Rear-end accidents can cause significant injuries. Anyone involved in a Joliet car accident needs to hire an experienced attorney who has their back.
Michael J. Lichner is a seasoned legal advocate who has obtained numerous settlements and verdicts for injured victims. He understands what steps to follow to build a car accident claim and how to handle insurance companies. Call our office to schedule a free consultation with our rear-end accident lawyer.
Who is At Fault?
Illinois is a “fault” state for car wrecks. For this reason, we must determine who is to blame.
In the typical two car rear-end collision, fault can be placed with one of two drivers:
- The driver of the car in front, for brake checking or cutting off the driver behind them.
- The driver of the car in the rear, for tailgating, driving too fast, driving while distracted, or failing to reduce their speed to avoid the crash
In a small number of cases, a third party might be at fault, like a mechanic who didn’t install the brake pads properly. But in most cases, it’s one of two drivers.
There is a myth that the driver behind is always to blame. This is not true. Instead, we need to closely examine the facts. A motorist who cuts off another driver or hits the brakes for no reason could have liability for the accident. They were hit—but they still bear some, potentially the majority of the fault for the collision.
Fault might also be shared in Illinois. For example, both drivers might have been on their phones in the lead-up to the accident. You can count on the other driver telling a story in which you are mostly to blame for the collision. This is a reason why you need a seasoned lawyer to help advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Evidence in Rear-End Collisions
Michael J. Lichner relies on certain evidence to establish fault:
- Witnesses. We want to hear from anyone who observed the accident. Ideally, you will talk to witnesses after the crash. Ask for a name and a method for reaching them, like a phone number. We can use their eyewitness testimony to prove what happened.
- Admissions. The other driver might admit they were at fault. For example, the driver could exclaim, “I was looking at my phone and didn’t see you!” You should share whatever they said with your personal injury lawyer.
- Dash cam footage. Does your car have a dash cam? Maybe a car nearby has one. Any video evidence of the accident is useful.
- Security video. Nearby business establishments might have security cameras pointed toward the road that recorded the crash. Call us so we can investigate.
- Physical evidence. Sometimes tire marks on the road show that you tried to brake in time. That evidence might be relevant to determine fault.
Please call our office before you get your car fixed or you agree to it being a total loss and signing over the title to the insurance company. We often rely on vehicles’ physical damage and electronic data to establish fault for your Joliet car accident.
Rear-End Collision Injuries
These accidents cause some familiar injuries:
- Whiplash. This is a common injury in many rear-end accidents. A motorist’s head can snap back and forth, tearing soft tissues and injuring nerves. The major symptoms include neck stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Facial injuries. A motorist can damage their face, even if an airbag deploys. Some bags expel metal or plastic, which can lead to scarring.
- Chest injuries. Someone wearing a seat belt can still suffer a rib fracture, collapsed lung, or heart contusion, among other injuries.
- Concussions. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. You can suffer one when you strike your head or if your head shakes so strongly that the brain jiggles inside your skull. Some symptoms include headaches, loss of balance, sleep disturbance, mood swings, light sensitivity, depression, and withdrawal, among others.
Please go to the hospital following the crash. Then reach out to a rear-end accident lawyer at our firm to go over your medical diagnosis and what happened in the accident. We can discuss possible compensation. No two cases are alike, so it’s hard to say in the abstract how much you can receive. We will have a better idea in a one-on-one consultation at our office.
Why Hire Our Firm?
Michael J. Lichner is an experienced lawyer who knows his way around a courtroom. Most personal injury cases will settle outside of court, but it is good to have a seasoned litigator on your team. Our team is prepared to advocate for you and the justice you deserve.
We can engage in:
- Evidence collection—We might visit the scene or ask the other driver to hand over critical information, like their cell phone records. We find sufficient evidence to make winning a case possible.
- Negotiation—We never agree to a low settlement. Instead, we start at the upper end of your case’s potential value and demand a fair amount for your injuries. Negotiation can take months, and we’ll dig in and demand a meaningful settlement.
- Mediation—We might attend mediation to discuss the case with a trained mediator, who could propose ideas for how to resolve the dispute. Mediators are not judges, so we aren’t obligated to accept their suggestions, but good faith participation is often beneficial.
- Litigation—We can file a lawsuit in court before the statute of limitations expires and handle all discovery. We aren’t afraid to go to court and win your case.
Do you have any questions about whether you need a car accident lawyer in Joliet? We are happy to meet at a convenient time.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Our law firm has helped accident victims in Will County, IL for more than a decade after they were hurt in all types of wrecks, including rear-end collisions. We also proudly serve personal injury clients in DuPage County, Cook County, and all other Northern Illinois counties. Contact us today if you’d like to schedule a consultation.