Wheeling, IL
Personal Injury Lawyer Wheeling
When an accident occurs because of someone else’s negligence, life can take a sudden, dramatic turn. You may have been rear-ended or side-swiped at an intersection, injured due to neglected safety measures at another’s premises, or suffered a slip and fall injury at a construction site. The fallout can echo through your life – physical pain, emotional distress, medical bills piling up, wages lost, and loss of quality of life that only adds to your woes. At times like these, an experienced personal injury lawyers can be your strongest ally.
At the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C., our personal injury attorney will provide you with strong legal representation in a wide range of personal injury cases in Wheeling, IL and across the Northwest suburbs. Choosing us means choosing a team that won’t back down until you get the justice you deserve. We strive to secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries, helping you to mend and move forward.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Wheeling personal injury lawyers Jack M. Shapiro has represented clients in a multitude of cases, including but not limited to:
Car accidents
These occur when one vehicle collides with another. Whether it’s a head-on collision, rear-end crash, or a multi-car pile-up, our personal injury attorney team is experienced in helping injured victims navigate the complex legal landscape.
Motorbike crashes
Motorcyclists often face severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection. From handling insurance claims to representing you in court, our Wheeling personal injury lawyer team is committed to helping you get back on your feet.
Commercial truck accidents
Accidents involving large trucks can lead to devastating damages and injuries. We thoroughly investigate these cases to determine liability and seek justice.
Bicycle accidents
Cyclists are vulnerable road users, and their accidents can result in severe injuries. We’ll fight for your rights, ensuring you receive the compensation you need to recover.
Pedestrian accidents
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the results can be life-altering. Our job is to represent your interests, holding reckless drivers accountable for their actions.
Rideshare accidents
Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshares add a layer of complexity to personal injury claims. We’re skilled in untangling these intricate cases and pursuing fair compensation.
Slip and fall accidents
When a property owner’s negligence leads to your injury, we step in. We will prove the negligence and seek the restitution you deserve.
Construction site accidents
Construction sites can be hazardous. If you’ve been injured due to negligence, faulty equipment, or safety violations, we’ll stand up for your rights.
Dog bites
Dog owners must be held accountable for their pets’ actions. If a dog bite has left you injured, we’ll work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.
Illinois Personal Injury Laws and Statutes of Limitations
Navigating the legal system can seem daunting, but a clear understanding of these laws is crucial to filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Statutes of limitations
Illinois law, specifically 735 ILCS 5/13-202, gives you a time limit of two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. There are exceptions to this rule, such as in the case of minors or situations where the injury was not discovered immediately.
Comparative liability
Under the rule of modified comparative fault, you can still obtain compensation if you were partially at fault for your injuries, as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your recoverable damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance policy
The Illinois Vehicle Code mandates that every vehicle owner in the state must have an insurance policy that covers liability for bodily injury, death, and property damage. This ensures that if they are at fault in an accident, there are funds available to compensate the personal injury victims.
The minimum coverage limits under the law are:
- Bodily injury or death to one person in an accident: $25,000
- Bodily injury or death to more than one person in an accident: $50,000
- Property damage: $20,000
These are the absolute minimums. Many drivers carry higher limits to protect themselves in case of a serious accident.
This liability insurance company only covers damages to other people and their property. It does not cover the driver’s injuries or vehicle damages. For that, drivers would need additional collision, comprehensive, or medical payments coverage. Also, if the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate the wheeling injury victims, the accident victims may be able to make a claim under their own underinsured motorist coverage, if they have it.
Caps on damages
Illinois has a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases against physicians and hospitals, but it doesn’t apply to other personal injury cases, such as car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, and dog bite cases, to name a few. In these cases, non-economic damages are not limited, and the jury has the discretion to award an amount they deem fair and appropriate given the circumstances of the case.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover for My Injuries?
The types of damages are typically categorized into economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic damages
These are quantifiable monetary losses resulting from your injuries. They can include:
- Medical expenses: This covers past and future medical costs related to your injuries, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, prescription medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost wages: If your injuries forced you to take time off work, you can be compensated for your lost income during that period. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you can also claim lost earning capacity.
- Property damage: If your personal property was damaged, you can claim the cost of repair or replacement.
Non-economic damages
These are more subjective and not as easily quantifiable. They refer to the emotional and psychological impact of your injuries and can include:
- Pain and suffering: This encompasses the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced due to your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, recreation, and other life pleasures, you can seek compensation.
- Emotional distress: This includes anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other psychological effects resulting from the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries have affected your relationship with your spouse or family, you can claim compensation for this loss.
Punitive damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which compensate the victim, punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. In Illinois, punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly outrageous or egregious. Not every personal injury case will involve punitive damages.
Get Strong Legal Representation from Our Personal Injury Attorneys Wheeling
In a personal injury claim in Illinois, the burden of proof is on the victim to show that someone else’s negligent actions led to your injuries. At the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C., we are experts at taking that weight off your shoulders. Our experienced personal injury lawyers team knows exactly what evidence is needed to prove liability and establish your case for the highest possible financial compensation.
- We hire expert witnesses to strengthen your case
- We investigate all aspects of the case and identify the liable injured parties
- We collect physical and forensic evidence from the scene of the crash
- We talk to the eyewitness
- We gather photos, videos, and surveillance camera footage
- We analyze police reports, medical records, and more
Call us at (847) 423-6358 or contact us online to set up your free and confidential consultation today.