Car Accident
Palatine Car Accident Attorneys
Auto accidents are life-changing events that cause physical suffering and emotional distress. You may be wondering who will pay for your damages like your medical bills, lost wages, car damage, and future lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work. Under Illinois state personal injury laws, you can file for damages from the driver who is responsible for causing the accident.
The Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. in Palatine, IL helps victims of car accidents recover compensation for their losses. While you focus on your physical and emotional recovery, we stand up to the insurance company.
When should you hire a personal injury lawyer after a car crash?
You should reach out to Palatine car accident attorneys within three days of the car crash. You can call 847-243-8917 to schedule a free consultation at the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. Additionally, you should seek medical attention within 24 hours of your accident.
Injuries From An Auto Accident
Sprains and strains, also known as whiplash, are some of the most common injuries after a car accident; specifically, sprains and strains of the neck and back. With these sustaining injuries, it is common for victims to not experience pain for several hours or even several days post-accident. Broken bones are another common injury which may require surgery before being set in a cast. The car accident victim may need physical therapy in Palatine, IL to regain strength in the affected limb or area where the fracture occurred.
Traumatic brain injuries occur when there is a forceful blow to the head. The impact of the Palatine, IL car accident can cause the brain to shake inside the skull, resulting in bleeding and tearing of the neural connections. TBI can lead to permanent cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and even physical changes. TBI from a car accident can affect a person’s ability to function independently in their daily life.
Back and spine injuries are caused by the forceful impact of the car accident. There are 33 vertebrae stacked in the spine, and these small bones protect the spinal cord. An injury to the spinal cord can be complete or incomplete, permanent or temporary. The spine is broken into three sections: the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine,
Serious injuries from a Palatine, IL car accident require expensive medical treatments and interventions. How much you receive in compensation will depend on the extent of your injuries, the length of recovery, the permanence of your injuries, and the pain and suffering you have endured. Our Palatine personal injury lawyer is ready to fight tenaciously so that you receive every dollar you deserve for your damages like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Types Of Car Insurance Coverage For Personal Injuries
Drivers in Palatine, IL are required by law to carry the following minimum amount of liability insurance:
- $25,000 for injury or death of one person in a car accident
- $50,000 for injury or death of more than one person in a car accident
- $20,000 for damage to the property of another person
You must report your car accident to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) if damages exceed $500 or there were any injuries. The at-fault driver is required to pay for damages or face license plate registration and driver’s license suspension.
What to Do if Another Car Hits You
There are certain steps you need to take after a Palatine, IL car accident, according to the law:
- You must report the accident to the police and call 911 if there are injuries. Remain at the scene of the accident.
- Exchange contact information with the other driver: name, address, email address, phone number, vehicle registration, and car insurance information.
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident.
- Go to the nearest emergency room in Palatine, IL to be treated for your injuries.
- Call a car accident lawyer in Palatine, IL right away.
Just as important it is to know what to do, it is important to know what not to do. Do not talk to the insurance company nor your own insurance company before talking to an attorney. The insurance company will try to make you settle for a lesser amount than you deserve. They are also known for delaying cases and placating car accident victims with small amounts of money until the statute of limitations has expired. The Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. in Palatine, IL will protect you from their tactics.
You might be wondering if you should see a doctor for minor injuries. Any physical harm should be checked out by a doctor. You may feel fine at first, but after the adrenaline has worn off several hours after your car accident, you may feel pain. It may take that long for the swelling to reach its peak. You deserve the peace of mind knowing that a qualified physician has given you a proper health assessment.
To start the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit, we bring you into our Palatine, IL law office for a free initial consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. We listen to you and advise you of your rights.
Hiring a Palatine Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer after you have suffered damages in Palatine, IL will improve your chances of obtaining a sizable settlement in your personal injury lawsuit. We start with a free case evaluation and answer all your questions related to filing a car accident claim. Then we proceed to collect evidence to support your case. We can subpoena witnesses, expert witnesses, traffic camera footage, surveillance camera footage from nearby homes or businesses, and review your medical records to build a strong case based on the facts.
Common Types of Car Accidents in Palatine, IL
The most common types of auto accidents in Palatine, IL are as follows:
- Sideswipe accidents
- Blindspot accidents
- T-bone accidents, also known as left turn accidents, intersection accidents or side impact collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Multi-vehicle accidents
- Low-speed accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
How We Can Help
You need strong evidence to help you win damages in your car accident claim. Our Palatine personal injury lawyers handle each case personally and fight to recover economic and noneconomic damages. Call 847-243-8917 to reach a Palatine personal injury lawyer from the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C.