Illinois Fatal Car Accident Lawyers

Fatal Car Crashes in Illinois: More Common Than You May Think

Illinois roadways can often become deadly, especially when drivers least expect it. Many streets and highways experience significant traffic and are not properly maintained. There are also many deadly wrecks that involve poor weather such as rain, snow, or foggy conditions. The Illinois Department of Transportation has reported an average of over 900 traffic deaths in the state during the last several years. Hundreds of victims are killed in a car accident every year in Chicago and the surrounding suburban areas.

While many fatal car crashes happen on large highways, there are frequently deadly wrecks on small and medium-sized streets. Drivers often let their guard down when they are on a small neighborhood road or on a street with light traffic. Some of the most dangerous locations for Illinois drivers include:

Interstates 90 and 290

A large number of vehicles traveling along these highways are involved in thousands of serious wrecks every year. These roads are often undergoing maintenance work which can make them more deadly.

Stony Island and South Chicago Ave

This six-point intersection is also near where vehicles often access Interstate 90. Many six-point intersections in the city and suburbs see heightened rates of deadly collisions.

Lincoln Ave and Clark St

This busy intersection also sees a lot of pedestrian and cyclist traffic. Many similar intersections can be found near downtown or along Milwaukee Ave.

The Common Causes of Deadly Car Accidents

No two fatal car accidents are alike. With thousands of deadly wrecks in Illinois each year, Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C has seen many collisions that have resulted in catastrophic injuries or death. While you may have an idea of what caused the accident that affected your family, it’s important to find out exactly what happened. Determining the precise cause is critical because the negligent party will not offer an appropriate financial settlement unless they believe that you have a strong case that can be successful in court.

Some of the most common causes of fatal car accidents include:

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Many drivers do not consider the safety of others when they travel at excessive speeds. These drivers can lose control in an instant, and the results are often devastating.

Distracted Drivers

People take their eyes off the road for what they consider an instant to adjust the radio or look at their phones. But, a driver can travel 150 feet in just three seconds when they take their eyes off the road while driving 50 miles per hour.

Careless Lane Changes

Drivers often fail to signal before making a routine lane change. This simple action can result in terrible collisions when traveling on straight roads or highway ramps.

Intoxicated Driving

About 300 deaths occur every year in Illinois due to drunk driving. These collisions are more frequent on nights, weekends, and holidays.

How a Lawyer Can Help After a Fatal Car Accident

Every aspect of your life can be turned upside down if a loved one is tragically killed in an accident. Illinois law allows you to seek compensation after a wrongful death. This is meant to be pursued by a surviving spouse, child, parent, or representative of the deceased person’s estate. Most wrongful death lawsuits are hard fought by the party defending itself from liability. This is because the insurance companies do not want to pay out significant compensation to the survivors of the accident victim.

An experienced fatal car accident attorney will understand how to investigate the various, highly technical aspects of a fatal car accident case.

In pursuing a wrongful death claim, we can help you recover damages for:

• Lost future wages that your loved one would have earned
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Grief, suffering, and emotional distress

Illinois’ Survival Act allows you to also seek damages that the deceased person could have recovered before their death. This is unlike wrongful death damages which are those that directly apply to the survivors of the deceased. A Survival Act claim is pursued in the name of the victim’s estate, and it’s meant to recover financial losses they sustained before passing away. These lawsuits can be made along with a wrongful death claim. Damages recovered in a survival claim include medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering before death.

Contact Our Fatal Car Accident Lawyers for Guidance and Support

Fatal car accidents are always extremely difficult for survivors. You not only lost a loved one, but your family may be in a difficult financial position. As veteran lawyers, we understand there is nothing that can return your life to the way it was before the accident. However, we can help you recover the compensation that you and your family may desperately need. It’s important that you do not delay in speaking with our experienced wrongful death and fatal car accident attorneys. We will explore every detail, identify who should be held responsible, and fight to assert your right to pursue justice for your loved one.

With decades of experience handling fatal car accidents in Illinois, Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. will get you through this difficult time with compassion and skill. To set up a free, no-obligation consultation call (217) 528-9955 or submit the details of your situation online.

We will review your case, offer our advice, and guide your next steps in the process. If you decide to move forward, there will be no up-front costs and do not get paid unless you recover compensation.