
You are going about your business as usual, and then the unexpected happens: a car accident caused by a driver who made an unsafe lane change. They may have made that unsafe lane change because they were driving aggressively, erratically changing lanes to get to their destination more quickly, or because they forgot to use their turn signal. Regardless of why it happened, unsafe lane changes can lead to accidents that cause life-altering injuries and impact many lives.
If you or someone you love is suffering and in pain because of a Chicago driver who made an unsafe lane change, a Chicago unsafe lane change lawyer can help you hold them responsible for your losses.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we’ve worked on many car accident cases like yours. We also work on a contingency fee basis only, which means we never ask you to come out of pocket for our help. We receive our payment if, and only if, we succeed with your case. For a free case review, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444.
Injuries That Can Occur in an Accident Caused by an Unsafe Lane Change
There are many injuries that can occur as a result of a car accident caused by unsafe lane changes. Some of them include:
Fractures
A fracture, also known as a broken bone, can occur in a car accident because of the sudden and intense pressure that is put on the bones during impact. Though these injuries often heal fine with medical treatment, if the fracture is severe, complications can occur. For example, the bone may pierce the skin, causing bleeding and, according to Healthline, putting you at risk for infection.
Whiplash
This injury can occur when the neck moves rapidly back and forth in an accident, straining the neck. This injury is most likely to occur if the driver’s unsafe lane change caused you to be rear-ended in the accident. Whiplash typically heals within a few days, according to Mayo Clinic. However, if you are older or if you have had whiplash in the past, you could experience pain and discomfort for a much longer period of time.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major cause of disability and death in the United States. In fact, the CDC reports that 2.87 million people visited an emergency room, were hospitalized, or died in 2014 as a result of TBIs. In severe cases, TBIs can impair a victim’s memory, thinking, or even change their personality.
Internal Bleeding
If an accident is serious and creates an extreme force on impact, the victim may experience internal bleeding. This is actually a symptom of damage to the internal organs or brain, but can quickly become life-threatening if the hemorrhaging is severe. Medical News Today reports that the victim may experience external bleeding, seizures, coma, or death.
If you or someone you love is suffering because of one of these injuries or something else, a Chicago unsafe lane change lawyer can help you hold the negligent driver responsible for your losses. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free review of your case.
How the Illinois Statute of Limitations Could Impact Your Claim
Every state has its own statute of limitations that places a limit on the amount of time that you have to file a claim after a personal injury accident or car accident. While that length of time can vary from one state to the next, according to Illinois Statute 735 ILCS 5, you must file your claim within two years of the date of the accident, or you will typically be barred from recovering any amount of compensation.
If you are filing a wrongful death claim because of the loss of a loved one in a car accident, you have two years from the date of their death to file your claim, according to Illinois Statute ILCS 180.
For a free legal consultation with a Unsafe Lane Change Accidents Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 794-0444
Types of Recoverable Damages in Car Accidents
There are many types of damages a plaintiff could recover in an accident, although the specific types ultimately depend on the details of the accident, such as the severity of the victim’s injuries and extent of financial losses. Some common types of recoverable damages in cases like these include:
- Ambulance rides
- Hospital stays
- Surgical procedures
- Medication
- Doctor’s visits
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- Lost wages
- Future wages
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket costs
Wrongful Death
If your family member did not survive because of the seriousness of their injuries, you may be entitled to compensation in a wrongful death claim. Some possible recoverable damages in that type of claim include:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of support and protection
- Expenses related to caring for the victim before their death
- Wages and benefits previously provided by the deceased
Chicago Unsafe Lane Change Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
The Team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is Here for You
A Chicago unsafe lane change lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders by building a strong case and negotiating with the defendant’s lawyer to pursue compensation to the fullest extent of your injuries.
Some specific ways that the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help are by:
- Answering your questions and offering you legal guidance and support 24/7
- Gathering evidence like police reports and eyewitness statements to build a strong case
- Examining medical records, bills, receipts, and employment records to determine the full extent of your financial losses, as well as the cost of your pain and suffering
- Negotiating with the defendant’s lawyer to pursue a fair settlement for your case
- Pursuing compensation at trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached
If you are ready to get started right away or would just like to take advantage of our free consultation, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444.
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