Here are some statistics from the latest IDOT City Crash Report that emphasize the frequency and severity of car accidents in Springfield, Illinois.

• There was a total of 3,689 total auto accidents in Springfield, Illinois in 2018.
• More than 1,000 of the total accidents were rear-ending collisions.
• Springfield car accidents resulted in 2,795 reports of property damage.
• There were 876 accounts of personal injuries due to car accidents in Springfield, Illinois.
• Nine fatalities were caused by Springfield auto accidents in 2018.

Some common causes of auto accidents in Springfield, IL include:

Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents nationwide. Distracted driving has become commonplace as drivers are becoming more occupied with phone calls, texts, food, and other tasks rather than focusing on the road. TorHoerman Law has created the Let’s End Distracted Driving advocacy campaign to raise awareness surrounding the dangers and consequences of driving while distracted.

Impaired Driving

Driving while under the influence of drugs is illegal and will result in serious judicial punishment. Instead of driving impaired, you should arrange an alternative mode of transportation, whether it be through a friend or a taxi ordering app. If you feel yourself becoming tired or drowsy while driving, you should pull over and rest.

Driving in Poor Weather Conditions

Drivers need to take extra safety precautions when driving on slippery or dimly lit roadways. Car accidents are disproportionately more prevalent during these types of conditions. Hazardous weather makes driving inherently more difficult. However, it is especially dangerous when drivers fail to adjust speeds, account for necessary increased stopping time, and do not maintain a safe distance from other cars.

Auto accident injuries range from minor to severe or life-threatening.

It is imperative to seek proper medical attention after any motor vehicle accident. Certain car accident injuries are not immediately recognizable. Medical professionals are well-equipped to diagnose internal or less-discernible injuries that could lead to complications if left untreated.

• Broken Bones
• Brain Injuries
• Lacerations
• Wrongful Death

If you or a loved one were involved in a fatal car accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.

Automobile accidents are stressful by nature, however, there are certain steps you can take and certain objects to keep in your car to help yourself and others after a collision. Here are five steps to take after a car accident in Springfield, Illinois:

Pull Over to the Roadside

You should never drive off after being involved in an auto accident. It is illegal and could result in expensive fines and potential jail time. The first step that you should take is to establish a safe path off the road and examine all parties for medical emergencies.

Alert the Police and Medical Personnel

If your accident is an emergency, call 9-1-1 to notify authorities and for medical treatment. If nobody is harmed and the vehicles are not damaged, called the department’s non-emergency hotline that is listed below. Follow the instructions given by police or medical personnel.

Document Your Accident and Contact Your Insurance Company

Documenting the details of your accident will help strengthen your Springfield car accident lawsuit. Take photos of any damages and the location of the accident. Take detailed notes that describe the date, time, and how the accident happened. Make sure to get the names, license plate number, contact, and insurance information of anyone who was involved. Do not sign any documents unless you are required to by authorized personnel.

Track All Medical Expenses and Treatments

If you are injured in an accident, you should make sure to receive adequate medical care. Mitigation is a key component of a Springfield car accident lawsuit. Keep tangible proof of your medical treatments and expenses throughout the duration of your recovery. This will help your Springfield car accident lawyer ensure that you are awarded maximum compensation for your injuries.

Hire an experienced Springfield

Hiring a personal injury attorney is a critical task for those involved in a car accident. Enlisting legal representation from an experienced Springfield car accident lawyer will increase your chances of receiving maximum compensation for your damages. Additionally, a legal representative will be able to help you establish the statute of limitations on your claim so that you may file a Springfield car accident lawsuit before it expires. Contact TorHoerman Law to learn more about how our team of car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys can be of service to you.

In the event of an emergency or accident, here is a list of hotlines you can call to help aid the situation.

Emergency TDD & Voice – 911

Non-Emergency Voice – 217-788-8311

Non-Emergency TDD – 217-789-2186

Towing – 217-788-8376

Springfield Fire Department – 217-789-2000

Springfield Police Department – 217-788-8325

The civil lawsuit process requires extreme attention to detail.

It can be especially overwhelming for those who are still coping with their injuries from an auto accident. It is best to have an experienced Springfield car accident lawyer by your side to guide you along through the proceedings. Your attorney will help you gather and preserve evidence that will support your claim. Proving liability is one of the more crucial factors for any Springfield car accident lawsuit. Illinois is a “comparative fault” state, which means the amount of compensation you can be awarded depends on your personal degree of fault. Thus, there is no legal benefit to ever admitting fault in an accident.

Your Springfield car accident lawyer will work to show that driver negligence of the other party(s) involved resulted in your accident and damages.

TorHoerman Law Firm has a vast history of successful personal injury settlements spanning over the past decade.

We specialize in Springfield car accident lawsuits. Our team of legal professionals has more than $4 billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements for our clients. Our Springfield car accident law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. Therefore, we do not receive any payment until our clients have been compensated. Additionally, we offer zero obligation, free consultations.

Contact us today to learn more about your eligibility to file a Springfield car accident lawsuit.