver’s capability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. High-speed accidents are also more likely to result in severe injuries.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, frequent lane changes, and running red lights increase the risk of accidents. Reckless driving is not only dangerous but also highly preventable.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, and make it difficult to stay in control of a vehicle. DUI-related accidents often lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog could make roads slippery and decrease visibility, increasing the probability of collisions. Drivers should always adjust their speed and driving habits to accommodate for adverse weather conditions.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems can lead to accidents, even when the driver is acting responsibly. In some cases, the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part could be held liable.
• Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Failure to obey traffic signals is another common cause of accidents. Running red lights can lead to dangerous T-bone collisions at intersections, whether due to distraction, impatience, or simply ignoring the rules.

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Whiplash: One of the most frequently seen injuries, whiplash happens when the neck is suddenly forced backward and then forward, damaging the soft tissues in the neck. This type of injury is common in rear-end collisions and can lead to chronic pain if not treated properly.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions can occur if a victim’s head strikes the dashboard, steering wheel, or window. Even mild TBIs can have long-lasting effects, while severe cases can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Harm to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often demand extensive medical treatment and long-term care, drastically affecting the victim’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones: The force of impact in a car accident could cause bones to fracture or break, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Internal Injuries: The blunt force trauma from a car accident can cause damage to internal organs, like the lungs, liver, or spleen. These injuries are not always immediately apparent and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Lacerations and Bruising: Shattered glass and impact with hard surfaces often cause cuts and bruises. While some may be minor, deep lacerations can lead to infection and scarring, requiring medical attention.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, car accidents can also have a lasting psychological impact. Many accident victims suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect their daily lives and relationships.