If you got into an accident with another driver who ran a stop sign in Arlington Heights, they are most likely at fault for your accident and were breaking the law. According to Illinois Compiled Statutes 625 ILCS 5/11-1204(b), drivers have to stop at a stop sign unless they are otherwise directed by a police officer or traffic control signal.
While in theory, you have legal recourse against a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign, in practice, this can be tricky to prove unless you have eyewitnesses or traffic camera footage proving the other driver’s fault.
If this happened to you, and you have considerable damages from such an accident that was clearly the other driver’s fault, you an Arlington Heights running a stop sign accident lawyer might be able to help you with your case, as you could potentially recover compensation.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law firm now and speak to one of our team members who can determine whether you have a case. Find out what your next best steps for getting justice are by calling (800) 223-5115.
Damages You Could Recover
Unfortunately, most people do not walk away from serious car accidents without any injuries. If you only suffered minor injuries such as a mild whiplash injury and some bruising, for example, you will most likely primarily seek compensation for property damage. Since Illinois is an at-fault state, the negligent driver’s insurance may cover your damages in this case.
However, significant or even life-altering injuries are not uncommon in car accidents and can include:
- Brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Internal injuries
- Organ damage
If you suffered significant injuries or lost a loved one in an accident with a driver who ran a stop sign, a running a stop sign accident lawyer might help you to get clear on your options.
You could potentially recover compensation for economic damages such as your medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and any other out-of-pocket costs.
If you suffered any serious or disabling injuries, you might have had to endure excruciating medical treatments, or your life may now be forever changed. In this case, you could also recover sizable non-economic damages, which can include pain and suffering, loss of life enjoyment, loss of a limb, and disability, among others. Your car accident lawyer can help you fight for just compensation.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Trying to litigate your own car accident claim can be stressful and entail a number of potential pitfalls. For example, insurance companies may try to take advantage of you, and the defendant’s legal representation may try to twist your words in court.
Having professional legal advice can not only protect you but also give you peace of mind and reassurance during a potentially stressful time. Your Arlington Heights running a stop sign accident lawyer can also help you in a number of practical ways.
Gathering Crucial Evidence
In order to have a case and recover compensation, you and your lawyer will need to prove the fault and negligence of the other driver. A lawyer can help immensely with this.
They can gather any accident reports and other available evidence and build your case for you. Your lawyer will most likely compile many different types of evidence in order to strengthen your claim. Depending on your individual case, this can include pictures, black box data, traffic camera footage, and expert witness testimony.
Calculating Your Damages
Calculating your damages correctly and proving them are perhaps the next most important aspects of your lawsuit, after proving negligence. Without damages, you do not have a claim.
Likewise, if you do not have a lawyer’s help with calculating your damages, you may end up settling for an amount that will not cover your losses adequately. Your lawyer will collect the necessary documentation proving your injuries, treatments, and costs stemming from the accident.
Handling Insurance Companies
Beware of trying to handle any insurance negotiations yourself. Your car accident lawyer knows how to communicate and negotiate with insurances while having your best interests at heart. The at-fault party’s insurance may try to push you into accepting a quick settlement.
However, there can be a catch. The amount offered to you may not be sufficient to cover all your damages now and in the future. Also, consider that once you accept a settlement, you will not have any legal recourse. Your lawyer can make sure that any settlement is in your best interests.
In some cases, an out-of-court settlement can be advantageous to a plaintiff. Most personal injury cases are indeed settled out of court, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). Since the insurance companies know that you are serious about fighting for your compensation when you have a car accident lawyer on your side, they may be more willing to negotiate a reasonable out-of-court settlement.
Representing You in Court
While you are free to represent yourself, do consider the stresses and responsibilities that will come with this. You will have to know and adhere to various technical rules, deadlines, and regulations, and most likely have to invest a great deal of time.
The other side’s lawyer might try to take advantage of a plaintiff who has no legal counsel and protection. You may end up leaving money on the table. Your Arlington Heights running a stop sign accident lawyer can represent you in a court of law and fight for a fair settlement.
For a free legal consultation with a Running a Stop Sign Lawyer serving Arlington Heights, call (800) 794-0444
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Represent You
If another driver’s recklessness caused your damages or your loved one’s death, they should not get away with it. You deserve justice, and we can help you get compensation. Contact us as soon as you can after an accident. We will analyze your case thoroughly and discuss your legal options with you.
Car accident cases can be challenging to prove. However, we do not shy away from tough cases and will leave no stone unturned. We work on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront attorney’s fees for you to pay.
Call us today for a free consultation with one of our team members at (800) 794-0444.
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