Buffalo Grove Car Accident Lawyer
Practice Areas
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’re entitled to damages for your injuries, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you get full compensation for your injuries.
The Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. works on a contingency basis, which means that he doesn’t get paid until he’s finished the case. There are no out-of-pocket costs for his professional legal services, and all consultations are free. Contact us to speak to a Buffalo Grove car accident lawyer immediately.
The Benefits of Working With an Experienced Attorney
Buffalo Grove, IL attorney Jack Shapiro represents clients on a contingency basis, which means that his legal services are free until the end of the case: Here are some of the steps that attorney Shapiro will take in pursuit of your settlement.
Gather all documentation, including police reports, medical records, etc.
Subpoena the medical records of the other parties involved.
Subpoena and depose all witnesses to the crash. If they are not located in Buffalo Grove, IL, he can schedule a remote deposition.
Examine all discovery evidence.
Consult with expert witnesses and traffic reconstruction investigators to determine the cause of the accident.
Tabulate all damages for the crash.
File a demand letter with the insurance company.
Issue letters of protection to doctors to ensure you are able to get the healthcare you need.
File a lawsuit with the court of appropriate jurisdiction. (Buffalo Grove is in both Cook and Lake counties.)
Negotiate with the insurance company for a full and fair settlement.
When you hire the Buffalo Grove, IL Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C, you can rest assured that our legal team is diligently pursuing your case.
Hurt in a Car Collision?
Common Injuries in Buffalo Grove, IL Car Accident Cases
All types of injuries are possible in a car accident. Here are some of the most common types of car accident injuries we see from Buffalo Grove, IL motor vehicle accidents.
Whiplash
This is extremely common in rear-end collisions, particularly with the occupants of the front vehicle, who may not be aware that a crash is imminent. Whiplash occurs when the head snaps in one direction and then the other, causing a strain on the muscles and tendons in the neck.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can range from mild concussions to penetrating wounds to the skull and brain. This occurs in all categories of accidents but is particularly common when the vehicle stops suddenly on impact, and the head strikes the steering wheel, airbag, dashboard, or interior windshield. It’s also common in motorcycle accidents.
Bruising
Bruising is common in all types of accidents. Many people dismiss bruising as a minor injury, but the truth is that bruising can not only be quite severe, but it could mask deeper, more serious injuries.
Broken Bones
Fractures are also common in all types of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, but particularly in higher-speed collisions.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries aren’t always apparent on the scene of an auto accident. You may feel fine, but have internal hemorrhaging or other damage, which is why you should always follow up with your doctor after an accident.
Wrongful Death
42,915 people died in car accidents in 2021. Car accident victims don’t always die on the scene of an accident, which means that they may face a period of pain and suffering prior to passing.
Regardless of the nature of your injuries, if you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another, you deserve compensation. A Buffalo Grove car accident lawyer can help.
Types of Compensation for a Car Crash Victim
The state of Illinois recognizes three types of compensation for car accidents:
Economic Damages – This includes all financial costs: hospital bills, follow-up appointments, lost wages from work, car damage, etc.
Non-economic Damages – This is also referred to as pain and suffering. These damages are for the intangible costs of an accident: physical pain, emotional suffering, inconvenience, reduced capacity, etc.
Punitive Damages – These are non-compensatory damages that are meant to penalize an at-fault party for egregious or intentional behavior. For example, a drunk driver who engages in reckless driving.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Buffalo Grove, IL, attorney Shapiro can calculate your damages and present a demand letter to the insurance company for the full amount.
Buffalo Grove Car Accident FAQs
These are some of the most commonly asked questions that Buffalo Grove, IL personal injury attorney Jack M. Shapiro hears from clients. For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact our office to be connected to Mr. Shapiro.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
Illinois allows two years from the date of the accident for injury claims. For wrongful death claims, plaintiffs have two years from the date of death. These periods may seem ample, but it’s important to get things started as soon as possible. Once the statute of limitations expires, you will not be able to pursue damages.
Are there damage caps in Illinois?
Unlike many states, Illinois does not have damage caps. For non-economic damages, the amount is usually based on past cases and settlements. For instance, if you sustained a TBI in a car accident, the amount you could receive is based on past cases involving similar injuries.
Can I recover damages for the death of a loved one in a car crash?
If you’re the immediate family member of the deceased, you may have standing under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. Immediate family members include the spouse, children, and sometimes the parents of the deceased. The decedent’s estate can also pursue damages in wrongful death cases.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases in Buffalo Grove, IL are settled before they reach the trial phase. While Mr. Shapiro may file a lawsuit on your behalf, the insurance companies tend to prefer avoiding the uncertainty of a civil trial. However, if they will not settle for a fair amount, our law office is prepared to litigate.
What if I am partially at fault for the accident?
As long as you can prove that you were less than 50% at fault for the car crash, you can pursue damages under the Illinois comparative negligence law.
Contact Us for Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident, Buffalo Grove personal injury lawyer Jack M. Shapiro will handle your case on a contingency basis. Call today to speak to Mr. Shapiro in a free one-on-one consultation.