Car accidents in Peoria, IL, affect thousands of lives each year. In fact, Peoria crash statistics report that nearly 1,200 people were injured or killed in 2022 alone, with thousands more suffering property losses.
Car crash victims have the legal right to pursue compensation from at-fault drivers and their insurers. If you were hurt in a collision, an attorney from Joel E. Brown, P.C. will analyze your case and inform you of your legal options for compensation.
To learn more, call our law office for a free initial consultation with a Peoria car accident lawyer.
How Joel E. Brown, P.C. Can Help You After an Auto Accident in Peoria, IL
For over two decades, Joel E. Brown, P.C. has guided crash victims in Peoria, Illinois, through their personal injury cases. We have over 30 years of experience, and we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients.
If you suffered harm due to someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, our Peoria personal injury lawyer will provide you with the following legal services:
- An evaluation of your situation and a discussion regarding the legal remedies you can seek
- Evidence gathering for your claim, including witness statements and medical records
- Negotiations with insurers to settle your claim on fair terms
- Litigation if the opposing side refuses a fair settlement offer
A car accident injury can cause long-term health issues that prevent you from earning a living and enjoying life altogether. Contact our law firm for a free consultation with a Peoria car accident attorney to discuss your options for seeking compensation for your losses.
Car Accident Statistics for Peoria, Illinois
The most recent year with full traffic crash statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is 2022, during which Peoria experienced 2,822 accidents.
These crashes included the following:
- Ten fatal crashes
- 806 non-fatal injury crashes
- 2,006 property-damage-only crashes
These collisions caused injuries of the following severity:
- Ten fatal injuries
- 94 severe injuries, including brain injuries, that incapacitated victims
- 473 minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises, that were non-incapacitating
- 609 injuries that caused symptoms such as pain or dizziness but left no visible wound
A total of 5,210 crash victims walked away from their collisions unharmed.
What Causes Most Auto Accidents in Peoria, IL?
According to Peoria’s car accident statistics for 2022, the city’s crashes can be categorized in the following way:
- 52 collisions with pedestrians or bicycles
- 780 single-vehicle accidents
- 1,990 multi-vehicle collisions
Some common causes of these accidents are as follows:
Traffic Violations
Common traffic violations blamed for car accidents in Peoria include the following:
- Failing to yield the right of way at intersections
- Disobeying traffic signals
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Changing lanes improperly
A driver who violates traffic laws will typically bear at least some of the fault for a crash.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major concern in Illinois. According to IDOT, 3.6% of collisions in 2022 resulted from distractions.
Intoxicated Driving
Drivers impaired by drugs, alcohol, or both caused 80 crashes in Peoria in 2022, 20% of the city’s fatal crashes.
What Damages Can Peoria Car Accident Victims Pursue?
Crash victims in Peoria can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. The former category covers all the expenses of an injury, including medical bills and lost wages. The latter encompasses the non-financial impacts of the injury on the victim’s life, such as pain, mental anguish, disability, and disfigurement.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
Most injury lawyers in Illinois charge a contingency fee, which is calculated as a percentage of the compensation recovered for the client. Thus, the attorney is only paid if/after they win or settle your claim.
What Happens If I Share the Blame For an Illinois Car Accident?
You can still potentially recover compensation even if you played a role in causing your accident. Under the doctrine of modified comparative fault, you can receive compensation if your share of responsibility is 50% or less.
After allocating fault, the court will reduce your compensation by the percentage attributed to you. Thus, you would receive 90% of your damages if you are found to be 10% at fault. However, you wouldn’t be entitled to recovery if your share of fault exceeds 50%.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law typically gives you two years after suffering an injury to file a lawsuit against the party who caused it. However, there are some exceptions. A court can dismiss cases filed after the applicable deadline.
Steps To Follow After a Car Accident
Regardless of how your accident occurred, you should take the following steps in the aftermath:
- Call the police to report the crash
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver
- Take pictures of the crash scene
- Seek medical attention
- Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible
Most Peoria personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to review your crash and identify any legal claims you may have.
Contact Our Experienced Peoria Car Accident Lawyer For a Free Consultation
A car collision can devastate your health and financial well-being. Contact Joel E. Brown, P.C. for a free consultation to discuss your options for compensation under Illinois law.