Decatur, Illinois Rear-End Crashes Lawyer
You might be aware that rear-end crashes occur frequently on Illinois roads, but you may not realize that they are the most common type of collision in the US. Almost one-third of all traffic accidents are rear-enders, so the threat is very real. These incidents are tragic when they are fatal, but even survivors can suffer serious injuries when hit from behind. Plus, there are financial and emotional losses that extend beyond the physical pain.
Illinois law protects your rights if you were hurt or someone close to you died in a rear-end collision. You might be entitled to monetary damages from the at-fault driver, and our team at Patel Law, PC will assist with the process. Please contact our office right away to set up a free case review with a Decatur, Illinois rear-end crash lawyer. You can also read on to learn more about your remedies and what to do after an accident.
Common Causes Behind Rear-Ends
The main reason these crashes occur is driver negligence, a term that refers to liability in the practice of law. You must prove that the other motorist caused the accident because he or she breached the duty to drive safely. With a rear-end accident, examples of negligence can include:
- Speeding;
- Drunk and drugged driving;
- Running red lights or stop signs;
- Failure to yield;
- Making illegal turns; and,
- Texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or other forms of distracted driving.
There is a misconception that all rear-enders are caused by the following driver, but the motorist in the vehicle ahead can also be liable. A driver could be negligent by slamming on brakes, failing to have properly working brake lights, or suddenly slowing. Such a scenario could trigger Illinois’ law on comparative negligence, in which your damages are reduced if you were careless while driving.
What to Do if You Were Hurt in an Accident
The chaos of a traffic collision can be overwhelming, but some tips on how to handle the situation can help you cope. Plus, you can support the efforts of our Decatur, Illinois rear-end crash attorney if you:
- Get proper medical care right away.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with other motorists.
- Avoid conversations about fault or how you think the rear-end accident happened.
- If contacted by an insurance company, decline to provide a statement or answer questions.
Patel Law, PC will handle all other essential tasks to ensure you receive fair compensation, including filing an insurance claim and representing you in litigation.
You Can Rely on a Decatur, Illinois Rear-End Crashes Lawyer to Advise You
It is important to remember these tips on what to do after a rear-ender, but you can trust Patel Law, PC to handle the essential legal tasks. To learn how we can assist with the insurance claims process and litigation, please contact us to schedule a no-cost case evaluation. An Illinois rear-end crash attorney can provide personalized details after reviewing your situation.
