Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer

Vehicle accidents are common in Arlington Heights, Cook County, the greater Chicago area, and Illinois.

In fact, Cook County has the highest frequency of auto accidents in the state.

The following statistics outline the frequency and severity of these accidents:

• The Illinois Department of Vehicles reported that in 2018, Cook County had 162,527 auto accidents.
• There were 248 fatal crashes in Cook County in 2018.
• 31,404 crashes in Cook County in 2018 resulted in injuries.
• 1,035 people died in automobile accidents in Illinois in 2019.
• Each day in 2018, there was an average of 874 automobile accidents in Illinois. Nearly three people died in auto accidents in the state each day.
• Excessive speed accounted for 33.7 percent of automobile crashes in Illinois, 36.1 percent of fatal crashes in Illinois, and 38.2 percent of Illinois crashes involving injuries.
• 27 percent of Illinois fatal auto accidents involved alcohol.

Even with advances in technology, numerous public awareness campaigns, and increased safety standards — automobile accidents are still common.

Many car accidents are preventable, and most are caused by human error.

These are the most common causes of car accidents in the United States:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents.

Distracted driving has become increasingly common as drivers are more occupied with phone calls, texts, food, makeup, and other distractions instead of being focused on the road.

Even just a split-second of distraction behind the wheel can have severe, and even fatal, consequences.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is not only against the law in every state – it’s incredibly dangerous.

Impaired driving remains one of the United States’ leading causes of automobile accident injuries and fatalities.

Excessive Speed

Driving at excessive speeds is the second most common cause of car crashes in the United States.

Drivers frequently disregard legal speed limits, especially while on highways.

This gives them less control over their cars and less time to react.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving describes instances when a driver ignores traffic signals and laws carelessly handle his or her car or drive too aggressively.

Reckless driving is often associated with road rage, carelessness, and a lack of situational awareness.

Driving in Poor Weather Conditions

 Drivers need to take extra precautions when driving in the rain, ice, snow, fog, or heavy winds.

Car accidents are more common in these conditions, especially when drivers do not adjust speeds, fail to account for necessary increased stopping time, do not maintain a safe distance from other cars, or drive in a hurry.

Drivers and passengers can be seriously injured in automobile accidents.

In fact, 31,404 crashes in Cook County in 2018 resulted in injuries.

The most common automobile accident injuries are:

• Broken Bones
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Concussions
• Lacerations
• Wrongful death

Auto accident injuries range from minor to severe, and it’s important to seek proper medical attention after any car accident.

Some accident injuries are not immediately recognizable and can develop into something more serious later on.

Certified medical professionals are better at recognizing internal or less-discernible injuries that could lead to complications if left untreated.

“Seat belts save lives,” is more than just a tagline — it’s the truth.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that seat belts saved 14,668 American automobile occupants’ lives in 2016.

Wearing a seat belt is the safest choice, and it’s the law.

The state of Illinois requires all automobile occupants, regardless of their seating position, to wear a properly fastened and adjusted seat belt.

The driver is responsible for ensuring that all passengers are wearing seatbelts, and failing to obey this law can lead to fines starting at $25.

The Child Passenger Protection Act (CPPA) requires that all children 8 years and younger be properly seated in a CPPA-approved child safety seat.

For additional information about child safety seat requirements and seat belt laws, exemptions, and penalties, visit Buckle Up Illinois.

As mentioned earlier, the majority of car and truck accidents are due to human error or negligence.

This means that many accidents can be prevented, and there are precautions drivers should take to maximize the safety and well-being of themselves and others on the road.

Here are precautions that drivers can take to help prevent automobile accidents:

• Maintain a safe distance from other automobiles. Do not tailgate or follow other vehicles too closely. This is especially important near trucks, busses, and other large vehicles. Ideally, maintain a distance of at least 200 feet except when you are passing them.
• Keep up with your vehicle’s routine maintenance, service any damages, and fill your fuel and oil as needed. Many vehicle accidents occur when poorly maintained vehicles break down on busy roads.
• Be aware of other drivers and their communication signals and movements. This will give you time to drive defensively and appropriately react.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Keep a cell phone on hand with an emergency contact (a family member or close friend) and your insurance company contact information.
• Do not drive when you are tired, intoxicated, or unfit to drive. Find someone else who can drive or find an alternative way home. If you are driving and start to feel sick or tired, find a safe place where you can pull over and rest.

If you’re involved in an automobile accident, being prepared makes the situation easier to deal with.

Here are the five steps to take after an automobile accident:

Stop! Do Not Drive Away

Never drive away after an auto accident.

It will make your situation worse, and it’s against the law.

Instead, shift your vehicle into park, turn off its engine, and turn on the hazard lights.

Establish a safe path that is out of the hazard zone before exiting your vehicle.

Alert the Police and Medical Personnel

If your accident is an emergency, call 9-1-1 to alert the authorities and for medical treatment.

If no one is injured and the vehicles are not blocking traffic, call the Arlington Heights Police Department non-emergency number at 847-368-5300 and report the accident.

Follow any instructions given by police and medical personnel.

Document Your Accident and Contact Your Insurance Company

It’s important to document your accident details beyond the police report.

Take photos of any damages and the road where the accident occurred.

Take detailed notes that describe the date, time, and how the accident happened.

Take down the names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate number of anyone involved, but do not admit fault (read on to learn why).

Do not sign any documents unless you are required to by police or authorized personnel.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Track All Medical Expenses and Treatments

If you are injured in the accident, make sure to receive adequate medical attention and care.

Keep track of all of your medical treatments and expenses along the way.

This will help your Arlington Heights car accident lawyer and/or insurance company guarantee that you receive full compensation for your injuries.

Hire an experienced Arlington Heights Car Accident Lawyer

Working with an experienced car accident attorney will help ensure that you have a strong case.

Legal representation increases your chances of receiving full compensation for your damages including medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.

Be aware of Illinois’ statute of limitations and file your claim on time.

Contact TorHoerman Law to learn more about working with our team of car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys.

If you’re injured in a car accident in Arlington Heights, contact emergency services and seek medical care and treatment.

Arlington Heights Emergency & Non-Emergency Services

All Arlington Heights Emergencies & Ambulances — 911

Cook County Sheriff — 312-603-6444

Arlington Heights Police Department (non-emergency) — 847-368-5300

Arlington Heights Fire Department Fire (non-emergency) — 847-368-5794

IDOT Roadside Emergencies –*999

Hospitals near Arlington Heights, Illinois

NCH Northwest Community Hospital  — Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60005— 847-618-1000

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Outpatient Center  — Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60005 — 312-227-5410

Busse Center for Specialty Medicine— Arlington Heights, Illinois, 60005 — 847-618-1000

NorthShore Glenbrook Hospital  — Glenview, Illinois, 60026 — 847-657-5800

AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center  — Elk Grove Village, Illinois, 60007 — 847-437-5500

There is no reason that you should ever accept or admit fault at the scene of an auto accident.

Even if you believe you are to blame, do not admit fault.

Defining auto accident fault is complex and based on many situational laws and details, and it’s possible the other party is also at fault.

An Arlington Heights car accident lawyer will be tasked will proving that your injury is due to the negligence of a third party.

If you do admit liability for the accident, the other party can use it against you in future deliberations, hearings, and arbitrations.

If you feel pressured to admit fault, remain calm, and politely state your right to refuse to question.

Again, do not admit fault, and let your car accident attorney handle your situation.

If you were involved in a car accident in Arlington Heights and want the compensation you deserve, it’s important to work with a law firm experienced in the right practice areas.

At TorHoerman, our law office has an experienced team of car accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers available to help you with your case.

We offer zero obligation, free consultations, and base our services on contingency fees.

This means that our clients do not pay until we have helped them earn compensation for their damages.

Call today to learn more about your potential Arlington Heights auto accident lawsuit.

TorHoerman Law Firm has a record of decades of success in personal injury lawsuits.

We specialize in Arlington Heights car accident lawsuits.

Our team of legal professionals has won more than $4 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients.

Don’t wait, let us help you now.

Use the chatbox below for a free, no-obligation case consultation.