Wheeling Car Accident Attorneys

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!

No matter how safely you drive, you could be seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident. Whether you are driving through downtown Wheeling, crossing busy intersections along Milwaukee Avenue, or traveling on Interstate 294, the risk of a collision is always present. When another driver acts negligently or recklessly, they may cause an accident that can result in serious injuries. You may be left dealing with large medical bills and other expenses, as well as physical pain or other issues that can affect every aspect of your life. In this situation, you will need to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to obtain the compensation you deserve.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys have the experience needed to provide you with effective representation following a car accident. We understand ways you and your family may be affected, including the emotional trauma and financial struggles you may encounter. We will provide you with compassionate representation while working to achieve results that will help you move forward with your life.

Types of Car Accidents in Wheeling

Car accidents take many forms. Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of accidents, and they may occur when drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance or become distracted. These crashes can result in whiplash, back injuries, soft tissue damage, head injuries, and other forms of bodily harm.

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of car accidents. The force of impact in these collisions can cause catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. These accidents may occur when a driver strays across a road's center line due to distractions, drives the wrong way on a one-way street, or loses control of their vehicle.

Side-impact collisions, which are also known as T-bone accidents, typically happen at intersections. A driver may strike another vehicle if they run a red light or do not stop at a stop sign. The sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear, and these accidents can lead to multiple types of serious injuries.

While many accidents will involve collisions between two vehicles, some accidents may involve three or more vehicles. Chain-reaction crashes can occur on highways when one collision leads to additional impacts. In a rear-end collision, one vehicle may be pushed into another vehicle, leading to additional injuries and property damage. Determining liability in multi-vehicle accidents will require a careful investigation and an analysis of how each driver's actions contributed to the overall crash.

Intersection Where Accidents Can Take Place in Wheeling

Wheeling has numerous busy roads and highways, as well as intersections where multiple roads converge. Intersections along Dundee Road, Milwaukee Avenue, Lake Cook Road, and Elmhurst Road (Highway 83) often experience high levels of traffic throughout the day. Accidents at intersections along these roads may occur when drivers disobey traffic signals, attempt to beat yellow lights, or turn in front of traffic.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Many accidents are caused by driver errors and violations of traffic laws. Weather conditions, road defects, and mechanical failures can also contribute to accidents, but driver negligence is the leading cause of collisions in Illinois.

Speed Limit Violations

Speeding is a major factor in many collisions. When drivers violate the speed limit, they may not have enough time to react to hazards. They will take longer to stop, and they may be unable to avoid colliding with vehicles that have slowed down in front of them.

Drunk Driving

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most reckless forms of driver negligence. Even if a person is not over the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (.08 percent), any amount of alcohol in their system can affect their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries because of factors like slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and vision impairments that can affect impaired drivers. Drunk drivers may drive at unsafe speeds, weave between lanes, run red lights, or take other dangerous actions. They may not slow down when necessary, which can lead to a forceful impact in a collision that can cause serious harm to others who are involved.

Distracted Driving

Distractions behind the wheel have become an increasingly serious problem on Illinois roads. Anything that takes a driver's attention away from the task of driving can lead to an accident. Common distractions include:

• Cell Phone Use: Texting while driving can be especially dangerous because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Drivers may also be distracted when using smartphones to browse the internet, watch videos, check social media, or make audio or video calls.
• Eating and Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving will require a driver to take at least one hand off the wheel. Paying attention to food and drink can cause a person to miss important details, which can lead to an accident.
• Adjusting Controls: Changing radio stations, adjusting climate controls, or programming navigation systems can take a driver's attention away from the road during critical moments.
• Passengers: Conversations with passengers or interactions with children can distract a driver and keep them from focusing on traffic conditions.

Other Forms of Negligence

• Fatigued Driving: Drowsy drivers may experience delayed reaction times and other physical and mental issues that are similar to the effects of alcohol intoxication. People who are tired may miss important details, or they may even fall asleep while driving, which can lead to devastating accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Actions such as tailgating, excessive speeding, or cutting off other vehicles can put everyone on the road at risk of being injured in a collision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Cases

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to car accidents is generally two years after the date of the accident. If you fail to file a claim within this time period, you may lose your right to obtain financial compensation. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Car Accident?

You may receive compensation for various damages that you have suffered due to an accident. Economic damages may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, or any other financial losses. Non-economic damages may provide compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible effects of an accident. Our lawyers can help you understand what forms of compensation you may be eligible to receive.

What Happens if the Driver Who Caused a Car Accident Does Not Have Insurance?

If you have been hit by an uninsured driver, you may be eligible for compensation through the uninsured motorist coverage on your own car insurance policy. Underinsured motorist coverage may also apply if a driver was insured, but their policy will not fully cover your losses. Our attorneys can review your policy and help you take steps to obtain compensation from all available sources.

Should I Accept an Insurance Company's Settlement Offer After a Car Accident?

You should not accept any settlement offer without first consulting with an attorney. Insurance companies often make low initial offers to try to resolve cases before accident victims understand the full value of their claims. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you typically cannot recover additional compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you realized. Our lawyers can evaluate settlement offers, advise you on whether they will fully compensate you for your losses, and work to negotiate agreements that will provide you with the full compensation you need and deserve.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we work on a contingency fee basis. No attorney's fees will be collected unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee will be a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain on your behalf. With no up-front costs, you can make sure you will have the legal representation you need without any financial risk.

Contact Our Wheeling, Illinois Car Accident Lawyers

After suffering injuries in a car accident, you will need to make sure you have strong legal representation from an attorney who can protect your rights. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our lawyers will investigate your accident, build a persuasive case, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our Wheeling motor vehicle accident attorneys today at 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation.