Des Plaines, IL Car Accident Lawyers

Newland & Newland was a great asset to utilize after my car accident. Attorneys Gary Newland and Erin Adamski provided excellent support and care to my case!...

A serious car accident can reshape a person's life in a matter of seconds. A collision may result in serious injuries such as shattered bones, brain trauma, or other forms of harm that may require months of rehabilitation or may lead to permanent disabilities. In the aftermath of an accident, a victim may experience financial struggles that can feel impossible to manage. When an accident happens because another party acted carelessly or irresponsibly, an injury victim can take legal action to recover compensation.

To obtain the compensation needed to move forward after an accident, it is important to understand who may be held responsible and how to build a compelling case. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our legal team represents people in Des Plaines who have been hurt in car accidents. We handle every aspect of the legal process on behalf of our clients. We can investigate the causes of a crash and identify all parties who may be held liable. We will negotiate with insurers and fight to secure full and fair compensation for injury victims.

Who May Be Responsible for a Car Accident

Identifying every party whose negligence contributed to a crash is one of the most important steps in building a successful claim for compensation. In some cases, another driver may be solely responsible. In others, liability may be shared among multiple parties.

Negligent Drivers

Driver error is the most common cause of car accidents. When a driver violates traffic laws or engages in unsafe behavior, they can be held accountable for causing harm to someone else in a collision.

Speeding is one of the most common factors in serious car accidents in Illinois. When a driver travels above the speed limit, they will need more distance to stop. They will have less time to react to hazards, and they will be more likely to lose control. Distracted driving is another pervasive problem, and crashes may be caused by drivers who are texting, scrolling through social media, or talking on their phones.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most serious forms of driver negligence. Drivers who are intoxicated will be likely to lose control, and they may make no effort to avoid collisions, which can increase the severity of the injuries experienced by other people. Other common forms of driver negligence include running red lights or stop signs, improper lane changes, tailgating, and drowsy driving.

Government Entities and Road Hazards

Dangerous road conditions like crumbling pavement, missing or obscured signs, malfunctioning traffic signals, inadequate lighting, and poorly designed intersections can cause collisions. When a government entity that is responsible for road design or maintenance has failed to correct hazardous conditions, it may be held liable for accidents that occur as a result.

Vehicle and Auto Part Manufacturers

When the breakdown of a vehicle or malfunctioning parts are responsible for causing an accident, a manufacturer may be held liable through a product liability claim. Auto parts that can cause accidents or injuries when they fail to function correctly include braking systems, steering components, tires, airbags, and seat belts.

Types of Car Accidents and the Injuries They Cause

The injuries that may take place in a car crash will depend on how the collision occurs. Different types of crashes can affect the human body in different ways, and injuries may range from minor harm to permanent disabilities.

Head-On Collisions

When two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide, the combined speed of the vehicles can cause drivers or passengers to suffer severe injuries. The occupants of both vehicles may be driven forward into seatbelts, steering wheels, dashboards, and airbags. They may experience traumatic brain injuries that could lead to permanent cognitive impairments. Spinal fractures are common in these cases, and they may result in paralysis. Other severe fractures can occur in the sternum, ribs, and lower extremities. In some cases, injuries may be fatal, and family members may need to determine their options for filing wrongful death claims.

Sideswipe Accidents

These accidents can be caused by unsafe lane changes or merging without checking to make sure there is enough room, or a driver may drift out of their lane due to distraction or drowsiness. When a vehicle is struck in a sideswipe accident, it may be pushed into oncoming traffic, or it may strike guardrails, curbs, or other vehicles.

T-Bone Collisions

A broadside or side-impact crash may happen at an intersection when a driver runs a red light or stop sign or turns in front of other vehicles. The side panels of a vehicle provide less protection than the front or rear, and people sitting near the point of impact can suffer severe injuries. T-bone accidents may lead to hip fractures, internal organ damage, rib fractures and punctured lungs, and serious head trauma.

Rear-End Accidents

Issues such as tailgating, distracted driving, or driving too fast in poor visibility conditions can lead to rear-end accidents. Although these crashes are often assumed to be minor, they can result in serious injuries, especially when a collision occurs at a high speed or when a larger vehicle like an SUV or pickup truck strikes a smaller car.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

When a car strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist, the injuries suffered by a victim can be severe. A person who is struck will absorb the full force of the impact. Even when these collisions occur at relatively low speeds, they can lead to serious fractures, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal cord damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Cases in Des Plaines

Contact Our Des Plaines Car Accident Attorneys

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys can provide the legal help you need after a car accident. We will work closely with you to make sure you will be fully compensated for your injuries and damages. Contact our Des Plaines, IL auto accident lawyers at 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation.