Night driving car accidents can be frightening and traumatizing. Fatal nighttime accidents frequently happen due to a variety of factors, including seat-belt use, impaired driving, and speeding, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
If you got into an accident with a drunk, fatigued, or careless driver at night, you may be eligible for compensation. You can work with an Arlington Heights night driving accident lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for help with your accident. Reach us at (800) 223-5115.
Reasons for Night Driving Accidents
Driving at night presents a few unique dangers than driving during the day. Some reasons for this include:
Reduced Vision
Our night vision reduces over time as we age, meaning that we need more light to see properly in dark and semi-dark conditions. Some older drivers may also have reduced vision due to other age-related eye conditions. In rural areas or on smaller roads without nighttime lighting, even those with excellent vision can struggle to see what is ahead.
Intoxicated Drivers
Drivers impaired by drugs and/or alcohol are usually on the road after dark and during weekend nights. People tend to drive home from bars, restaurants, and gatherings more frequently late at night and on the weekends.
Crashes with Animals
Large animals such as deer and boar, which have the potential to cause great damage to a car, may be active during the night.
Construction Zones
Construction zones can be particularly dangerous at night. Some construction continues throughout the night so there could be workers as well as machinery on a roadway.
There can also be other reasons for night time accidents. Just as in the daytime, it is always possible to get into an accident with a distracted or reckless driver during the night.
If you suffered an injury in a nighttime accident that happened through no fault of your own, our Arlington Heights night driving accident lawyer can determine whether you have a case against an at-fault driver.
The Days After an Accident
If you recently got hurt in an accident, you may be wondering what to do for the best, or how you can find out whether you are entitled to compensation. There are some concrete steps you can take to protect yourself.
See a Doctor
You should get medical help if you have not already done so. Even if you only have minor symptoms, it is always better to be safe. Some injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, may not appear until days or even weeks after an accident. If you try to recover compensation later, the other side may argue that the injury had nothing to do with the car accident. To be on the safe side, you will want to get a full medical report listing all your injuries from a car accident. This can also serve as proof of your injuries when it comes to a court case.
Consider Working with a Lawyer
Unfortunately, many accident victims only contact a lawyer when they realize that they cannot recover all their damages and expenses through their insurance. An Arlington Heights night driving accident lawyer can start working for you right away, collecting crucial evidence, and building your case.
Gather Evidence and Documents Proving Your Damages
It is best to start collecting evidence, such as photographs and the contact details of witnesses, while you are still at the scene of an accident. However, in the heat of the moment and when injured, this is rarely practical. In the days afterward, you would do well to collect whatever evidence you can get your hands on, including copies of police reports, witness statements, your medical statements and bills, and receipts of any out-of-pocket expenses. You may also wish to keep a journal of your injuries, medical treatments, and healing process. All this can later serve as evidence in court.
The most important thing is to act swiftly after a car accident. Consider that under Illinois Compiled Statutes §735 ILCS 5, you only have a limited amount of time—generally two years—for filing your lawsuit. The clock starts ticking on the day of your car accident. The sooner you start working with your Arlington Heights night driving accident lawyer and initiate legal action, the sooner you could seek compensation that can help with your recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a Night Driving Accidents Lawyer serving Arlington, call (800) 223-5115
Compensation in Night Driving Accidents
If you file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against a negligent driver, you can potentially recover compensation. Compensation will depend on your injuries and other factors specific to your claim. You could receive some of the following types of compensation as well as others:
- Hospital stays
- Medical treatments
- Appointments with specialists
- Medical devices
- Physical therapy
- A home health aide
- Future medical costs
- A replacement vehicle
- Lost income
If your injuries are serious and have impacted your life negatively, you could also receive non-economic damages, which can include:
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Reduced life enjoyment
- Inconvenience
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
Your Arlington Heights night driving accident lawyer can advise regarding any compensation that could apply in your specific claim.
Arlington Night Driving Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm
If you suffered injuries and other damages in a night driving accident with a reckless or careless driver, you might have legal recourse. If someone else caused your injuries and financial losses, they should make you whole again.
While you can focus on getting your life back together after an accident, we can help you gather the necessary evidence, consult with expert witnesses, and negotiate with insurances for a fair settlement. We do not shy away from seeing your case through to trial and fight for justice and compensation on your behalf.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for a free consultation by dialing (800) 223-5115.
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