Elgin, Illinois, is a thriving community with a deep history and progressive civic culture.

The unique city sits 35 miles northwest of Chicago and offers a diverse mix of cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities. With over 112,000 residents and a consistent flow of visitors, Elgin’s streets and highways can be busy. Unfortunately, this means car accidents are common. Such an accident may warrant hiring an Elgin car accident lawyer to help you gain compensation for any injuries, property damages, or other losses that you incur from an accident.

Being in an auto accident is stressful. Major accidents are often traumatic, and seemingly minor collisions can still bring ensuing legal and financial difficulties. Car accident victims do not have to handle this stress alone. At TorHoerman Law, we have a team of successful Elgin car accident lawyers experienced in the Cook and Kane County legal systems. We will work to help you navigate your case and better understand your options.

The following statistics outline the gravity and frequency of these accidents:

• The Illinois Department of Vehicles reported that 162,527 auto accidents occurred in Cook County in 2018. Kane County had 11,009 auto accidents in 2018.
• Cook County had 248 fatal crashes in 2018. Kane County had 27.
• 31,404 crashes in Cook County resulted in injuries. In Kane County, 2,914 crashes resulted in injuries.
• In 2018, 1,035 people died in automobile accidents in Illinois.
• Each day in 2018, approximately 874 automobile accidents happened in Illinois. Nearly three people were killed in auto accidents each day.
• Excessive speed accounted for 33.7 percent of Illinois crashes, 36.1 percent of fatal Illinois crashes, and 38.2 percent of Illinois crashes involving injuries.
• 27 percent of fatal auto accidents in Illinois involved alcohol.

Even with public awareness campaigns, vehicle technology advances, and improved safety standards — auto accidents are still common. Many accidents are preventable, and most are due to human error. These are the most common causes of car accidents in the United States:

Distracted Driving

The leading cause of automobile accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving has become more common as drivers are less focused on the road and more occupied with phone calls, texts, makeup, food, and other interruptions. Even a split-second of inattention behind the wheel can have severe, and sometimes fatal, consequences.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is dangerous and against the law in every state. Impaired driving is still one of the leading causes of vehicle accident injuries and fatalities.

Excessive Speed

Driving at excessive speeds is the second most common cause of U.S. car crashes. Drivers often ignore legal speed limits, especially on highways, giving them less control over their vehicles and less time to react.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving describes cases where a driver ignores traffic laws and signals, carelessly handles his or her vehicle, or drives over aggressively. This is often associated with carelessness, road rage, or a lack of situational awareness. For accidents caused by reckless driving, contact an Elgin car accident lawyer soon.

Driving in Bad Weather Conditions

People have to take extra precautions when driving in rain, snow, ice, fog, or extreme winds. Accidents are common in these conditions, especially when drivers do not adjust their speeds, do not maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, fail to account for increases in stopping time, or drive in a hurry.

Drivers and passengers can be seriously injured in vehicle accidents. In fact, 31,404 crashes in Cook County and 2,914 crashes in Kane County resulted in injuries in 2018. The most common automobile accident injuries are:

• Broken Bones
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Concussions
• Lacerations
• Wrongful death

Car accident injuries can range from minor to severe, but it’s important to seek medical attention after all accidents. Some accident injuries are not immediately recognizable or could develop into something more serious later on. Certified medical personnel are better able to recognize less-discernible or internal injuries that could cause complications if untreated.

Visit the following more in-depth information regarding common car accident injuries:

Most Common Car Accident Injury Information

“Seat belts save lives,” is not just a tagline — it’s the truth. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that seat belts saved 14,668 U.S. automobile occupants’ lives in 2016. Wearing a seatbelt is the safest choice, and it’s the law.

The state of Illinois requires that all automobile occupants, regardless of seating position, use a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing seatbelts, and failure to obey this law can result in fines starting at $25. The Child Passenger Protection Act requires that children 8 years and younger be properly seated in a CPPA approved child safety seat. For more information about child safety seat requirements and seat belt laws, penalties, and exemptions, visit Buckle Up Illinois.

Here are precautions drivers can take to help prevent car accidents:

• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Do not tailgate or follow other automobiles too closely. This is especially important with trucks, busses, and other large vehicles. Ideally, keep a distance of at least 200 feet except when passing them.
• Routinely maintain your vehicle, service damages, and fill your fuel and oil. Many automobile accidents are from a poorly maintained vehicle breaking down on busy roads.
• Be aware of drivers’ communication signals and movements. This gives you time to react appropriately and drive defensively.
• Prepare for emergencies. Have a cell phone on hand with an emergency contact (a family member or close friend) and your insurance company’s contact information.
• Do not drive when you are tired, unfit to drive, or intoxicated. Find someone else to drive or find an alternative way home. If you’re driving and begin to feel sick or tired, find a safe place to pull over and rest.

If you’re involved in a vehicle accident, being prepared will help make the situation easier to deal with. Here are the five steps to take after an automobile accident:

1. Stop! Do Not Drive Away

Never drive away after an accident. It’s illegal, and it will make your situation worse. Instead, shift the vehicle into park, turn off the engine, and turn on the hazard lights. Find a safe path out of the hazard zone before you exit the vehicle.

2. Alert the Police and Medical Personnel

If the accident is an emergency, call 911 to alert the authorities and for medical treatment. If no one is injured and the automobiles are not blocking traffic, call the Elgin Police Department non-emergency number at 847-289-2700 and report your accident. Follow the instructions from police and medical personnel.

3. Document Your Accident and Contact Your Insurance Company

It’s important to log accident details beyond the police report. Take photos of the damages and the road where the accident occurred. Take detailed notes that describe the date, time, and how the accident happened. Write down the names, numbers, license plates, and insurance information of everyone involved, but do not admit fault (read on to learn more). Do not sign any documents unless they are from police or authorized personnel. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

4. Track All Medical Expenses and Treatments

If you are injured in the accident, make sure you receive proper medical attention and care. Keep track of all of your medical expenses and treatments along the way. This helps your car accident lawyer and/or insurance agent guarantee you receive full compensation for your injuries.

5. Hire an experienced Elgin Car Accident Lawyer

Finding an experienced Elgin car accident lawyer will help ensure your case is strong. Legal representation increases your chances of receiving full compensation for your damages including medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost wages. Your Elgin car accident lawyer will also help you to gather evidence to support your Elgin car accident lawsuit claim. Be aware of Illinois’ statute of limitations and file your claim in time. Contact TorHoerman Law to learn more about working with our team of car accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers.

Elgin Emergency & Non-Emergency Services

• All Elgin Emergencies & Ambulances — 911
• Kane County Sheriff — 630-232-6840
• Cook County Sheriff — 312-603-6444
• Elgin Police Department (non-emergency) — 847-289-2700
• Elgin Fire Department Fire (non-emergency) — 847-289-2700
• IDOT Roadside Emergencies –*999
• AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital —  Elgin, Illinois, 60123 — 847-695-3200
• Advocate Sherman Hospital —  Elgin, Illinois, 60123 — 847-742-9800 
• Presence Health —  Elgin, Illinois, 60123 — 847-695-3168
• Summit Health Center —  Elgin, Illinois, 60120 — 847-608-1344
• Rush Children’s Hospital —  Hoffman Estates, Illinois, 60192 — 312-942-3034

There is no reason you should admit or accept fault at an auto accident scene. Even if you believe you are at fault, do not admit fault. Vehicle accident fault is complex and based on a variety of situational details and laws, and it’s possible the other party is also at fault.

If you do claim fault, the other party can use this against you in ensuing hearings, deliberations, and arbitrations. If you are pressured to admit fault, stay calm and politely state your right to refuse questioning.

Again, do not admit fault and let your car accident attorney lawyer handle the situation.

Before hiring a personal injury lawyer to act as your Elgin car accident lawyer, you should familiarize yourself with the steps of civil litigation, so that you know what to expect of your Elgin car accident lawsuit.

If you were in a car accident in Elgin, Illinois, and want the compensation you deserve, it’s important to find a law firm experienced in car accident law and personal injury cases. At TorHoerman, we have an experienced team of car accident and personal injury attorneys available to help you handle your case. We offer free, zero-obligation consultations and our services are based on contingency fees. This means our clients do not pay until we help them gain compensation for their damages.

Call us today to learn more about your potential Elgin car accident lawsuit.