Chicago Speeding Accident Lawyer
Speeding, including operating a vehicle too fast for conditions, is a leading cause of vehicle collisions, traffic deaths, and traffic injuries each year in the city of Chicago. If you have been harmed as a result of a driver operating too fast for conditions, reach out to a Chicago speeding accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, we Have extensive experience handling complex vehicle accident claims throughout this area, and we are ready to take your case all the way to trial if needed.
Liability After a Speeding Accident in Chicago
Determining liability in a speeding accident is crucial for pursuing a successful claim. In Chicago, the driver operating the vehicle at excessive speeds is often found liable for the resulting accidents. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic, increases stopping distances, and amplifies the severity of crashes. To establish liability, it is necessary to prove that the other driver was indeed speeding and that this behavior directly caused the accident.
Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and police reports can play a significant role in proving that the at-fault driver was speeding. Additionally, accident reconstruction experts may be used to demonstrate how the speed of the vehicle contributed to the collision.
There’s a Chance Shared Liability Could Affect Your Claim
Illinois follows the modified comparative negligence rule, which means that more than one party, sometimes three or more, can share liability for an accident. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are deemed 20% at fault and your damages amount to $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you would be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes it essential to have a skilled attorney who can argue effectively against any claims of shared liability that might reduce your compensation.
Can You Recover Compensation From the Negligent Driver
If you have been injured in a speeding accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for various damages. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Medical expenses cover immediate treatments and ongoing medical treatments or rehabilitation needed due to injuries sustained in the accident. Lost wages can be recovered if your injuries prevent you from handling work-related duties, either temporarily or permanently.
Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This non-economic damage certainly affect your ongoing quality of life and should be factored into your claim. Property damage compensation will also be included in the damage request.
Filing Your Speeding Accident Claim Quickly
In Illinois, you have two years after a car accident to file the claim in civil court. This means you have a limited time to initiate legal action, and failing to do so within this legally specified timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation. Given the complexity of speeding accident claims and the need to gather substantial evidence, it is crucial to act promptly.
Contacting a lawyer soon after the accident allows for a thorough investigation while the evidence is fresh and the witnesses’ memories are clear. Your attorney can handle all calls and correspondence with insurance companies. Additionally, a lawyer can help navigate any legal challenges that arise, such as disputes over liability or the extent of your damages.
Call a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Immediately
Navigating the aftermath of a speeding accident can be challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. At Taxman, Pollock, Murray & Bekkerman, LLC, our dedicated team is here to help you through every step of the process. Contact us today at (312) 586-1700 for a free consultation.