Car Accident Lawyer Madison County, IL
Thousands of distracted drivers cause havoc on Madison County roads every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving caused 3,142 fatalities in 2020. If you have been affected by someone else’s negligent and distracted driving, you may be suffering from more than your physical injuries.
There are stressful and apparent losses, such as lost wages due to time away from work. Hospital visits and extended stays for wound treatment are not cheap, and it may seem like medical bills are piling up. All of the unfair stress involved is referred to as pain and suffering. When one driver fails to exercise reasonable care and causes auto accidents (for example, by ignoring traffic signals), they inflict these losses on other drivers and their family members. While a lawsuit is separate from criminal charges, an experienced car accident attorney in Madison County, IL, can help clients secure millions recovered in compensation. Residents can turn to Hipskind & McAninch LLC.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Madison County
Madison County sees a high number of car accidents due to its major highways, suburban roads, and rural routes. Common causes include speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, aggressive driving, and weather-related hazards such as snow, ice, and fog. Intersections on IL-157, IL-159, and the I-55/I-70 interchange are frequent crash hotspots.
Rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, rollovers, and multi-vehicle accidents occur regularly. Many of these result in serious injuries that require extensive medical care and long-term treatment.
The Toll of Distracted Driving
When a car accident caused by someone else takes a toll on your financial, physical, and emotional well-being, you need quality representation. Our skilled legal team of car accident lawyer madison county can lead the fight for the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies aren’t likely to just give you the amount you are entitled to. Their goal is generally to get you to settle for the least amount of money possible. If you don’t know what compensation you may be entitled to, you could easily accept far less than you are owed.
The main concern with accepting less than what you deserve is the possibility of falling short on the bills that are piling up. When you are injured by an accident you didn’t cause, whether it was a madison county car crash or a truck accident, the other party should be held responsible for your losses. Consulting with knowledgeable car accident lawyers before you talk to the insurance company is the best way to know what you deserve and establish liability in your car accident claims. This ensures you aren’t left holding the bag when it comes time to pay your bills.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
There are many considerations to keep in mind after a car accident. As your lawyers gather the necessary facts and evidence in support of the compensation you are owed, many pieces of information will be helpful as we build your case. No matter the severity of the accident, no one should leave the scene before police arrive and information is exchanged.
If anyone left the scene before the police or medical services arrived, this is important information to share with your car accident lawyers. These sorts of details are vital in proving fault in any traffic crash.
Avoid any further communication of any kind with the other party after the initial exchange of insurance information. Do not agree to discuss details of the accident, whether it stems from a simple car accident claims or complex medical malpractice, with their insurance company or any investigators before you consult with your personal injury attorney. Understanding the complexities of personal injury law is crucial at this stage. Your healing and well-being are not among their priorities, and they will not be concerned about causing you further stress.
In fact, if you discuss details with them while you are still experiencing shock, you risk saying something they could use to justify a lower compensation offer. Once a lawyer has taken on the case, let them do the talking and negotiating while you focus on recovering and moving forward with your life.
While you trust the experienced personal injury attorney and skilled personal injury lawyers at our law firm to handle the complex details of your case, be sure to continue your treatment plan as directed by medical professionals. This is a critical factor in personal injury law. It can be intimidating to see the first few medical bills and decide that it’s too much of a financial burden to continue with further medical treatment such as physical therapy or examinations. However, the priority should always be your recovery and well-being.
When proven that the other party is at fault, you should be entitled to compensation to cover your medical expenses, time missed from work, and pain and suffering. Be aware of any unusual symptoms that may further develop or appear in the days following the accident. Sometimes, serious internal injuries are not always apparent immediately following a car crash, so it is safest to not assume all is well without consulting medical professionals and receiving medical attention. This thoroughness is crucial when dealing with insurance companies to ensure your claim is fully documented.
PTSD After a Car Accident
Motor vehicle crashes can be psychologically traumatizing and even lead to symptoms of PTSD due to the shocking nature of the experience. Physical injury is not the only suffering to look out for after you have been involved in a car accident. Mention to your doctor any recurring memories of the accident or newfound fears that may be showing up to determine if further evaluation and treatment may be necessary to help you fully recover. For accident victims, obtaining full medical records is critical for the case. Your attorney can help pursue claims against negligent parties, even potentially the vehicle manufacturer, all while working on a contingency fee basis.
Remember that psychological harm from a serious and traumatic event is not your fault, and seeking treatment is the best path forward in your healing process.
Damages Available to Madison County Car Accident Victims
After a crash, victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Property damage
- Long-term disability
Your attorney will gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and file a lawsuit if needed to ensure full compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file?
In Illinois, you generally have two years from the date of the accident.
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. A lawyer increases your chances of receiving fair compensation.
What if the other driver is uninsured?
UM/UIM coverage may provide benefits.
How long does a case take?
Simple cases may take months; complex cases may take longer.
Will my case go to court?
Some do, especially if the insurer refuses to settle.
Free Evaluation of Your Car Accident Case in Madison County, IL
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury due to a car accident caused by an at-fault driver in Madison County, the personal injury lawyers at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC are here to help you pursue justice and recover compensation. When you contact a car accident lawyer Madison County residents trust, your legal team acts quickly—examining the accident scene, reviewing the police report, interviewing witnesses, and gathering crucial medical records to build a strong injury case.
Our law firm handles a wide range of personal injury cases, including those involving commercial vehicles, truck accident claims, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death. Whether your case involves distracted driving, reckless behavior, or serious traffic violations, we understand how traumatic these events are for accident victims and their families. Our goal is to make a significant difference in your recovery by guiding you through every step of the legal process with experience, confidence, and clarity.
Under Illinois law, you may be entitled to recover damages for medical bills, ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability. Insurance companies often pressure the injured person to settle quickly, give recorded statements, or even admit fault. This is why securing strong legal counsel early is essential—an experienced personal injury attorney protects your rights, handles communication with insurers, and ensures that your claim reflects the full extent of your losses.
The first step after a crash is always to seek medical attention. Not only does prompt treatment safeguard your health, but documentation from your medical professionals also strengthens your personal injury claim. As your personal injury lawyer, we coordinate this evidence with accident reports, witness testimony, and expert insights to create a compelling case for financial recovery.
You should never negotiate with insurance companies on your own. They are trained to minimize payouts, delay the claims process, and offer far less than what your case is truly worth. When you work with our dedicated legal team, we develop a detailed strategy to recover money for all present and future losses. Our attorneys pursue fair compensation aggressively, and if negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
When you hire our firm to be your car accident lawyers, you choose trusted advocates who will fight to make the law work for you and your family’s best interests. Whether you need to seek compensation for mounting medical expenses, lost income, or long-term care needs, our team stands ready to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation and a free case evaluation to learn how we can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.