Naperville Car Accident Lawyer

Overview of Naperville, IL

Naperville, Illinois is a vibrant city known for its high quality of living and mix of cultural and economic opportunities.

The quaint, picturesque community sits less than 30 miles west of Chicago and offers a seemingly endless list of places to explore, shop, eat, and play. With a consistent, year-round rush of visitors and over 147,000 residents, Naperville’s roads and highways are busy. Unfortunately, this also means car accidents are common. For the best legal advice after a crash, contact a Naperville car accident lawyer.

Being in a car accident is a stressful experience. Even the most minor collisions can bring ensuing financial, legal, and emotional suffering while serious accidents can be traumatic and devastating. Naperville car accident victims are not alone. At TorHoerman Law, our experienced attorneys are well versed in navigating the DuPage County legal system and car accident law.

We will work with you to help you better understand your options.

Naperville, IL Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are common in Naperville, DuPage County, Chicago, and Illinois. In fact, DuPage County has the second-highest frequency of auto accidents in the state.

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

• The Illinois Department of Vehicles reported DuPage County had 20,788 auto accidents in 2018. This is second only to Cook County.
• 4,832 of crashes in DuPage County involved injuries. 34 of the crashes were fatal.
• Illinois had 319,146 motor vehicle crashes in 2018. 21 percent (67,453) of these crashes involved injuries while less than 1 percent (951) involved fatalities.
• 1,035 people were killed in Illinois auto accidents in 2018.
• Approximately 874 automobile accidents happened each day in Illinois in 2018. Nearly three people were killed in auto accidents every day.
• Excessive speed account for 33.7 percent of crashes in Illinois, 36.1 percent of fatal crashes, and 38.2 percent of crashes involving injuries.
• 27 percent of fatal auto accidents in Illinois involved alcohol.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Naperville, IL

Even with stronger safety standards, advances in vehicle technology, and countless public awareness campaigns — car accidents are still very common. Many car accidents are preventable, and most are caused by human error. These are the most common causes of car accidents in the United States:

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the leading cause of automobile accidents. Distracted driving has become increasingly common with drivers being less focused on the road and more occupied with their phones, food, makeup, and other interruptions. Just a split-second of inattention while driving can have severe, and sometimes fatal, consequences.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is incredibly dangerous and against the law in all 50 states. Impaired driving is still one of the leading causes of car accident injuries and fatalities.

Breaking the Speed Limit

Excessive speed while driving is the second most common cause of vehicle accidents. Drivers frequently ignore speed limits, especially on highways, giving them less time to react and less control over their vehicles.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving describes scenarios in which the operator of a vehicle ignores traffic laws and signals, carelessly handles his or her automobile, or drives aggressively. This is often associated with road rage, lack of situational awareness, or overall carelessness.

Driving in Poor Weather Conditions

Drivers must take extra precautions when operating vehicles in rain, snow, ice, fog, or extreme wind. Accidents are common in these conditions, especially when drivers do not keep a safe distance from other vehicles, do not adjust their speed, fail to increase stopping time, or drive in a hurry.

Common Naperville Car Accident Injuries

Both drivers and passengers can be seriously injured in car accidents. In fact, 4,832 of the auto accidents in DuPage County in 2018 involved injuries. The most common car 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 scoeek medical treatment after an accident. Some common auto accident injuries are not immediately recognizable or could become more serious later on. Certified medical professionals are better able to recognize internal or less discernible injuries that could cause complications if left untreated.

Illinois Seat Belt Laws

“Seat belts save lives,” is more than a tagline — it’s the truth. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that seat belts saved an estimated 14,668 U.S. passenger vehicle occupants’ lives in 2016. Wearing a seatbelt is the safe choice, and it’s also the law.

Illinois law requires that all vehicle occupants, regardless of their seating position, use a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt. The responsibility of ensuring all passengers are wearing seatbelts falls on the driver, and failure to obey the law can result in fines starting at $25. The Child Passenger Protection Act requires that children 8 years and younger be properly secured in a CPPA approved child safety seat. For further information about child safety seat requirements and seat belt laws, penalties, and exemptions, visit Buckle Up Illinois.

How Can Drivers Prevent Car Accidents?

As mentioned earlier, the majority of car accidents are caused by human error or negligence. This means that many accidents can be prevented, and there are steps you can take to maximize the safety and well being of yourself and others on the road.

Here are precautions you can take behind the wheel to prevent car accidents:

• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles while driving. Do not tailgate or follow other vehicles too closely. This is especially important with large vehicles such as trucks and busses. Ideally, you want to stay at least 200 feet away from them unless you are passing them.
• Keep up with your vehicle’s routine maintenance, service any damages, and keep your fuel and oil adequately filled. Many car accidents result from a poorly maintained vehicle breaking down on high-traffic roads.
• Watch for and anticipate other drivers’ movements and communication signals. Awareness of what other drivers are doing or are about to do gives you time to react appropriately and drive defensively.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Keep a charged cell phone on hand with an emergency contact (a family member or close friend) and your insurance company’s information. It can also be helpful to know the name of a Naperville car accident lawyer in case you do get in an accident.
• Do not drive when you’re tired, intoxicated, or unfit to drive. Find someone else to drive or find an alternative way to get home. If you’re driving and tired or sick, find a safe space to pull over and rest.

What Should You Do if You’re in a Car Accident in Naperville, IL?

Knowing what to do if you’re involved in a vehicle accident will help make the situation easier to deal with. Here are the five steps to take after a car accident:

1. Stop! Do Not Drive Away
Never drive away after an auto accident. It’s illegal and will make the situation worse. Instead, shift your vehicle into park, turn off your engine, and turn on your hazard lights. Establish a safe path out of the hazard zone before exiting your vehicle.

2. Alert the Police and Medical Personnel
If the accident is an emergency, call 911 to alert authorities and to receive medical treatment. If no one is injured and the vehicles are not blocking traffic, call the Naperville Police Department’s non-emergency number at 630-420-6160 to report the accident. Follow any instructions given by police and medical personnel. Note; the city of Naperville has specific guidelines for crash reports. Read Filing a Crash Report in Naperville, Illinois.

3. Document the Accident and Contact Your Insurance Company
It’s important to document the accident beyond the police report. Take pictures of the damage and road where the accident took place. Take detailed notes that include how the accident happened, the date, and time. Take down the name, number, license plate, and insurance information of anyone else involved, but do not admit fault (read on to learn more). Do not sign any documents unless they are from the police or authorized personnel. Contact your insurance agent once you’re able to do so.

4. Keep Track of All Medical Treatment and Expenses
If you are injured, make sure you receive proper medical care and attention. Keep track of all medical treatments and billing expenses along the way. This helps your car accident attorney and/or insurance company guarantee you receive proper compensation for your damages.

5. Hire an experienced Naperville Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney will help ensure your case is as strong as possible. Legal representation increases your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for your damages including medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage. Be aware of your state’s statute of limitations and file your claim appropriately. Contact TorHoerman Law to learn more about working with our experienced car accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers.

Naperville Emergency Services and Non-Emergency Services

If you’re involved in a severe Naperville car accident, it’s important to contact emergency services and seek quality medical care and treatment.

• All Naperville Emergencies & Ambulances — 911
• DuPage County Sheriff —630-682-7256
  
• Naperville Police Department (non-emergency) — 630-420-6160
  
• Naperville Fire Department Fire (non-emergency) — 630-420-6142
  
• IDOT Roadside Emergencies –*999
  
• Edward Hospital & Health Services —  Naperville, Illinois, 60540 — 630-527-3000
  
• University of Chicago Hospital — Naperville, Illinois, 60563 — 844-826-5437
  
• Naperville car accident lawyer — 1-888-508-6752
• Advocate Health Care — Naperville, Illinois, 60540 — 630-275-2600
  
• Edward-Elmhurst Health Center — Naperville, Illinois, 60563 — 630-527-3200

Why You Should Never Admit Fault in an Auto Accident

There is no reason to admit or accept fault at the scene of a vehicle accident.

Even if you believe you are at fault, do not admit fault. Auto accident fault is complex and based on a variety of situational laws and details, and there is a good chance the other party is partially at fault. Leave the determination of fault to legal experts.

If you do claim fault, the other party can use this as a reference in future hearings, arbitrations, or deliberations. If you feel pressured to admit fault, remain polite and affirm your right to refuse questioning. Again, do not admit fault and let your car accident lawyer handle the situation. It’s crucial for proving liability in court.

Hiring a Naperville Car Accident Lawyer

If you were in a vehicle accident and want to receive proper, it’s important to seek out an attorney experienced in car accident law and personal injury cases.

At TorHoerman Law, we have a team of experienced attorneys available to help you successfully file your car accident lawsuit. Our firm offers free, no-obligation case consultations for all potential clients, and our legal services are based on contingency fees. This means none of our clients pay until we have helped them receive compensation for their pain and suffering.

Contact the legal team at TorHoerman today to learn more about your potential Naperville Car Accident lawsuit and for a free consultation.

TorHoerman Law: Naperville Car Accident Law Firm

TorHoerman Law has a team of experienced lawyers available to discuss your legal options free of charge and no obligation required.

Our firm operates in Chicago and serves clients across the Chicagoland area and the state of Illinois. Contact TorHoerman Law or take an instant case evaluation from our chatbot below to learn more.

TorHoerman Law is your Naperville car accident law firm.