When you’re hurt in a car accident, juggling medical bills and talking to insurance adjusters on top of dealing with your injuries can be overwhelming. An attorney can walk you through the process, making sure you don’t have to shoulder the burden alone. They’ll build a case that addresses all of your damages while you focus on getting better. Hiring a lawyer can provide peace of mind when you need it most. Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. to schedule a free consultation with an Elgin car accident attorney.
Why Hire Feagans Law Group P.C. For Your Car Accident Case?
Having a lawyer on your side after a car accident can make the difference between a stressful journey and a smooth path to compensation. Here are some reasons to consider working with Feagans Law Group P.C. for your car accident case:
- We’re a family-run firm that treats every client like a friend or relative, so you’ll always be able to reach us when questions pop up.
- We’ve spent nearly a decade representing injured Illinois residents, fighting for them to receive the compensation they deserve.
- Our legal team began by representing insurance companies, giving us an inside view on how they approach cases.
Don’t try to handle this situation on your own. Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney. We also handle motorcycle and truck accident claims in Elgin.
Meet Elgin Car Accident Lawyer Joshua Feagans
Joshua Feagans is one of the founding partners of Feagans Law Group P.C., along with his wife Kathryn Feagans. He started his own car accident law firm to provide crash victims with the meticulous, high-quality legal services they deserve. Joshua and his legal team offer a concierge-level legal experience, where the client’s every need and wellbeing is prioritized. When you choose to hire Feagans Law Group P.C. for your case, you can trust that your claim is in excellent hands.
In addition to his decades of trial experience, Joshua is an active member of the Elgin community. He is the current Chairman of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and President of the Kane County Bar Association. Joshua is also an active supporter of CASA Kane County and youth sports in the Tri-Cities.
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Car Accident Case
Retaining legal counsel for a car accident claim ensures that your rights are protected while you heal. Below are some ways an attorney can step in:
- They review your medical records and consult with healthcare providers to gain a clear picture of your injuries.
- Lawyers advise you on what evidence is needed, such as dashcam footage or expert accident reports, and collect it on your behalf.
- They manage discussions with insurance adjusters and make sure you don’t say anything that can be twisted into an admission of guilt and harm your claim.
- If needed, they file a lawsuit on your behalf, using their courtroom experience to advocate for fair compensation.
Make sure you reach out to our car, truck, and motorcycle accident lawyer in Elgin as soon as possible after your accident.
Injured? Call Our Elgin Car Accident Attorney
Liability in Car Accident Claims
Liability in car accident claims can be confusing, especially if multiple parties are involved and each one is pointing fingers. Here’s who could be responsible:
- Other Driver: The driver who caused the crash can be held responsible if the evidence shows that reckless or negligent behavior, like speeding or driving under the influence, led to the accident.
- Employer: In some cases, an employer may be liable if the person involved was doing work duties when the accident happened.
- Manufacturer: Car manufacturers can face responsibility if a defect in the vehicle contributed to the crash, such as faulty brakes or steering issues.
- Government Entity: If road conditions played a role and were due to poor maintenance, a local government or other entity might also be considered responsible.
- Victim: In some cases, the injured party might be partially at fault. Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rules, if the injured party is partially at fault for the crash, any compensation they receive is reduced by their percentage of blame.
(735 ILCS 5/2-1116) (from Ch. 110, par. 2-1116)
Sec. 2-1116. Limitation on recovery in tort actions.
In all actions on account of bodily injury or death or physical damage to property, based on negligence, or product liability based on strict tort liability, the plaintiff shall be barred from recovering damages if the trier of fact finds that the contributory fault on the part of the plaintiff is more than 50% of the proximate cause of the injury or damage for which recovery is sought. The plaintiff shall not be barred from recovering damages if the trier of fact finds that the contributory fault on the part of the plaintiff is not more than 50% of the proximate cause of the injury or damage for which recovery is sought, but any damages allowed shall be diminished in the proportion to the amount of fault attributable to the plaintiff.
If they’re found to be more than 50% responsible, they cannot receive any compensation at all.
If you’re dealing with a car accident claim, speaking with an attorney can help you figure out who could be responsible, which is important so you can seek the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
Under Illinois law, car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for financial losses and emotional harm. Potential damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD and anxiety
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive damages may also be available in limited cases involving extreme misconduct or reckless disregard for safety. The best way to learn more about the compensation you can recover is to contact an experienced Elgin car accident attorney. Our legal team can partner with medical professionals and financial experts to calculate and pursue the full value of your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Elgin?
Illinois law gives you two years from the date of your car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline, known as the “statute of limitations,” is strictly enforced. If you miss it, you may lose your right to recover compensation in court.
Some exceptions may apply, but you shouldn’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you contact Feagans Law Group, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building a strong case on your behalf.
Our Awards & Associations
“Josh and his team are hands down the best when it comes to walking you through the legal process and helping you get the results you want. Knowledgeable, professional and caring. They go above and beyond, to fight on your behalf and help you get the outcome you deserve. I cannot recommend them enough, best in the area!”
– Zac D.
Common Types of Car Accidents and Their Causes
Car accidents can take many forms, but some are more common than others. Understanding how these accidents happen can help you avoid them and also understand if you may have a personal injury claim if one occurs. Below are a few of the most frequently seen crash types, along with their typical causes.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions often happen when a driver is following another car too closely or gets distracted. Common triggers include texting while driving, eating, or playing with the radio. These crashes can lead to severe injuries like whiplash, which is caused by the sudden jolt to your neck.
T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone collision usually takes place at intersections when one driver ignores a stop sign or traffic light. Because one car slams into the side of the other, these crashes often cause injuries to passengers who are sitting closest to the impact. Many T-bone accidents happen due to speeding, impaired driving, or simply failing to yield to oncoming traffic.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision can be especially devastating. These crashes often arise when one vehicle crosses the center line and smashes into another car moving in the opposite direction. Common contributors are drowsy driving, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Single-Vehicle Crashes
Single-vehicle crashes involve just one car, such as when a driver runs off the road and hits a tree or building. Icy roads, speeding, or driving while fatigued often play a part. Sometimes, drivers swerve suddenly to avoid an animal or another driver and end up losing control.
If you have any questions about a car accident claim, we’re here to help.
We’ve Won Millions for Clients Like You
Common Types of Injuries in a Car Accident
A serious crash can result in a wide range of physical injuries, many of which can disrupt your life for weeks, months, or even permanently.
We frequently represent clients who have suffered the following injuries in a car accident:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damageÂ
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)Â
- Lacerations and internal injuriesÂ
- Burns and disfigurementÂ
- Wrongful death
These injuries often result in extensive medical care, from emergency treatment and surgeries to ongoing rehabilitation and long-term therapy. At Feagans Law Group, we understand the emotional and financial toll of car crashes, and we’re here to help you fight for every dollar you deserve.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Elgin
Many car accidents in Elgin are preventable and are caused by a driver’s negligence, carelessness, or failure to follow traffic laws.
The most common causes of crashes in Elgin include:
- Distracted driving, including but not limited to texting, talking on the phone, or using GPS behind the wheel.
- Speeding or reckless driving, which can reduces reaction time and increase the severity of impact.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- Traffic violations, such as running stop signs or red lightsÂ
- Tailgating, i.e., following too closelyÂ
- Unsafe lane changes, including cutting across lanes or failure to look out.Â
- Drowsy driving due to long hours behind the wheel, late shifts, or other factors
- Vehicle defects or poor maintenance, including faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and mechanical failures.Â
In many cases, there are multiple factors that contribute to an accident. At Feagans Law Group, we will conduct in-depth investigations to uncover the exact cause of your accident. We’ll identify all at-fault parties and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. To Schedule a Free Consultation
Even a minor crash can leave you with significant consequences, including medical bills and days missed from work. By working with an attorney, you give yourself an advocate who understands the system and fights to protect your rights. You deserve a chance to recover fully and move forward with your life. Contact Feagans Law Group P.C. to schedule a free consultation with an Elgin car accident attorney.