A car crash can be scary and make you upset and confused about what to do. But knowing your rights in this situation is important. Knowing how to safeguard your rights after a car crash can make a significant difference in ensuring you receive the appropriate compensation and support you deserve. This blog will explore the steps immediately following a car crash to safeguard your rights.

One of the most common questions that our clients who have filed car accident claims ask is how long it will take for their case to settle. There are a variety of factors that impact the length of time for a case to resolve, either by settlement or by trial. The following is a brief overview of these factors. For more detailed information regarding your particular situation, speak to one of our Illinois car accident attorneys.

How Severe Are the Injuries?

One of the most important factors in a car accident claim timeline is how severe the injuries you sustained are. The timeline will most likely be sped up if you sustained minor injuries. If you have sustained more serious injuries, it will take longer to determine whether your injuries will leave you with long-term or permanent health issues. If the case settles too soon, you could lose out on the financial compensation you are entitled to for future medical care and disabilities.

Who Is Liable for the Crash and Injuries?

Another factor in determining how quickly a case will settle is how evident fault for the crash is. The more complex the case, the longer it can take to reach a resolution. If the other party disputes their liability or there are multiple parties involved, this could cause the timeline to be extended.

Car accidents tend to occur more often during the summer for a number of reasons. The combination of increased traffic, weather conditions, and human behaviors significantly contribute to this trend. The weather warms up and people tend to travel more frequently and participate in outdoor activities, which can lead to a higher number of accidents on the roads. The following are some of the factors that can contribute to summertime car accidents.

Higher Traffic Volume

Summer is the season for vacations, road trips, and outdoor events. This leads to a significant increase in the amount of traffic on the roads. This higher traffic volume means more drivers are sharing the road, which also increases the risk of crashes, especially in congested areas.

Tourists and Inexperienced Drivers

Popular summer destinations attract tourists who may not be familiar with local roads or driving conditions in these areas. Inexperienced drivers or those unfamiliar with the area may make errors in judgment or navigation, leading to a higher risk of accidents.

In today's fast-paced and technologically advanced world, it is not uncommon to witness the reckless act of texting while driving, despite all the data that shows just how dangerous this activity is. Some surveys have found that almost 40 percent of drivers admit to texting while driving, even though they are aware of the potential consequences, as well as the fact that it is illegal.

Just Seconds Can Result in Devastation

The need to stay connected and multitask has unfortunately become so ingrained in our society that drivers ignore the fact that texting while driving diverts attention from the road and greatly increases the risk of crashing. A split second of distraction can result in a catastrophic collision, causing irreversible injuries, fatalities, and property damage.

In one major study conducted by Virginia Tech, researchers found that out of all the distracted driving activities, texting kept the driver’s attention off the road for the longest – an average of 4.6 seconds. In order to understand the stark reality of those seconds, the study explained that a driver operating at 55 mph would travel the length of an entire football field in just 4.6 seconds.

 Disregarding traffic laws can have serious consequences, including vehicle accidents, injuries, and legal penalties. Unfortunately, some drivers frequently neglect certain traffic laws, increasing the risk for themselves and others on the road. The following are some of the most commonly disregarded traffic laws that result in many of the crashes that occur on Illinois roads.

Speeding

Speeding is a prevalent traffic violation that many drivers disregard. Exceeding the posted speed limit reduces the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the likelihood of accidents. Speeding also contributes to more severe injuries and fatalities in the event of a crash.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Ignoring red lights and stop signs is a dangerous practice that can lead to severe accidents. Failing to stop at these traffic signals increases the risk of collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists who have the right of way. Intersection accidents resulting from running red lights or stop signs can cause significant injuries and property damage.