Aurora, Illinois Car Accident Lawyer
Aurora is one of the fastest-growing cities in Illinois. With this progress, however, comes increased traffic congestion and a higher risk of motor vehicle collisions. A life-changing car accident can occur in a matter of seconds. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, our attorneys can help you pick up the pieces after a car accident so that you can put your life back together. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Why Do Clients Choose Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC?
- We have proven results. Our personal injury law firm has recovered record-setting jury verdicts and over $500 million in settlements for our clients.
- We have experience. Our team of car accident attorneys has decades of experience representing clients in all types of collisions, including high-stakes cases that go to trial.
- We will take care of you. Our Aurora car accident attorneys will always put you first, communicating with you regularly about your case and goals.
Top Causes of Aurora, Illinois Car Accidents
Aurora is the second-most populous city in Illinois after Chicago, with a population of 180,542 people as of the 2020 census. It expands into three different counties in Illinois: DuPage, Kendall and Will counties. In 2023, DuPage County had the second-highest number of car accidents (17,203), behind Cook County (160,036).
Common causes of motor vehicle collisions in Aurora include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving/texting and driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Breaking traffic laws and roadway rules
- Failing to yield the right-of-way at intersections
- Making unsafe lane changes or merges
- Following behind others too closely
- Driving while drowsy
- Poor vehicle maintenance or part defects
- Road defects or hazards
Driver error is the number one cause of car accidents in Illinois. Careless and reckless drivers can be guilty of many types of negligence. In personal injury law, someone is negligent if they fail to exercise the proper amount of care. Negligence that results in injury gives victims in Illinois the right to file claims in pursuit of justice from the at-fault parties.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Every car accident contains three collisions: the vehicle collision, the human collision and the internal collision. The latter two can inflict injuries on the occupants of the vehicle. The human collision – where the forward motion of a vehicle’s occupant is stopped by contact with an object inside the vehicle – can result in skeletal, soft-tissue and muscular injuries.
Examples include:
- Broken bones
- Muscle tears or strains
- Head and brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated disks
- Chest and rib injuries
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
The internal collision describes an impact between the internal organs of the body, either with each other or with the skeletal system. This can lead to internal damage, such as bleeding or organ injuries, which can be fatal.
How Are Car Accident Cases Handled in Aurora?
When a car accident takes place in Aurora, injured victims have the ability to file claims with the insurance providers of those at fault. This is how the tort-based or fault-based car insurance system in Illinois operates. An injured victim can receive financial benefits from another driver’s car insurance company if he or she can prove fault.
When you file a third-party claim with another driver’s car insurance company in Aurora, expect the insurer to ask you questions about the crash and ask for evidence, such as a police report and medical records that document your injuries. It is important not to go into too much detail or give the insurer a recorded statement during initial conversations, however.
Steps to Take After Getting in a Car Crash in Aurora
If you are involved in a car accident in Aurora, it is vital to take the right steps immediately afterward, both for your health and safety as well as for your insurance claim or legal action.
Here’s what to do:
- Stay calm and pull over as close to the scene of the accident as you can safely.
- Check yourself and others for injuries. Render aid, if you can.
- Get medical care immediately by calling an ambulance or going to the nearest hospital in Aurora.
- Call the police to report the car accident right away.
- Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
- Don’t admit fault for the accident or apologize.
- Take photographs and videos while you are still at the scene.
- Talk to witnesses and write down their contact information for statements.
- Notify your car insurance company about the crash.
- Contact the other driver’s insurance company to file a claim.
Before accepting a quick settlement from an insurance provider, contact our local car accident attorneys to discuss your case and rights.
What Is My Case Worth?
Since there is no “average” car accident case value in Aurora, determining how much your case could be worth takes a conversation with a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can evaluate your specific losses and circumstances to estimate how much your claim is worth.
As a crash victim, you may be eligible for financial compensation for damages such as:
- Hospital bills and medical care (present and future)
- Losses of income and diminished earning capacity
- Motor vehicle damage or destruction
- Out-of-pocket costs, such as travel
- Pain, suffering and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- The wrongful death of a loved one, if applicable
While a car insurance company may try to undervalue your claim to protect its own profits, an attorney will work hard to maximize your settlement or judgment award.
The Importance of Consulting With an Attorney
A car insurance company can use many tactics to minimize your claim to protect its own profits. It is up to you and your car accident attorney to fight back. Hiring a lawyer can allow you to focus your energy on recovering while your lawyer handles conversations and negotiations with an insurance claims adjuster on your behalf.
Your lawyer can investigate your car accident, identify the at-fault party, document your crash using available evidence, hire subject-matter experts and file a claim while you spend time healing. Your lawyer can represent you in insurance negotiations or a court trial to achieve a fair case outcome.
Injured in a Car Accident in Aurora? We Can Help
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Aurora, Illinois, don’t hesitate to contact Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC at (312) 586-1700. We offer free case evaluations, where you can receive tailored advice at no cost or obligation to hire us. Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us today.