Buffalo Grove, Illinois Car Accident Lawyers

Highly recommend Newland to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. Our case was assigned to Erin Adamski. For three years following an auto accident, we were treated with the utmost care, respect and understanding.

Car accidents can lead to serious injuries that may cause a great deal of pain, lead to financial strain, and disrupt a person's life. In Buffalo Grove, thousands of vehicles travel through the community each day. When negligent drivers cause collisions, victims may struggle to deal with injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and prevent them from working. Fortunately, victims can take steps to recover compensation from those who were responsible for an accident, but dealing with insurance claims and legal proceedings while recovering from injuries can be difficult.

A skilled legal advocate can be invaluable in the days, weeks, and months after a car accident. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our lawyers understand the issues that can affect the lives of car accident victims, and we work to ensure that our clients will be able to receive compensation that will help them move forward with their lives. Our team has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies and litigating cases in court, and we will fight to secure the full compensation our clients deserve.

Understanding Car Accident Injuries

The human body is not designed to withstand the forces involved in motor vehicle collisions. Even accidents that take place at relatively low speeds can lead to significant injuries. The ways people may be affected by car accidents can vary depending on factors such as the sizes and speeds of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, and whether seat belts or other safety systems functioned properly.

Soft tissue injuries are common in car accidents. These injuries may affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body. Whiplash may occur when a person's head and neck are suddenly jerked forward and backward during a collision. This rapid movement can strain or tear the soft tissues in the neck, causing pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited range of motion. While some people recover from whiplash within weeks, others may experience chronic pain that can last for months or years.

Back injuries in car accidents may include strained muscles, damage to other tissues, herniated discs, broken vertebrae, and damage to the spinal cord. The impact of a collision can compress the spine, causing discs between vertebrae to bulge or rupture. These injuries may result in symptoms like radiating pain, numbness, tingling sensations in the extremities, and weakness. Severe back injuries may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. In some cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis or other permanent disabilities.

Traumatic brain injuries may occur if a person hits their head during a collision. Symptoms that may affect a victim include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and problems with emotional regulation. Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can result in long-lasting or permanent cognitive impairments, personality changes, seizures, chronic pain, and other symptoms that may require long-term care.

Broken bones are common in car accidents, and fractures may occur in arms, legs, ribs, hips, facial bones, or other parts of the body. While some fractures may over a few weeks or months, others may require surgical reconstruction and implants such as pins, plates, or screws. Complications such as infections, improper healing, or damage to surrounding tissues can lead to extended recovery times or permanent physical limitations.

How Injuries Can Affect a Person's Daily Life

Car accident injuries can disrupt the lives of victims in countless ways. Physical pain may make it difficult or impossible to perform routine activities such as getting dressed, preparing meals, or caring for children. People who have led active lifestyles may temporarily or permanently be unable to participate in sports, exercise, or recreational activities. The loss of independence that comes with serious injuries can be emotionally devastating.

Many car accident victims will need to miss significant time from work during their recovery. Some injuries may prevent people from returning to their previous occupations entirely, especially when jobs involve physical labor. The loss of income can add to a family's financial stress and make it difficult to pay medical bills and other expenses.

The psychological impact of a car accident can also cause difficulties. Many victims develop anxiety about driving or riding in vehicles. Some may experience nightmares, flashbacks, or other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Depression can affect people as they deal with chronic pain, a loss of independence, and disruption to their lives.

Relationships can suffer when car accident injuries prevent people from fulfilling their roles as spouses, parents, or caregivers. Activities families once enjoyed together may no longer be possible. The stress of dealing with injuries, medical treatment, and financial concerns can strain even strong relationships. Spouses or other family members may need to take on additional responsibilities when managing a household or providing care, and these issues can cause additional strain on a family.

Financial Compensation for a Car Accident

The compensation an injury victim may receive can reimburse them for their expenses and address other losses. Medical treatment for serious injuries can be expensive, and bills can quickly grow beyond what most families can afford to pay out of pocket. Even people with health insurance may face ongoing expenses. Compensation for medical expenses can help ensure that injured people will receive the care they need without facing financial ruin.

Lost wages may be addressed in the compensation a person receives. When injuries prevent someone from working, they will lose not only their regular income, but they may also be unable to maintain benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans. A family that lives paycheck to paycheck may face a financial crisis. Compensation for lost wages can help a family maintain financial stability.

When an injury results in diminished earning capacity, compensation may address the loss of future income. A construction worker who suffers a severe back injury may never be able to return to work that is physically demanding. A professional who suffers a traumatic brain injury may be unable to perform their previous job duties. Compensation for lost earning capacity will recognize the long-term economic impact of an injury and provide resources for a person who cannot return to their former career.

Victims may also be compensated for pain and suffering, which may address their physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. While money cannot truly compensate a person for chronic pain or the inability to get the most out of their life, compensation can provide some measure of justice while acknowledging the harm they have endured.

Car Accident FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

First, check yourself and others for injuries and contact emergency services if necessary. Move your vehicle to a safe area if possible, but do not leave the accident scene. Exchange contact details and other information with the other driver, including details about insurance policies. Gather evidence, if possible, by taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to police and request a copy of the accident report. Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor as soon as possible to receive a medical evaluation. Finally, contact our law firm before providing detailed statements or other information to insurance companies.

How Is Fault Determined in Car Accidents?

The driver who caused a car accident will typically be liable for injuries and damages that affected the other driver or anyone else involved in the collision. Fault may be determined by examining evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photographs, video footage, or vehicle damage patterns. In some cases, fault may be assigned to more than one party. An injury victim who was no more than 50 percent at fault may recover compensation from the other party, but their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of a car accident claim will depend on multiple factors. Your total damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. The severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, the impact on your ability to work, and other factors may all affect the value of your case. Our lawyers can evaluate your accident to calculate the full value of your claim, and we will work to ensure that you can receive the maximum compensation available.

How Long Will it Take to Resolve a Car Accident Claim?

The timeline involved in a car accident case may depend on several factors. Simple cases in which the other driver was fully at fault and where injuries were moderate may be resolved within a few months. Complex cases involving serious injuries or disputes about fault can take a year or longer to resolve. You should not settle your case until you have completed medical treatment or medical professionals can provide opinions about your long-term prognosis. Settling too early may mean accepting less compensation than you will need. Our attorneys will work to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible while ensuring that you will receive full and fair compensation for all of your damages.

Contact Our Buffalo Grove, IL Car Accident Attorneys

When a car accident has been caused by a negligent driver, legal representation from a skilled attorney can help ensure that you can receive the compensation you deserve. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that you will be able to focus on your recovery while we handle insurance claims, settlement negotiations, or litigation. Contact our Buffalo Grove auto accident lawyers at 847-797-8000 to set up a free consultation.