If you were injured in a car accident in Peoria, IL caused by another person’s speeding, intoxication, failure to follow traffic rules, or other act of negligence, you may be struggling to pay medical bills, make up for lost wages, and deal with other unexpected expenses.
An experienced Peoria car accident lawyer can fight for your fair compensation through a personal injury claim so you can receive money for your losses. The law firm of Joel E. Brown, P.C. will fight for you.
Attorney Brown is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Lawyers of Distinction, American Association of Justice, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Brown will bring his ample legal knowledge to assist you through every phase of your case. Learn about your legal rights and options for financial recovery during a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us today to get started.
How Joel E. Brown, P.C. Can Help You After a Car Accident in Peoria
If you were injured after a car accident in Peoria, Illinois, a Peoria personal injury attorney can help. You should not try to handle your legal claim on your own when you are already dealing with so much. You have the right to choose the law firm you want to represent you.
Our legal team at Joel E. Brown, P.C. is here for you. When you choose to work with us, we will:
- Provide honest and straightforward legal advice
- Identify the parties who are at fault for your injuries
- Create a personalized legal strategy for you
- Handle negotiations with the insurance companies
- Hire expert witnesses to testify on your behalf
- Assess the value of your claim
- Prepare for trial, if necessary
You should be focusing on recovering from your injuries, not weighing yourself down with the stress of a legal claim. Call our Peoria car accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
Accidents are a regular occurrence. However, the average car accident victim is inexperienced in filing lawsuits.
Whether or not you have a strong car accident claim depends upon whether you can prove that the other driver’s conduct was careless such that it caused your injuries. To find out whether you have a valid claim, contact a skilled lawyer today.
We can evaluate your case and help you decide on the best course of action.
How Much Money Can I Get From a Car Accident Case?
Every car accident case is different, and there’s no such thing as an average car accident settlement. The value of your car accident claim depends on several factors, including:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The extent of medical treatment you have received
- How long your accident injuries keep you out of work
- The extent of your financial damages
- The severity and duration of your physical pain and suffering
- The insurance coverage available
An experienced lawyer can review your case’s circumstances to give you a more accurate idea of its potential value.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Case?
Each state has different timelines for taking legal action for personal injury cases. This is known as the statute of limitations. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. If you have not settled your case by this date and you do not file your lawsuit, you could lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries. Protect your rights by contacting an experienced Peoria car accident lawyer today.
What Types of Compensation (or, Damages) Is Available After a Car Accident?
Damages refer to the financial and non-financial losses you experienced from the car accident. Through a car accident claim, you can seek compensation for these damages. In Illinois, there are two primary types of damages:
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the losses you suffer that have a direct economic impact. Common examples of economic damages in car crashes include:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic tests, medications, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity if you are suffering from permanent disabilities that prevent you from working or require you to take a lower-paying job
- Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses for rideshares, rental cars, or other costs you incurred because of the accident
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you organize receipts, invoices, and bills to establish your right to compensation for these economic losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate accident victims for the subjective losses they suffer, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Impairments and disabilities
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of quality of life
Because these non-economic losses can be difficult to quantify, it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who can help you prove them.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Some car accident victims are hesitant to hire an attorney because they are concerned about their ability to pay for their services. They are already experiencing many financial setbacks due to the accident, so considering hiring an attorney may seem unaffordable.
At Joel E. Brown, P.C., we don’t want your finances to keep you from getting competent legal representation. That’s why we provide our legal services on a contingency fee basis. Through this fee arrangement, we get to work immediately on your case, and you don’t have to pay us until we recover compensation on your behalf.
We receive a percentage of the award or settlement we secure for you. This ensures that you can pay for our services when you are financially able. You get the peace of mind of knowing that you have a trusted legal advocate in your corner without having to worry about how you will pay for it.
If we cannot secure compensation on your behalf, you do not owe us anything for our legal services. When you call for your free consultation, we can discuss this fee arrangement in greater detail.
Can I Get Money if I Was Partly At Fault for My Car Accident?
Illinois uses a modified comparative fault rule when multiple parties contribute to an accident. Under this rule, each driver’s degree of fault is assessed, and the victim’s damages are reduced by their proportionate level of fault.
Here is an example of how this works. Let’s say you got in a car crash in Peoria. If the jury awards $100,000 in damages and finds you are 20% at fault for the accident, your damages will be reduced by 20% or $20,000.
Insurance adjusters are familiar with this rule and try to exploit it by assigning more blame on the victim than is fair or accurate. If the insurance company can establish that you were 50% or more at fault for the accident, you receive no compensation under Illinois law.
Even if you are found less than 50% at fault for the accident, you stand to lose significant compensation from the insurance company assigning you a greater degree of fault. An experienced lawyer can protect your interests and fight so that you are not blamed for an accident that was not your fault or assigned more fault than what is fair under the circumstances.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Many car accident victims are hesitant to go to court after suffering a traumatizing experience. Most car accident cases do not go to trial. Instead, they are resolved through an insurance claim. Even if we have to file a car accident lawsuit, it is highly possible that your case may be resolved out of court before trial.
That being said, our law firm is fully equipped to take your case all the way to trial. We have secured favorable outcomes for our clients inside and outside the courtroom. We can investigate your case and explain the potential outcomes, advantages, and disadvantages of each option.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Peoria?
If you are involved in a car accident in Peoria, you can take steps to protect your health and legal rights, including:
Stop
It is a crime to drive away from an accident without exchanging information and completing other necessary steps. Move your vehicle to the nearest safe place to avoid any secondary accidents.
Call for Help
If you or anyone else is injured, call for immediate medical attention. You can call the Peoria Police Department or 911.
When a law enforcement officer responds to the scene, explain what happened, but stick to the facts. Avoid giving an opinion about how the crash occurred. Do not admit fault for the accident. This will begin the process of the police officer completing a formal investigation and preparing an accident report. You will need this report to file your insurance claim.
Exchange Information
Ask the other driver for the following:
- Contact information
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license number
- Year, make, and model of their vehicle
If any witnesses stop at the scene, ask for their names and contact information.
Document the Scene
The accident scene will quickly be cleaned up, so try to preserve evidence while it is available. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the following:
- Your vehicle
- The other vehicle
- Close-up shots of the damage to vehicles and any other property damage
- Wide shots of the accident scene
- Nearby road signs or intersections
- The names of the cross streets
- Skid marks or debris on the roadway
- Road and weather conditions
Print these photos and share them with your lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
If you were not taken to the emergency room, seek medical attention now. You may have undiagnosed injuries. Prompt medical attention can ensure you protect your health. Additionally, seeing a medical provider soon after the accident can help create a record of your injuries and connect them to the accident.
Keep Good Records
Keep track of all of your records, receipts, estimates, invoices, and communications regarding the accident.
Avoid Speaking About the Accident
Once an accident claim is opened, you are in an adversarial position with the insurance company. The insurance company will do everything possible to reduce your potential payout, including talking to people you are familiar with or reviewing your social media posts. Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than your lawyer. Most of what you tell them is protected under attorney-client privilege.
If the insurance company contacts you to provide a recorded statement or requests that you sign anything, refer them to your lawyer.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced accident attorney can investigate your case, discuss your legal options, and assist with the process of filing a personal injury claim. Joel E. Brown, P.C. offers a free case review, so you can discuss your situation during a confidential meeting with no obligation to move forward. Call us today to get started.
Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle
At Joel E. Brown, P.C., our law firm handles all types of car accident claims, including those involving:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a major issue in Illinois and throughout the country. Distracted driving puts all motorists at risk, whether another driver is texting, using a handheld cell phone, eating, or tending to children in the back seat. If you are a victim of a distracted driving accident, call a Peoria distracted driving lawyer today.
Speeding
Unfortunately, many drivers make the dangerous decision to drive above the posted speed limit or too fast for the current weather and road conditions. Speeding decreases the amount of time a person will have to avoid a crash once they recognize a hazard. Our knowledgeable Peoria speeding attorney can assist you with negotiating with the insurance companies and getting the money you deserve.
Drunk Driving
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Still, many people fail to consider other people’s safety when going to a bar on a night out. Attorney Brown can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions. Call for a free consultation today with a Pittsburgh drunk driving lawyer.
Rear-End Collisions
These car crashes often occur because other drivers are distracted or following too closely. Rear-end collisions can lead to head injuries, back injuries, and chest injuries, among other types of injuries. If you are suffering from these injuries or others due to the negligence of another driver, reach out to our Peoria rear-end collision lawyer today.
Head-On crashes
Head-on crashes are particularly dangerous, as they can cause serious injuries and severe property damage. If you or a loved one is struggling with recovering from a head-on crash, you are not alone. We can give you the legal representation you need to get back on your feet. Schedule a free consultation with a Peoria head-on crash attorney today.
Regardless of the cause of your car accident, it would be our honor to represent you and advocate for your interests. You can trust Joel E. Brown, P.C. to handle your case with sensitivity and diligence.
Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries Resulting From a Car Accident?
Illinois is an at-fault state for car accidents. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the damages they cause. In most cases, the at-fault driver is liable for car accident injuries and is the party you will pursue for compensation, primarily through an insurance claim.
Other parties who may bear responsibility for motor vehicle accidents include:
- The owner of the vehicle the at-fault driver was driving
- An employer who was paying the at-fault driver for work when the accident occurred
- A bar or a club who over-served alcohol to a drunk driver
- The manufacturer who manufactured defective automobiles or car parts
If your case involves a hit and run or an uninsured driver, you can pursue compensation through your own auto insurance policy under your uninsured motorist coverage.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents can involve a tremendous amount of force. Accident victims can feel the combined force of both vehicles. They can also be flung around the inside of a vehicle, coming into contact with hard surfaces. Due to these factors, car accident victims may suffer serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial injuries
- Eye injuries
- Dental trauma
- Burns
- Herniated disks
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue injuries
In addition to these physical injuries, many car accident victims suffer emotional harm, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, due to the traumatizing nature of the accident. Our legal team can fight for you to recover fair compensation for all your accident-related injuries.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents commonly occur because of negligent actions by other drivers, such as:
- Speeding
- Making unsafe lane changes
- Illegal passing
- Drinking and driving
- Following too closely
- Texting while driving
Car crashes can also be caused by:
- Roadway design defects
- Negligent vehicle maintenance
- Defective products
An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate your case to determine how it happened and who is at fault.
Peoria Car Accident Statistics
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the state experienced 298,347 motor vehicle crashes in 2022. 59,795 of these involved injuries, while 1,147 were fatal accidents. Of these, 2,822 crashes occurred in Peoria. 806 of these were injury crashes, while 10 were fatal accidents.
Most Dangerous Intersections
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, about half of all traffic injuries and one-quarter of all traffic fatalities in the United States occur at intersections. In Peoria, the War Memorial is one of the most dangerous roadways. Its intersection with Knoxville resulted in 88 crashes in 2018, and the War Memorial and University intersection resulted in 62 crashes that same year.
Call Our Peoria Car Accident Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a recent car crash in Peoria, Joel E. Brown, P.C. is here to help. An experienced Peoria car accident attorney can review your case, investigate who is responsible, and demand compensation that fairly repays you for the full extent of your damages. Your financial future should not be left to chance when someone else’s careless actions have harmed you. Contact us today for a free consultation.