Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. It can be difficult to know what steps to take in the aftermath of an accident, especially when it comes to navigating the legal system. In Illinois, some specific guidelines and procedures must be followed to file a claim for damages. Understanding the legal process can help you understand your case easier.

Gathering Evidence

After a car accident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible. This evidence can be used to prove liability and establish the extent of the damages suffered.

Some common types of evidence to collect include:

If you think your child's birth injury may have been caused by medical negligence, it is important to speak with a qualified legal professional as soon as possible. A medical malpractice lawyer experienced with handling birth injury cases can help you determine if you have a claim and what to do next. 

In determining whether or not there is a case for a birth injury claim, an attorney will consider various factors, such as the circumstances of the delivery and the medical care provided. They will also review any records from the hospital or doctor’s office that could help support your claim. 

Types of Birth Injuries

Some of the more common birth injuries that can result from medical negligence include cerebral palsy, shoulder dystocia, Erb’s palsy, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and a variety of other physical or mental impairments. It is essential to keep in mind that even if your child is born with a birth injury, it does not necessarily mean that the injury was caused by medical negligence. 

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that, on average, a car crash occurs every 60 seconds in the United States. While many of these accidents are "fender benders" with minor property damage and no injuries, other accidents result in severe harm. Individuals injured in car accidents may be able to recover financial compensation for medical expenses and other damages through a personal injury claim. While we often think about car crash injury claims in the context of an injured driver, injured passengers may also be able to secure compensation through a claim.

Car Accident Injury Claims Involving Injured Passengers

If you've been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering whether you can file a personal injury claim if you were a passenger in the car. The answer to this question will depend on a number of factors, but it is usually possible for an injured passenger to bring a claim after a crash.

In most cases, injured passengers will be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. However, if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage to cover the damages, the injured passenger may need to file a claim with their own insurance company. In some cases, the injured passenger may also be able to file a claim against the driver of the car in which they were riding if that driver was negligent.

Alcohol affects cognition, perception, reaction time, and motor skills. When someone chooses to drink and drive, they are putting themselves and everyone else on the road in danger. If you or a loved one have been injured by a drunk driver, you may be wondering what legal options are available to you.

In many cases, filing a personal injury claim is the best way to hold a drunk driver responsible for a crash and recover financial compensation. The driver may face criminal charges for driving under the influence (DUI); however, criminal charges do not provide restitution for the victim’s damages. A personal injury claim, on the other hand, may help an accident victim recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Per Se Drunk Driving Laws in Illinois

In a typical car accident injury claim, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant acted negligently by driving in an unsafe manner. In a drunk driving accident claim, the plaintiff may be able to take advantage of Illinois’s per se drunk driving laws. Under these laws, it is automatically assumed that a driver who has a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit of .08 percent is intoxicated and, therefore, negligent "per se."

Car accidents are often a chaotic blur of metal scrapping metal and vehicle occupants being jostled around the inside of the car. Many accident victims do not even realize what happened until the accident concludes. In the moments after a crash, adrenaline courses through the body and can mask any injuries. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injury, may not be immediately apparent.

If you or a loved one were in a car accident, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of TBI so that you can get prompt medical attention if needed. Symptoms of TBI can appear immediately after the crash or possibly hours or days later.

Signs You Suffered a Brain Injury in a Car Accident

Headache is the most common symptom of TBI. If you have a headache after a car accident that does not go away or gets worse, it could be a sign of brain injury. Dizziness and loss of balance are also common symptoms. This can make it difficult to walk or stand. You may also feel nauseous and vomit as a result of the dizziness. Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, and changes in the ability to smell are all possible signs of TBI.