Springfield, IL Car Accident Attorneys
Pursuing Justice for the Wrongfully Injured in Sangamon County
Every year, thousands of Illinoisans are injured in car accidents. If you were injured in a car crash, the last thing you need is additional stress. That’s why Haxel Law is committed to pursuing justice for the wrongfully injured in Springfield. From filing a claim to holding liable parties accountable, our firm has decades of experience to vigorously protect your rights in Sangamon County. With former insurance industry experience and a proven track record of results, our car accident lawyers can work diligently to recover a fair settlement on your behalf, freeing you to focus on your recovery.
If you were hit by a negligent driver in Springfield, our attorneys can aggressively pursue justice. Call (217) 215-4166 to schedule a free consultation.
Car Accident Statistics in Springfield, IL
Illinois had nearly 300,000 car accidents in 2022, including 32 fatalities in Sangamon County alone. These numbers are a stark reminder that car accidents can happen to anyone at any time with devastating consequences. If you were hit by a negligent driver, our firm can fight tirelessly to hold liable parties accountable.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. When the accident is caused by another person’s negligence, victims can seek compensation for wrongful injuries by filing a car accident claim. Some common causes of car accidents include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Inclement weather conditions
- Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Traffic violations, such as failure to yield or running red lights
- Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or talking on the phone
- Tailgating and following too closely
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a wide range of devastating injuries for victims, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic harm. Some common injuries sustained in crashes include:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal organ damage or bleeding
Recoverable Damages in Car Accident Claims
Depending on the specifics of the case, various damages may be recoverable in a car accident claim. These include:
- Economic damages: These cover direct financial losses, such as property damage, medical expenses, ongoing and future treatment costs, lost earnings, and loss of earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: These cover indirect subjective losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, emotional distress, and scarring and disfigurement.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases involving extreme negligence, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 217-215-4166 today!
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Who Is Liable for a Car Accident in Illinois?
Illinois is a fault state, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for any resulting damages. Common liable parties in car accident claims include:
- Other drivers: If another driver caused your injuries by acting negligently, they may be liable for damages in a car accident lawsuit.
- Manufacturers: If a faulty part or defective product contributed to the accident, the vehicle manufacturer may be partially or fully liable for resulting injuries.
- Employers: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may also be liable for damages.
- Government entities: If inadequate signage or poorly maintained roadways contributed to the accident, local government entities may be responsible for damages.
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What Steps Should I Take After a Car Crash?
Knowing what steps to take after a car crash is paramount to recovering maximum compensation for your injuries. If you were hit by a negligent driver, it’s important to exercise your rights by taking the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety are top priorities after an accident. Seeking immediate medical care is a must to rule out serious underlying injuries and establish formal documentation of your injuries.
- Report the accident: If no one has done so already, be sure to report the accident to local law enforcement. The official police report can serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
- Take pictures of the accident scene: If possible, take photos or videos to document the extent of your injuries and any damage to your vehicle.
- Exchange contact information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other involved parties, including any eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Refrain from giving any statements to insurers: If insurers are calling you immediately after an accident, it's important to refrain from providing any statements until your lawyer can be present.
- Consult with an experienced attorney: Seeking sound counsel is a must to establish liability in your claim and recover a fair settlement for medical costs, lost wages, and other losses.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?In Illinois, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident (735 Comp. Stat. § 5/13-202). Failure to file within this deadline can result in the loss of eligibility for benefits, making it crucial to seek sound counsel as soon as possible after a crash. Our attorneys are well-versed in the legal intricacies of these cases to guide your steps wisely throughout the claims process.
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Should I Accept the Insurer’s First Settlement Offer?Every claim is different. Most of the time, it’s best to avoid settling for the insurance company’s first settlement offer. Insurers have a reputation for taking advantage of victims by evading fair payouts and protecting their bottom line at all costs. Securing experienced counsel is essential to recovering full and fair compensation. Your lawyer can negotiate effectively with other involved parties to pursue the maximum settlement you deserve.
Choose a Firm That Stands Up to Big Insurance Companies
At Haxel Law, our firm is familiar with common tactics and strategies employed by insurance companies to evade just payouts. With former insurance industry experience, our attorneys have a unique background and skillset to build you a strong case while safeguarding your rights against large insurers. We know firsthand what these companies will do to protect their bottom line, which is why our lawyers are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome in every case we take on.
Why Choose Haxel Law?
When you partner with Haxel Law, you’ll benefit from:
- Decades of experience: When your health is on the line, securing reliable representation is paramount. Our attorneys have decades of experience to guide your legal steps wisely.
- Compassionate counsel: We know how scary and overwhelming it can be to navigate a wrongful injury, which is why our firm provides compassionate counsel in life’s most challenging seasons.
- Client-centric approach: When you choose our firm, you can expect big-city power with small-town trust. Our goal is to minimize stress during your recovery while advocating for the maximum compensation you need after a serious injury.
- Former insurance industry experience: With former insurance experience, our lawyers can negotiate effectively with insurers on your behalf to prevent you from settling for less than you deserve.
- Winning track record of results: With a success rate of over 90% in personal injury law, our exceptional verdicts speak for themselves, giving you peace of mind that your case is in experienced hands.
If you were injured in a car crash in Springfield, turn to an injury firm with decades of experience. Contact us online to discuss your case with our trusted advocates.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Haxel Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Thank you, Martin."When I got injured, I knew I was going to be out of work. I knew I was going to be struggling with my family. I was really worried about the direction my life had turned towards. If I hadn't contacted Martin Haxel. I would still be fighting to get what I deserved. What was owed to me. Mr. Haxel however, stayed with me. He told me the truth. He didn't lie, or manipulate anything. He was honest and informative. He was the hope I didn't have at that time. He struggled with me to get all of it resolved. He did it with integrity, honesty, and a sincere understanding of what I was going through. To anyone considering having Mr. Haxel represent them in similar situations...I would say, you couldn't pick a better person. He's a great lawyer. He does great work. He's a nice person with a lot of experience in this field. If there's anyone you can turn to when no one will listen or even attempt to help you do what is right...Mr. Haxel is the one. I can't say enough good things about him. Now that my case is settled thanks to his work, I'm going to miss having someone having my back. He's a good man and I hope he feels good about what he's done when he lays down to sleep and reflects on his days, weeks, months, and years. People like him, give people hope, and faith that there are good people still roaming around this crazy thing called life. Martin, thank you. You're a beast.- Chris Y.
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"Highly Recommend"Attorney Martin Haxel fought long and hard for a fair and just settlement. I recommend Haxel Law for your Work Comp case.- Karyn S.
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"No One Better"I was referred to Martin by my original attorney. My original attorney didn't want to spend the time and money to represent me because my case was going to be difficult, time-consuming, and against the City of Champaign. I am so glad that Martin was willing to take my case and see it through. If you have a "hidden injury" like me or even an obvious injury Martin will handle it very professionally and give it the attention that you deserve.- John M.
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"What a great experience!"I strongly recommend Haxel Law Firm to everyone. In fact, he has now taken on my fiance as a client. Thanks Marty for what you did for me!- David S.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"His assistant was very pleasant and helpful as well. If he wasn't available when I called and left a message he was always prompt to respond to my messages and emails. I would highly recommend him to anyone who can use his skills!- David N.
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"Martin Truly Cares About You"I had a life-changing experience 4 years ago. Mr Haxel continually worked with the insurance company to settle the workman comp claim. Mr. Haxel was always available to call if you had any concerns and was always willing to listen to you.- Marvin S.
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"Marty was great to work with!"He kept in communication and made the process as stress-free as possible. Hopefully I never need a personal injury attorney again, but if I do, I wouldn't hesitate to hire Marty.- Kristi D.
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"Very Positive Experience Representing My Daughter"Very responsive and patient answering all my questions. I hope to never be in a situation of needing a lawyer again, but if I did, I would 100% contact Martin again.- Jim P.
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"Thanks For All You Have Done!"Marty Haxel provided exceptional help with a complex work men's comp case, made our part seem small. Would refer him to anyone that needs help fighting the big guys!- David E.