Assisting Victims of Intersection Accidents
Motor vehicle drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe, careful, and prudent manner. Further, this duty extends to driving through Chicago intersections. When two cars enter a traffic intersection at approximately the same time, they must obey the law. Our Chicago intersection accident lawyers often deal with these collisions.
For example, at an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle on the left has to yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right when they arrive there at about the same time. Violating this traffic law and similar traffic regulations can potentially lead to serious, multi-vehicle collisions.
Intersection car accidents come in many forms, ranging from rear-end accidents to failure to yield collisions. No matter the circumstances, Chicago intersection car accidents can result in serious personal injuries. Some may be permanent and lifelong.
If you have personal injuries from a Chicago intersection car accident from another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. The Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. understand that intersection accidents often result in serious injuries.
A Chicago intersection collision attorney from our law firm can meet with you. We can discuss the facts and circumstances of your accident. Further, we can file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Finally, we can litigate your case through the Illinois court system if necessary.
Types of Intersection Accidents
Car accidents at traffic intersections can occur for a variety of reasons. Some potential causes of these traffic intersection accidents include failing to yield the right-of-way:
- at a traffic light
- at a stop sign
- to a Chicago Transit Authority bus or other municipal or city bus that is merging into the driver’s travel lane
- for an emergency vehicle, such as a police car, fire truck, or ambulance
- to a pedestrian who is lawfully present in a traffic intersection
- to children in a school zone
- by a vehicle that is in the process of exiting a parking space, garage, or alleyway
- to a bicyclist who is in a designated bicycle lane
A Chicago car accident attorney can review the police report and any witness statements in your case. This is done to determine whether or not a particular driver has liability.
Violating the Rules of The Road
In the personal injury context, “liability” means the same thing as fault. When motor vehicle drivers violate traffic laws at intersections or fail to operate their vehicles in a reasonable and safe manner for traffic conditions, serious car accidents and injuries can result. Intersection collision attorneys in Chicago are all too familiar with these scenarios.
A car accident victim must be able to show that the other driver failed to yield the right-of-way at an intersection. This, by violating a traffic law, thereby breaching the standard of care and causing damages. The accident victim must also be able to show that the injuries and damages were a direct result of the car accident, as opposed to prior injuries, prior accidents, or preexisting medical conditions.
Various injuries may occur, some of which may be permanent. Some examples of permanent injuries from intersection car accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Scarring
- Fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
Medical Experts and Economists
At trial, an intersection accident attorney is responsible for proving your injuries and damages. They do this by introducing different types of evidence. For example, medical records and other injury-related expenses.
Further, medical professionals can testify to a plaintiff’s injuries, treatments received, and limitations due to the injuries. The medical expert will usually need to testify at an evidence deposition or trial. They will discuss the reasonableness and appropriateness of the medical treatment and billing. Someone in payroll may report on loss of earnings. Also, an economist may testify to future earning capacity.
Seek Medical Treatment When Needed
It is important that Chicago intersection accident victims seek medical treatment, if needed. They should do this as soon as practicable. They can go to an emergency room, urgent care or a primary care physician.
Further, signs and symptoms of a more serious injury might not show up immediately after an accident. It may be masked by adrenaline. Therefore, if you are having pain it is best to seek a medical examination shortly after an accident.
When car accident victims delay their medical treatment, it could negatively affect personal injury claims. In the minds of insurance adjusters, failing to seek same-day or next day medical treatment demonstrates that the accident victim does not have serious injuries. Or, they may speculate whether the victim has injuries at all.
In addition to seeking initial medical care, it is important for Chicago car accident victims to:
- Treat conservatively for all injuries
- Follow through with their health care providers’ treatment recommendations
- Be clear, concise, and accurate about symptoms in response to a healthcare provider’s questions
Accident victims should attend all necessary medical appointments, to arrive on time for those appointments, and to stay for the entire time. If an insurance adjuster notices you missing appointments or long gaps in treatment, they could use this information to downplay the significance of your injuries.
Contact a Chicago Intersection Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love have injuries from a Chicago intersection accident, call an injury lawyer. He or she may be able to resolve your claim. This, by settlement, mediation award, arbitration award, or jury verdict.
Feel free to call the Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. to find out how they can help you. Call us today at 312-924-7575 or contact us online for a free consultation.