Helping Accident Victims Fight for Compensation
Personal injury or “tort” law refers to a broad class of civil lawsuits that individuals file when they have been injured due to the negligent or reckless conduct of another person or corporation. A personal injury lawsuit is designed to make the victim whole–that is, to fully compensate them for all of their damages arising from the defendant’s conduct. Most Illinois personal injury cases arise from accidents, but they can also be the result of intentional acts or defective products that are released onto the market.
Our Sterling personal injury lawyers represent all types of victims in fighting for the compensation they are entitled to under the law. We can help build your case against the negligent party, represent you in settlement negotiations, and if necessary present your lawsuit to a judge or jury. If successful, we can also help to ensure the other side actually pays the damages you were awarded.
What Are the Most Common Types of Illinois Personal Injury Claims?
A personal injury lawsuit can arise from any situation where one person is hurt by the fault of others. Some of the more common personal injury scenarios we assist clients with include:
- Auto Accidents – Car accidents are often the result of negligent driving. In some cases, the negligence is something as simple as a driver distracted by their phone; other times, there may be an intentional violation of traffic laws–e.g., running a red light–or even driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents – While motorcycles or bicycles are not inherently more dangerous than cars or trucks, an accident while riding a two-wheel vehicle can often lead to more catastrophic injuries, due to the cyclist’s relative lack of protection. Indeed, we often find that motorcycle and bicycle accident victims have sustained traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, which can permanently impair their quality of life.
- Pedestrian Accidents – Similarly, pedestrians crossing the street are among the most vulnerable persons to a reckless or negligent driver. Even at low speeds, a vehicular impact can leave a pedestrian with serious head or spinal cord injuries, not to mention broken bones or even internal bleeding.
- Wrongful Death – Under Illinois law, when an accident victim dies from their injuries, the surviving family members can bring a special type of personal injury claim–known as a wrongful death lawsuit–against the responsible parties.
Why You Need to Speak with an Experienced Sterling Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury claims are never a simple matter. Even when the other party is clearly at-fault, you may still need to deal with insurance companies that are looking to pay as little as possible. Merely having a qualified Sterling personal injury attorney in the room with you can greatly increase your chances of obtaining a stronger settlement.
So if you have been hurt in an accident and need legal advice on what to do next, call our office today at (815) 965-5777 to schedule a free consultation regarding your personal injury or wrongful death claim.